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Local Coffee Shop owner Manthri Srinath at it again - threatens homeless man
by Tim Rumford
It is a sad day in Santa Cruz when a terminally ill person is forced to the streets, only to be told how useless and unwanted he is - harassed and forced to call the police for help -- only to receive the opposite.
It is a sad day in Santa Cruz when a terminally ill person is forced to the streets, only to be told how useless and unwanted he is - harassed and forced to call the police for help -- only to receive the opposite.
Oct 13, 2006
Local coffee shop owner at it again
by Tim Rumford – guitarandpen [at] hotmail.com
It is a sad day in Santa Cruz when a terminally ill person is forced to the streets, only to be told how useless and unwanted he is - harassed and forced to call the police for help -- only to receive the opposite.
Shane Maxfield’s Story - from Shane's own account.
On Sept 26th, Shane Maxfield sat close to LuLu Carpenters, legally, ten feet away from the property with a sign. The sign read -
“Temporarily houseless due to fire. I offer Free Tech Service! Email me! Windows XP Support, Mac Support, Terminally Ill, very sick! Thank You!”
Shane has Aids, is truly very ill, lost his home after a fire, and does do tech work for people free who are homeless or simply broke. Shane lets people choose if they wish to speak to him and help him. This day he needed propane for warmth. Shane was there for about an hour when Manthri Srinath, LuLu Carpenters owner came out and ordered him off the mall. He then got right in Shane’s face and began a rant of threats and offensive abusive language. Saying to Shane, “We don’t like your kind here. You are a freeloader. I can ruin your whole life!” Shane asked who the man was, noting he did not have a badge.
Shane stayed in a sitting position during the entire incident with his bunny. At one point Shane lost control of his anger after the repeated threats and said "you fucker".
Manthri Srinath refused to tell him his name and continued to harass and threaten Shane. He paced back and forth telling him how he could make Shane's life a living hell. Shane called the police and although Manthri Srinath claimed to have called them as well, the police confirmed to me - Shane was the only one to call.
When the police arrived, Unlike Manthri Srinath, he gave an apology, although insincere and at the suggestion of the officer. Shane pointed out this was an admission of guilt to officer Jeffery Caldridge, badge number 125. The officer said because Manthri Srinath did not threaten his life (“I will ruin your whole life”), that he broke no laws. He also pointed out that Shane was legal and obeying all laws regarding panhandling.
Shane had called his caretaker for a rescue prior to his call to the police. He was shaken and unable to leave on his own.
The police then forced Shane to listen to more of Manthri Srinath's tirade. He continued to use threatening language in front of officer Jeffery. The officer then told Shane, although he was legal, if he did not move along “he smelled a ticket coming his way”. He also mentioned that it was Manthri Srinath giving him the ticket. While Shane waited for his ride, his rescue - he was given a ticket for panhandling while using offensive language – from the officer he called for protection.
I am concerned about these laws and the apparent police collusion regarding this issue. After calling 911, Shane wanted, needed and deserved protection from an abusive and threatening merchant. The police failed in protecting Shane’s rights. I consider this a hate crime and abuse by a police officer who was called to protect Shane, not Manthri Srinath who has a past of such offensives including throwing hot coffee on a protester across the street and on a homeless man in his own establishment.
Police are supposed to be here to help every human - not just storeowners. I understand the issues the storeowners face with the large homeless population we have, but Manthri Srinath's actions are not the way to treat any human being. Please email me if you witnessed this incident or have had any similar problems at LuLu Carpenters. One more thing - Step up and step out of LuLu Carpenters for good! Three strikes you are out.
Tim Rumford guitarandpen [at] hotmail.com
LuLu Carpenters
1545 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-429-9804
Past incidents include the following, documented here at Indybay -
• Coffee house owner faces battery charge in dousing http://santacruz.indymedia.org/newswire/display/3577/index.php
• LULU CARPENTERS MANAGER ATTACKS VIGILERS http://santacruz.indymedia.org/mod/comments/display/3531/index.php
• A Lulu Carpenters manager threw cups at one woman and coffee at another vigiler and declared all protesters were barred from the cafe after a bill dispute.
http://santacruz.indymedia.org/mod/comments/display/3531/index.php
Local coffee shop owner at it again
by Tim Rumford – guitarandpen [at] hotmail.com
It is a sad day in Santa Cruz when a terminally ill person is forced to the streets, only to be told how useless and unwanted he is - harassed and forced to call the police for help -- only to receive the opposite.
Shane Maxfield’s Story - from Shane's own account.
On Sept 26th, Shane Maxfield sat close to LuLu Carpenters, legally, ten feet away from the property with a sign. The sign read -
“Temporarily houseless due to fire. I offer Free Tech Service! Email me! Windows XP Support, Mac Support, Terminally Ill, very sick! Thank You!”
Shane has Aids, is truly very ill, lost his home after a fire, and does do tech work for people free who are homeless or simply broke. Shane lets people choose if they wish to speak to him and help him. This day he needed propane for warmth. Shane was there for about an hour when Manthri Srinath, LuLu Carpenters owner came out and ordered him off the mall. He then got right in Shane’s face and began a rant of threats and offensive abusive language. Saying to Shane, “We don’t like your kind here. You are a freeloader. I can ruin your whole life!” Shane asked who the man was, noting he did not have a badge.
Shane stayed in a sitting position during the entire incident with his bunny. At one point Shane lost control of his anger after the repeated threats and said "you fucker".
Manthri Srinath refused to tell him his name and continued to harass and threaten Shane. He paced back and forth telling him how he could make Shane's life a living hell. Shane called the police and although Manthri Srinath claimed to have called them as well, the police confirmed to me - Shane was the only one to call.
