July 30, 2007
Sanitizing Warm Water Cove
Let the bourgeois battle begin: Green Connect and SF Community Clean Team are looking to clean up Warm Water Cove, the waterfront park at 24th and Michigan Streets, this coming Saturday morning. (And want you to wakeup up before 9 a.m. to pull weeds?!) Many an art school student brandishing a can of spray paint and local musicians like this place for 'spressing themselves or for throwing afternoon concerts. While others are understandably looking to make the Dogpatch park more streamlined to fit the area's new, um, growth, others are also understandably very upset about it.
We can't say that we enjoy graffiti as our favorite medium of public art; it seems dated and seizure-inducing. But then again, we also secretly love Cupid's Span -- it's cleverly corny and frames the Bay Bridge nicely -- so what do we know?
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Without the graffiti, I can't see much reason to go to that gross little park. There's not even water in that cove, just a bunch of mud. But it's a great place to check out paintings, and it's nice that people living in RVs have a place there. It's isolated, scrubby, and ugly, so the fringe stuff really works, and without the fringe it would be absolute desolation there. I like the idea of weeding it and picking up the trash, but yeah, getting rid of the graffiti would be a big mistake.
Maybe GMZEEO will come out to help?
Are there any images online of this supposed "Art" ? cause the crap scribbled on that picnic table doesn't look like anything worth saving.
graffit ISN'T art. If it is, then go paint it on yo' momma's house and car and she if she still loves you.
Also, it's a waist of time cleaning up that dump. It will look the same by next week because some people in this city don't have any respect for others.
If there's a wall on which the graffiti appears, I hope they preserve it. But my sympathy ends there.
There's no need to have crap scribbled on a picnic table (as #3 points out) or to not give the rest of the park a good cleanup, and I can just see some people using the graffiti wall as a cover to argue against any other cleanup of the park, all in the name of keeping SF all grungy and scruffy just the way they like it.
This park is really, really gross. Needles everywhere. Passed-out addicts everywhere. Tons of discarded furniture. When the tide goes out, the toxic ooze in the mud flat reeks. To get to it, you have to thread your way through an alley full of parked cranes and heavy equipment.
When I discovered it a couple years ago I decided it was the worst park in the city, bar none. Since then I have not discovered one worse.
I oppose Green Connects efforts here. Of all of the posts via the land of the internet in opposition to their naive WHITEOUT, Ert O'Hara states it best...
She writes...
"White wash,” how appropriate a term for a seemingly well-intentioned, yet clearly unwelcome project. The art in this area is a cultural treasure and an asset to this city. The area is not dangerous because of the graffiti.
Improvements to this area might include picking up garbage, implementing “green” business practices, or helping to educate the area populace about the importance of recycling and facillitating reducing consumption of so many unnecessary things and thus producing so much excess garbage. Graffiti is not garbage here, it’s art in this case and we all know it.
It is rude and presumptuous of these groups to assume that they know what is best for this area and the people it serves. I have never painted there, but I’ve been there, and I love to see photographs of the new work that goes up there. “White washing” the art will not stop artists from reclaiming it once the groups leave and go back to their tidy homes. This area has been in disuse and disrepair for years and has been appropriated by people who use it in a positive way. This area COULD be a sanctioned public art space, which would also help in making it a safer and cleaner area.
When a group intrudes into an area utilized by an active community with different ideas about how that area should be used, it is wise to work WITH that community to affect positive change, rather than steamroll over them and assume the role of right action. The intruding group will be met with resistance and retaliation.
I strongly urge these groups to do reconsider their actions. I will be there and will do what I legally can to prevent this from taking place. I will also be taking photos of anyone who participates in this travesty and will be publishing them in all forums available to me.
ert o’hara
Web Editor / Juxtapoz Art & Culture Magazine
Those in opposition should contact District Supervisor Sophie Maxwell here Sophie.Maxwell@sfgov.org
and also contact Green Connect
http://www.sfconnect.org/projects/viewProject.php?_mode=emailPC&_action=load&ixEntity=5525&ixOccurrence=365&sReturnTo=%2Fprojects%2FviewProject.php%3F_mode%3DoccurrenceView%26_action%3Dload%26ixActivity%3D172%26_clearFlag%3Dspecialevent%26_clearFlag%3Dcourse%26ixAffiliateRegion%3D%26sZipcode%3D%26bAvailable%3D%26dtBegin%3D%26dtEnd%3D
And may I add...
