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

On June 5 they littered my house with their unsolicited paper.I cannot find anywhere on their…read morewebsite to unsubscribe to something I never subscribed to.By the way the litter is again in the street. They have made people customers without their consent,that includes me .

The Beacon is where I always turn to, for reliable local tradespeople…read more.... The editor; publisher..., Paul Kozak, would not have any "second rate" merchants, restaurants, and trades people. The Beaon, and its sister pub, the Richmond Review, have been pillars of the community for 20+ years.

Everything went well. The best newspaper in the world. I am truly amazed at the quality and…read moreprofessionalism of all the writers and photographers.

I love the Richmond Review and look for it every time it comes out…read more Very interesting local news, it's how I learn what is going on in my neighborhood. I especially like to learn about new businesses and construction projects, and the historical articles. Also the police blotter and the police captain's column are useful and increase awareness of crime trends and how to prevent yourself from being a victim. This month I learned about a web site leadsonline.com, from the police captain's column, where you can register your electronic items, and other valuables, in a nationwide database, for free. Over 4,000 police agencies use this site to find owners of recovered property.

I love zyzzyva and the writers and writing community it supports. it doesn't feel fussy; it feels…read morecharming and engaging and intimate, like a good and true and sassy friend. i didn't realize there was a yelp page for it until i belatedly read howard junker's blog asking for people to yelp it, so here i am. when i lived in l.a. (before coming back to the City), i caught a reading of zyzzyva writers at the awesome skylight books, and howard was even there. it was a great night. not just because of the free wine and cheese. it felt familial in a literary way. the wine and cheese did help. i admit it.

With stories and poems that both your…read moreanarchist-genderbending-all-black-wearing-comparative-literature-grad-school-attending friends and your Oprah's-Book-Club-reading relatives can enjoy, ZYZZYVA is San Francisco's best literary journal that doesn't include DVDs, combs, stories by Icelandic authors, and color pages. It's also the city's best literary journal that comes out on time. Yeah, McSweeney's, you know I'm talking to you.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will admit that I am one of the main photographers for this…read moreBay Area based hip hop magazine. With that said, if you don't know about it, it's about time you get on the yellow bus and ghost ride that whip. Seriously. In addition to being a FREE pocket sized bi-monthly magazine that offers the latest news on your favorite Bay Area hip hop artist, Stash covers national artists as well as local industry cats and non-profit community organizations. So it's not just the "hyphy shit" but a little bit of everything else. Mixing education with entertainment. If you can't find a copy, the website (www.stashonline.com) is equally informative since every page of every issue is digitally scanned for your viewing. What more can I say that you can't figure out yourself? Read it.

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.

From the owner: Drink Me Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for the alcohol enthusiastread more