The Public Commons

East Bay Daily News and Oakland Tribune (same story) quoted me on Mayor Bates' proposal to push the homeless into obtaining services and paying for them:

Mayor's homeless crackdown plan draws fire
By Doug Oakley / Daily News Staff Writer
Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates' plan to clean Berkeley's streets of problems associated with chronic homelessness is expected to be challenged tonight by critics who say it comes down too hard.

Berkeley Provides Lots of Arts for the Old

The City is creating a wonderful Downtown Arts District, filled with theaters and music clubs featuring Jazz and Folk music.

However, unlike the past--there isn't much for youth culture. Of course, young people are loud.

Places like Jupiter, with its pleasant jazz, yummy beers and outdoor patio, are great. But, if you are a young band, playing any kind of music oriented toward young people (hip-hop or rock), you better find a gig in San Francisco or Oakland.

Of course, there is the venerable Gilman Street, which seems to be more a clubhouse for disenfranchised teen punks, and other old-time institutions like La Pena, Blakes and Starry Plough. These venues seem to be out of the past--a darn good past, don't get me wrong-but you have to leave Berkeley if you want to see music based in 2007.