When the police arrived, Unlike Manthri Srinath, he gave an apology, although insincere and at the suggestion of the officer. Shane pointed out this was an admission of guilt to officer Jeffery Caldridge, badge number 125. The officer said because Manthri Srinath did not threaten his life (“I will ruin your whole life”), that he broke no laws. He also pointed out that Shane was legal and obeying all laws regarding panhandling.
Shane had called his caretaker for a rescue prior to his call to the police. He was shaken and unable to leave on his own.
The police then forced Shane to listen to more of Manthri Srinath's tirade. He continued to use threatening language in front of officer Jeffery. The officer then told Shane, although he was legal, if he did not move along “he smelled a ticket coming his way”. He also mentioned that it was Manthri Srinath giving him the ticket. While Shane waited for his ride, his rescue - he was given a ticket for panhandling while using offensive language – from the officer he called for protection.
I am concerned about these laws and the apparent police collusion regarding this issue. After calling 911, Shane wanted, needed and deserved protection from an abusive and threatening merchant. The police failed in protecting Shane’s rights. I consider this a hate crime and abuse by a police officer who was called to protect Shane, not Manthri Srinath who has a past of such offensives including throwing hot coffee on a protester across the street and on a homeless man in his own establishment.
Police are supposed to be here to help every human - not just storeowners. I understand the issues the storeowners face with the large homeless population we have, but Manthri Srinath's actions are not the way to treat any human being. Please email me if you witnessed this incident or have had any similar problems at LuLu Carpenters. One more thing - Step up and step out of LuLu Carpenters for good! Three strikes you are out.
Tim Rumford guitarandpen [at] hotmail.com
LuLu Carpenters
1545 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-429-9804
Past incidents include the following, documented here at Indybay -
• Coffee house owner faces battery charge in dousing http://santacruz.indymedia.org/newswire/display/3577/index.php
• LULU CARPENTERS MANAGER ATTACKS VIGILERS http://santacruz.indymedia.org/mod/comments/display/3531/index.php
• A Lulu Carpenters manager threw cups at one woman and coffee at another vigiler and declared all protesters were barred from the cafe after a bill dispute.
http://santacruz.indymedia.org/mod/comments/display/3531/index.php
For more information:
http://www.humanityforhomeless.blogspot.com/
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this is a mean country for those that arent moneyed or privileged. it's a big lie.
This has to stop. I have read far too many articles over the years about this man. The peace and love - keep Santa Cruz weird - the progressive liberal town has turned into something very different. This town is gentrifying and the have nots are no longer welcome, even if they lived here their entire life. The media should report on this. (Besides indybay, no offense indybay!) Good writing. I have sipped a cup or two at Lulu’s, although not often, they are the most expensive in town. I will no longer get my caffeine fix at LuLu's. I would rather chew tin foil.
LULU CARPENTERS MANAGER ATTACKS VIGILERS
A Lulu Carpenters manager threw cups at one woman and coffee at another vigiler and declared all protesters were barred from the cafe after a bill dispute. Vigilers reported he said "their kind" was not welcome. The manager followed up by banning a Free Radio Santa Cruz broadcaster seeking to get the manager's side of the story. The manager called police unsuccessfully to evict the reporter from the public sidewalk in front of the Pacific Avenue cafe. Vigilers cited the manager�s action as another example of the War on the Poor downtown & asked supporters to boycott the cafe. In the hours that followed passersby recounted numerous stories of this manager�s abusive behavior towards customers & workers alike. Report incidents to 423-4833.
By: Robert Norse
http://santacruz.indymedia.org/mod/comments/display/3531/index.php
---------
Santa Cruz
Police say the owner of LuLu Carpenter's coffee house faces a battery charge Friday for flinging coffee at an activist taking part in a round-the-clock peace and homelessness vigil.
Manthri Srinath, 38, admitted throwing the coffee, which spattered a hand-drawn "Boycott LuLu's" sign, and wet the pants of an activist named Banyon. The protesters claimed LuLu's employees treated them rudely, agreeing over the phone to let them pay for $70 worth of food by check, then rebuffing them in person. LuLu's staffers say the phone call never took place and that the group held up the line in the shop, ordering food without the means to pay.
Whether or not there was a phone call "doesn't negate the fact the guy went over when he shouldn't have and threw the coffee on (the protester)" said police Lt. Joe Haebe. "He should have left well enough alone."
Srinath couldn't be reached to comment.
By: Santa Cruz Sentinel
http://santacruz.indymedia.org/newswire/display/3577/index.php
A Lulu Carpenters manager threw cups at one woman and coffee at another vigiler and declared all protesters were barred from the cafe after a bill dispute. Vigilers reported he said "their kind" was not welcome. The manager followed up by banning a Free Radio Santa Cruz broadcaster seeking to get the manager's side of the story. The manager called police unsuccessfully to evict the reporter from the public sidewalk in front of the Pacific Avenue cafe. Vigilers cited the manager�s action as another example of the War on the Poor downtown & asked supporters to boycott the cafe. In the hours that followed passersby recounted numerous stories of this manager�s abusive behavior towards customers & workers alike. Report incidents to 423-4833.
By: Robert Norse
http://santacruz.indymedia.org/mod/comments/display/3531/index.php
---------
Santa Cruz
Police say the owner of LuLu Carpenter's coffee house faces a battery charge Friday for flinging coffee at an activist taking part in a round-the-clock peace and homelessness vigil.
