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Save The Tonga Room Event March 6th |
retrodiva
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Apr 15, 2006
Posts: 50
From: The Isle of Alameda
|  Posted: 2009-03-04 1:01 pm Permalink
Regarding what The Jab wrote, I do agree, but what I can tell you from working in a bar, that no matter how pissed off the staff and managers might be about a particularly busy night the only people who really matter are the ones looking at the numbers. So we might piss the staff off, but we will probably make the money people think twice.
That being said...I think we should do this right and at least one Thursday a month go there for a TC night. I'm open most Thursdays and would be happy to spur this on as long as someone else is willing to take the reigns if there is a month I can't make it.
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One reason for going early is that they have happy hour from 5 - 7 pm. But I think to really get a good group we need to make it from 7 pm - onwards.
We could shoot for the 1st Thursday of the month so as not to conflict with any of Jab's dj gigs at FI. That would make our first meet on April 2nd and give the Tonga some time to recover from this Friday. In case they are pissed off. What does everyone think about the 2nd?
There are several groups researching what is involved with getting it listed as a historic landmark but so far what they've found is that the laws only cover the outside of a building. So truly I believe the only way they are going to sit up and take notice is if the Tonga starts making money.
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Unga Bunga
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 06, 2003
Posts: 5792
From: CaliTikifornia
| Posted: 2009-03-04 1:02 pm Permalink
If somebody told them (I'm sure they already did)that 800 people are going to show up with signs and protest, I wouldn't be surprised if they shut it down on Thursday.
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1961surf
Tiki Socialite
Joined: May 03, 2007
Posts: 1910
From: Newport Beach, Ca .
| Posted: 2009-03-06 1:12 pm Permalink
If I lived closer I would be all over this.I have been there many times and
this is a great place.Another historic tiki temple in jeopardy .There will
be nothing left soon for the next generation to enjoy.Truly a sad day.
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thejab
Grand Member (first year) 
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2986
From: Tradewinds Apartments, Alameda, CA
| Posted: 2009-03-06 2:38 pm Permalink
Who wants to go this Sunday around 5:00? I'm sure they will need the business then. I can make it on April 2nd, but I don't want to wait that long. I need a reminder of what we're fighting for; surely not for the drinks!
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JenTiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 16, 2006
Posts: 1821
From: An island in the bay
| Posted: 2009-03-06 3:16 pm Permalink
I could make it Sunday around 6:00. I've got something else in the city until 5:30 in Potrero Hill area.
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LuvTiki
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Jul 08, 2006
Posts: 18 | Posted: 2009-03-06 6:18 pm Permalink
I agree with the folks who suggest we spread out the support, rather than stage a single event. I was there on a Saturday about a month ago and the place was packed. We could not get a dinner reservation -- had to eat in the bar. It is still a popular place, but it can't hurt to make it even more popular!!
FYI re the entertainment charge -- If you are there when the music starts, they will add the entertainment charge to your bill.
I am prepared to chain myself to the tonga room if they are serious about shutting it down.
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tikitonga
Grand Member (2 years) 
Joined: Apr 09, 2002
Posts: 133 | Posted: 2009-03-06 6:25 pm Permalink
I'm hoping someone posts pics. I'd love to see what the turnout was!
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Haole'akamai
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 07, 2005
Posts: 2270
From: The Polynesian Port of NOLA
| Posted: 2009-03-07 2:26 pm Permalink
I saw it on CBS News!
(you'll have to sit through a commercial to see it, though)
_________________
"If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning."
-Catherine Aird
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Unga Bunga
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 06, 2003
Posts: 5792
From: CaliTikifornia
| Posted: 2009-03-08 03:11 am Permalink
My God Haole'akamai,
After watching that video, I would also say, Close the mother down!
The reporter didn't even want to be there.
Damn glad I wasn't.
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leleliz
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 02, 2008
Posts: 1981
From: NorCal
| Posted: 2009-03-08 1:14 pm Permalink
That was a pretty great turnout-the power of cyberspace for sure.
On a side note that reporter is pretty much the absolute worst. How is she allowed on tv???
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Haole'akamai
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 07, 2005
Posts: 2270
From: The Polynesian Port of NOLA
| Posted: 2009-03-08 2:55 pm Permalink
Quote:
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On 2009-03-08 13:14, leleliz wrote:
On a side note that reporter is pretty much the absolute worst. How is she allowed on tv???
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No kidding! Linda Yee is one of the worst field reporters (the only one I dislike more is Vic Lee - he's a complete troll) in the Bay Area, and we're a MAJOR MARKET. Her eyes are always looking in two different direction, neither is into the camera. She creeps me out.
Plus, do we know that one guy in the crazy-ass checkered visor (Uh, the 80s band Madness called and they want their wardrobe back!) they interviewed in line who, when asked what his wildest memory of the Tonga was, answered "DRRUUUUUUUUUNNNNNK."?! He's the same one earlier in the video who's seen whooping like he's in line for the keg at a frat party. Nice! Way to represent....
_________________
"If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning."
-Catherine Aird
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leleliz
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 02, 2008
Posts: 1981
From: NorCal
| Posted: 2009-03-08 3:04 pm Permalink
When you are trying to do something with a purpose--like saving a landmark-its always good to know WHY what you are trying to do is important.
I would think that the checkered visor guy would feel like an ass when he saw himself on the news later...but I think that is expecting too much!!
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Norcal_Kahuna
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Sep 08, 2009
Posts: 19
From: San Francisco
| Posted: 2010-03-10 11:00 am Permalink
PRESS RELEASE
SAVE THE TONGA ROOM RALLY AT SMUGGLER’S COVE SAN FRANCSICO
650 Gough Street (at McAllister), San Francisco, California
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 from 5:00 until 7-ish
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - To all concerned San Franciscans, Tiki freaks, Dionysians and Sybarites, midcentury fans, and rum aficionados; come one and come all to a gathering at Smuggler’s Cove (650 Gough St. San Francisco, CA 94102) on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 starting at 5:00PM to sign a petition opposing the demolition of the Tonga Room to make way for a parking garage and yet more luxury condominiums. After you sign the petition, stay a while and enjoy a fantastic rum cocktail or two while you mix and mingle with like-minded people and listen to Exotica under the soft glow of Tiki torches and beachcomber lamps. Around 6:00 PM, Chris VerPlanck and Erica Schultz of S.O.S. Tonga will provide a brief update on efforts to save the Tonga Room and exhort you to contact your local supervisors and the president of the Historic Preservation Commission, urging them to designate the Tonga Room as a local San Francisco Landmark. Mahalo!
For more information, contact Chris VerPlanck at cvp73@yahoo.com
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tikiyaki
Grand Member (7 years) 
Joined: May 18, 2004
Posts: 2695
From: The Exotic Port of REDONDO BEACH, CA
| Posted: 2010-03-10 11:04 am Permalink
Is there an online petition for us out of towners ?
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JenTiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 16, 2006
Posts: 1821
From: An island in the bay
| Posted: 2010-03-10 11:14 am Permalink
Are the organizers of the event aware that Smuggler's Cove only holds 49 people and that only 1/3 of those people will be within earshot at any given time? As much as I think giving business to Smuggler's Cove is a good idea in most cases, I can't imagine this is the best venue choice for a rally. 49 get in, 49 more stand outside bitching about not getting in.
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