To support warehouse district revitalization through artist housing and work spaces. A State Liquor Control Board, heritage from Prohibition, overzealously regulates cultural nightlife space, and does not reflect the savvy, gusto and sophistication of the city that we live in. When dealing with state laws, we also need a code of discretion and selective underenforcement in the spirit of community policing. The goal is to trade concerns and strategies. Police and fireman can talk about safety and security concerns.
Artists can identify cutting-edge spaces that do worthwhile work.
By talking through scenarios in advance, as is done every summer before Bumbershoot with great success by similar representatives, we can anticipate potential problems, address the legitimate concerns and then, with all the energy we can muster, look the other way. Deep pockets and bulldozers are quicker than the angel of generosity. Before they can act, a Group Theatre or Bathhouse Theatre or Speakeasy Cafe has disappeared. A proud band of volunteers ready for mobilization when a siren goes off. For a one-year term, each puts up a cash reserve, either in the form of pledges that can be quickly called in or a line of credit at a bank secured by personal guarantees, into a revolving fund.