Manthri Srinath, 38, admitted throwing the coffee, which spattered a hand-drawn "Boycott LuLu's" sign, and wet the pants of an activist named Banyon. The protesters claimed LuLu's employees treated them rudely, agreeing over the phone to let them pay for $70 worth of food by check, then rebuffing them in person. LuLu's staffers say the phone call never took place and that the group held up the line in the shop, ordering food without the means to pay.
Whether or not there was a phone call "doesn't negate the fact the guy went over when he shouldn't have and threw the coffee on (the protester)" said police Lt. Joe Haebe. "He should have left well enough alone."
Srinath couldn't be reached to comment.
By: Santa Cruz Sentinel
http://santacruz.indymedia.org/newswire/display/3577/index.php
"...does free tech work for people who are homeless..."
So wonder the guy is homeless. Why do homeless people need tech work?
This article is so silly, it crosses the border into slander.
So wonder the guy is homeless. Why do homeless people need tech work?
This article is so silly, it crosses the border into slander.
Silly, slander... You feel its silly when a terminally ill person is harassed by a merchant with a history of harassment. Yes, some homeless people have laptops. Shane is a Wiz with electronics.
He has also helped people who simply could not afford to, you know, poor people. This has nothing to do with his becoming homeless. Often you will find its the poor who help the poor and the rich help the rich.
Tim
He has also helped people who simply could not afford to, you know, poor people. This has nothing to do with his becoming homeless. Often you will find its the poor who help the poor and the rich help the rich.
Tim
I find the actions of the owner of LULU Carpenters disgusting. Their are too many people who believe that they are far above any homeless person. Under the right circumstances any of us could find our selves homeless. Not all homeless are drunken bums. The stories of these people is so varied, some have fallen from much higher heights then owner of a bar. I personally will never spend any money at LULU Carpenters again. And I am working on my friends to do the same. Some of the homeless who appear scruffy and possible under the influence are Vets that have lost many benefits and been treated horribly by our county our city and our big brother the federal government. They deserve our help, and our compassion. It is going to get worse, as our troops come back from Iraq. Invite one home and feed them.
More serious than Srineth's threatening bigotry is the willingness of the SCPD to write false tickets (technically false arrests) at the behest of merchants and to ignore the legitimate concerns of poorer disabled people After all, if Maxfield and Rumford's accounts are accurate, it was Maxfield who called police in a 911 emergency seeking protection from threats against his safety.
I interviewed both Rumford and Maxfield several times for Free Radio Santa Cruz. Mr. Srineth was invited to appear but did not return calls.
Rumford and Maxfield have spoken about the c
On October 8th Rumfod gave an account at http://www.radiolibre.org/brb/brb061008.mp3
On October 12th Maxfield himself gave a first-hand account October 12th: http://www.radiolibre.org/brb/brb061012.mp3
On October 15th, Rumford gave further details at http://www.radiolibre.org/brb/brb061015.mp3
Those who have experienced or witnessed similar abuses by merchants and police (particularly in collusion), feel free to call in to Free Radio on my show (Thursdays 6-8 PM, Sundays 9:30 AM - 1 PM) at 831-427-3772.
Those interested in setting up a protest/information table near Lulu Carpenter's, give a call to me at 423-4833.
I interviewed both Rumford and Maxfield several times for Free Radio Santa Cruz. Mr. Srineth was invited to appear but did not return calls.
Rumford and Maxfield have spoken about the c
On October 8th Rumfod gave an account at http://www.radiolibre.org/brb/brb061008.mp3
On October 12th Maxfield himself gave a first-hand account October 12th: http://www.radiolibre.org/brb/brb061012.mp3
On October 15th, Rumford gave further details at http://www.radiolibre.org/brb/brb061015.mp3
Those who have experienced or witnessed similar abuses by merchants and police (particularly in collusion), feel free to call in to Free Radio on my show (Thursdays 6-8 PM, Sundays 9:30 AM - 1 PM) at 831-427-3772.
Those interested in setting up a protest/information table near Lulu Carpenter's, give a call to me at 423-4833.
I've had my suspicions about the overpriced Lulu's for a while -- you can't trust a place that charges $1.50 for hot water. Such is the tension when capitalism becomes the dominant value, which seems to be what's going down at Pacific Avenue. Presumably Mr. Srinath is in a tizzy over making money, and seems to think that taking his anger out on an innocent man who may sully Lulu's yuppie cafe image and thus decrease it's profitability is justifiable. Shane's experience makes me worry for Srinath's wife and kids. Anyhow, I was recently at another coffee shop that prominently displayed their opposition to the minimum wage initiative and I'm wondering, where can a decent human being with an iota of ethics go to get a cup of coffee in this town?
The Ugly Mug, although in Soquel, has a wonderful history of being good to customers, employees and treats all people equally. During certain events like the big bike event for Aids, he gives away free coffee to all the riders. He has done this many times for other events. I also know him to have helped many others, in the shadows, without using it as an advertisement for his business. He does not need to because his Coffee shop is well patronized, and he is a kind humble human being. If all the coffee shop owners ran their establishments like the Ugly Mug, Santa Cruz would be a better place. Students are welcomed, not ran off at certain hours. He has revolving art and music and an old funky comfortable couch, even toys for children. Everyone is welcome there and it works. I wish there was one downtown.
I agree that Lulu's is way expensive. You would think they were trying to keep us protesting and boycotting types away. I talked to Srinef's wife and kids. They hate him. They were all bruised up, but they couldn't say why.
Turns out Srinef is really demanding of his employees also. Apparently they have to clean all day long and the customer's needs are more important than the workers. Since when? Long live the workers!
