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Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2006 22:38:39 -0700 (PDT)
From: black_tiger_40 Arnold <thebigstud40@yahoo.com>
Subject: Yeah, moving aint easy
I looked up at your window as I ate my Double Whopper.
The Whopper was pretty good.
I was thinking that someone was going to open the window and start yelling at me for enjoying myDouble Whopper.
I endure living next to a crack mama and an asshole, psycho old man and I don't move so I understand why you also don't want to. I have a nice little apartment for $875 and I know if I move I will probably have to go live in the Tenderloin or move to the East Bay or even out of the Bay Area because of the sky rocket rents here in San Francisco.
I don't think I would hate living next to Burger King as much as you, Whatever you do or whatever happens, I hope you can find peace and comfort in your life in the future
J

 

From: "Barry Druschel" <bdruschel@yahoo.com>
Subject: the Burger King Fight

Well Harry,

I understand your frustration, and I don't think that IF burger king or the
landlord is breaking the law that they should be able to get away with it.
but there are always two sides to every story-
My question to you is- Why the hell do you RENT?! Dear Lord, there are
hundreds of apartments available in San Francisco and you choose to live
next to this?

I could be wrong and there could be something that I am missing, please
correct me if I have the fact that you rent wrong.

Barry in San Francisco

 

Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2005 21:38:29 -0700

Harry,

I understand, there are costs associated with everything. I wont argue with
you about it, but I don't think that moving involves losing a MONTH of
productivity. Higher rent- yes. you would probably have to move to a
different neighborhood and that is very frustrating.
New stationary? Reconnection Charges?? Are you telling me, that you would
rather sit and bitch about your apartment, wasting God knows how much time
posting this whine on the internet all because you don't want to buy new
stationary or have your telephone moved??

I think you may want to consider re-evaluating your priorities in life.

 

Date: Tue, 26 Jul 2005 15:52:04 -0700

Harry,

I couldn't care less about Burger King, especially since I know that
resolving the whole issue simply involves you moving to a different
apartment (all tax deductible by the way, even the $20 you have to spend for
"reconnection charges", and the money for new stationary). Harry, what did
you occupy your self with before BK moved in? Don't you have anything
better to do than to wallow in your own self pity?

I am far from a dedicated customer at BK, I wrote to you and researched the
problem because I wanted to see what kind of person plasters their own
windows with homemade signs, making there home look ridiculous.

Harry, I hope this is all just some big joke, something that you can laugh
about and that brings you joy. My opinion is that you should move, just like
everyone else would have done. Incredible. Harry, you could have probably
cured cancer with all the energy you have spent on this bull crap. Good
luck on your quest. Just keep in mind that you have no one to blame but
yourself for your misery. Have fun playing the victim, personally I would
rather look back on my life and say I did something worthwhile.

Barry

 

From: "Barry Druschel" <bdruschel@yahoo.com>

Harry,

You need to hire a PR consultant. you may have a legitimate beef with BK's
but the way you approach the problem turns a lot of people off. Of course
the owner isn't going to meet with a community board, why would they, they
have no reason to.

As I have mentioned, I have no intention of intervening on your behalf- this
is your spat, childish as it appears. I find it amusing that because the
world doesn't give you exactly what you think you deserve, then everyone is
out to get you, they also being sanctimonious, etc.

As I have said- HARRY, YOU RENT! Either take them to court, call the
renters board, stop your crying, or move (or some combination of the above).
it makes no sense that you would rather sit in your apartment and bitch
about this grievance and wallow in your self pity than get off your butt and
move.

if you were handicapped, or mentally disabled, or had a legitimate reason
that you HAD to stay where you are, I might have a different attitude. but
you are an intelligent man, fully capable of earning a living in this one of
the most expensive cities in the country.

Its your call Harry, you can cry that you live in an apartment that is not
to your liking, or you can take control of your life, move to a different
place and have a better existence.

I wish you happiness with whichever path you chose.

Barry

 

From: "Burger King 8725" <****@alltel.net>
Subject: BK
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 17:56:11 -0400

I currently work for Burger King, and I agree with you totally. It wouldn't cost that cheap bastard that much money to divert his greasy smoke. Nor would it cost him that much to pay someone a few hours a day to clean up outside the restaurant, including the BK trash that may be off property. Keep fighting!! We need guys like you to keep the rest of us in line.

 

Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 14:03:09 -0700 (PDT)
From: Noemi M******t <noemi@*****.com>
Subject: yuck
X-Scanned-By: MIMEDefang 2.43

I've disliked fast food places since long before Super Size Me came out.
If I could boycott them any more than I do now, I would.

I cannot believe people are telling you to move. What the fuck is wrong
with the people in this country?

From: Ja*****3@aol.com
Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2004 03:23:42 EDT
Subject: video interview?

 

I have lived in the sunset district for the past 4 years and applaud your
efforts to rid the neighborhood of Burger King. I walk past it every day and it
reeks!

I work in the film and video industry and I am currently taking a video
class. One of our assignments to do a short piece - mini documentary - on a
subject in our neighborhood. I was wondering if I could talk to you about filming
a brief interview with you about your struggles with Burger King over the past
few years.

Hope to hear from you in the near future.

Regards,
Jennifer Kelley

 

Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2004 23:05:55 -0800
To: internetmail@savethemanatee.com
From: The Veatches <***s@mindspring.com>
Subject: Fighting Burger King

