Freedom of Expression is Key to Keeping San Francisco Unique

Hello, 

I’m a current resident and active participant in San Francisco politics. There are a few yearly events which allow us to celebrate the things which make San Francisco unique - diverse culture, creativity, art, and an active public spirit of participation and celebration.

I’d consider Pride, Lovevolution, and Bay2Breakers to be among those events. When I think about all the amazing costumes, energy, happiness, and freedom that people express at these events, I think of San Francisco - the things that make this city unique. 

There are ways to manage events safely; however, it seems like recently the tendency is to shut down any event that seems unsafe or unruly. Bay2Breakers is a peaceful celebration, and a unique one. It is not just a road race. 

Please don’t allow such a great tradition and celebration to be shut down or severely limited. The floats, the djs, the revelry - it’s an important part of the race day.  It runs counter to my instincts of what a great city should be - tolerant, responsible, and willing to take risks for the happiness it its citizens. 

Support a free-spirited Bay2Breakers; don’t let us lose one of the city’s great traditions.  

Thanks,

Jonathan Gladbach

Stop Sanitizing Bay to Breakers

I don’t support AEG’s relentless efforts to sanitize San Francisco fun and culture from this city’s signature annual event, Bay to Breakers.

I realize that a measure of control, sanity, safety and respect are due and demanded, but I don’t believe that means outright abolishing the event and its relatively peaceful debauchery that so many have come to love.

San Francisco has always been a town set apart from others in its ability to act out without acting up, to have to creatively separate good, adult fun from the chaos of a disrespectful crowd.

I also realize that for this year’s event, things are already pretty well set.  Perhaps we should all pay close attention to see if this year’s sacrifice of culture is worth the predicted corporate/family friendliness.

Thomas Wood

Concerned Resident

Don't Change Bay to Breakers

To whom it may concern,

I’ve read numerous reports of the changes that are to occur at the 100th anniversary of the Bay To Breakers road-race, and I’m writing to tell you of my disappointment in virtually all of them.  When you remove the floats, the alcohol, and the nudity, all you are left with is a foot-race like any other of the thousands that take place across America every fair weather weekend.  I’m from the Boston area, and for all the fun that the locals have on “Marathon Monday”, I can assure you that it has less to do with the Boston Marathon than it does with the annual Red Sox home game at 11am.  What I’m saying is, the Boston Marathon is to America no different than the NY Marathon, or any other major city’s event.  Is that really what you want for the Bay to Breakers, especially in its 100th year?

For the majority of its annual participants, the B2B isn’t about running at all, but rather about taking some time away from our “adult” lives and allowing our inner kids to resurface, if only for a few hours on a Sunday in May.  I still remember my first B2B like it was yesterday, and believe me when I say it, so does anyone else who’s ever hung around with me.  The fun that was had, and the camaraderie enjoyed is like nothing else I’ve experienced.  A group of my friends have been going for about 12 years, and my first year we were 32 strong.  It also happened to be the first race after an American Hero, and a good friend of many people, died protecting all of our rights that we too often take for granted.  He was one of the “original” boys that had discovered your race, and as a tribute to him, as many of us as possible made it out to San Fran in honor of him.  While our busy lives being good husbands or dad’s doesn’t allow for us all to make it back every year, the 100th was going to be something special for us all.  Identical pictures of our friend hangs on the wall in two bars in the United States….one in Boston, and one on the corner of Polk and Broadway in San Francisco.  While we would all love to sit around the picture in SF and reminisce, it an awful lot to ask someone to commit that type of money to just sit in a bar for the weekend.  The race is our excuse to spend that money, to take that time away from our families, and to let our inner kids out for a little while. 

I understand your concerns with the race, and particularly the cost of the aftermath of it, but I fear that you are vastly undervaluing the nuance of the race itself.  Bay to Breakers hasn’t been about running for as long as most of you can remember and you know it.  By making the race about running, you’re taking away from it what makes it unique…and attractive.  Sure, I could tell you about the lost revenues to the hotels, bars, and restaurants, but I have a feeling they are already doing that.  

I read an article years ago on ESPN.com that listed the 101 things every sports fan should do before they die.  B2B was described as a public run that is matched by none other.  One thing I recall thinking was “hey, this might be the only thing on the list a “fan” can actually participate in”.  Do you really want your race to be left off that list next time?

While I understand there is a cost analysis done on everything (to be honest, I believe that this is the real issue at hand here, not the “sudden discovery” that a small percentage of people drink too much on the racecourse), I would think that if the word was put out now, many of the additional costs needed (cleanup, more potties, additional police, et al) could be somewhat recouped.  I would also think that there would be some easy marketing dollars to be had as well (say a Gatorade/Powerade sponsored corner).  

