Union Square kicks out young carolers Grade-school kids get boot for lack of permit from city

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 12/5/4 | Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross

[SmithL]

Two dozen San Francisco schoolkids sporting white turtlenecks and Santa hats got a very un-Christmaslike civics lesson the other day when they showed up at Union Square hoping to delight Christmas shoppers with holiday carols.

"They just wanted to set up next to the Christmas tree and sing,'' said Donna Vargas, one of the parents who escorted the fifth- and sixth-graders from San Francisco Day School on Friday's outing.

Instead, they got the boot.

Seems they didn't have a city permit -- so after a brief run-in with the park's security, the kids were shooed away.

"How can children not be allowed to sing in a public park?'' Vargas fumed. "I can see if they were street performers or passing a hat. But they are not raising money or soliciting anybody.''

Maybe not, said Mary McCue, president of MJM Management Group, which oversees the square's security. But under city rules, any organized activity at Union Square requires a permit from the city's Rec and Park Department.

"We try to look the other way a lot, but this was just a big group,'' McCue said. "And there is a whole liability issue. If a kid falls on the step, they're going to automatically sue Rec and Park and me.''

Parents and bystanders were soon on the line to the mayor's office to complain.

[Old Phone Man]

Or if they were the Perpetual Sisters of Indulgence, gay men dressed up like Roman Catholic nuns who make out in front of church steps, why then it would be fine!

[Othniel]

I was once there with some friends. There was a bum who was actually stalking pigeons with the hopes of catching one to cook. He kept on talking to them, trying to get them closer, but they were wise to him. He kept on swearing and swearing when one got away. I'd rather have 6th graders singing than a sqare full of bums.

[Othniel]

C'mon, tell us how you REALLY feel!

(Dude, I agree 100%.)

[Citizen James]

yup, tastes like chicken... LOL

Oh yeah, if any one ever comes to San Fran, STAY AWAY FROM THE AREA ON THE MAP CALLED THE "TENDERLOIN." All bets are off in that neighborhood...

[hineybona]

Bet they would be scare dshit to move some Islamic kids from gathering and singing..Wouldnt want to appear to be biased now would they ..What a crap hole that city is anyway..