I am doing a school report on how the fast food industry sells food that they know is bad for their patrons but they sell it anyway so that they can make mo' money. Do you know of any organizations that are doing what I am trying to do? Thanks. By the way, that Burger King is nasty.

~~~~~C.J.

"Hey Hey Kids! Hoo Hoo Hoo Ha Ha Ha!" ----Krusty the Klown

yet another bizarre comment....

Subject: Your Campaign Against BurgerKing
Date: Sat, 15 May 2004 06:22:30 +0100
I moved to the Sunset about six months ago. I must have passed your place dozens of times, but for some reason, today I looked up from the N-JUdah and saw your sign. I immediately understood what you are on about.
For months now, I have had to put up with the disgusting merchants on 20th and Irving who, rather than pay for commerical garbage disposal, use the public trash cans, which are consequently left overflowing, attracted rats and diseases. Of course, as soon as I complained about this, I was accused of being a racist. Why is it in San Francisco that if you're Irish you have to put up with insults left, right and center about priests, terrorists and drunks, yet as soon as you level a justifiable charge against an Asian owned business you're labeled a racist? I'm sick of the San Francisco Gay Buardian idiots who think they run this city. Good luck to you in your endeavors to make the Sunset a cleaner, more livable place. I checked out the BK tonite lest anyone say I don't know what I am talking about. It was disgusting. It stank, it was filthy inside, and it attracted a bunch of low-life outside. It should be shut down or at least the hours restricted.
Guy Bague

not the brightest bulb....

From: "kris engel" <beausefus103@hotmail.com>
To: editorial@savethemanatee.com
Subject: burger king
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2003 20:15:03 -0700

I would think that the previous chinese market would smell many times worse than the burger king. I eat at that burger king once or twice a week, and I've never seen any problems across the street relating to the restuarant's clients (or any problems for that matter).

---Kris

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "kris engel" <beausefus103@hotmail.com>

Subject: Re: burger king
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2003 06:24:02 -0700

Most every chinese market I've ever encountered has a smell horrible. As to why they smell, I don't know because the nasty waft from the doorway is enough to keep me out.
I can't comment on the rats, but I do know that the city health inspectors (because the are very nice) stopped inspecting chinatown eating establishments and markets because they'd have to shut down that whole section of town do to the total disregard for regulations cleanliness and all that is healthy. I heard this directly from one of the inspectors themselves.
I eat at Burger King because it's cost effective and it does actually taste good in moderation. That of course is my opinion; you may not like it yourself. As for me, it is undoubtedly the best value within a two-block radius; I got a meal today for $3.03 (with tax) tat filled me up. If you can name a place with a better value than that, (that can also have it ready within three minutes since I'd be buying it on my 30 minute lunch break) I'll gladly try it out.
As for their "lying" and "bribing" in order to open, I could really give a shit. As far as I have noticed, almost every single business in this city lies about space allocation and usage. If not, the city zoning commission would shut down the majority of the city. I don't know about you, but I like this city and would like to see it remain in tact and functioning, because I enjoy living here, and judging by your website, you damn sure don't want to move.
What about the guy who had a heart attack? I really don't think a Whopper and a side of fries could ever be the primary cause of a heart attack. From what I understand, and from what common sense tells me, a heart attack is caused from years and years of lack of exercise, genetics, age, diabetes, and diet. I really doubt that Burger King was the cause of his death. Do you think that we should shut down all the other restaurants that people have died in? Perhaps my uncle's house should be condemned as well. (By my perceptions of your lines of logic, it would seem these would be the next steps)
Anyway Harry, I think your lack of argumentative skills and inability to reason is funny. I wonder if you've ever actually debated something formally, with facts and reasoning.
Thanks for the laughs
---Kris

Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2004 23:05:55 -0800
Subject: Fighting Burger King
X-Scanned-By: MIMEDefang 2.39
I am doing a school report on how the fast food industry sells food that they know is bad for their patrons but they sell it anyway so that they can make mo' money. Do you know of any organizations that are doing what I am trying to do? Thanks. By the way, that Burger King is nasty.~~~~~C.J."Hey Hey Kids! Hoo Hoo Hoo Ha Ha Ha!" ----Krusty the Klown

another genius....

X-Sent: 4 Feb 2004 23:00:06 GMT
From: "John Mark Harrell" <johnmark@harrell.net>
To: <internetmail@savethemanatee.com>
Subject: here's a suggestion
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 14:59:54 -0800
i can understand that you are very frustrated about this burger king, and from your descriptions it sounds pretty bad, but if you really hate it that badly, i'll give a sure remedy that will definitely work! MOVE! you have obviously tried, and i have lived in your area for about six years and for six years i see the same thing in your window, and i just laugh every time i drive by. you are not going to win this battle, unless burger king goes out of business, so quit putting yourself through all this misery? how can you sit there and take it? you've tried everything, so just get out of there, and you will be happier, and you won't be wasting your time in a useless battle trying to boycott burger king. if you are angry that they built burger king and kicked out that chinese restaurant, maybe you should just go and try to change the laws of the constitution! they have every right. the owner raised the price...so thats how it is. maybe the owner needed money! i don't know! but you need to see that you have a good point, but no one is going to be able to change anything about it, especially since bk happens to be one of the largest fast food companies in america...but i'm not arguing for bk either. i'm just trying to help you, you're wasting time and efforts on something that is completely not worth it. san francisco is big, and with plenty of apartments. i'm sure you can find one that is peaceful...you can probably find any apartment that is more peaceful then the one you are in right now.
best wishes,
john mark

Reply-To

From: Eqifeathers@aol.com
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 21:16:12 EST
Subject: Burger King

Dear Sir,
I am sure that I will not be nearly as elqent as you wre in stating issues that you have dealt with dealing with Burger King. I would like to to tell you of an instance that I encountered while visiting a Burger King in Shelbville, Kentucky, located on Shelbyville Road.
My girlfriend and I were shopping in the above mentioned city and decided to grab a quick bit to eat, and choose the above mentioned Burger King. We parked in the lot outside the resturant and proceeded to to the front door.The time is about 6:50pm on 12-23-03. When we arrived at the door we discovered that the door was locked, but there seem to be people in the store that were eating meals.I again tried the door upon the suggestion of my girlfriend that I may have attempted to open the door the wrong direction, again the door seemed to be locked. We walked around to the front door thinking that maybe due to the fact that is was so near Christmas that fear of robberies or crime had caused the locking of the door from the parking lot.But apparently this was not the case. Because the other door was locked also.
        One of the customers got up and came to or aid and opened the door from the inside. I stated "are they closed or what?"He replied and said no, I just got hear and they are serving.When we arrived at the counter the girl stated that the drive through was open, but there was no sign stating that at either of the entrances.
She did agree to take our orders, but when they were delivered they were wrong and had to be re-done. THen I ask where are our cups and she ask if I wanted one or two. ( My thought at this point) Why would you say that?Iif you don't know if I paid you then should you not look, and if I did would I not want what I paid for? After getting the food and seat ourselves, we observered several other black persons in one of the corners of the resturant. The one black individual,continually use the F... word, and sang out loud as though he were on a street corner or in a park. The girls that were seated with him spoke in much the same way without the singing. Then I noticed that the gir that waited on us came tot eh table where the other blacks were seated and layed he head on the table as if she were taking a nap. Then I assme that the manager joined them and it became similiar to a party for the employees.
During all this time the floor appeared not to have been moped in some time, and there were Burger King paper wrappers all over the floor.
          I know that what I have had to say in my writting do not come close to what you have had to endure with Burger King. On the other hand I have made a personal vow that I will never eat a Burger King again and will inform all persons that I know to do the same thing.
