Underground's undergrounding not Toriumi's fault
01/25/2008
Unlike that which you imply in your article (See "Test of Faith," Feature, 1/10/08), it is my understanding as one of the many progressive activists who frequented the Underground Café before it closed that this large alternative coffee shop entered into financial decline - and was doomed for failure - once it discontinued its lucrative weekend youth concerts in order to meet city noise regulations. This occurred well before Jon Toriumi (aka JT) entered the scene. It is my understanding also that JT's presence, in fact, afforded a reasonable glimmer of hope for café owner Pauline [Stuart] to pull out of the red and have her café be the successful alternative venue and activist hub she had ultimately dreamed for it to be. But again, this was not to be and, based on the facts as I know them as a regular customer throughout the café's short lifespan, Jon Toriumi held absolutely no responsibility for the eventual business failure of the Underground Café. What facts, I wonder, have you to suggest otherwise? I did not see any noted in your piece.
Sarie Bryson,
Thousand Oaks
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Dear VCReporter Editor,
Is the story mentioned in the letter above, ("Test of Faith: Crusading for Christ or Conning for Cash" 1/10/08) no longer available?
I can't find it on this website.
Yvonne W