Well, I guess I'm now going to Starbucks. The coffee there is so much richer and bolder anyway.I don't think chains are so bad now. Lulu's is going to miss me!
Turns out Srinef is really demanding of his employees also. Apparently they have to clean all day long and the customer's needs are more important than the workers. Since when? Long live the workers!
Well, I guess I'm now going to Starbucks. The coffee there is so much richer and bolder anyway.I don't think chains are so bad now. Lulu's is going to miss me!
I agree about the Ugly Mug. I go there all the time and they never charge me for hot water. At LuLu's it's $1.50. For hot water??! They say it's for the table. Why should I pay for that? Like other people don't use it also. I do like the free wifi at LuLu's but they have that at the Ugly Mug also. Basically they're okay with the poor people being there and using their tables even if we can't afford it. I don't think I have paid for anything there for at least two months. What a great business. I wish they were downtown too. I hear that Lulu's pays the workers better than anyone else, but cleaning all day long? No thanks. I'd rather go somewhere that I just don't need so much money than sell out for Sriniks money, even if it's a lot.
I was walking by Lulu's the other day and I heard the owner say to someone that he wasn't opposed to Measure G. I couldn't believe it. I stopped to ask him about it and he said that LuLu's pays pretty close to $9.25 to start anyway. I talked to one of the workers later and she said that they make "way more" than that and that they're also getting health insurance at the end of the year. Also paid vacations. Does anyone know if this is true?
I stopped going to LuLu's because of how corporate they are. But if they pay so well, maybe I'll get a job there. Then I can afford the coffee! Maybe I'll get it for free anyway. If Srinif is really bad, at least I'll feel better taking his money! Long live the workers!
I stopped going to LuLu's because of how corporate they are. But if they pay so well, maybe I'll get a job there. Then I can afford the coffee! Maybe I'll get it for free anyway. If Srinif is really bad, at least I'll feel better taking his money! Long live the workers!
I love Lulus' coffee, but I have now quit drinking it because of this horrifying man's belief that he can do whatever he pleases on his private property. My husband still goes in twice a day, so occasionally he brings me a cup, but I never ask him to. We just wink at each other when he leaves for his coffee run and I know that soon I will have a cup of great coffee in my hand. Lulu's will soon know what a big mistake they have made. I hope Robert Norse will soon let us all know when we can protest near LuLu's. I'm ready to give Srinig hell! Nevermind the well-paid workers. I don't get paid that well,so I don't see why they should. Yuppies.
I will join the protesters too (although I confess I like LuLu's coffee also. I hope they'll still let me buy it afterwards). With Saint Robert Norse leading the way I know we can change Frinth's mind and make him realize that he needs the business of the peaceful love people also. And when he relents and lets everyone come to his establishment even if they don't pay him, he will really have a thriving business. The rich yuppies can all go to Peets. LuLu's is our hometown coffee shop. Let's keep it that way. Not all of them have to be busy and successful. Lulu's will become a model for a really nice coffeeshop that doesn't make a lot of money. Then Frinth will know how I feel.
What a horrible owner! Luckily for me, my family gave me enough money so I have never had to work for it. If I had to, I guess I would have to think about working at this kind of place since they pay so well. But since I don't have to work, I started a group called TUFFFFFFF (Transients United for Fine Food and French Fries for Free). We have solved a lot of the poverty problems in my town through this organization and our monthly pamphlet called Norse***t (I'm Norwegian). So it really is a good thing I've never had to make that decision about whether to work for such a jerk as Krinf just because he pays well. Good luck putting him out of business. Maybe Starbucks will take over his space. What a great addition that would be to Santa Cruz!
Thanks for all the comments. It is true. He pays his employees well. This is not about his employees. Many have come forward and that takes guts.
In truth, he can run his biz anyway he wants. It is up to us if we want to patronize it. More important is the apparent police collusion. The police were called to protect Shane, not an abusive threatening merchant. I will be announcing a tabling event within the next day or two. We will not simply be asking for a boycott but an end to the police conduct. We need volunteers; any help is appreciated and needed. We will also be sending Manthri Srinath a message that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior. We can also use this time to give out information about the sleeping ban and other important homeless issues.
For more information:
http://humanityforhomeless.blogspot.com
I checked the police call logs and Srennet did call the police first. But I think he called a "friend" at the police department. I know I've seen this dispatcher talking to Srennet's wife before. Given how long the call was, I suspect that it involved more than Shane - probably they were colluding to make Saint Robert Norse look bad and wound his fragile, if substantial, ego and sense of importance to all of us. Long live Robert Norse! Well, I'm definitely convinced that there was collusion. No doubt Shane has violated the panhandling ordinance and will have to pay the ticket (Srennet has witnesses and says he will definitely press the issue, since our reaction has been so hostile. Apparently he was prepared to drop it if we hadn't insisted on all of this), but I still feel that Srennet colluded with police to MAKE Shane do what he did. Ultimately, it's evil people like Srennet who cause us decent folks with an iota of ethics to do bad things. It's never our fault! Personal reponsibility belongs to people with wealth and success exclusively. I'll accept responsibility for my actions when this evil society pays me for them. The sun's rising, so I'm off to play my guitar on Pacific Ave. Or actually, strum, since I don't know how to play. See you outside LuLu's. I can't wait to table!
Thanks for the info on the call logs. Interesting becasue over the phone, the police told me Shane was the first and only one to call. I would love to see the logs. The tabling will be next week. We are setting up a time now and one of us will announce it VERY soon.