Simply painting a wall white, picking up garbage, and having a BBQ will serve no long-term goal.
There are many individuals and groups willing to take part in CLEAN UP / PLANTING and cultivation of the environment, RATHER than a naïve WHITEWASH of graffiti.
Please make a call to our community leaders and demand to be involved.
Best Regards,
BNR
video of one wall to be painted over a bland white or grey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qYaoU8VBy8
of course SF Connect will post a picture of a table tagged up, and aviod showing actual pieces
Now now, everyone.
my point (along with ms. o'hara) is simply painting a wall grey does not make an area safe and clean. there are many origanizations here within our community who could step up, and assist in making warm water cove a more pleasant place for many, what SF Connect is doing, is dis-regarding the greater community with the WHITE WASH.
i do not feel either of us are making a call towards terrorism (as guest 9 puts it) rather making a call for our community leaders to take responsibility in their actions towards the clean up of a space neglected for many years by the city itself.
instead of first painting the walls grey (only to be covered again)
please take the time to clean up this up first http://www.flickr.com/photos/loupiote/28581549/in/set-477214/
[7]
Hope that Ert O'Hara wears pretty makeup on Sat for her mug-shot since the police are aware of her intentions.
your point is to bully and intimidate people by threatening to post their pic so your anarchist friends can hurt them. sad part is you don't even have the balls to be up front about it.
it is completely fair for us to turn to the same tactics.
[12]...
Think your missing the point here
and btw...
Had no idea everyone on SFist has such a conservative view,
may I attempt to put in words you may understand...
Warm Water Cove = a place way off the beaten path.
You may not like it, so I am sure you do not make your way down there with your morning coffee.
Cover the walls and it will be blank for now, however will continue to be hit with less attractive work, because it will be hot (meaning there will be presence of police and authorities), meaning tags and other quick work will follow the the WHITEWASH. Also graffiti will naturally spread throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. The homeless will still be there, and the tires, and the needles, and everything will be WHITE, and you will still not want to go there as a conservative person feeling entitled for the urban environment to adjust to your own needs and comforts.
There are alternatives to accomplish what SF Connect is attempting to do, and what all of you feel is RIGHT, however, much more is happening here than the need to paint over graffiti, and pulling weeds.
[13] guest,
I don't think we intend to hurt anyone. You can relax.
To be honest, don't have any anarchist friends, most are artists, musicians, teachers, lawyers, dancers, chefs, restaurant owners, shop keepers, trash collectors, construction workers, editors, writers, publishers, and many other San Franciscians like yourself who enjoy our beloved city everyday.
Regards,
BNR
you are missing the point. it's no longer about the park. yes, i'm for the cleanup, but i don't feel that strongly about the graffiti. i'm sure a deal could have been made if the community wanted it.
but your friend - and you by reposting - made an implicit threat by saying you will photo those who partake and "be publishing them in all forums available to me." it couldn't be more clear what you are trying to do and it has nothing to do with conservative. i don't think mariconsoy is a conservative.
and since we know ms. o'hara and you mr. rosch we also can play the threat game. you are attempting to stifle debate and actual activism with terroristic threats, like you did with the tree-planting woman on Polk.
it is not about the park any longer - it's about you and ms. o'hara using sfist as a medium to promote violence. i for one appreciate brock leaving this thread up.
i wonder how many supporters you lost by this thread alone.
sorry guest (appropriately anonymous)
do not know anything about the tree lady on polk, she sounds nice.
(side note) we just planted trees on my street, and i am very happy about that,
(and rebutal) NOT HERE to promote violence
and now to end this thread with my favorite song from my childhood
Different Strokes
[16] Dearest Guest,
Thanks for your defense of me. You are right, I am about as far away from being a conservative as can be. I'm an artist and writer among other things, and my circle is of creative over-the-edge people. For example Divine who I knew well enough that she's been to my house.