Listen, I realize you guys are ridiculously smarter than I am….and you’ve probably already vetted every idea I could come up with to help offset the cost issues, but I’m still asking you to reconsider what I, and it appears many like me, view as the destruction of one of Americas most fun traditions.  I can get together with a bunch of fully clothed and sober people on every other Sunday of the year.  Please reconsider and give us all a reason to skip church on May 15, 2011.

Sincerely, 

Jeff Zima

Boston, Ma.

Dear Mayor Lee and San Francisco Board of Supervisors - Don't Let AEG Ruin Bay to Breakers

May 11, 2011

Dear Mayor Lee, and distinguished board members,

First, congratulations on your mayorship…as an Asian american, I’m very proud to see you in office!

The second reason I am writing to you today is because I have just learned that tragically, floats have been banned at this years Bay to Breakers - It is truly a sad day when 1 corporation can squash one of San Francisco’s best traditions…I am against AEG’s stance towards B2B and believe they are doing a great disservice to our city and it’s spirit. Not only will AEG go down in history as public enemy #1 of all true San franciscans but So will the local officials who let it happen.

Bay to Breakers is one of the most ecclectic expressions of diversity, culture and community in the world! A celebration of diversity and acceptance that is unique to San Francisco. Bay to Breakers is more than just a 12K, It means so much more to the citizens of San Francisco, and to everyone else who truly loves this city. In all fairness, I can understand trying to enforce rules on drinking, and rowdiness in general…but floats? why? As our local officials, I sincerely ask you to work with AEG, as well as the citizens of SF to find solutions to problems and save this wonderful tradition, which has been a symbol of our beloved city for 100 years!

Thanks so much!

~Shinyung Schwartz

"Take Action" Letters to Save 2011 Bay to Breakers

We asked you to write the powers that be and you did. Here’s a sampling of Take Action letters written by you to help save the 2011 Bay to Breakers and beyond…

Please take the time to write your own letter and support our efforts to keep Bay to Breakers fun.

I live in the Lower Haight and am buying property in NOPA - I love my neighborhood and I love Bay to Breakers.  It is an amazing tribute to San Francisco and all the good it stands for in the world.   

The race organizers have cynically sought to destroy that spirit, rather than work with the citizens to make it an even better event.  Many people would be willing to contribute money to fund port-a-potties and clean up, for example.  Why hasn’t that negotiation happened?  Because the organizers have a political and religious agenda bent on squashing San Francisco’s tolerance and openness.  Don’t be complicit in that agenda.

Sincerely,

Engaged Haight resident

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Bay2Breakers is an SF institution and if AEG decides to ruin it for the city than I’ll do my best to support any and all boycotts of the company until they stop their fascist restrictions on this event and clear lack of respect for the citizens who hold it so dear to our hearts.  

My real disappointment however lies with the city officials that are permitting this and the neighborhood associations that are looking to ban the freedom of expression this event allows to bring joy to the 100,000 participants.  To you I offer a plea to work harder with the city to take reasonable means of managing destructive behavior without trying to abolish specific activities and attire that the majority of revelers participate in with the utmost respect.  I love North of the Panhandle.  NOPA is my favorite restaurant.  Tsunami, Madrone.  These are fabulous places that are indicative of a fabulous community.  Please.  allow us to use floats, enjoy drink and freedom of attire and if you post signs encouraging us to be responsible I guarantee you will see us put our actions into perspective and show the respect that you of course deserve.  Thank you.

- Robert M 

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I am writing in protest of the recent efforts to “crack down” on non-registered participants in the 2011 B2B race. I live on Oak street, right at the heart of what is often the most rambunctious part of the event and I love it. I participate every year as one of the many non-registered runners and I thoroughly enjoy the costumes, nudity, floats and celebration.  I hope that this year will be as celebratory as the last few years.  This is one of the only times each year I feel so connected to the city of San Francisco, that I feel that I am part of a fun, exciting and diverse community!  I encourage those who are concerned about the “negative” aspects of the event to follow the example of those who organized the Giant’s celebration rather than attempt to destroy the heart of the event by threatening to arrest those who are not registered.

Thank you,

Tiffany M

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If you guys really crack down hard and ruin the 100^th anniversary of bay to breakers, not only will you ruin one of San Fran’s more famous events that is considered one of the world’s best events, but you will damage AEG reputation.  You will become notorious quickly among the young  as being out of touch and bring a wrath of anger against your brand.  For your own sake, get some port potties and go the other way, make it bigger.  Make this a true party event so everyone’s expectation are managed and you are now a sponsor of one of the world’s greatest parties at little extra cost, instead of being the world’s greatest party killer.  This is still early doors from you, but the negative press in social media and real media will be larger and quicker than you can imagine if the threats of no floats and alcohol are enforced even mildly. 