Thanks again
Tim
Thanks again
Tim
People, Please understand. Posting accusations of child abuse and other things without facts and are unrelated to this case does not help. This is not a personal attack on Minority, as much as I do not like his past actions. We need to stick to the facts of this case. I do not know who is posting the truth and ho is not and it is not pertinent. We do want volunteers but this is about selective enforcement, police collusion and, by Shane’s account, abuse and threats.
Manirith was given a very simple way out of this, a one-paragraph sincere apology. To be taken seriously we must stick to the facts. I am not interested in hearsay, or other improvable accusations.
Manirith was given a very simple way out of this, a one-paragraph sincere apology. To be taken seriously we must stick to the facts. I am not interested in hearsay, or other improvable accusations.
I have talked to Minority (appropriately named, Tim!) and he is VERY afraid about the tabling and Saint Robert and his amazing power over Santa Cruz mainstream opinion. He is particularly concerned about what he has done to his wife and kids. He is terrified that it will be on the flyer and we will tell people about this dark part of him. He told me that as soon as the tabling starts, he will come over and give Shane a written apology and even offer him a job. Also, he will give free food and coffee indefinitely to all of us. I think this is complete victory!
Also, I KNOW that Minority is a wife beater, as was implied in the first comment about this. It's not hearsay,and it should definitely be on the flyer we hand out. I know that is what he is so afraid of. We don't need to prove this. He will admit it if it is on the flyer. That is why he will surrender when we table. Please make sure this is on the flyer!
Also, I KNOW that Minority is a wife beater, as was implied in the first comment about this. It's not hearsay,and it should definitely be on the flyer we hand out. I know that is what he is so afraid of. We don't need to prove this. He will admit it if it is on the flyer. That is why he will surrender when we table. Please make sure this is on the flyer!
Please e-mail regarding this. Manirith, sorry my spell checker got me last post, has refused to speak to me or anybody I know regarding any of this. I am not saying anybody is lying , but in this forum, who knows who is posting and what there intentions are. I will not put anything regarding Manirith being a wife or child abuser on a flier, it has nothing to do with this issue. I have no proof, its slander and I am not about that. I am interested in speaking to you. Please e-mail me at guitarandpen [at] hotmail.com. I will not slander this man. He has his rights as well as we all do. I will call again and see where he is at. I know he is receiving lots of pressure. WE NEED WITNESSES, PAST OFFENSES THAT ARE RELAVANT. Incidents of police collusion etc. I called the police again, and was told point blank Manirith did not call.
Please restrain from accusations that will only make this turn into exactly what he wants.
Please restrain from accusations that will only make this turn into exactly what he wants.
Tim,
I cannot email for the reasons I mentioned on your blog. It is relevant because it's abusive behavior, but I guess we just won't print it on the flyer. I hope you will at least bring it up at the tabling as a talking point. See you at the event. When is it? I can't wait to watch Srinif wither in the face of Saint Robert Norse's onslaught and surrender to Shane! Long live the workers!
I cannot email for the reasons I mentioned on your blog. It is relevant because it's abusive behavior, but I guess we just won't print it on the flyer. I hope you will at least bring it up at the tabling as a talking point. See you at the event. When is it? I can't wait to watch Srinif wither in the face of Saint Robert Norse's onslaught and surrender to Shane! Long live the workers!
Tabling to gather more information about Lulu Carpenter's policies, discriminatory merchant-police collusion, and other problems around selective enforcement are slated for next Friday in the afternoon.
Those who want to assist or pass on information can do so by leaving info here, or calling 423-4833.
Srineth has been personally invited to give us side of the story, but declined to do so. Sarcastic and faux posters who so unquestioningly support his abisove behavior might consider this.
Those who want to assist or pass on information can do so by leaving info here, or calling 423-4833.
Srineth has been personally invited to give us side of the story, but declined to do so. Sarcastic and faux posters who so unquestioningly support his abisove behavior might consider this.
I will be there and wanted to add - Although a one-page apology is what Shane originally and kindly offered, it is no longer an option after it was refused. Shane wants an end to police aiding people they were not called to protect , and police harassment and merchant collusion.
Coffee will be served!
Coffee will be served!
For more information:
http://humanityforhomeless.blogspot.com
Tabling, yay! I finally will have something to do! What kind of coffee will be served?
BTW I asked Minority, as Tim likes to call him, why he hasn't called Saint Robert Norris-Kahn, since Robert is after all an accredited and unbiased journalist (he really is, everybody!) and would obviously tell both sides of the story without embellishing details. Especially since that IS what he did in their last run-in a few years back. All he could say was that his phone broke. I suggested that maybe he could get Shane to fix it for him. Let's see if he does.
I noticed that LuLu's was a LOT busier during and after the last boycott. Do you think Minority, as Tim likes to call him, might have some evil plan to make more money here? I understand that he has called some people from the local press to the event - no doubt fellow-colluders. Well, we must get our point across. Who cares if LuLu's makes more money?
BTW I asked Minority, as Tim likes to call him, why he hasn't called Saint Robert Norris-Kahn, since Robert is after all an accredited and unbiased journalist (he really is, everybody!) and would obviously tell both sides of the story without embellishing details. Especially since that IS what he did in their last run-in a few years back. All he could say was that his phone broke. I suggested that maybe he could get Shane to fix it for him. Let's see if he does.
I noticed that LuLu's was a LOT busier during and after the last boycott. Do you think Minority, as Tim likes to call him, might have some evil plan to make more money here? I understand that he has called some people from the local press to the event - no doubt fellow-colluders. Well, we must get our point across. Who cares if LuLu's makes more money?