I won't drop any other names or mention what I've written and published, but it's not stuff you'd find in God Bless America magazine. Music too.
No more clues.
As far a politics, my mother told me when I was around 6 and went into a voting booth with her, "honey it's better to vote for a dead rat than a Republican". I've always followed her advice.
Hating graffiti vandalism and professional bums and beggars does not make me conservative.
Hi, it's me ert.
Not sure what I'd be arrested for... taking photos and doing "what I legally can to prevent this from taking place." My thoughts are that maybe more people who don't want to see this "white wash" take place will show up and peacefully protest/demonstrate their opinion.
This is something I think is important to be vocal about. I don't consider all graffiti to be vandalism. I'm not going to hurt anyone, or get arrested, or terrorize anyone, I'm just saying what I think and offering other ideas for making this area better, and other ideas for people who want to have a positive environmental impact.
No need to be misogynist (comments about make-up? seriously?) or call me a terrorist or an anarchist or any other names. Also, anyone with basic internet skills can figure out my home address, so threatening to expose it is kind of moot. I'd appreciate if the comments towards me could de-escalate from harrassment and name calling to civil discussion.
ert here: (Yes, basic internet skills will also locate many photos of me.) I guess this is what happens when a person speaks up.
I would think that those who feel strongly about what they are doing (whether in opposition or support of this project), would be proud to show their face and stand behind their convictions. I have photographed many public protests and demonstrations (anti-war, immigration reform, women's rights, critical mass) and never have I been called a terrorist for publishing those photos. Is it not acceptable to show up as a journalist and photograph this event and write about it?
I'm hardly the only person who thinks the "white wash" is a misguided idea. Unless I'm overlooking some, I don't see any comments in support of this project on this post recruiting people to join: http://sf.funcheap.com/2007/07/25/warm-water-cove-graffiti-paint-out/
The (anonymous) assumptions about me are incorrrect, btw. Anyone who would like to come forward with their real identity, as I have, and discuss things calmly, I will be happy to reply. Those who hide behind anonymity and continue with the name-calling and hostility, I'm going to ignore.
i was wondering when sfist would kick in and defend their anarchist friends. ooh so hip! so it's okay for ms. o'hara to threaten but not okay to dish it back?
"I will also be taking photos of anyone who participates in this travesty and will be publishing them in all forums available to me."
how the hell can you equate this with photos of demostrations or critical mass? ignore me all you want, this is a DIRECT THREAT meant to intimidate. the 'whitewash' is not a demostration, it's a park clean-up. that you're trying to stop. not protest against, but coldly stop with intimidation.
most civic people are not avant-garde 'in-your-face' artists or protesters like you. they want to help out quietly. but you know that and want to turn this into a scary show. will you photo children if they show up with their parents? see jane get confronted by men in black bandanna masks.
free josh wolf!
I like the park, and I've never seen a needle or anyone passed out there. It's a wonderful site in a forgotten corner of town, and the mud and debris is a nice example of nature reclaiming the city.
The tables and benches might be covered with graffiti, but they're functional. There might be weeds and garbage all over, but who are the people clamoring for their removal?
Leave this park the way it is. It's unique. If you want a nice park, there are lots of other places to go.
"...this is a DIRECT THREAT meant to intimidate. the 'whitewash' is not a demostration, it's a park clean-up. that you're trying to stop. not protest against, but coldly stop with intimidation."
Puh-lease! Have you been so brain washed by the last 6 years after 9/11 that someone saying they will be attending an event, photographing the goings on is somehow a "DIRECT THREAT" to "stifle debate".
Are I.Q.'s really dropping that fast in this country that the mere mention of trying to exercise a first amendment right in response to such a simplistic and childish plan (painting over graffiti) that it is seen as a "threat".
Are you 12 years old? No? Then stop posting like one. It is far and away more directly threatening to attempt to post information about Ert than actually listening to what she is saying and realizing that, "Huh, yeah, just painting over this stuff won't actually do much of anything more than make the place look more like a Soviet Era/Chicago Projects 50's Era apartment block.
