Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post

clavus · 05-27-2003, 04:46 PM

My friend co-owns a small coffee shop in the SF Bay Area. Her partner is an American from Iran. They want to put in a grill and sell hot food, but have encountered a real problem - the building inspector. Maybe he's the FDA inspector. I dunno. He's an inspector and he's an asshat.

First of all, its obvious by his manner than he doesn't like the Iranian partner. Rather than debate HOW and IF this guy is a racist, let's just make it a given, OK?

So anyway, this guy won't issue the permit for the grill. Every time he visits, he comes up with "one last thing." First it needed to be repainted behind the grill. Then the plaster needed to be redone- then painted...the plaster that was OK last time he was there. Then the tile needed to be changed. It goes on and on.

After consulting with the contractors doing the work, it was revealed that this inspector never approves an inspection unless there is a bribe in it for him (like $500). Further, he has a reputation of giving minority business owners a really hard time.

My friend tried to get a different inspector to come out, but had no luck. She's been told (by some of the contractors) that if she complains, this guy will really mess with her business.

And my friend is absolutely resolute in "not being a party to corruption." She will not offer a bribe. even a paltry $500

I have no point to this tale. Maybe its to open your eyes to one of the invisible struggles around us. Maybe its to show that racism is alive and well in the ultra-liberal Bay Area. Maybe its to vent my frustrations using words instead of fire and lead.

05-27-2003, 04:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
clavus pow! Location: NorCal	Bribing the inspector? My friend co-owns a small coffee shop in the SF Bay Area. Her partner is an American from Iran. They want to put in a grill and sell hot food, but have encountered a real problem - the building inspector. Maybe he's the FDA inspector. I dunno. He's an inspector and he's an asshat. First of all, its obvious by his manner than he doesn't like the Iranian partner. Rather than debate HOW and IF this guy is a racist, let's just make it a given, OK? So anyway, this guy won't issue the permit for the grill. Every time he visits, he comes up with "one last thing." First it needed to be repainted behind the grill. Then the plaster needed to be redone- then painted...the plaster that was OK last time he was there. Then the tile needed to be changed. It goes on and on. After consulting with the contractors doing the work, it was revealed that this inspector never approves an inspection unless there is a bribe in it for him (like $500). Further, he has a reputation of giving minority business owners a really hard time. My friend tried to get a different inspector to come out, but had no luck. She's been told (by some of the contractors) that if she complains, this guy will really mess with her business. And my friend is absolutely resolute in "not being a party to corruption." She will not offer a bribe. even a paltry $500 I have no point to this tale. Maybe its to open your eyes to one of the invisible struggles around us. Maybe its to show that racism is alive and well in the ultra-liberal Bay Area. Maybe its to vent my frustrations using words instead of fire and lead. __________________ Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.