Publisher's Note
by Jim Berg
This is the third issue of the NoHo News, which is the first milestone. I can actually say with confidence that this thing is going to fly. The response has been very positive. In addition to myself, I now have a few people who are writing for the magazine — look for their by-lines in this issue.
I would like to thank all of the advertisers, for without them, this would not be possible. Since the beginning, this magazine has broken even, which I’m told is quite an accomplishment. Special thanks goes to the advertisers in the first issue, for they risked their advertising dollars on just an idea. In particular, I want to thank the Valley Theatre League, who have supported the idea from the beginning despite their own financial difficulties. For theatres that are notoriously short on funds to put up money to advertise in a magazine that didn’t even exist yet shows that it has something to do with kindred artistic spirit.
Please support this magazine by supporting its advertisers. Use the coupons — it shows them that somebody is actually reading this thing. As more advertisers come on board, more pages will be added, which will enable the magazine to expand its scope.
In addition to the current coffeehouse column, theatre criticism and feature articles, I would like to add a record and book column, a column covering the visual arts, and a column covering music. I would like to have the NoHo Arts District as the cultural center of the San Fernando Valley. If you are interested in getting involved with this thing, don’t hesitate to call or write — especially if you are a potential advertiser. If you have money and would like to make an exciting investment, call me. If you are a writer, I will consider submissions.
On a different note, I am putting together a crew of graffiti artists — note the emphasis on artists — to do a series of murals in the area. A big part of the idea is to direct kids away from tagging and gangs and into non-violent forms of expression. This has led to the creation of the North Hollywood Youth Council (NHYC), which is addressing head-on the violent gang problem in our community. There will be more details to come. If you would like to support the mural project, contact this magazine. ♦