I have some information for you. Did you know that LuLu's does not encourage studying after 6pm? It was completely disallowed till this year,and now they have "high turnover" tables in the evening where they only allow 30 minutes. It's not all tables. Just some. But,why can't they leave us alone? I buy tea for $2.35 at the beginning of the evening. Isn't that enough to pay for my table for the next 6 hours? This kind of discrimination against students must be illegal. Aren't we a protected group? I have tried other coffeeshops, but they all close at 9 or 10pm, and those owners I've talked to say it's because students "just hang out and don't buy anything and are disrespectful of the business" (a real quote). I had one say, "that's what Pergolesi is for. Go there". LuLu's says that they are open late because they want to serve a wide group of people, not just students, and this means the place can't turn into a library. I think they figure that we should go study in the real library instead of a business that has to pay the rent. Whatever. I don't see why that's our problem.
I also have it on good authority that a former mayor of Santa Cruz has not been allowed into LuLu's since 1994 - when he was a graduate student - after he stood on a table and asked people to boycott them (because he had been asked to share a table with his friend and refused. He was then kicked out). So apparently they have a long memory down there!
Anyway, I don't study there anymore. I just get coffee (it IS the best) or tea most evenings and leave. Sometimes I will go there on a date or after the movies. It IS nice on those nights to always be able to get a table! But, their policy is still really unfair to students. Maybe you can mention this in your tabling! I can't join you, because I still want to be able to go there. Thanks.
I also have it on good authority that a former mayor of Santa Cruz has not been allowed into LuLu's since 1994 - when he was a graduate student - after he stood on a table and asked people to boycott them (because he had been asked to share a table with his friend and refused. He was then kicked out). So apparently they have a long memory down there!
Anyway, I don't study there anymore. I just get coffee (it IS the best) or tea most evenings and leave. Sometimes I will go there on a date or after the movies. It IS nice on those nights to always be able to get a table! But, their policy is still really unfair to students. Maybe you can mention this in your tabling! I can't join you, because I still want to be able to go there. Thanks.
Mr Rumford, it is extremely offensive to see you calling this man "Minority", especially since he is non-white. And Mr. Norse, you ought to be ashamed. I mean that in a general sense, of course. But also, specifically for supporting such a thing. I find this comment racist and bigoted. "My spell check doesn't work" is no excuse. So much for your moral high ground.
Norris-Kahn and Rumford, you are going way out on a limb attacking this man, especially in the malicious and slanderous manner that you have. I was involved the last time you pulled this stunt, Kahn, and there were grounds for a lawsuit on his part against the lot of you. This is why the DA threw out that bogus charge against him. You are lucky he didn't pursue legal action then. I happen to admire and respect his business and how well he treats his employees and customers and I can assure you that if this nonsense progresses much further, I will encourage him to pursue a legal recourse, and, although he is fully capable of paying for expensive litigation, I will offer him the services of my firm pro bono, as I did last time. As you no doubt discovered last time, he will give as good as he gets from you, so you ought to move on and pick on someone smaller - say, your size.
Be very careful how you "table", if you do. I will ensure that he proceeds to document any mis-steps on your part and takes appropriate action.
Be very careful how you "table", if you do. I will ensure that he proceeds to document any mis-steps on your part and takes appropriate action.
First of all, please do some research before presenting opinion as fact. Manthri Srinath's name is not even spelled right on most of these posts. I worked at Lulu Carpenter's for almost four years and consequently know both the business policies and the owner very well. There have been many incidents over the years in which Mr. Srinath displayed attitudes/behavior that I found outrageous and inappropriate. I too desire for Santa Cruz to BECOME a community where all people are respected and valued as human beings.
However, despite my disagreement with his capitalistic attitude, Manthri Srinath is a business owner who generally strongly protects his employees. They are well paid and well supported. Whatever the motivations behind it, Manthri is also focused on buying coffee grown organically and sustainably and without a doubt, Lulu Carpenter's is the only place in Santa Cruz you can truly get a shot of espresso or cappuccino that is correctly prepared. Employees are trained well and included in the process of learning about roasting, growing coffee, complex espresso preparation, among other things.
I would be the first to confront Mr. Srinath regarding his continued discrimination of other members of this community. However, I believe that respectful dialogue can generate change in both his business and attitude that will serve all people in the community. False slander of this man (including downright lies... he is not married and has no children to abuse.) and boycotting of the best place in Santa Cruz to get coffee will not change anything positively. Certainly, taking your business to large corporations like Starbucks is counterproductive.
Please get your facts straight. Engage in respectful conversation with this man who is incredibly intelligent and quite capable of change. Address your questions about the varied aspects of his business policy. And let's begin to actually WORK together to create communal growth. "Protesting" and "Boycotting" things does not construct any real positive change in our community. Let's stop skimming the surface of social activism and truly engage one another to make this happen.
However, despite my disagreement with his capitalistic attitude, Manthri Srinath is a business owner who generally strongly protects his employees. They are well paid and well supported. Whatever the motivations behind it, Manthri is also focused on buying coffee grown organically and sustainably and without a doubt, Lulu Carpenter's is the only place in Santa Cruz you can truly get a shot of espresso or cappuccino that is correctly prepared. Employees are trained well and included in the process of learning about roasting, growing coffee, complex espresso preparation, among other things.
I would be the first to confront Mr. Srinath regarding his continued discrimination of other members of this community. However, I believe that respectful dialogue can generate change in both his business and attitude that will serve all people in the community. False slander of this man (including downright lies... he is not married and has no children to abuse.) and boycotting of the best place in Santa Cruz to get coffee will not change anything positively. Certainly, taking your business to large corporations like Starbucks is counterproductive.
