Musings on the city of my birth

[mamagotcha]

There's been a series of memories coming back these last few weeks, ignited by the anniversaries of the Jonestown disaster and the Moscone/Milk murders. Last night, Clay and I watched "The U.S. vs. John Lennon," and it really reawakened the feeling of growing up in San Francisco in the 70s. I was a clueless kid, but even a kid remembers things like the Kent State and the Zodiac murders. Watching DiFi pick up the pieces made a huge impression on me.

Those years, the 70s and 80s, greatly influenced my desire to work in journalism. The atmosphere allowed some fabulous writers to flourish. I remember the Point Reyes Light's Pulitzer for their series on Synanon (and later got to work with Cathy Mitchell, one of the Light's publishers, at Santa Rosa Junior College). I remember reading the San Francisco Chronicle religiously every morning, saving Herb Caen's column for dessert... he always had some lovely wordplay among the three-dot items. And there were others I sought out, too: Adair Lara, CW Nevius, Art Hoppe, Jon Carroll, Phil Frank, LM Boyd, Armistead Maupin, Steve Rubenstein, Alice Kahn, Gerald Nachman, Randy Shilts... dang, until now, I didn't know I'd remembered all those writers. Only a few are still on staff. Half a dozen of them are dead.

I don't think I overly romanticize San Francisco, or discount the effect of the incredible amount of social change that's occurred since I lived there. I certainly don't harbor any fantasies of the paper returning to its heyday. I know it's not the same place it was. But I think it would still be an amazing place to live and work.

I think I'm homesick.

Comments

[klwalton.livejournal.com]

Jonestown and the Moscone/Milk murders happened two months after Tim and I were married. I remember sitting at my desk at Valley Realty, listening to KGO Radio reporting on both.

I miss "Tales of the City". I miss Herb. I'm glad they turned the Pink Section pink again.

We've been offered many opportunities outside the SF Bay Area. We soldier on here because we don't want to leave.

[wordweaverlynn.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's possible to overly romanticize San Francisco.

I saw Milk at the Castro last night. Watch for reviews.

[roshismomma.livejournal.com]

You know, I love Santa Cruz. But San Francisco is my favorite city in the world that that can never change. It is a very, very special place. It cannot be over romanticized. How could it? Even with its flaws... its the best city.

We are very much wanting to see Milk. We got a "its 11 out of 10" review on it from friends.

I wish I could see it at the Castro, but our own downtown historic Del Mar will have to do.

I love that the pink section is pink again too. We did move 1.5 hours from the city. In some ways that has been hard. But we will not go further, we stay because... this is our home.

I hope you can come visit soon!! When I moved away I was so homesick. And every time I fly into SFO and the fog breaks and you see the bridge - you know that moment? I cry.

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

And every time I fly into SFO and the fog breaks and you see the bridge - you know that moment? I cry.

I do, too. But these last five years... I've been crying harder on take-off.

[zdamiana.livejournal.com]

If you haven't already seen it, you should rent the documentary "The Times of Harvey Milk." I watched it once about a year ago on DVD on the recommendation of a friend, and again a couple of weeks ago when they were playing it on the big(ish) screen at the Roxie, in preparation for the release of "Milk." I'm going to go see "Milk" at the Castro theater tonight. I cried at the Roxie, and am fully prepared to cry at the Castro tonight.

The guy who makes my morning pastries at the Liberty Cafe Bakery worked on the costumes for "Milk," and several people I know from orchestra play in the SF Lesbi/Gay Freedom Band, which served as extras for the parade scene. I'll have fun looking for them.