A San Francisco letter, for 'all the Tims and Jims'

[City w/views: Golden Gate Bridge, from the Presidio]

Yesterday's mail brought a touching note and $25 contribution from a Gannett Blog reader, writing about my adopted California home:

Addressing the envelope reminded me of a story I must share about my former neighbor, Tim, who moved to San Francisco in the late 1980s. He called SF the gay mecca of the world. He was to leave the weekend after I was released from the hospital after knee surgery. He had already packed and was ready to go. Instead, he moved into my home for a week to care for me -- and my two dogs, three cats, parrot and fish. After awhile, I lost touch with Tim, but I remember him fondly. I wish you well and send this not just to you, but to all the Tims and Jims in the world that I admire.

Why your gifts are critical
With less than a month left, I've raised just $2,685 -- only 45% of my $6,000 quarterly goal. Underscoring the importance of reader donations, ad sales have fallen to just 15% of my income vs. 24% in the previous quarter. The current breakdown:

• Advertising: $400
• Sponsorships: $2,285

I'm trying to earn $6,000 quarterly, mostly through sponsorships of $5 per reader, plus limited ad sales. Please use the "Donate" tool in the green sidebar, upper right. Or mail cash/checks payable to: Jim Hopkins, 584 Castro St. #823, San Francisco, Calif., 94114-2594.

[Photo: Hopkins, March 2007]