I reget that you have had to deal with Burger King and the owner of same and hope that I never have the bad fortune on having to do the same.
I would like to also comment that I have in vain tried to reach some corporate member or division of Burger King to inform them of what is taking place in their franchises. Burger King seems to care less that millions of dollars are spent on advertising to get customers in their stores, only to have them feel as though they have come to a dirty gang fight to eat.
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors to remove Burger King, and the stinch that follows them.
John Lowery

 

Reply-To: "Bridge Communications Co., Ltd." <bpa98@mweb.co.th>
From: "Bridge Communications Co., Ltd." <bpa98@mweb.co.th>
To: <internetmail@savethemanatee.com>
Subject:
Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 14:31:37 +0700

BK in thailand are stink . Their advertisment picture show the burker thick and big but they serve thin layer of burker and not as good as it look . they spend a lot of money for good location and cut down the quality of the food they serve that is why Mc donal do much better for they are bad in the same point to but they don't charge as much . I don't care how much it cost just give me what they show in the picture .

X-Originating-Email: [tansut@msn.com]
From: "sasha arzoumanian" <tansut@msn.com>
To: internetmail@savethemanatee.com
Subject: Comment On WhopperStomper.com
Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 15:06:11 -0700

Okay, You wanted comments about your legal actions against Burger King. Chances are you will never post this on your site because I can assure you it's not what you want to hear.
I think you're an idiot! As a matter of fact I ate at that Burger King just because of your sign in your window. This is the United States where people have the freedom of speech so you're more than welcome to your opinion. You live in San Francisco, if you hate the smell so bad there are roughly about a billion other apartments you can live in. Also have you ever heard of capitalism? If you were causing me problems I'd assult you too. So if you have any courage what so ever you will post this on your Site.

SINCERELY
SASHA ARZOUMANIAN

'

Date: Sat, 7 Dec 2002 21:17:43 -0800 (PST)

From: Breanne McCormick

Subject: booger king

Hi, First, you are not a "F#&*(@&" prick as that guy said, but I'm sure you know this. Second, how dare people comment that YOU should move, when Burger King came to YOUR area! Why should YOU move? Third, have you ever thought of a court action in nuisance? Bad smells have been ruled as nuisances before. Fourth: About the loud deliveries: what are the noise bylaws in your area?æCould Burger King be violating them? GOOD LUCK! -B

 

 

Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 09:26:28 -0800 (PST) From: T B

Subject: Burger King

I can't even imagine the hell you're going through. There are a couple of Burger Kings off a major highway here. When you drive by (if you have the windows open or your car vents open) all you can smell is greasy burger meat. Flame broiled -- nasty. I won't lie -- I have eaten at Burger King a million times. After hearing your problem(s), I doubt I will. An added note: most of the employees that work at Burger King are extremely unprofessional. Just my opinion.

--Dave, somewhere in Texas

From: Donna Tatum

Subject: Date: Fri, 6 Dec 2002 16:48:03 -0800

I found it interesting that the Pro-Burger King comments all sound like they were written by someone with a 2nd grade education who has been huffing for 6 hours. Don't give up your fight. I hope you make enough of a stink that the next franchise business think twice before opening in your neighborhood

 

 

Date: Sat, 07 Dec 2002 01:12:57 -0600

Subject: Huh? From: Pat O'Neal

I thought we lived in a nation that allows for capitalism? And, what does a Burger King have anything to do with culture-ism? If you don't like where you live than move or do you expect BK to do the same but, of course, not you.

Date: Sat, 07 Dec 2002

From: rogerp@***.com

Subject: I am sorry for your situation.

I will be boycotting Burger Kings here in Kansas City Greetings, So sorry to hear about your dilemma. Our family went through a similar situation when a piece of property that had been in our family for 70 years was 'condemed' by the transit authority to make into a park and ride. We fought them at huge expense for three years just to get a almost fair price out of the property as compared to surrounding properties. Their first offer was for 1/10th of the properties appriased value. Instead of family businesses like were in the property, it now has a giant Wallgreens and a bus stop. I am sick every day I pass by and see it and remember what it used to be. We were literally forced out of the piece of property by lawyers. By the end of the ordeal, we were just happy to get an almost fair price out of the land (over an acre on a busy 100,000 cars a day corner here in KC). You would not have believed the tactics they used to get the property. I am sure situations like yours happen all of the time all over the United States. The zoning laws are there for a reason to keep places like Burger King on the highway and away from community neighborhoods like yours. Shame on Burger King for continuing this franchise where it is causing someone such great distress in their day to day lives. And shame on them for allowing the owner to use loopholes in the system to build it in a community neighboorhood where it will bother the residents like you. I intend to write them on your behalf and perhaps other people will do likewise. In the meantime, I would suggest that you take care of yourself and try not to get too worked up about it. Run for city office or something so you can change the way things are. Focus your anger on something positive and don't give yourself a heart attack. I would also suggest that you move to a different location as seeing the BK there everyday can not be good for you. Best of luck in your continued fight. This does not let them win, it just lets you survive to continue fighting them. I will not eat at BK anymore, even though I used to stop by from time to time to get an order of greasy french toast sticks or a crossiant for breakfast. It is no doubt good for my health that I am doing this. I would suggest others who read your plight and feel sympathy for you do likewise. Kindest regards, Roger

 

X-Sender: rogerp@pop-server.kc.rr.com

Date: Sat, 07 Dec 2002

From: rogerp@***.com

Subject: One more thing

Sorry, I just keep thinking about your plight and it makes me sick. I can't imagine what life is like for you waking up every day to 4AM deliveries (wity alarm) and that greasy smell wafting into your windows. Burger King has NO PLACE in your neighboorhood. I have a sister that lives in Monterey, CA and we will be out to visit her one of these days. My mother happens to be handicapped and I was wondering if there was adequate handicapped parking and a way for her to get into the establishment. We might just stop by and have some french toast sticks in the morning and make sure that they are complying with the ADA. It seems that would be hard to do in 1000 sqft. If there is anything else I can do, please let me know. Also, if you can could you please send me the following digital pictures. I am going to make a Flash Cartoon that shows your plight. I need, A angle shot of you laying in your bed with your bedroom window showing (open) with your eyes open and closed as if sleeping, a shot of the front of your building, A shot of the BK's smokestack (with smoke coming out if possible), a shot showing the BK and your apartment building and your mugshot from your arrest if possible or permission to use the face shot on your website, A shot with the BK's doors open and as many pictures of the owner as unflattering as possible (standing, driving his benz, etc..), and a shot of the truck making deliveries at 4AM. A picture is worth 1000 words and I am sure you will like this cartoon when I am done. I will send it to you for inclusion on your website if you like it. If I can make one good enough and funny enough, perhaps it will get you some more visitors to your website and more public awareness of your plight. Kindest regards, Roger

 

X-Sender: rogerp@pop-server.kc.rr.com

Date: Sat, 07 Dec 2002

From: rogerp@kc.rr.com

Subject: One other thing

I am sure you have thought of this, but have you ever measured how much space the Burger King takes up. It is hard for me to believe that they are operating in 1000 sqft as the rules state. If they are over the 1000 sqft, their might be something you can do. You said in your article that their is a vacant building next to their property. Are they using this to hold inventory or anything, if they are then they are over the 1000 sqft. That is a very tiny amount of space to operate a restaurant in. It is hard for me to believe they are doing that. Get a contractors measuring wheel or a untrasonic measuring device and check it out. Best regards, Roger

 

Note: The Burger King is actually using a space in the back illegally as an office. However, it is impossible to get the city to enforce this violation.

 

Date: Sat, 07 Dec 2002

06:01:33 -0600

To: internetmail@savethemanatee.com

From: rogerp@888.com

Subject: Theme song for the cartoon Sung to the theme of 'Beverly Hillbillies'

Come and listen to a story about a man named Harry

A poor book author, tryin to keep his neigborhood merry,

