Back when the other review here was posted, I would have felt the same way. Probably a three or…read morefour star review in my case, because I'm a slightly tough grader, but I would have agreed with much of the text. However, over the past year, the magazine has essentially ceased to exist. It is pretty much a copy of the same publisher's Oakland Magazine with a different cover. Very little independent content. They've unloaded most of their columnists and writers. Unfortunately, this means that the bulk of each issue is about Oakland and the rest of the East Bay. It adds up to a mediocre regional magazine, not a local product.

This is a beautiful magazine. I love the photography and layout. I love their by the numbers…read moresection. They do a best of Alameda, I wish they would add more catagories and do an online submission hint hint hint...

This newspaper is a national treasure. The only place in the Bay Area to find the truth of who,…read morewhat, where when it's happening. I do miss the printed paper, but realize that online there could be a larger audience, etc. Indeed this paper should have an international audience. The substance, truth and relevance of their content is immeasurable. Much respect and gratitude to Willie and Mary Ratcliff.

Hello my brothers and sisters i have been down in the belly of the beast for a while I don't have…read moreany family support or any support at all i am reaching out to you seeking donations in any amount to get my basic needs all donations will be greatly appreciated I am asking you to bless a sister in need send donations in any amount to:PayPal.me/brie1337

I love reading the Independent. It's always interesting from time to time, and good to hear about…read morelocal things without the cost of the Chronicle.

So it seems to have changed somewhat over the past six or so months -- and not for the better…read more There used to be a host of contributors; now it seems as if it's down to two or three. Terry Canaan writes some national political opinion pieces; Luke shoots all the photos, shoots some video as well -- Harvey Milk Club meetings on YouTube, who knew! -- and writes stories; and then Elaine Santore's celebrity-gossip-slash-pseudo-politico-slash-whatever column runs every so often. Though when they run Bay City News pieces, they do use the writers' bylines, the only time those bylines see the light of day. Which is nice. It's too bad -- they had some wacko contributors like H Brown -- now gone after he went bananas at a Milk Club meeting in June -- but they also had some young guns, much like myself, who brought something new and different to the table. I'm guessing Luke spends more or most of his time doing whatever it is he does to pay the bills, as being a roving journo shore don't pay rent. Also keep in mind this dude is buddy-buddy with the likes of Daly, Mirkarimi et. al. This can be dangerous: it led me to believe that those dudes like all reporters, which is not in fact true ::jilted by supes :( ::

Drink Me Magazine just hosted their pre-launch party at Cantina, one of my favorite SF bars. Drink…read moreMe is a lifestyle magazine being released in August and distributed nationwide in bars, liquor stores and clubs. Even for those of us who consider ourselves experienced, successful drinkers, there's always something new to learn. We got a preview of the first issue and my friends and I were amused by the articles on PBR, the Reef sandal that also serves as a flask, and how Japanese business men entertain themselves during a night out on the town. While we haven't seen the fancy, glossy issue in print yet, this first draft looks good and I'm excited to see what's to come.

Extremely disappointed in the values of news 24-680 reflected in their social media posts. I like…read moreto follow local news outlets online, and noticed that there has been a troubling decline in the quality and appropriateness of posts and content being shared on news 24-680. Their social media is a reflection of their opinions and values as a news outlet, which appear to be faltering. This decline is not only disappointing but also concerning, as it suggests a shift away from the professionalism expected of a reputable news organization. I have noticed troublesome posts for some time and today I called them out on an issue of labeling women out on the town as "wildlife", which others called them out on too - then my and other's comments expressing concern were deleted and I was immediately blocked. Their "about us" states that "we promise to maintain high standards of transparency, disclosure, and civility on our pages and want our users to know their opinions and ideas are respected and always appreciated" ... "help build an online community we can be proud of and improve on together". I hope they behave this way moving forward. The community would like to be able to hold a local channel in high regard, and it is imperative to uphold this trust with the highest standard of news dissemination and respect for others in the community that they serve. I reached out to JD to inquire if they are fully aware of the messages and values being communicated under their brand, and for a review and explanation in hopes that they improve the integrity of their content in alignment with their values.

I have been a long time follower of News 24 - 680, I reached out to them yesterday because I could…read moreno longer download their photos which I do from time to time in order to zoom in on the content. I have never reposted any of their photos. I was told that they had no control over this that Facebook had changed the algorithm on photos. I challenged this comment as I know that individuals controll their own content, and then was told by other members of this group in Facebook that they changed it so people can no longer download their photos. I was just expecting to be told the truth, which the owner of the site could not do. In addition, he mentioned during our phone call that this would not being issue if I was paying the monthly subscription fee. I couldn't believe my ears. I will not be following this group on Facebook anymore, The business owner responds below, he has indicated I have lied and fabricated my story twice and he has failed both times to describe where I have lied and fabricated. This is an outright lie and fabrication by the business owner to make me look like the bad guy.

Absolute thievery. I paid for 4 issues in September 2025 and have received nothing but silence. I…read morehave chased customer service for months with zero response--they have simply ghosted me. They took my payment, delivered nothing, and refuse to answer for it. A complete scam.

they are crooks and will charge you after cancelling. customer service? Non-existent. Emailed over…read more50 times. finally got a hold of someone on instagram but they were of no help whatsoever. Criminals.

I've worked in publishing, media and communications for more than three decades, and during that…read moretime I've met very few people with Ali Ghanbarian's combination of vision, creativity and entrepreneurial instinct. Ali has an extraordinary ability to recognize cultural trends long before they become mainstream. After earning a master's degree in engineering from UC Berkeley and beginning his career at Bechtel, he chose a completely different path--building businesses, creating communities and investing in creative people when few others saw the opportunity. For more than forty years, he has built SOMA Magazine into one of America's longest-running independent arts, culture and design publications. Along the way, he has helped discover, mentor and promote thousands of emerging photographers, designers, architects, filmmakers, musicians, writers, models and entrepreneurs who later went on to successful international careers. What impresses me most is that Ali never thinks conventionally. Every conversation generates new ideas, new business opportunities and new ways of looking at a problem. He has an unusual talent for connecting people, recognizing overlooked opportunities and bringing together creativity with business strategy. He's generous with his relationships, direct in his advice, and genuinely committed to helping talented people succeed. Those qualities are increasingly rare. If you're looking for someone who combines entrepreneurial vision, cultural insight, strategic thinking and an exceptional network built over four decades, I recommend Ali without hesitation. Simply put, if Ali Ghanbarian believes in an idea, it's worth paying attention....

Ali Ghanbarian changed my life…read more When I first moved from New York City to California, I was a young model trying to find my place in the industry -- and let's be real, at that time, most agencies weren't checking for Black models. Ali saw something in me when others didn't. He gave me my very first modeling opportunity, and it turned into a dream moment -- gracing the cover of SOMA Magazine on my first modeling go-see. Ali has always championed creative talent -- not just in San Francisco but all over the world. He has an incredible eye for individuality and a genuine passion for helping artists break through barriers. His support opened doors that changed the trajectory of my career and gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. If you're a creative, an innovator, or an artist who feels unseen -- Ali is that guy. A visionary who helps others be seen, heard, and celebrated. -- Forever grateful,Goldie Dixon