I've been a Corvallis resident for 31 years. Due to the hard economic times, I am homeless and unemployed.
I earn money by busking (offering entertainment by singing, dancing, playing music or magic as an inducement to the giving of alms).
I have had two run-ins with the Corvallis police. They informed me that the Corvallis Municipal Code (5.03.080.150) limits busking to Riverfront Commemorative Park.
Both times, I informed the officer that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the Berger vs. Seattle case makes parts of the code invalid. The court's decision in the case struck down the curbs imposed by Seattle that buskers refrain from soliciting gratuities, and that they work only in designated areas, like the Corvallis ordinance does.
At the second confrontation, the police chief, who was accompanying the officer, recommended that I take this matter to the City Council, which I plan to do.
I invite other buskers and musicians to join me in attending the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at noon at the fire station to hear my proposal to suspend enforcement of some sections of the busking law and give their opinions to the council.
Dale F. Combes, Corvallis
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I agree.
ReplyDeleteMe too, if I give you a dollar I at least expect a show! Nothing better tha a good tap dance, or a magic show...
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that the alcohol/drug use, the transient brawls (Fights), and white rich Corvallis residents who call to complain about these things are what gets Law Enforcement involved.