Then one day he was sleepin in his bed, And from next door came a smell of something dead.

Meat that is, hamburgers..nasty grease.

Well the first thing you know old Harry's gaspin for air, Neighbors said "BK move away from there" Said "Next to the highway is the place you ought to be"

So they opened up the doors and stunk up the com-mun-ity. Rotten grease that is french fries. flame broiled whoppers.

Still workin on it..whatcha think?

 

 

Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2002 19:22:43 -0600

From: qate

Subject: Burger King DOES smell

To: internetmail@savethemanatee.com

Reply-to: kallen111@comcast.net Importance: Normal

X-Priority: 3 (Normal) I live in Kansas,æhundreds of miles from any coast, æand have only seen seagulls circling in two places: Landfills and Burger King.

 

From: "Bob Simms"

Subject: BK

Date: Sat, 7 Dec 2002 09:55:31

 

Don't worry dude they are in chapter 11 now.

Bob Simms

 

Subject: SORROW

Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2002 12:33:13 -0800

Thread-Topic: From: "Virginia M. Tessier"

02 Dec 2002 20:33:14

I HAVE SEEN YOUR SIGNS FOR YEARS AND NEVER KNOW WHAT IT WAS ALL ABOUT. THANK YOU FOR THE WEB SIT. I WENT INTO THAT BURGER KING ONCE AND DID NOT LIKE THE SMALL OF IT. I HAVE NOT BEEN BACK IN YEARS. IT IS VERY SAD WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPING TO THIS CITY OF OURS. I HAVE LIVED HERE FOR 17 YEARS AND IT JUST KEEPS GETTING WORSE. I LIVE OUT IN THE SUNSET TWO BLOCKS FROM THE OCEAN. IT USE TO BE A VERY NICE QUITE PLACE TO LIVE. BUT NOW ALL THE NICE LITTLE COTTAGES ARE BEING TORN DOWN FOR HIGH RISE APARTMENT COMPLEXES. MY NEIGHBOR HAD HER CAR BROKEN INTO. THERE ARE A LOT OF KIDS RUNNING AND SKIED BOARDING UP AND DOWN THE STREET AND I CAN NOT PARK NEAR MY HOME ANY LONGER. MOST OF THIS IS WILLIE BROWNS FAULT. HE IS THE WORST THING TO HAPPEN TO US SENSE THE EARTH QUAKE. I TRIED TO BUCK THE MUNI PROBLEMS AND ENDED UP LIKE YOU NEVER GETTING ANY WERE. IT IS A SHAME BUT WE THE LITTLE PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO GET OVER THIS BECAUSE WE WILL NEVER HAVE THE ONE THING THAT TALKS ( MONEY ).. I AM SORRY FOR YOUR PROBLEMS. WE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT PEOPLE THAT LIE TO THE POLICE AND IN COURT WILL PAY SOMEDAY.. GOOD LUCK..

Sun, Jul 14, 2002

X-Originating-IP: [80.5.47.73]

From: "David Willis"

Subject: u prick

Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2002

u are a fucking prick, what bout the people who work for burger king who could end up out of a job. Dick head

 

Read about corruption and expediter Walter Wong

 

June 30, 2001

I live around the corner on 8th and Irving and I pass by the Burger King all the time. I think its totally unreasonably that you have to put up with the stench of flame broiled beef right next door to your home. I sometimes avoid that section of ninth avenue just so I donÍt have to inhale that awful odor and I think that something should definitely be done about it. If you ever need any help in your cause, please donÍt be afraid to ask as I am more than willing to lend a helping hand. DOWN WITH BURGER KING!

Jimmy McCracken

 

From: AntonNatalie@aol.com

Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 15:59:30 EDT Subject: u poor people! To: internetmail@savethemanatee.com Hi there My friend Fi told me about ur site cuz it waz up in a window and i fell sooooooo sorry 4 u! I'm only 13 and I live in Great Britain! I would hate 2 live next door Burger King! Go out smellin of grease, meet friends smell of grease, wash hair still greasy, wash skin still greasy and go 2 bed greasy.....yum! Well i hope u get 2 shove them out ur neighbourhood! Good Luck Luv Natalie Page

 

From the Sunset Beacon editor:

 

Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996

From: The Sunset Beacon Editor

Subject: Re: burger king

>What do you know about the plans for a Burger King at 1325 9th?

> >Harry S. Pariser >

Harry: Thanks for the tip. I knew a Burger King was coming soon to the Sunset, but did not know the address or whether any opposition would form. Can you let me know any more details? If there is any local reaction, we may have a story. If not, I'll probably want to mention it in the local business news section. If you are interested in doing the story, I can give you some sources and leads to follow. Chris

 

 

I have been following your tribulations, especially that last court appearance, in which as I have gathered the witnesses lied under oath. This is pretty outrageous, and it was a mockery of the judicial system as well. I hardly would call not wanting to smell grease an unreasonable desire. I do call his keeping the door open during work hours unreasonable, as he SHOULD have had the CORRECT variance from the city in the first place! There should be no need for open doors, for either "fresh air" or "the feeling of space" or "to attract customers." Perhaps we can hope for a long rainy season.... The people of Harbor Bay in Alameda, CA fought hard against a Taco Bell in their shopping center. They proved (and won) that these small fast food places sometimes attract the wrong kind of clientele. They also didn't want all the trash that comes from one of these places, or the loud noises of early morning trucks, and *this* was a shopping center, but on4e very close to residences. The Taco Bell never got the variance, but then Alameda is pretty tough in following through on licensing and variances. I gather San Francisco is not. Good luck Harry, I have always known you to be pretty peaceful if not opinionated, and opinions were allowed in the United States, last time I read the Constitution. I have also never known you to be a rascist....How could you? You write travel books, for pete's sake! This argument may be Mr. Szeto's petard. *sigh* --Danai

 

I wish that the "powers- that- be" will realize S.F.'s unique neighborhoods do not need more chain restaurants and coffee shops. Burger King should NOT be allowed to bypass permit requirements just because the space is less than a certain number of square feet. Please preserve local businesses, as they are one of the key ingredients of a neighborhood's ambiance.

Good luck, Harry

Deborah

Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997

From: My friend Joyce

Subject: poisoning of America at your doorstep Dear Harry, How dreadful to have Burger King encroaching on your space. There is a group in England protesting MacDonalds' as poisoning children, creating paper waste and the like. There is nothing real about their food. It is a shame they start with killing cows, their patties could easily be made from ground up cardboard. But they represent what middle America wants and loves and beleives in. I'm surprised there are not more weddings at Burger King. I am so sorry to hear they've landed on your doorstep and are permeating your living space with the stench of food poisoning in the works. --the first time I got food poisoning was at Burger King of Key Largo. Nearly died. We had been diving and were too tired to go to a restaurant and at that time the Keys had no delis or decent fast-food establishments. Oddly, the last time I got food poisoning was also in the Keys, but at their finest and most expensive restaurant. Nearly died. Think it was those Guatemalan rasberries. The chefs love to swirl rasberry sauce on everything these days. God forbid we recognize the food. The best swirling is at Ricks in Hilton Head on the East Coast.

May 1997

A letter I faxed to Fred Phillips who is responsible for bringing BKs to SF.

>Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 1997 12:12 AM

To: Fred E. B. Phillips > >Burger King > >

Dear Mr. Phillips:

> >I am just writing to advise you of new developments subsequent to our talk >this morning. > >As I related, the burglar alarm went off as the 18-wheel ProSource vehicle >drove up. ProSource retreated, and the alarm sounded shrilly for another >half-hour. > >When I went to relate these events to Mr. Szeto, he began ranting and >raving and ordering me out of his shop. He offered no apology for our lost >sleep. > >Later on, I again asked Mr. Szeto to keep his door closed to contain the >smell. > >As you know I have been complaining since December with clear legitimacy >that the food shop does emit a nasty smell and the door should be kept >shut. All other such places keep their doors shut, and Mr. Szeto should >follow their lead. There is no reason that residents should be forced to be >bombarded with the stench of grease any more than it is reasonable they be >woken up by deliveries at the ungodly hour of 4 AM! > >It is something that I feel that I do not have to live with. > >You had repeatedly pointed out to me that the Burger King had a ventilation >problem and that Mr. Szeto had assured you that he would be taking steps to >deal with this situation. > >The last time we spoke in this regard was over two months ago. You urged me >to stop my occasional closing of one of his doors and promised that, in >return, you would make sure the repairs were made. > >By this point, I had contacted many community members to ask them to >intercede in--what from my point of view--is a tiresome argument. I had >asked Rolf Mueller, Jon Barry, Supervisor Tom Ammiamo, Officer Henry Seto >(after he "detained" me for closing the door!), and Supervisor leland Yee >(over lunch). I also asked Community Boards to arrange a hearing: Mr. >Szeto refused to meet with me! > >In addition, Mr. Szeto would continually curse me out in public whenever I >would ask him about that door. And tell me I should "move" if I did not >like