Good day… I hope this message finds you healthy and at
peace.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Walt Hansen. I am a resident of San Jose, I work here,
I sleep here, I am part of San
Jose. Some of the people that are
reading this may know me. I believe some
of the people that know me may say I am a kind hearted, friendly, contributing
member of society. That what I bring to
San Jose is noteworthy, that I enhance
the area of downtown San Jose, to
those people, I most humbly say ‘thank you very much for your kind words’. Some may say I’m an unwelcome annoyance, and
to those I have no response.
The occupation that I have found
myself in is that of a street musician.
I stand in various locations in downtown San Jose and play a flute. My music ranges from pop to jazz. I’ve been told by many that it improves the
atmosphere, and adds that ‘extra something’ to the place.
I drop a hat at my feet, and live off
what donations are placed there. I never
ask for a dime, not one. I also refuse
to ask for social services help. Not
food stamps, nothing. Welfare wasn’t
meant for people like me. Welfare was
meant for mothers with children, not for people that are capable of standing,
and hustling out a living out of what’s there.
Recently I was handed a notice, of an
ordinance that’s gone into effect for the upcoming superbowl week. This ordinance states that I will not be able
to legally play anywhere in downtown San Jose, from approximately February 2nd,
through February 9th.
I suggest to you, that this is a
decision that needs to be re-examined.
Is this the way you wish to treat the people that make San Jose their
home the other 51 weeks of the year ?
The notion that the powers that be of
San Jose would tell me, a veteran, that asks for nothing, and does contribute
to the city of San Jose, that I am not welcome to earn a living during one of
the biggest celebrations in the country, is beyond belief.
San Jose is telling me, ‘we’re having a party, please stay away’. San Jose is telling me, ‘you’re not good
enough for us’. San Jose is telling me, ‘we
don’t care that you served your country, we don’t care that you add to the
flavor of downtown day in and day out’.
San Jose is telling me, ‘go to
hell’.
So
Mayor Liccardo, council members of San Jose, National Football League, Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, are you going to tell a normally accepted
member of downtown San Jose that he can stand outside, and look in, but please
don’t expect to be welcomed at your party ?
I welcome discussion on this
subject. Feel free to walk up to me
while I’m out playing music, and I’ll certainly listen to your point of
view. I can regularly be found in various spots on the Paseo de San Antonio, as well as a few other
spots.
I am personable enough, if the various
interviews and questions I’ve had are any
proof.
I want to be part of this city.
I enjoy downtown San Jose, and many
residents of downtown have enjoyed what I do.
Do the right thing, and make it legal for me to play in downtown during
this celebration.
Regards,
Walt Hansen
http://Walt.comxa.com
Walthansen753@yahoo.com
Facebook walthansen55
