Jon,
 
I read your piece that you placed on the 1220 website and enjoyed reading about the history behind 1220.  I only recently visited 1220 for the first time and very much enjoyed dancing and "being myself" in a safe environment.
 
I've lived in Walnut Creek for 16 years with the mortgage, two kids, married and yes, closeted.  I came out last summer and separated four months ago.  In so many ways I am now experiencing the ability to express myself and to be who I am openly.
 
For years I knew where 1220 was, but of course being closeted, never ventured in.  It was a joy to go with a friend a couple of months ago and to be able to let loose on the dance floor on a Friday night.  I was pleasantly surprised to find a mixed crowd.  Being "new" at the social scene, I had been told that gays and lesbians don't typically mix.  I LOVE that at 1220 they do.  I felt like I was part of a larger community, and ended up having some great dancing and conversations with women as well as the man I was with.
 
My feeling is that the same goes for straight couples.  I, we, they, are all part of the same community.  Anyone who enters into a "gay-friendly" bar (I don't quite know what the label is supposed to be) I would assume is comfortable with LGBT individuals and thus, that makes me comfortable in their presence.
 
Perhaps it's just my perspective, but this last year for me has been very much about honesty and integrity.  The more diverse and representative people in my community that I can socialize with openly, the more acceptance and sense of community I feel.
 
Thanks for providing the venue.  I appreciate very much the opportunity to socialize in a safe and fun environment regardless of the sexual preference of the clientele.
 
Ken - Walnut Creek

January 8, 2005

Regarding your column - one word Jon.......Bravo! We too may not see eye to eye on everything, but I read your column and it made me smile. Bravo to you.

Tom - Walnut Creek

January 11, 2005

Hello,

I read your "view" column and must say I was very impressed. I am currently on an extended assignment here in Pleasant Hill for the next 3 months and am looking for a place to hang during my off time. I live in Texas and lead a "straight" lifestyle. I'm convinced that I am probably bi-sexual but have always been too intimidated from peer pressures to really explore my sexuality.

Is there a place for me at your club? I think I would like to visit and just absorb the atmosphere and perhaps better define my identity. Would I be welcome?

Thanks,

Russell - Texas


January, 2005

Jon, thank you for your wonderful history of your bar and your views. You were so authentic and open in your writing. Thank you! I'm a lesbian and have been going to country nights at your bar on Saturdays for a couple of years now. 1220 Club is BY FAR my favorite bar. I even bring my mother and straight sister. We drive from San Jose. They too LOVE your bar. My mom asks me, "when are we going again?" I love the people, energy, beer bust, music and the bar itself. I have the BEST times at your bar and never want to go. My sister has to drag me out after she dances with the gay guys when disco comes on at midnight. We always meet friendly people at your bar.

Thank you for providing the space for people to be themselves and have a great time. You should be proud of the work you have done in creating this extraordinary atmosphere.

Cathy - San Jose





Saturday, January 14th, 2006

Hello! I visited 1220 last saturday (the 14th) with some friends, and we had a spectacular
time! my friend's uncle was in town from san diego so we stopped at groove. we were
actually on our way to crogan's when we just decided to make a detour to groove.
there were 4 of us, and none of us had ever been to groove (or 1220) before. while
at groove, we had a couple drinks and danced a little. but it got somewhat crowded
and we just weren't feelin' the vibe anymore. it got "snooty". a friend
had mentioned 1220 a couple years ago, and since my friend's uncle was gay, we thought
it would be nice to stop in. so we got to 1220 at 1220am (great coincidence). the
4 of us had a super time! the vibe was so relaxed and the people were so much friendlier.
we will definitely be stopping in again in the future. thanks for a wonderful night!

-Leilani