Eileen Hassi of Ritual Roasters has put out the word that American Apparel is attempting to be the first national chain store to open on Valencia Street in the Mission.  I don’t think we need to discuss what a bad idea that is, do we?

What we do need to do is mobilize, and the easiest way to start is by popping off an email to the public official in charge. That can sometimes seem intimidating, but it needn’t be. In fact, here’s a sample email you can cut/paste/send that will help do your part. Just change the name, maybe add a sentence in your own words, and you’re done!

From:       price_tom@hotmail.com
Subject:     Subject: 988 Valencia - Case No. 2008.0720C
Date:     January 22, 2009 11:27:27 AM PST
To:       pilar.lavalley@sfgov.org

M. Pilar LaValley
Preservation Technical Specialist/Planner
City & County of San Francisco Planning Department
1650 Mission Street, Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94103

January 22, 2009

Dear Planner LaValley,

My name is Tom Price, I am a resident of San Francisco and live in the Potrero Hill neighborhood. Along with my family, I often visit the Mission, and enjoy the many distinct stores and businesses there. Valencia Street is a uniquely San Francisco institution, a hold out against the cookie cutter chain stores that litter other cities across our country.  A place like this needs to be celebrated and protected.

Please register my opposition to the proposed American Apparel store on Valencia Street.  There is a place for chain stores, but it is not on Valencia Street. Please also keep me informed of any public meetings, hearings, or comment periods regarding this issue.

Thank you,

Tom Price

Crowdsourcing support of independant retailers, FTW!