- cgk
(From Ert) After giving this a lot of thought over the past few days and seeing (on sfist.com) that some people saw my intent to physically show up in opposition of this "clean-up" and photograph the people participating in the activity as a "threat" or intimidation ... I just want it to be very clear that the only thing I'm threatening to do is to be there, take pictures and write a blog post about it. "I will be there and will do what I legally can to prevent this from taking place." And yes, if hundreds of people just happen to show up to show their support for the artwork and happen to be in the way of the paint party, I will stand with them. Many people don't want the "white wash" to happen. Of course government offices are going to put their name behind it, because government unilaterally condemns graffiti and street regardless of circumstances. That doesn't mean that the people who utilize and appreciate this area don't feel otherwise.
Someone said that this is a simple park cleaning project that shouldn't involve have any opposition, but I think this is a sad and mis-guided attempt to quash graffiti as an artform and reclaim an area which is already in use by a marginalized community. I hope the people who participate will come forward, as I have, and discuss their reasoning and logic behind painting over the artwork (which will seemingly return shortly thereafter) of a well-known graffiti spot as the focus of their "clean up" efforts.
I strongly support any environmental or personal safety issues being resolved for this area. And, as I mentioned before, I think that recognition of the area as a public art forum would serve those purposes much better. [posted both on sf.funcheap.com and sfist.com]
since when do taking photographs and typing up blogs constitute "violence"? or "terroristic threats" for that matter? turn down the paranoia meter - it's giving off some horrendous feedback.
if you were actually proud of the work you were doing then you might appreciate a sweet photo op and some press coverage, but since you've mobilized to DESTROY ARTWORK i can understand your hesitation.
feel free to pull some weeds, pick up a few needles, and remove old tires, but once you start painting over artwork you've crossed a line. don't be surprised if the existing community calls you out on it.
I love the art in this park. It's the perfect venue for street art and greatly enhances the value of the park.
A photo set I took there a couple of years ago, including panoramic shots of several entire walls. Not all of it is great, but some of it is.
And remember, we live in a city. If you can't stand a park in the midst of an industrial area where artists can do their stuff, why aren't you living in Burlingame?
There is no artwork involved. Graffiti is vandalism when it goes up on either private or public property when no permission is given. If this is difficult to understand, contact the police or DA and they will explain the law to you.
"Graffiti damage up to $400 is punishable by up to one year in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. Graffiti damage of $400 or more can be punished as a felony by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. The Graffiti Abatement Team believes that the current penalties for graffiti are adequate. What the Team is concentrating on is change of behavior. The Graffiti Abatement Team notes that a number of adolescents they encounter have underlying mental health issues (such as lack of self-esteem), particularly with habitual graffiti offenders."
If the proponents like graffiti so much, invite the taggers to hit the front of the places you live in. Then you can enjoy the "art" day and night.
"If the proponents like graffiti so much, invite the taggers to hit the front of the places you live in. Then you can enjoy the "art" day and night."
The only people who live near Warm Water Cove are just fine with the graffiti. Think about it Marcinsoy.
Mariconsoy,
Remember this is a GREY issue.
You wish to paint everything GREY.
This is not so black and white.
This is where individuals like yourself and any Anti-Graffiti Task Force are dropping the ball, failing to realize the complex nature of when, where, and how graffiti is applied.
Making a comparision to painting on the front of my house,
"So I can see it Day and Night"
Has nothing to do with industrial areas void of housing.
Also asserting points such as "The Graffiti Abatement Team notes that a number of adolescents they encounter have underlying mental health issues (such as lack of self-esteem), particularly with habitual graffiti offenders." is resorting back to an adolencence name calling game between two parties with opposing values.
And may I add,
A link HERE of a previous post on a different thread, equating the scribbling of a young boy in love, in the same manner you are adressing this situation.
More Than Meets the Eye
Hallow, This is the ghost of Jos. Stalin. I fully support your push to supress the human sprirt and it's love of creative expression by painting all surfaces grey.
Thank you.
Less right-wing comments here: (60+)
http://sf.funcheap.com/2007/07/25/warm-water-cove-graffiti-paint-out/
Let's make a difference: work to change. Whining about graffiti or calling it art, are equally ineffectual. Be activists: work to get the law changed, or paint it out. Cheers all.