I love walking up 24th Street from BART, especially on a fantastic October day in San Francisco…read more I step out of BART make the "Boston Walk" up the hill to Dolores, sweat flowing down my face like Niagara Falls. Cell phone glued to my ear talking crap to my friends back East. My daily routine. Finally flat land approach Sanchez/24th, pass Bay Castle Cleaners wondering if my laundry is done but realizing I don't have money to pay for it, get to the newstand and see a new stack of papers. Pass by only to realize the cover of the Noe Valley Voice is a bit different. Could it be? I read that issue already...no wait...it has been a month my favorite little paper has come out with another issue. Grab it...tuck it in my Timbuktu bag....walk a bit faster only to stop and say hello to my new favorite people in Noe Valley, the staff at Bernie's (please see them you will be happy you did), finally my door. I bolt up the stairs clutching my Noe Valley paper like a Marina girl with a new Kate Spade clutch purse. Finally run into my bathroom and jump on the toilet knowing I will have some peace to tear into this black and white local literary gem. I savor my time with Noe Valley Voice. Reading it cover to cover. Wondering how I could ever dream of moving from my Noe Valley, because if I did the Voice would no longer be my monthly guilty pleasure.

Oh, I love the Noe Valley Voice for their effort to add a little spice to the otherwise "beige-y"…read morefeel of Noe Valley. They always crack me up with the list of most recent crimes in the area. It's not that it's funny to see that people are getting ripped off, I'm just entertained by anything remotely like "Law & Order." The Voice gives a lot of information that is prive only to the locals in Noe, which gives others a little peek into the sometimes strange, always appreciated politically correctness of the neighborhood. Although I find their articles to be a bit long winded and preachy at times, they do a fair job at reporting both sides of the story. If you write a scathing letter calling the favorite Noe Valley neighbor a "douche bag" they'll probably print it...and then the next month they'll print 50 scathing letters to counter what you've said. Promoting the local businesses is only one part of this paper's purpose. They also encourage community building, which is lacking in so many other SF "hoods." There is a specific need for independent papers. Every neighborhood in the city needs a "voice," after all.

Good news world! The editor finally paid me my wages. Alleluia!…read more So, all is set right as far as getting compensated is concerned. I hope this little paper endures because it is the among the few papers covering issues and concerns of the neighborhood. With the Mission Dispatch on "vacation" since December of 2009, due to the economic recession, the Mission District and surrounding areas has few voices for the community. And, as far as I can see, mainstream media does not provide much in local news, especially at the neighborhood or grass roots level. Also, El Reportero features news that impacts the entire Bay Area. It's coverage is wide. And, I noticed that it does make an effort to present news that is often missed or ignored by mainstream sources. For example see this recent article... http://www.elreporterosf.com/editions/?q=node/4645 I still believe papers like El Reportero have lots of potential and I hope they endure and continue reaching out to the community.

What Jonathan didn't say is that he was asked to either pick up the check or accept payment via…read morePaypal, which was immediately sent to him immediately after he was owed the money. However, he said he couldn't accept Paypal, and then it took him a long time to pick up the check. He went on his own to cause embarrassment and write on Yelp that he didn't get paid. Which was false! I am glad he went on to correct the record, but his negative comments is still there online. El Reportero is really a paper that prints real news that does not entertains or distracts, but rather informs and denounces government corruption as part of its coverage. www.elreporteroSF.com

