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gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
Hey guys,
I decided to take up a big fight this year. Here in San Francisco there is a public park called Union Square. This plaza used to be a huge mecca for street performing, the likes of Harry Anderson, Robin Williams, the amazing Jonathan, Shields and Yarnell, etc. all performed there at one point or another. but over the years it got grubbier and more rundown, until it was finally renovated back in the late late 80's and re-dedicated to the people for their "public use". Since that time it's been managed by a private company, and they have, in essence, stifled street performing there. I'm going to take a multi-phased approach. I'm going to write a formal letter to the mayor's office including references to the recent Ninth Circuit Court ruling of Seattle v. Burger, and other relatively stock arguments for street performing as a First Amendment right. I'm going to mention the need to support local artists especially in this economic downturn, and I'm going to make extensive mention of the San Francisco Port authorities pilot street performing licensing program ( which has been relatively successful -in a manner of speaking...) I'm also going to solicit the support of local businesses. I'm going to attempt to acquire endorsements from some of the larger more socially progressive retail stores in the area ( Macy's, Urban Outfitter's etc.) by appealing to their public relations departments. obviously, the last resort in this scheme is to just go out there and do it with the express purpose of attempting to get arrested so as to challenge the square's policies in court on constitutional basis. I really don't want to do that, but if it comes down to it... I know there are other threads in which some of the more active members of this forum have talked about this in the past, can anybody refer me to those specific threads? Or if you'd like we can start talking about it again, fresh, here. Wish me luck, gents... They say: "You can't fight City Hall", but I'm gonna try!
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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jazzy snazzy Inner circle run off by a mob of Villagers wielding 2109 Posts |
That's great gaddy. Best of luck to you. That's outrageous that a private company is managing a public park.
"The secret of life is to look good from a distance."
-Charles Schulz |
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Sir Richard Special user 650 Posts |
Hmmm, I can see where you got your screen name...The best to you!
Sir Riohard.
"In the land of Murphy there is but ONE law!"
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Mario Morris Inner circle Mario Morris 2044 Posts |
Gaddy you crack me up.
Mario |
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G.Gilbert Elite user baltimore 495 Posts |
Why can't you work there now?.. Is it "ILLEGAL" ... If so all you have to do is go to work, get arrested one time, and than you'll have your day in court..
If they have a tight ordinance that makes it impossible for street performers to work, maybe the letter is a good idea.. Remind them that legally they can only place reasonable restrictions on time manner and place.. def. reference the seattle vs berger case .. that case can open/re-open pitches all over the country |
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Dave V Inner circle Las Vegas, NV 4824 Posts |
What exactly is the "in essence" part? Is there wording that puts this in the "reasonable restrictions" category?
I'd hate to see you arrested and have them win. That wouldn't help anything.
No trees were killed in the making of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
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gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
I'm going to do this right.
What the private management company is doing is almost certainly illegal. I'm not going to get arrested. Before they even know I'm asking these questions of them, I'm going to have all the answers. When all is said and done I feel confident they'll welcome performer back into Union Square rather than face the possibility of a lawsuit based on the statutes upheld by the 9th Court (based in SF) just last year. The media in this town just DEVOURS stuff like that, and I've got "ins" to the local media better than most...
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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gallagher Inner circle 1168 Posts |
Hi Gaddy, I don't know if I'd fight them, or try to work with 'em,... or simply ignore it all and do 'hit and run' shows. But before you go your direction, try to understand their "why". 'Why and How' did the situation come about. Try to be a little "busker critical". The more angles of the problem you understand.... well you know the rest.
give it easy, gallagher |
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Chance Inner circle 1385 Posts |
I recommend you spend the next week carefully reading over this web site. Don't shortcut, take a week, this is complicated and important information. Due diligence is required. When you're done you'll be better educated on this issue than any policeman you'll ever meet, and 80% of all lawyers.
You can also search me here. I've shared a lot of info in this forum. After you feel comfortable send me a PM with your tel number and I'll mentor you as best as I can. It wouldn't be a bad idea to call Stephen Baird either. But do the research first please. Here it is: http://www.communityartsadvocates.org/ |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Gaddy,
Can you clarify something for me - you say it's a public park. Then you say it's privately managed. Do I understand this correctly? The park is public and funded on the tax payers dime and the city contracts a private company to manage the park? In other words, you're positive this "private management company" does not own the land? |
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jimmy talksalot Special user new orleans 757 Posts |
Good luck gaddy.
take those fun haters head's off. |
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gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-02-15 02:09, RobertSmith wrote: That is correct, sir. Uptown Parking Corp. is a "non-profit" corporation contracted by the SF gov't to operate a few of it's public parks/parking garages. Perhaps you now see why this has been a tough nut to crack for the past 10 years or so... Link to Union Square "partnerships"
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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Scott Compton Special user Hampton, VA 747 Posts |
Gaddy,
Here is a link from when JoeJoe was battling Myrtle Beach. There is some good info in there and some links that may help. http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......rum=6&37
Magic is an art. I am merely a tour guide.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scott-Compton-Magician/160270640674735 "You are the magic" Jay Ose to Albert Goshman |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-02-15 16:07, gaddy wrote: Then I say give 'em hell. |
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gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
So, now I've hit the stone wall. The old "You need a permit. We're not issuing permits..." routine. I'm looking into legal representation.
Why the **** didn't the buskers in this town begin this fight 12 years ago?!?!?
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
They were waiting for you.
"It's your...destiny."
You know why don't act naive.
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epoptika Elite user Florida 477 Posts |
Have you contacted the ACLU?
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gallagher Inner circle 1168 Posts |
The cheapest,... and fastest way to fight the "Permit Game", is to ask for one, be denied, perform, and get arrested. If you refuse to stop, and refuse to pay a fine, the city has to put you in jail. This is GOOD!,.. because they then have to send you in front of a judge within 24 hours. Judges are quite logical AND know the Law. You'll get a quick decision,... in your favour.
The "Pivate Mafia" is hoping,... betting, you'll go the legal route. They know the costs and the time will scare you off. Go get arrested. Talk to the Judge,... you'll be surprised! ,... if it doesn't work, and they keep you in,... can I have your old pitch?,... and girl friend's telephone number? your friend, gallagher. |
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charliemartin Special user Rapid City, SD 779 Posts |
Gaddy, I know of the situation you speak of, and yes they are privately run but there are ways to combat that. Talk to Fred Anderson, seriously, he can help. Also there has been talks of doing a street performing festival in Union Square. If I can help, let me know.
Charlie |
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HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
Gallagher is correct if you have the time (hanging out for a while) and guts (Aghhhhhhhh they are gonna arrest me and I'll have a record that I can't convert to DVD) to go that route.
Judges don't always apply the law, but you spin the wheel and take your chances. It's definitely quicker and cheaper.
You know why don't act naive.
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