Please get your facts straight. Engage in respectful conversation with this man who is incredibly intelligent and quite capable of change. Address your questions about the varied aspects of his business policy. And let's begin to actually WORK together to create communal growth. "Protesting" and "Boycotting" things does not construct any real positive change in our community. Let's stop skimming the surface of social activism and truly engage one another to make this happen.
By the way. Despite how much it irritates some people, the no studying policy at Lulu's makes it one of the best places to hang out downtown at night for those who are not students. This is a diverse community and many people appreciate the fact that Lulu's is a social space and not a library.
Please don't kid yourself, it is not "Discriminatory" against students to ban studying in a CAFE open late at night on a downtown strip. That is in fact what the library is for. And adding this to list of complaints against Mr. Srinath is totally inappropriate without speaking with him about why he holds these policies. Again, it is not to "discriminate" against people like you but a very purposeful attempt to make Lulu's a space where community and conversation can flourish. When students take over a space that is meant to be social, the entire atmosphere changes. Manthri has worked hard to create a business with the vision of serving high quality coffee and espresso in a vibrant and social atmosphere. I think this brings much more life to our community than a quiet cafe filled with isolated students. Bring a friend and have a conversation about the book you're reading instead.
Please don't kid yourself, it is not "Discriminatory" against students to ban studying in a CAFE open late at night on a downtown strip. That is in fact what the library is for. And adding this to list of complaints against Mr. Srinath is totally inappropriate without speaking with him about why he holds these policies. Again, it is not to "discriminate" against people like you but a very purposeful attempt to make Lulu's a space where community and conversation can flourish. When students take over a space that is meant to be social, the entire atmosphere changes. Manthri has worked hard to create a business with the vision of serving high quality coffee and espresso in a vibrant and social atmosphere. I think this brings much more life to our community than a quiet cafe filled with isolated students. Bring a friend and have a conversation about the book you're reading instead.
Hello everyone! My attention was directed to this page today. Wow! Sounds like quite a stir! You folks are very amusing, indeed! Rumsfeld and Horse, I think you've been had here. It looks like a lot of bogus posts (and some sincere ones from both sides of this business as well). I understand you were all out there today, which is how I heard about this. I hope it went well. Sorry I missed it. By the way, I dropped the ticket against Shane a while back. I don't really have time to chase an AIDS patient with a rabbit. That's just too weird. And, I've actually got a JOB. So anyway, he's off the hook. Do let him know that.
Of course, I still dislike all of you intensely. It's simply because all of us in my business work exceedingly hard for our wages, and you folks just sit there and take potshots at us. Productivity is underrated. You should all try working for a living sometime. But I really don't have time to fool around with you guys, so I'll see you all around. Take care.
Manthri Srinath
P.S. Thanks to my ex-coworker for being respectful enough to spell my name correctly and to fairly (and accurately) assess my strengths and faults!
Of course, I still dislike all of you intensely. It's simply because all of us in my business work exceedingly hard for our wages, and you folks just sit there and take potshots at us. Productivity is underrated. You should all try working for a living sometime. But I really don't have time to fool around with you guys, so I'll see you all around. Take care.
Manthri Srinath
P.S. Thanks to my ex-coworker for being respectful enough to spell my name correctly and to fairly (and accurately) assess my strengths and faults!
First off,
I have scene the tirades of LULU Carpenters owner; he can be a very horrible man. I was around when he threw the coffee in 2003. This smells the same to me. He refused to speak until now despite requests from what I understand. The same happened last time. There was a call made to try to mediate through this with dialog first by Tim. I saw the tabling and many people vowing never to go in again as well as I did.
Srinath certainly has lost business due to all the publicity. My 20 friends will no longer be going there. I have heard enough from my friends who have worked there about this man. This is a free country and protesting is a part of that freedom. All I have read from Srinath is name calling when he does respond. Tim Rumford feeds people on Monday nights, allot of people. I have had to eat there myself. He seems like a fair person and he does allot for the community. He refused to slander Srinath and that was smart as well as fair. It was an obvious ploy by... ??
I believe he tried first to communicate and form dialog. From what he wrote, he was told to go to hell while trying. If that had happened to me, I would be protesting too.
Three incidents of coffee throwing and now this is simply too much. Take some anger management classes Srinath.
Todd K
Santa Cruz resident
I have scene the tirades of LULU Carpenters owner; he can be a very horrible man. I was around when he threw the coffee in 2003. This smells the same to me. He refused to speak until now despite requests from what I understand. The same happened last time. There was a call made to try to mediate through this with dialog first by Tim. I saw the tabling and many people vowing never to go in again as well as I did.
Srinath certainly has lost business due to all the publicity. My 20 friends will no longer be going there. I have heard enough from my friends who have worked there about this man. This is a free country and protesting is a part of that freedom. All I have read from Srinath is name calling when he does respond. Tim Rumford feeds people on Monday nights, allot of people. I have had to eat there myself. He seems like a fair person and he does allot for the community. He refused to slander Srinath and that was smart as well as fair. It was an obvious ploy by... ??
I believe he tried first to communicate and form dialog. From what he wrote, he was told to go to hell while trying. If that had happened to me, I would be protesting too.
Three incidents of coffee throwing and now this is simply too much. Take some anger management classes Srinath.
Todd K
Santa Cruz resident
Hey Manthri Srinath,
Why did you not respond to my letter from a concerned customer? That is no way to keep buisness. Its way to late for you to come out now after so many offers and chances. You still never gave your side of the story? What gives.
Why did you not respond to my letter from a concerned customer? That is no way to keep buisness. Its way to late for you to come out now after so many offers and chances. You still never gave your side of the story? What gives.
