SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Deadheads are uniting in opposition to a proposal to rename a San Francisco venue named in honor of the Grateful Dead founder.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports (http://bit.ly/12r5mlS ) more than 1,100 people have signed an online petition opposing any name change to Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in Excelsior, near where the late guitarist grew up.

The Recreation and Park Department says the little-used stage would gain new life under a public-private partnership with Los Angeles-based nonprofit Levitt Pavilions, which helps fund renovations for outdoor venues and puts on 50 free shows a year.

The proposed name is "Levitt Pavilion San Francisco at Jerry Garcia Meadows."

Critics say handing it over to Levitt would rob the venue of its independent spirit.

The 2,000-seat theater hosts fewer than 10 events a year.

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