Regards,

David B

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Don’t be the board that ruins bay to breakers on its 100^th anniversary.  Banning floats and alcohol?  Might as well ban costumes and running as well.  You have one of the city’s most famous events.  It’s like trying to dry up Mardi gras to New Orleans.  If you are worried about the mess, then provide more port o potties.  Don’t ruin one of the best parties in the entire world because some people don’t like hangovers.

Regards,

David B

San Fran resident

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Don’t Let AEG Ruin Bay to Breakers, B2B is known all over the world as one of the most eclectic expressions of color, culture and community on the planet. And when AEG “bought” the race in 2006, it should have understood this…and supported it.

Jonathan D

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My name is Jamie McDonald and am a working professional with B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. I am writing to request information on how to keep the freedom in Bay to Breakers.

There is a reason why people come from all over the world to this event, it is the freedom. San Francisco is lucky to have the reputation of a free and open minded city and should do everything in its power to keep this reputation. Please make me proud to call San Francisco my home, and all it costs is a few portopoties and alcohol poisoning cases of people who would have done so anyway somewhere else. Keep the floats, keep the booze, keep the weed, keep the naked people, keep the music, keep the costumes, keep the freedom.

Please let me know where I can sign up to clean the streets after the event, or help in any other way possible.

If not in San Francsico, where?

  Jamie M

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Bay to Breakers is a San Francisco institution and has been around far longer than many of the recent neighborhood arrivals calling for its complete neutering.  Don’t let AEG ruin Bay to Breakers.

Sincerely,

Mark M

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To whom it may concern,

Please don’t let this amazing event change so dramatically for the worse, it has always been part of the fabric of San Francisco and the character that makes it unique and beautiful. It would be a travesty if you let it become just another 12k. Please help this event live on so that my future kids get to be a part of this, it was truly eye opening and life changing for me. Thank you.

Casey P

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Good afternoon,

I am writing to ask that you do not alter Bay to Breakers.  As with any major event, there are certain issues that arise.  The key is to rise to these challenges and improve the way we handle them, not outlaw them.  If we simply cut aspects of celebrations that didn’t go smoothly the 4th of July would not have fireworks, Marathons would not have runners, and Halloween would be without candy.  I know you must be receiving several emails so I will keep this brief.  My question is simple, are you up for the challenge or will you go the lazy route that has become all to common?  Take on this effort not by reducing its merriment but by managing it in a more effective manner.  Show the people you can do it.

~Dave

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To Whom It May Concern:

I am sending this message today in support of keeping alive the spirit of Bay 2 Breakers.  I understand for the 3rd time AEG and some city officials are pushing to ban alcohol and floats at the race this year.  This year will be my 5th year attending Bay to Breakers- all 5 as a walker/spectator.  I currently live in Chicago and fly out for this race every year, as do thousands of others from all over the US and other parts of the world.  The restrictions that are being placed on the race this year have been done so without taking into consideration over the overwhelming majority of the people that show up each year.  I would be in agreement that these changes have all been made in consideration of the runners, however, each and every year I see a very large number of the runners who loop back around to join the walkers and partake in the “walkers festivities” which tells me that these people also consider the party which trails the runners a huge part of the day as well.  

Because I am sure if you are on this distribution list you are already well aware of the arguments both sides have and what goes on the day of the race I won’t waste any ones time writing about that.  I know there are people out there who don’t believe this race has anything to do about the “spirit of San Francisco;” I strongly believe it does.   I have not lived in SF so I cannot speak as if I know everything about it but as someone who has been trying to relocate to SF for the past 6 years and visited fairly regularly for as long, I do feel I have a decent understanding of the city and what makes it so great.  One of the biggest things is the free spirits, in my visits and in talking to other travelers, one thing that is always so well like about the city is that things like this race are allowed, and people have their time to let loose and be themselves while not having to worry about everyone else passing judgment.  This race was started after the SF earthquake as a reason for those affected by the earthquake to free their minds from all else that had happened- a day to let loose, not think about life’s problems, and be happy.  Since then the race has evolved and grown to include people such as myself who travel their specifically for this B2B, so the race has evolved into something even bigger than it was back then- something for a city to look forward to, to something for people all over the country to look forward to, the one thing that has remained the same is that people still look forward to this event for the same reasons it was started, to not think about all the other things going on around us and actually celebrate life for a day.  To those who come from near and far for B2B, the weekend is viewed almost as a holiday, people start looking forward to the next year’s race as soon as they wake up Monday morning. 