the situation. > >The fact is that Mr. Szeto's architect Gabriel Ng deliberately designed the >Burger King to be under 1,000 sq. ft. in order to avoid a public hearing. >Mr. Szeto, his foreman, and property owner Mrs. Lee all lied to me and >others--telling me (for example) that they did not know what the completed >restaurant would be called! This, just days before a meeting in Rolf >Mueller's office in which they confessed it would be a Burger King. The >permit was not on the computer (no accident: there needs to be an >investigation!), and the hearings were farcical. Thus, I have a reason for >feeling that I should have some input into how the place is run. I was >deliberately kept out of a say in the process! > >The reason that there are ventilation problems (and thus open doors exuding >stink) is the same reason that there is a noisy fan unit (which clearly >needs muffling) and an ugly smokestack next to my kitchen is now standing. >The operation is completely inappropriate to the location! > >To return from this digression and get back to the subject at hand, I >returned from a month's business trip to find that no repairs had been >made. The doors were still wide open. No signage inveighing against double >parking and littering had been implemented. > >Speaking to Mr. Szeto again, I still received the same response--calling me >an "asshole" and other charming epithets. I have repeatedly urged Mr. Szeto >to employ more polite language but to no gainful result as of yet! > >After the incident in which my landlord's front door's window had been >smashed, I phoned you and left a message because I felt that things were >getting out of hand. There was no response. I also contacted leland Yee >because I know he is sympathetic to Mr. Szeto and has the authority to gain >his ear. Later that day, Mr. Szeto encountered me and offered to fight me. >I declined his undoubtedly heartfelt offer because--not only do I not have >a violent nature--I feel pity not anger towards him. > >Several days later, the lock on the front door was broken; there were scuff >marks present on the bottom of the door. Evidently, someone had been >shaking the door back and forth violently. My landlord is quite upset about >this. So am I. And the damage is not covered by insurance. > >I have been trying to keep things low key all along. I don't want to be >personally responsible for Mr. Szeto's losing his franchise license. >Whenever the media has come to my door, I have simply said that I would >like to meet Mr. Szeto at Community Boards for a hearing. Mr. Szeto blows >up everything that happens to him and that only spreads the word. As I have >told the press, I do detest the acts of vandalism that have happened to Mr. >Szeto. However, tagged restrooms are what you can expect with that type of >customer! > >Mr. Szeto should have kept his promise to blend into the community. There >has been enough for us to tolerate (months of construction work, an >all-night PG&E repair right after the electricity was connected, juveniles >hanging out practicing kung fu moves, panhandlers, trash on my front steps, >a noisy fan unit, four AM deliveries, etc.) without his having deliberately >set out to make the situation as ugly as possible (or so it seems). > >This afternoon, after I stopped in to again ask him to keep at least one of >the doors closed (closing just one does wonders in terms of containing the >smell!) he ran out of the shop and put his fists up and asked me to "come >here." Naturally, having no inclination towards physical violence, I did >not. Then, he followed me across the street (where I was at the bus stop) >and started screaming "racist" at me. And telling bystanders (to their >bewildered amusement) that "He is crazy. He is a racist." And so on. Many >people witnessed this incident, as they have others before it. I truly felt >sorry for him. > >I tried to tell him that he was not projecting a responsible image to the >community but to no avail. To call me a "racist" is not only laughable, it >undermines the position of others in this admittedly extremely racist >nation who have real reason to complain. I doubt that there is anyone who >has a problem with the Burger King who cares about the owner's ethnicity. >Most people had no idea! This recent trend in the Chinese community to try >to make everything into a racist issue is completely counterproductive! It >appears to be a Machiavellian-style attempt on the part of community >leaders to manipulate the less-informed members of that community. It has >no place here in San Francisco. > >I hope you will have a talk with him. I will continue to stand up for my >right to free speech. If he wants to keep both doors open, he should >respect that. > >So far, his modus operandi has only backfired! Instead of ignoring the "No >Burger King" poster I had in my window, he threatened to sue my landlord! >So I made a new poster that said "Boycott Burger King." Instead of talking >to his neighbors and attempting to resolve problems, he has repeatedly made >threats, false accusations, and veiled innuendoes. In short, he has >conducted himself in the worst manner possible. > >I hope that you will have a talk with him. Had you instructed him better, >the present situation might be different. > >Finally, on the issue of Mr. Szeto, I would like to say that I do hold you >personally responsible for part of the torment all of us have gone through >the past months. After all, Burger King has made it a deliberate policy to >target densely populated urban areas. However, they have not changed their >operating procedure. Fast food is simply not appropriate for the urban >environment unless it is in a separate structure with parking spaces. >Otherwise, it is inevitable that problems will occur. > >You knew that there had been community opposition to franchises in the >past, that the eatery would be situated on a Muni corridor (causing >inevitable problems with double parking), that deliveries would be made in >the middle of the night, and that people were living directly above the >restaurant. I am sure that you were aware of all of this. Yet, you approved >the location. Why? I have real problems with that! I really don't >understand why you promoted such an unethical project--one which has >violated the core spirit of our community. > >What I do credit you for is that you are at least receptive to complaints. >And you do try to make changes, even though they may take forever to take >effect! > >From your point of view, you are providing a valuable service to residents. >From my point of view, fast food franchises are sapping our neighborhoods >of their vitality. The reason for the City's popularity is its retention of >neigh borhoods and neighboorhood businesses. Food stores such as Burger >King receive food which is cost-reduced by mass delivery. This is not a >level playing field, and small restaurants can not compete with such >businesses that utilize advertising and movie tie-ins to ensure business. >Mr. Szeto would not be able to maintain his incredibly contemptuous >attitude had he not the ability to tap the subsidies of the Burger King >network. > >In fact, he is not a "local" businessman at all. Nothing on the menu is of >his selection. He is not able to organize art showings or have a bulletin >board. His employees are forced to wear tee-shirts with movie slogans. No >one would want to linger in a place voluntarily which has such an offensive >smell! His deliveries are brought in by large 18-wheelers in order to >provide economies of scale. Everything is according to formula; nothing is >original. The formulas have failed which is why he is had so many >difficulties to date. The Burger King formula, designed for strip malls, >has not > >Yet, given all this, one would believe that Burger King would see that San >Francisco is a unique place and at least make an effort to fit into the >local landscape. Not so, so far, with you and your compatriots! You erect >the most garishly ugly structures--treating a major thoroughfare like Geary >as if it were a strip mall and forever condemning Market Street to be a >Dante's Inferno of fast food and strip joints (which, by the way, have >better decor and more creative freedom for their employees). > >Yet, I know that change is possible. The Burger King in the historical zone >of Old San Juan is quite tasteful. It has no ugly glowing orange sign and >fits in rather well. But, undoubtedly, it was zoning regulations that >required your corporation to make changes. As long as our elected >officials continue to be corporate lemmings, very little will be changed. > >Thank you for your attention, and I hope to hear from you soon. > > >

Sincerely,

> > >Harry S. Pariser >

Subject: i only eat fast food

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997

hi there guys, whats wrong with your taste? i only eat at burger king, jack in the box, mc donals and so on. it is the best food you can think of. a lot of vitamins and very good substances. i love them. ok, i am pretty fat at the moment, but other food is disgusting, isnt it? last year i went to frace, and my chef took me to a french restaurant. They drink wine and eat ekelhaftes fishy stuff. never go to europe, it is primitive. they have only some fast food stores in paris, and no good steaks or french fries. so long parse

Date: Thu, 2 Oct 97 02:18:40 -0800

Good luck with the suit. From your home address, I have a pretty good idea which Burger King you're talking about. Scum. Hope it gets thrown out in your favor with prejudice.

Kyle

From my editor:

Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997

