SINCE WHEN ARE POETRY READINGS ILLEGAL IN CAFES AND COFFEEHOUSES IN BERKELEY?

I'm working to start a poetry series at a great new cafe (cafe leila) on San Pablo Ave., a 10 minute walk from our house. But the city just informed the owner that it will fine him $1,000 for each "public event" such as a poetry reading that he has! When did this insanity start? poetry readings always have happened in cafes and coffeehouses! People need places to get together, share with one another deeply, creating communities. Big brother in berkeley!

We also are planning to give a campaign speech there...another illegal public event! In fact the cafe within a week of our discovering it has become a hotbed of the MOORE/BLOCK ticket with the people discussing/debating the platform...we left a thick pile of platforms....which everybody reads!

Btw, the cafe is a warm, colorful neighborhood treasure with great, organic food...serving breakfast all day....big portions, cheap....lunch and dinner too. Rich coffee! Cozy and home-like. Everything is done right!

In Freedom,
Frank Moore