Does it even occur to you people that LuLu's actually doesn't want your "business"? You stood outside this business and tried to dissuade people from patronizing them. To a business person, that's a capital crime. It is the most malicious thing you could do. I'm sure that any hope that you may have had for participating in their business philosophy and decisions has been irreversibly destroyed.
I go to LuLu's all the time, and I was accosted by you people on my way in the other day. I spent more money there then and since to show them my support.
I also have news for all of you. Hitching your wagons to Robert Norse is the surest way to go nowhere. His narcissism has alienated so many people in this town, that while we can't just escort him to the city limits, the business and (relavant) political community simply ignore him.
I go to LuLu's all the time, and I was accosted by you people on my way in the other day. I spent more money there then and since to show them my support.
I also have news for all of you. Hitching your wagons to Robert Norse is the surest way to go nowhere. His narcissism has alienated so many people in this town, that while we can't just escort him to the city limits, the business and (relavant) political community simply ignore him.
First off,
It was a mistake by me and my spell checker to call Mr. Srinath Minority, I already explained that. He has purposely called me names and I have tried to keep to the facts. I have seen not many people can spell his name or mine right.
If you are OK with an owner treating people in this fashion and a police department that fails to protect the rights of the poor, then, you belong there. Sip your lattes and keep calling people names because so far, the people coming to the defense of Mr. Srinath have largely kept to doing just that. I would rather talk about the issues. Posting false comments trying to get me to slander Mr. Srinath is also not so classy.
I am concerned that terminally ill people are homeless in the first place. This incident brought up many issues, and people should be concerned with them. I am not OK with a DA that did not press the battery charges on Mr. Srinath in 2003. If I threw Coffee on him, I would be in jail in three seconds. I am concerned with our Police Dept. and its use of selective enforcement. I demand the City abide by the 9th Court of Appeals Jones’ decision and the U.S Constitution and end the Sleeping ban. I could care less if you like his Coffee or if he is rich or poor. I do care when a merchant thinks he owns public space and abuses a person who was no threat to him and was off his property.
It was a mistake by me and my spell checker to call Mr. Srinath Minority, I already explained that. He has purposely called me names and I have tried to keep to the facts. I have seen not many people can spell his name or mine right.
If you are OK with an owner treating people in this fashion and a police department that fails to protect the rights of the poor, then, you belong there. Sip your lattes and keep calling people names because so far, the people coming to the defense of Mr. Srinath have largely kept to doing just that. I would rather talk about the issues. Posting false comments trying to get me to slander Mr. Srinath is also not so classy.
I am concerned that terminally ill people are homeless in the first place. This incident brought up many issues, and people should be concerned with them. I am not OK with a DA that did not press the battery charges on Mr. Srinath in 2003. If I threw Coffee on him, I would be in jail in three seconds. I am concerned with our Police Dept. and its use of selective enforcement. I demand the City abide by the 9th Court of Appeals Jones’ decision and the U.S Constitution and end the Sleeping ban. I could care less if you like his Coffee or if he is rich or poor. I do care when a merchant thinks he owns public space and abuses a person who was no threat to him and was off his property.
Mr. Rumford,
You didn't spell the word "minority" incorrectly. There's no issue with your spellcheck. There IS an issue with your choice of word to describe this man. Of course it's a racist comment. But I'm not surprised, unfortunately. It makes yours and Norse's whole motivation very suspect, though.
You didn't spell the word "minority" incorrectly. There's no issue with your spellcheck. There IS an issue with your choice of word to describe this man. Of course it's a racist comment. But I'm not surprised, unfortunately. It makes yours and Norse's whole motivation very suspect, though.
No it was a mistake. Type in his last name in word and hit spell check. Guess what pops up. I made a mistake of which I already apologized for and will not again. I would NEVER do that to anyone no matter how much I disagreed with them. People who know me know this to be true.
I am interested in facts and the issues this incident raised, nothing else. Shane is very ill and the fact that a terminally ill person is forced into homelessness bothers me.
I am interested in facts and the issues this incident raised, nothing else. Shane is very ill and the fact that a terminally ill person is forced into homelessness bothers me.
i know this is hella old, but for more Manthri tantrums, check out our blogsite. Daniel Taylor get's chewed out by him in one of the comments. Which just winds up in ridicule and a link to this article. I KNEW that guy was a dick. Funny how you can tell with just one comment on a blogsite.
For more information:
http://blog.synthesis.net
Manthri Srinath May 7th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
"You’re an idiot and a cheapskate. Making yourself a ghetto latte at the condiments bar and then expecting the employees to kiss your ass in thanks is exactly the sort of behavior Starbucks-grade customers exhibit. You and that Taco Bell of a coffee shop deserve each other. And no, going to Starbucks doesn’t make you cool or intelligent. It makes you a mediocre consumer, with the most pedestrian of tastes.
Pull that stunt in one our cafes and we’d have you out on the street twice as fast. And no slavish apology from some district manager, either."
http://blog.synthesis.net/2008/05/06/starbucks-more-like-starsucks-amirite/
"You’re an idiot and a cheapskate. Making yourself a ghetto latte at the condiments bar and then expecting the employees to kiss your ass in thanks is exactly the sort of behavior Starbucks-grade customers exhibit. You and that Taco Bell of a coffee shop deserve each other. And no, going to Starbucks doesn’t make you cool or intelligent. It makes you a mediocre consumer, with the most pedestrian of tastes.
Pull that stunt in one our cafes and we’d have you out on the street twice as fast. And no slavish apology from some district manager, either."
http://blog.synthesis.net/2008/05/06/starbucks-more-like-starsucks-amirite/
He is homeless because of a fire!
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