See if you can get a copy of your mug shot; we can put it in the front matter on the "About the Author" page! (I was kidding at first, but I kind of like the idea, actually! We could put in a little blurb about "the author goes to jail during his fight to stop a national burger chain from polluting the air in his neighborhood.) What do you think? Good luck in court.

From my brother:

Nov. 10, 1997

While I applaud your effort, enthusiasm, and creativity in fighting Burger King, probably the most repellent franchiser in the world (Nike isn't a franchiser), every endeavor has its limits, and jail is past the limit of commitment you need to make for the wrong that they have perpetrated. If they had refused to serve you because you were white, or your friend because she was black, then I would say, go to jail, call Jessie Jackson, and make them the object of a media frenzy. The sad truth is, however, that in today's USA, the vast majority of Americans eat regularly in franchise restaurants, the vast majority probably wouldn't want to have to live next to one, and the vast majority walk right by them without noticing the garbage or smelling the odors. I've only gotten to visit you in SF once as a free man, I'll probably not be getting to any California jails any time soon.

Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 16:45:33 -0400

To: internetmail@savethemanatee.com

Subject: Burger King

Hey-Leave Burger King alone! They are the best fast food resteraunt chain in the world

Date: Sat, 18 Oct 1997 19:48:53 +0000 Subject: Lenny Bruce and Burger King Priority: normal Hey Harry!!!!! Way to go in your fight against the stinky, smelly Burker King establishment next door. I hope you caught today's Chronicle in the Bay Area section. I guess you spoke with columnist Ken Garcia not too long ago. His whole column is on your fight against Burker King. Congratulations! Welcome to the world of fame! Feels pretty good, eh??? ;-)))) Thanks for the enjoyable evening on Lenny Bruce. Definitely have to do it again. Cheers, Byron

I tried responding to the following response. However, it came back! My responses are the ones not prefaced by >> marks...

I have serious doubts that you will even post this but I will have the >satisfaction of at least writing it.

>I am associated with the ONLY Burger King in Palm Springs Ca. and the first >restaurant to have a drive thru in that entire city. First of all lets get >this straight, Burger King does not stink, it happens to smell of Burgers. If >however you don't like the smell of hamburgers it is the same as me not liking >the smell of what my neighbors are cooking for dinner. They have a right to >cook what they please, just as any business owner has the right to operate a >legal business. It is up to the City to regulate where the business is >allowed to operate not a RENTER. You are not even a property owner ( you >mentioned your LANDLORD in the article), you have no investment in your >neighborhood, you pay no city property tax.

BS. We do pay taxes through our rent, and we DO NOT GET A TAX BREAK...

To address another thing, IF you >are indeed living in a business district, what are you complaining about? >Perhaps the city should just make it so you and others like you cannot live in >the area but make it for business only. ITS called ZONING. That will >eliminates the ridicules idea of yours that deliveries be banned from 11pm to >7am...what do you want to happen? The streets be blocked with delivery trucks >during business hours? I am so happy that the city of Palm Springs had the >foresight to NOT have to deal with block heads such as yourself. When they >ZONED an area for business they MOVED all RENTERS and residents out of the >entire area making it a BUSINESS DISTRICT ONLY. So think about it, if you >can't get along with the local business perhaps it is YOU that should NOT be >there.

It would help if you would go and read what I wrote before responding. Local businesses do not receive 4AM deliveries!

Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 11:50:19 -0800

Subject: Re: NWUchat: we are not alone Hi Harry -- Thanks for the post. How do I get on this thing? By the way, saw the story in the Chron.It was totally positive! Mark got a big kick out of the Burger King guy's quote "We are hoping he will soon go on a long assignment..." If you get a call about doing a travel book about the South Pole, Harry, don't go!!] As for Halloween, I'm not planning much this year. Have agreed to follow two friends around and do whatever they do. How about you? Do you have a costume? Cate

Date: Tue, 18 Nov 1997 08:31:58 -0800 (PST)

X-Sender: garciak@caen.sfchron.com

From: Ken Garcia

Subject: Re: Burger King Dear Harry: Sorry I haven't gotten back to you but I'm swamped. I have no reason to correct article since it was based on comments made by you and Mr. Szeto, and the judge is not going to make any ruling based on a damn newspaper column. If he did, he'd be disbarred. I've done what I can by calling attention to your plight and I think any court would sympathize and throw the whole case out. I'd be surprised if that didn't happen. Mr. Szeto is now trying to open other Burger Kings in other neighborhoods and I expect I'll be out there making sure he doesn't get involved in future shenanigans. Thanks for writing. And once again, I'm sorry I've been so slowing in responding.

Sincerely, Ken Garcia

From: Joyce

Feb. 9, 1998

When was your court date for the Burger King thing? Next week? Good luck, let us know so we can root for you. -- Fighting Burger King is tough as mothers are too busy to cook and don't care that their children or themselves are ingesting the pound of salt and Msg and God knows what other poisons are in the fast foods found at chains. America loves poisoning its children! I once helped out at a seaplane base adjacent to a restaurant that used a pound of msg and salt in every thing. I'd watch the people and children go in happy and come out hateful and nasty. All the salt causes brain swelling, but it's convenient so that's that. When nutrasweet first came out the Experimental Aircraft Association newsletters medical column warned pilots not to consume more than a couple of soft drinks with aspartarme in it as it causes dryness of the retina of the eye! This was covered over and now we have tons of wetting agents for eyes on the market.-- It is a crazy world we live in!

This is a letter which was published in the San Francisco Examiner:

> >Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 08:58:32 -0800 > >To: letters@examiner.com > >From: "Harry S. Pariser" >

>Subject: Letter to the Editor > >

Dear Editor:

> > > >Your recent article (Examiner, Sunday, November 15) on the impact of > >chains on San Francisco's neighborhoods fails to consider important > >factors with regards to the impact certain businesses have on a given > >neighborhood. > > > >One "consultant" quoted refers to a hypothetical neighborhood which might > >accept a Williams Sonoma but not a Rite Aid or a Burger King. The > >residents are charged with cultural snobbery. > > > >In the case of a Burger King, this burger factory is a franchise and not a > >chain. However, the question of ownership title is merely incidental. Of > >paramount importance is its effects on the neighborhood. > > > >Fast food restaurants cause litter, double parking, as well as problems > >with neighbors regarding odor and late-night deliveries. They also > >undercut neighborhood restaurants which do not receive the advantages of > >subsidized special pricing or of nationwide advertising and media-linked > >promotions. > > > >Likewise, a Rite Aid does is not merely a "pharmacy" but a variety store > >that can undersell our numerous mom-and-pop stores. It is for this reason > >that Inner Sunset merchants successfully staved off an invasion by the > >chain. > > > >No one is likely to double park in front of a Williams Sonoma and run in > >for a gourmet cooking item! Nor are a Williams Sonoma's product wrappers > >likely to litter a neighborhood. Nor would a Williams Sonoma compete on > >any level with more than a handful of neighborhood businesses. And then it > >would be quite competitive if not pricier. > > > >It is not a question of the character of patrons that a Burger King and a > >Rite Aid might attract. Rather, it is the effects their presence might > >have on a given neighborhood's quality of life that is of fundamental > >importance. The variety, vitality, and liveability of our neighborhoods is > >our strength. It is what magnetizes visitors and residents alike. > > > >We San Franciscans have been deprived of a proper voice vis a vis the > >catastrophic changes imposed on our neighborhoods. Our city > >government--especially the Mayor, Planning, and the Board of > >Supervisors--has failed us. They have sold us out. > > > >

Sincerely, > > > >

Harry S. Pariser

Subject: More support for Harry

Having lived next door to a 24-hour Kinko's, I know what it's like to be bothered day and night by noise, litter, etc.

The sad fact as I see it, is that local, community control over our economy and immediate environment (noise, air, etc.) is gradually slipping away from the citizenry. As more intrusion into our local lives is made by multinational corporations and franchises, the power to protect what we hold sacred (and often sadly take for granted) is slowly diminishing.

