Sponsored link
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Sponsored link

UncategorizedTom’s Town: The real story of 'the tech against...

Tom’s Town: The real story of ‘the tech against eviction’ event

FEB. 28, 2014 — This past Tuesday my bar, Virgil’s Sea Room, played host to a tech community meet up organized by folks hoping to bridge the gap between San Franciscans fighting to stay in their homes and the tech workers who have come to represent their exodus.

48hillstomstownThe tension wasn’t anywhere near as cut-it-with-a-knife thick as The Chronicle made it out to be. I mean, “S.F. tech workers, housing activists clash at happy hour,” is as sensational a headline as you could have put on the damn thing. If by clash you mean had to gently elbow past each other as they made their way through a crowded bar to get drinks, then, clash they did. Also, who puts periods between “S” and “F”?

That said there certainly were some moments of heightened emotion, which is to be expected in such settings. Perhaps calling it a “necessarily difficult dialogue” hour would have been more appropriate. Ultimately, though, it seemed that folks were able to get their points and experiences across. The SPUR magic bullet of building more market-rate housing was mentioned far too many times, but there seemed to be a sense among attendees on both sides that there were opportunities to come together.

One option thrown out there was to help support the Anti-Speculation tax headed for the November ballot (more on that below). Another, which seems like a good idea for those of us who are less angry at tech workers themselves and more angry at the corporations that employ them, was to go up to their bosses and demand that they contribute REAL community benefits, not just hackathons and beach clean-up days. (more after the jump)

48 Hills welcomes comments in the form of letters to the editor, which you can submit here. We also invite you to join the conversation on our FacebookTwitter, and Instagram

Marke B.
Marke B.
Marke Bieschke is the publisher and arts and culture editor of 48 Hills. He co-owns the Stud bar in SoMa. Reach him at marke (at) 48hills.org, follow @supermarke on Twitter.

Sponsored link

Featured

102-year-old heroine Betty Reid Soskin’s journey premieres on Bay Area stage

Writings and songs by the nation's oldest park ranger and longtime activist form base of 'Sign My Name To Freedom.'

With Castro Theatre out, massive Frameline LGBTQ+ film fest gets creative

New executive director Allegra Madsen takes on fresh challenges with an agile attitude—and innovative locations.

Shanti Charan jokes to fight recidivism for people in Bay Area jails

The local comedian-educator uses humor as a tool when teaching college-level courses at Elmwood Correctional Facility.

More by this author

Looking for a new art crush? That’s more than fine… it’s Superfine

The independent art fair at Fort Mason hits a sweet spot between accessibility and expression, with plenty of local flair.

Arts Forecast: Remembering Jess Curtis

The groundbreaking dance-maker passed suddenly this week. Plus: St. Patrick's Day events, CCA MFA expo, Scourge of Worlds, more.

Famed fingerstyle guitarist Brian Gore steps up to the mic

Founder of International Guitar Night finds his voice on heartfelt new album 'Seek the Love You're Yearning.'
Sponsored link

You might also likeRELATED