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

Paddle House Media is innovative, creative and reputable company. I have been impressed with their…read moreproducts and their consistent professionalism.

Paddle House Media print, web, and broadcast design always attacts my attention. Phil is very…read morecreative and you can just talk about a design you have and he will run with it. I'm very impressed with this company.

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 work with the individuals from this company and I think that they're great folks. Matthew and…read moreMaureen are wonderful individuals who are both friendly, caring, and kind - while keeping a professional demeanour the whole time! They do great work, and it's really spot on. I'd recommend them to anyone in need of writing or graphic design (as that's what I've seen them work with). While the price is a little up there, I still think they do remarkable work. Check them out if you're in need of this specific service.

While the Economist is a great source of news, they have increased their subscription rate far in…read moreexcess of inflation and have now decided to have their print subscription customers pay for the Economist to advertise itself (they substituted extracts from their 1873 magazine in the July 27th double edition in place of mailing out the August 3rd edition).

If anyone is considering purchasing a multi-year digital subscription for $445, be aware the…read moreadvertisement for this misrepresents the offer. Two times, separated by weeks, they were told this thru Chat. They agreed it misstates facts and twice said "IT" would fix it. Yesterday I received another email containing the same apparently deceptive "bargain". Whatever is the motive, the offer makes the price seem far better than it is. Given the effort to ask them to correct this, and their refusal to do so, the obvious conclusion is they choose to intentionally mislead the buyer with a known falsehood to add subscribers. If I am a math idiot, they've had two live opportunities to point that out. A sad commentary on what I believed to be a reputable enterprise.

One of the last remaining letterpress print shops in SF if not the very last. They take pride in…read morepreserving a manual printing process and their shop is an amazing resource for learning as well as picking up their curated stationary and art supplies. There is something quite cool about mixing ink and printing using plates, it's all easily visible from the front of the shop. If you know what blackwing pencils are they have them here and so much more. Fancy scissors, tons of erasers, and all kinds of writing instruments that have selected based on their history and functionality. Definitely worth stopping by to browse, you'll see stuff from all over the world. I would say these are more for the conneseiur and are priced as such and even though I didn't get anything I was tempted by some of their unique rulers. They also sell cards and posted that are printed in house, the prints would give your interior a nice analog vibe.

Was taken here as a part of the Heath Ceramics Workshop Tour on Friday, as its in the same building…read moreHeath Ceramics occupies. Probably never would've found it otherwise. Interesting place if you're in the vicinity. If you are in need of custom printing, some art supplies, or want to see some really old printing machines, come by. They can also give you estimates online as well. I bought a multi-colored pencil here for just $2.00. It's an interesting place to spend a few minutes, if you find yourself nearby, say after shopping at Heath. The staff is super nice too.

Please note that Jack, the box and packaging designer who was with Everett Graphics for 20 years,…read morehas been working for Lahlouh in Burlingame for the last year. Jack was the packaging (structural) designer that helped Everett Graphics earn the Folding Carton of the Year Award from the Paperboard Packaging Council. He's the designer who figures out how a box will fold, bend, stand up, flip, function, etc., and he uses his decades of expertise to make suggestions and determine how to make it all smooth and seamless. I'm sure Everett is still a good place, but I just wanted to mention, if you are looking for Jack (and his amazing design skills)... he's at Lahlouh in Burlingame. If you're looking for mushroom boxes... Everett makes the best damn mushroom boxes in the biz! Please don't hesitate to give them a call.

Best folding carton company in the US. So much so they have won folding carton of the year awards…read morefrom PPC and are apart if the elite International Packing Group.

Cool SF publisher - good books by fave writers like Michelle Tea, Beth Lisick, Jeffrey McDaniel,…read moreand Jon Longhi - oh yeah, and that hilarious Bigfoot book