My having lived through this kind of Hell (and I don't use that term lightly - lack of sleep and ventilation have been used for thousands of years as a method of torture) is not my link to your struggle. This is a struggle for all of us. City, town and country, our communities are being invaded by big business. Our politicians and government agencies are part of the problem. We, as citizens, must organize and support one another for there's no telling who's next.

Whether it's Starbucks, Burger King or, now, Rite-Aid. Our neighborhoods are under attack. The day when Nike establishes a army you'll see what I mean.

>>Harry's struggle will be ours someday.

Greg

Inner Sunset neighbor

From: my friend Fred

Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 14:30:06 EST

Subject: Re: Burger King

aloha harry well...your attorney got hold of me the day before your trial... i signed all the necessary papers for witness and then never heard another thing until i read the article in the beacon. i have a few questions for you. is my memory correct that at the original hearing we went to that was loaded with chinese support...and i think it was an appeals hearing (quite frankly they all kinda get balled up into one with the brewery going on almost the same time as the burger king dispute)... wasn't eddie's rationale for coming to the sunset from sacramento that he just wanted to open a restaurant here so he could be closer to his parents....he never said he wanted to open a chain of burger kings in san francisco... isn't anyone somewhat appalled by the fact that now that he is on restaurant no. 4 that his is still using the exact same ploy of NOT TELLING the neighbors what he is putting into their neighborhood and THEY are still not being able to find out what is going in until it is too late.... is anyone making an issue of this...whom do you think is permitting this to continue...is it the chinese mafia inside the planning department that has yet to learn how to enter data into the computer????

and also:

Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 01:11:39 EST

Re: March '98 Sunset Beacon article

well harry looks like other people have also noticed a certain similarity with the means eddie boy used in getting his restaurants approved...however, it appears gary does not know that eddie was one of burger kings marketing guys for many years and i doubt sincerely with the way they have responded to you that they give a "rat's ass" about how they get into a location. but i think he makes some very valid points about keeping up the heat... i also think that a contingent of 9th avenue folks should appear at the hearing coming up for his "newest" restaurant to remind the board of appeals that eddie's behavior in tearing down the tiles, and the chimney are more in line with his manner of doing things.... i also am contemplating doing an article as a followup along these lines for the sunset beacon...whom should i contact there based upon what you know about the beacon these days.... fred

And also:

Date: Fri, 29 Nov 1996 21:50:13 -0500

Subject: reply to eddie szeto's faulty reasoning

A Response to Eddie Szeto & Burger King in the Inner Sunset Eddie Szeto, the owner of the Burger King planned for 1325 Irving Street, recently wrote a letter to the San Francisco Board of Supervisor's that was quoted in Keneth Howe's article in the San Francisco Chronicle. In it he stated to the Supervisors that "he was stunned" by the outcry...and has received so many threatening phone calls about his new establishment, that he felt compelled to get his phone number changed. But he then goes on to ask the rhetorical question, "How can a FEW local merchants speak on behalf of tens of thousands of residents..." Very interesting. At first Eddie tells the supervisors he feels compelled to change his phone number because he received SO MANY CALLS from the neighboring residents. And then he wonders how A FEW merchants can keep him from doing a business. So what is it Eddie... Is it the more than 1200 residents in the neighborhood who have already signed a petition informing you they have no desire for your kind of greasy fare in the neighborhood...OR...is it a few (unnamed) elitest merchants not wanting you to bring your garbage, greasy smells, and double parking mess into the neighborhood. Then Eddie tells the supes that his operation will increase the diversity of eating establishments in the neighborhood. Eddie... please look around the neighborhood you have chosen to enter. It's hard to find a country NOT already represented in this 4 block area in the style of its cuisine, or price range, that is not already in place and has been here for more than a decade. We have more than fifty restaurants in the area that range in price from 2.00 a meal to 30.00 a meal. We have chefs that prepare receipes from India, Thailand, China, Korea, Japan, Italy, Greece, not to mention the American diversity already in the neighborhood. The people I hear howling in the neighborhood are not howling to get Burger King fare, they are howling to make sure you stay out of our neighborhood. Instead of sneaking this fast food giant under the Inner Sunset rug, Eddie might have asked the people in the neighborhood if they would patronize a Burger King. If they said no, maybe you could have asked why. Maybe Eddie, you would have discovered first hand that many people in this area do not like greasy red beef patties of questionable origin. They like even less the mess of papers blowing in the wind on the corner of Ninth & Irving if your commercial establishment ever starts up. Is there even ONE fast food outlet that has opened anywhere in the city, that did not have its own parking lot to manage the number of cars necessary to make a fast food franchise profitable. Parking has been a problem in this area for a long time. Double parking on the single lane strip in front of the proposed Burger King will bring the MUNI to a halt. This corridor is very critical now that the Central Freeway has been demolished. More people in our area depend on timely Muni services to get them to their employment. All Sunset Muni activities are required to get through this corridor. Eddie told no one about his plans for the restaurant in our neighborhood. If he had asked people in the area he wanted to open his restaurant what they thought about a fast food service restaurant like Burger King, I am sure he would have learned how inappropriate the idea is and he would not have made such a poor investment. He would not have lied to get his permit. He would not have wasted his money. He could have selected an area where he had reason to believe he could prosper without causing so much despair for so many in one small area of San Francisco.

Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998

Subject: March '98 Sunset Beacon article

Hello Harry Pariser, I read the article today while having lunch, and was sympathizing with you. Then, as I read the article, and discovered that Burger King owner (on 9th) Eddie Szeto had obtained permits without public notification of the type of business he was to be engaged in. Then, as I read further, I discovered that he failed to do the same thing at the planned restaurant in the Western Addition. I think you and other concerned citizens have a case against Szeto and Burger King on this violation of not giving public notice. I feel the permit for the Burger King franchise on 9th Avenue should be revoked on that point alone. Only a devious (or ignorant) individual would not give public notice. I might accept ignorant if this was his first restaurant, but as the article states, his first Burger King has been open on Geary/3rd also since 1996. I have a couple ideas that might help. First, do you have Burger King's corporate address in Florida? Doesn't the franchise have certain requirements for parking and accessibility, and a process to follow if a newly opened restaurant does not meed certain criteria? Do you think the CEO of Burger King would be impressed with Mr. Szeto if he were sent a copy of the March 1998 Sunset Beacon article? Do you think the CEO would like to read about happy events surrounding his hamburger chain and locations that are profitable? Is this restaurant making any money based on dollars per square foot? When does Burger King consider abandoning an existing restaurant site? I do not know you. I do not know if you have compromised any legal gain with any actions mentioned in the article that could hamper what I have already mentioned, but I am willing to, as a rather well spoken Sunset resident, help. I feel you should keep the pressure on to restrict delivery times, require proper/strict dumping rules that can be measured and recorded. These are all health related and rather legal issues that must be adhered to, and adding a court order to enforce these rules may cause pause to Mr. Szeto to want to move. There are several ways to play this out, and keep your cool, and hopefully, win, in the long run. Remember, we are dealing with corporate here, and that makes the job a bigger challenge, and that requires set procedure. I also feel you should act like you do not care if there is restriction on your entering that Burger King. After all, you prefer to eat healthy food and support local merchants. Remember Blockbuster being stopped in their tracks across the street? Well, the same thing can happen here. Let me know if you would like me to write a letter to Burger King corporate. Give me the details of address, contact name to write to (like the CEO or president), and a phone number there. Good luck, and let me know what you think of what I wrote and where the case is at now. I am an outer Sunset resident, but shop at Le Video, and other shops there. I got takeout dinner today from Andy's Chinese restaurant.