Some of the complaints I have read are from those who live on the route.  This has to be a relatively small number of people since at least half the house’s are having parties in the houses overflowing with people.  For those who live there and choose to not partake in the events, is it really that big of a deal?  Sure it might get annoying with the music and people everywhere, but seriously, it only lasts for a few hours, 1 day a year.  I know one of the big argument’s is the public urination, which I do agree is out of hand.  This should not be a reason to punish the 100k people that show up.  Instead the city and AEG should be working to find solutions such as more port-o-poties, or setting up some “men’s only” ones that have troughs in a tent which would allow a much greater amount of people (Wrigley Field is set up this way and the lines never stop moving), also it would help if the security was just stricter on public urination.  As for the trash, the simple answer is there needs to be more trash receptacles.  Of course these are things easier said than done and I don’t think AEG should be completely responsible for supply the thousands of people who don’t register which brings up the issue of paying for the additional facilities, trash bins and the clean up to follow the race.  There has to be solutions out there for this.  The one obvious one would be that the entry fee for the race should be lowered, and the cap on participants removed.  When the entry fee was raised, the number of entrants dropped significantly. It is $52 to register now, assuming the race sells out this year that is $2.6 million.  If they lowered the cost to $30 and didn’t have a cap on registration (and actually enforced that those on coarse registered), and say the registration went back up to 100k- that is $3 million- almost an addition half million for cleanup costs.  There could also be a runners fee and a walkers fee- $52 for runners and $25-$30 for walkers.  This would mean more than $500k towards those costs.  It doesn’t seem fair to charge more for runners, however, the runners are going to pay $52 either way, the walkers are going to show up either way so you might as well lower the cost for them and get something out of them.  This might also involve having something set up at the start or a separate walker start with tables for day of registration.  Another thing that can be done is take donations on the B2B website to help recover costs.  While this may not raise millions, it would surely raise enough to help cover costs.  I know on the web site for the Citizen’s for the Preservation they are set up to take donations, only problem is not enough people probably know about the site to go donate.  Floats- if they were to be allowed again, make them pay more to register.  I know a problem has been the clean up with the floats, just make the cost to register them high enough to were less will be registered and if the city is stuck disposing of them then they won’t be out money because the registration covered the costs.  It seems there is a number of solutions to some of the problems people have with the race.  Since people are going to show up no matter the regulations AEG and the City should be spending more time coming up with solutions than trying to cut everyone off completely.  Not to mention the money spent on the fight against alcohol and floats is probably enough to cover the cleanup costs alone.

As I’m sure everyone is aware, B2B brings in hundreds of millions of dollars to the California economy each year.  Adding all the regulations will have a major impact on that number and there is no way this can be overlook, not by a state who struggles to pay back income taxes to its citizens.  That is why this event needs to be looked at on a larger level than AEG simply having different values than those who join the race and a majority of those who live in SF.  I don’t care where your city is located or how wealthy the city is, this would be a huge boost to any city.

This race has been around 100 years, there weren’t problems until it was taken over by AEG.  When they took over, they know what the race was and that is what was inherited.  There is no reason to take from people what they already had just because of the values of a small percentage of the people disagree.  This is America, and the power should be in the numbers not in the money as it all to often is.  People want the race, they want it to remain the same.  Please, don’t take away from the race and what it was started as, what it has become and what it can remain for many years to come!

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, 

Mike S

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Hello,

I’ve been enjoying this classic part of San Francisco since before I moved here in 2004. Experiencing the joy with so many people in 2004 was part of what convinced me to move to the city from Seattle in 2005.  Since, Bay to Breakers has been my personal Christmas and when I want people to experience true San Francisco, I invite them into town for B2B.  Friends and family from out of town have all participated.  I’m saddened to hear that a huge corporation would have the chance to take away some of SF’s spirit.  Please do all you can to save the B2B that I know and love.

All the best, Caitlin J

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I don’t support AEG’s relentless efforts to sanitize San Francisco fun and culture from this city’s signature annual event, Bay to Breakers.

A million people showed up for the SF Giants World Series parade, an event organized in a few weeks and 10 times the size of B2B. The reason this event was so successful was proper planning and proper resources. Why can’t the same thing happen at B2B?

Thank you!

Krystal K

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I cannot believe with the extreme taxes and prices of parking meters, tickets, auto registration, bridge toll increases and just about every other service in the city that you are trying to stop the 100th Bay to Breakers!  One day of the year.  The city can’t figure out how to manage this event?  I agree that it can get rowdy and the clean-up must be somewhat expensive, but don’t the people of San Francisco deserve this!?  It is an extremely good time that brings the people of the city, county and people from all across the country together in celebration.  There should be a way to donate money for cleanup, or the official registration should not be “sold out”.  

Once again, I am appalled that the city would try to bring an end to the fun on the centennial celebration of Bay to Breakers.

J. Hooks