This is my 200th review…read more I have been pondering what to write for this momentous occasion. All week I thought about it ... I even ran ideas by Candice at Yelp during our yummy lunch I have yet to review. And I realized it is not easy to write sometimes. If it is for your job, it can really suck the life right out of you ... if you HAVE to write. So that is why it is so fun for me to Yelp. Because I do not have too. But for all you media out there exchanging words and wit for a paycheck ... kudos to you if you can get it right. And since I am an Oaklander ... I want to send a big fat kudos to our local rag ... the Oakland Magazine ... with the beee-utiful Grand Lake Movie Theater gracing the cover this month. I am so happy there is a local magazine to highlight Oakland. Oakland is such a fantastic place with a huge heart and lots of charisma! We have access to everything the bay area has to offer ... and we have the best views. (In so many ways)! We are the melting pot of America. So it is no surprise that in a city with 500,000+ people ... we should have a magazine that is for us. By us and for us. But know that it is a lot of hard work to produce a magazine month after month in a slammed economy like this. There are many obstacles for the small business these days. Pinch ... ouch! Every month, Oakland Magazine is reaching out to the community and sharing information about what is going on in Oakland. The community and businesses are paying attention and you are doing excellent work sharing the buzz around town. We Oaklanders and East Bay residents love to come together for a festival or a party, excellent food, celebratory cocktails, great shopping and a healthy farmer's market too ... so keep on keeping us posted of the who, what, when, where, why and how of all things Oakland and its surroundings. And Dear Editor: I am sure you have figured out that it is impossible to make everyone happy. Readers, advertisers, bill collectors, employees and editors all of different definitions of happy. They always will. Just keep pounding the pavement and looking for great angles, good stories, decent advertisers and amazing supporters. And BTW: Thank you for the annual Best of Oakland and Best of the East Bay edition that came out this month. In Montclair, we are proud, surprised and amazed to be recipients of several of the Best of Oakland Awards! http://www.oaklandmagazine.com Best Charity Event Montclair Pet Mayor Contest Montclair Pet & Wildlife Fund 1955 Mountain Blvd., Suite 111 (510) 339-2400 www.petandwildlifefund.org/mayor Best Veterinarian Montclair Veterinary Hospital 1961 Mountain Blvd. www.montclairvethospital.com Best Place to Work Montclair Veterinary Hospital 1961 Mountain Blvd. www.montclairvethospital.com Thank You Oakland Magazine and the East Bay Community for your support. I hella heart Oakland! There is no place I would rather be.

Several years ago I was a subscriber to the Oakland Magazine. There was a period that I had to…read morecancel the subscription due to budgetary reasons. Being on a three day work furlough from state employment meant sacrificing during those lean years when the "guvernator" aka "terminator" was in office...less dining out, less going out to the movies, museums, excursions, baseball games, etc., and a cancellation of a local magazine. Last year I saw a representative from Oakland/Alameda Magazines at a spring event (Mother's Day weekend) on Park Street in Alameda. I wanted so much to subscribe to the magazine and I was given a choice - the Oakland one or the Alameda one. The decision was not an easy one. I am a native Oaklander, living in Alameda since September 1988. However, Oakland will always be in my heart. I may be out of "ghetto" Oakland, but the "ghetto" is still in me when my OCGA is out in the open. Thus, Oakland Magazine wins out over the Alameda Magazine. As I have mentioned in other reviews, I can't think of anything better than having what I consider the best around me...born and educated in Oakland, live in Alameda and work in San Francisco. Most of my reviews are based around these three cities (88%). They all have something that I truly enjoy besides the weather and our local sports teams. Let me not stray off the subject of this magazine, but elaborate as to why I enjoy reading it. The magazine is informative and it also offers me the opportunity to try the different restaurants and attend the events that are advertised, only to form an opinion and present my review thereof on this website. The last two issues (December 2012; January/February 2013) were enjoyable reading. What a pleasure it was to see Dr. Warren Strudwick on the front cover of the December issue. He is considered one of the best treating physicians in the field of orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. He also provided excellent medical care to my husband when he injured his shoulder in an automobile accident. The January/February 2013 issue is as what's noted on the front cover..."Journey Back in Time". I do recognize the architectural designs on the some of the buildings. Location is in the vicinity of 14th & Broadway. In this issue, there is a restaurant review of Hopscotch. I haven't been to Hopscotch yet, but their location is across the street from where I was born - 1966 San Pablo Avenue...a journey back in time to the 50's. I'm not sure what was at 1915 San Pablo Avenue during the 50's and all I could think is Friedman's Appliances. However, a few doors north of Friedman's was a restaurant called Victor's Chinese American Cafe and who owned that restaurant. Well, none other than Victor "Shanghai Kid" G's dad. Here's to you, Victor, and the wonderful memories of growing up in that part of town. (Hey, the Greyhound Station is still there after all these years and it still looks the same...rundown.) Thanks, Oakland Magazine, for this publication. I hope to enjoy more years of reading your magazine and wish you continued success in publishing a wonderful magazine.