Sincerely, Gary

From: Germ***@aol.com

Date: Sat, 15 Aug 1998 20:34:15 EDT

To: internetmail@savethemanatee.com

Mime-Version: 1.0

Subject: moron

Just cause u don't like the smell of a burger king doesn't mean u have to be retarded about it if u have a problem then MOVE. Where I live the people who live next to the burger king love it. they can get food when they want and they can just walk over. That way u don't stand in line. just think u look over and see, Hey itsdead i can go over and get a burger.

From: jac***1@webtv.net (jackie j)

Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 18:10:47 -0400 (EDT)

To: internetmail@savethemanatee.com

Subject: BURGER KING

MIME-Version: 1.0 (WebTV)

I THINK YOUR WHOLE LITTLE WORLD,DOWN THERE NEEDS TO GET A LIFE AND STOP STRESSING OVER A RESTAURANT.NO ONE HAS MUCH TIME ON EARTH AND ALL YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT IS THAT.THERE AE PEOPLE DIEING,PEOPLE KILLING,THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THE PEOPLE OF THIS DYING PLANET.WORRY ABOUT WHAT YOUR GRANDKIDS WATER SUPPLY,THE AIR THEY WILL BE BREATHING,UV RAYS THAT CAUSE CANCER,START A PETETION ABOUT THE FAILING RAIN FORESTS PEOPLE ARE CUTTIG DOWN,WORRY ABOUT SOMEONE OTHER THE YOUR LITTLE PROBLEM WORRY ABOUT THERE FUTURE IF WE HAVE ONE.

From: jac***@webtv.net (jackie j)

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 17:20:18 -0400 (EDT)

To: internetmail@savethemanatee.com (Harry S. Pariser)

Subject: Re: BURGER KING

MIME-Version: 1.0 (WebTV)

I GOT YOUR RESPONSE AND I AM GRATEFUL THAT YOU HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF HAVING CHILDREN,AND NO MORALS EITHER

.

From: jack***@webtv.net (jackie j).

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 20:45:37 -0400 (EDT).

To: internetmail@savethemanatee.com (Harry S. Pariser).

Subject: Re: BURGER KING.

MIME-Version: 1.0 (WebTV).

YOU MUST BE AN ENGLISH TEACHER ALWAYS WORRIED ABOUT MY SPELING(HA,HA).SEE YOU ARE JUST STRESSING OVER THINGS YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER.(WITHOUT CONTROL,YOU ARE JUST A PUPPET,IN A CONTROLLING WORLD-----ME

A letter to the Planning Dept. about Szeto's new proposed BK (his fourth):

Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998

Dear Mr. Light: I am writing to express my utter disgust at the proposed opening of a Burger King in my neighborhood (Fell & Divisadero). The resident s of my neighborhood have not been given the benefit of due process to combat this unwanted presence -- most recent examples being the lack of communication on the progress of development plans and the posting of Help Wanted signs for an establishment whose very existence is still in dispute by long-time residents of this area. Doesn't Divisadero have enough "misery marts" and fast food chains? The addition of a Burger King threatens the livelihood of other small businesses in the area who can't compete with this multi-national giant and sends a strong message that the folks at City Hall just don't care about us, our neighborhood, or our quality of life. Cynical developers and other 'outsiders' might consider my neighborhhod to be 'ruined' anyway -- but they don't live here. If anything is ruining this neighborhood, it's because we're assaulted by ever-increasing rents and a complete disinterest in facilitating and nurturing the growth and prosperity of local communities and their businesses. The residents of this neighborhood are good people and this is my home -- and Burger King is *not* welcome here.

Sincerely, Margaret

.

From Australia:

Date: Sat, 17 Jul 1999

From: private guy

Subject: burger king and our town

Dear Sir,

Burger King is planning to open a shop down the road from my place in Katoomba in Australia. Concerned citizens have formed a Burger Off Group to fend off this move. Following is for your info, the letter to our councillors. We found your piece, "Burger King and I" extremely informative and we are wondering if you allow us to print the text and distribute among the citizens of Katoomba. Since BK is relatively unknown in Australia, it will greatly help people understand what it really mean to live next to a BK. Hope to get your permission. We also plan to set up a Burger Off website, which should link to your page. If you have any update, please let us know.

Thanking in advance. rick

Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1999

From: private guy

Subject: Re: burger king and our town

dear harry, sorry we did not get back to you earlier, but even before we could mount a public campaing, the council has allowed the BK to be constructed in a existing cinema complex - without a fresh DA. So, within a year or so, we will become the latest BK town.

all the best, r

From: MBurke9289@cs.com

Date: Sat, 21 Aug 1999

Subject: (no subject)

I' m a manager at a Burger king and I think your a little bitch, get a life!!

From: "william gould"

Subject: burger king

Date: Tue, 9 Mar 1999

I worked for burger king for about 6 weeks and I could NT stand the smell or the way they do safety checks you would think it should be clean but I can tell you the roaches alone would turn you off I live and work in the Rochester area I also own my own vending service and I will tell you if I ran my service like burger king I would not have a customer base to do my business barnacle bills /Rochester NY phonemnumber 1-716-467-718 there are other issues i would like to hear your opinion judy gould / barnacle bills/ rochester ny/ 14622 or email wgould@prodigy.net

From: Felix

Date: Sunday, May 23, 1999 7:46 PM

Subject: Re: This is spelt the way it is >

>Hello Harry , I hope you are feeling better and I have missed you very much , please feel free to phone me when you get the time . Well I won't keep you to long Harry I am on my way to BURGER KING . Well Harry call soon , Jason oxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

From: Cynthia - NY

Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999

I read The Burger King and I story ... Did you catch the story in the NY Times on Monday regarding the cholesterol levels and heart disease rates in FRANCE going UP ... DUE TO DIETS that are more American and probably a result of more and more fast food franchises springing up and usurping traditional French diets? CHECK IT OUT!

From: "James Lewis"

Subject: Response

Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999

You are complaining about living next door to Burger KING, why don't you just ask for enough money to move to an area that better suites your demeanor! Ihave worked for Burger KING for five years . Some of the stores have been really great to work at and others I`d like to forget. Coustumers are always right to a certain extent .There are a lot of single parent`sææææthat wok in fast food that need the job. I understand your point that you don`t like the smell, because It`s not just the grease it`s the garbagedumpster smell you have to contend with too.æææææææFace it Burger King is not going to close it`s doors and move they will probally give you some money to go away,after all you are only a renter and believe as rude as that sounds not only do I know the feeling....It is often true with a lot of big buisnesses today. The store I

work at now doesn`t even have air in the kitchen ,but they know people need a job so they`ll put up with it if they want to feed their kids. Good Luck to you !æææææææææææææææææ

æææSighned stuck here

Date: Wed, 25 Au, 1999g

From: Wayne

Organization: isd.net X-Accept-Language: en

Subject: Hi similar problem here

Hi, I live in East Saint Paul, MN. There is a Burger King on the very busy street one over from the one which my house faces. Aside from convenience when feeling hungry and lazy, there is no benefit and are many negatives. The store has been there for at least 5 years, maybe 10 or more. Getting it out of the neighborhood is probably impossible, but how do I get the name and contact info. for the particular franchisee that owns that particular Burger King? Surfing the net has not yielded useful results.

Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000

From: Pam Skaarup

Subject: unbeleivable

Wow...First of all I am an RM at a Burger King and previously for McDonalds.I can certainly understand your concerns , however perhaps living in a city is not for you.Most cities are zoned.If you live in an area such as you do it is no surprise that any type of fast food place could be built.Basically move someplace that better fits your needs.And Harrassing the owner is certainly uncalled for.I have a feeling there is more between the lines here.

Date: Sun, 05 Mar 2000

From: Pam Skaarup

Subject: Re: unbeleivable

ok Harry enough.I infact do not eat red meat.In fact I rarely eat much of anykind of meat.I work about 70 hours a week ,very hard.I support 3 teenage children and have never sponged off the government.People who choose to eat high fat food , well it is there bussiness.I am a big animal lover by the way.I feed deer in my yard..we have a heard of 14 .I even spent over 4000 , on a dog trying to save her life.she had lymphoma she got it from ( i beleive) use of advantage flea control.so you see I am an not ignorant to enviromental issues.In fact the chemical that is in this flea control is immidichloriprid a commonly used grub killer often spread on lawns where children play.Isn't there more important areas to put your concerns .People choosing to eat fast food which is high in fat will choose it regardless of if burger king existed or not.

Pam

.

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