I used to pick up this mag-rag to look at all the pretty shiny people in their happy gowns and…read morecostumes and think - gosh, they really live for this stuff. Then one day I get a call, and someone I know points out the fact that I'm in there! HA! Imagine that!? Guess this means I'm now legit. :) Either that or it's just great to be yourself.

I really enjoy reading this paper. Copies are put in my mail room every month and I enjoy reading…read moreabout local news, updates, and functions going on around town. People should be a little nicer about it, as they don't put anyone down, just show how much fun and exciting life is. With so many problems in the world, it is nice just to read about local attributes. They also have a cute office.

As usual, Yelp removed a legitimate review so I will try again…read more We have been using High Tech Printing for years, excellent printing and pricing. Submitting print orders is not a problem if you submit good art files and take the time to understand what is acceptable. They have met our tight deadlines when possible and will push to meet deadlines even when busy. For those who need good offset work (forms, ncr, and envelopes) this is your go to place.

This place is absolutely terrible. They do not value their customers and are apt to deny simply…read morerequests (such as providing a digital copy of a printed booklet) because it is "too much work" on their end (their words.) I don't know about you, but when I pay for a service I expect the people I'm paying to do the work involved in the service not just half-ass it and then expect a pat on the back and a paycheck. Not to mention their final products leave more than a little something to be desired. Would give them 0 stars if that was an option. Don't waste your time or money here.

Coolest local paper ever. The reporters are really in tune to the local communities. The…read moreeditorials are well thought out, and the sports are comprehensive. Local coverage is excellent. They leave the major news to the news agencies and focus almost 100% on the local issues or how we locals can help the broader concerns of the world. Highly recommended.

I needed to updat e this review because the Review is really trying to get competitive and get news…read moreout - fast! Great local news - you have to receive the Review to know what is going on locally!! And now you can sign up for online news updates that are TIMELY!

Everyone in Campbell and surrounding areas are happy to have the community connections back…read moreespecially during the pandemic. So they can know what's going on in their city for activities by virtual events like at the Campbell Community Center and Ansley House or to shops and restaurants open for take out and that are okay to do business with in Campbell because they are safe with using Covidms guidelines. The neighbors are telling us they like the stories and tips too! Thanks Campbell Press for bringing Campbell Together again in this stressful time.

I am giving Bad Reviews everywhere I can.. First I am stuck here waisting more time but I suppose…read moreit will help people when dealing with your lousy service. I paid $90 for a DBA that until this day, over a month has not come to my mail. 1) Your dont return calls. Your Voice mail does not work. and after being told countless times that you would send the DBA document you didnt. I am contacting my attorney.. Your not responding to any calls from any number and I do believe your Media Service and publishing service is official Hoax. I suggest for people who need a DBA to stay away for this irresponsible service..

Los Altos Town Crier is a small weekly publication covering Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. It's…read morehoused in its own red brick building on Main St. downtown where Main Street Cafe & Books used to be (now closed and vacant space next door). The Crier is open Mon through Friday 8:30am - 5pm. There's a little collection of bells from around the world in the window display. Wednesday's paper additions cost only 50c, you can get a copy by the front door.

Don't waste your time or money on this publication. I was contacted by one of the sales reps to…read moreadvertise in their "Home & Garden" magazine. I told the person that I didn't want to be in the publication if the magazine was going to be full of competitor's ads. She said it would not be. I paid for an ad and she put my ad right next to a competitor's full page ad. After I complained, the publisher told me that there should not be an issue with the placement of my ad and that they do this to real estate agents all the time. I told him that his analogy did not apply because I am not selling real estate. He told me that they were not going to do anything to compensate me. Don't spend your money advertising with The Los Altos Town Crier, they just want to fill space.