A bit of a correction is in order. The opposition to the

opening of a Starbucks in Ocean Beach predates by many

months the BIO conference. While some people who were in

town to protest the BIO conference may have been at the

OB rally, more than twice as many people have attended

previous anti-Starbucks events, months before BIO came to

town. OB remains as an enclave of unique local color in San

Diego, one of the few affordable coastal communities left

in the city, with much more than average old-fashined Main

Street USA-feel and small business vitality. Obeceans view

Starbucks as yet another corporate enterprise, bringing

with them rising rents, gentrification, and other unwelcome

social effects.

Real Obeceans either welcome Starbucks, or have no opinion. The only affordable housing I know of are the run-down apartments that house the great unwashed you view as colorful. As for "Main Street - USA", Real locals don't even like going to Newport Ave, what with all the white trash drug addicts and dealers everywhere. The average person could sit on the curb and people-watch for just 10 minutes before getting disgusted, wondering what is happeneing to society. If you think Starbucks brings unwelcome social effects, and The BLack brings Main Street charm, you really need to reevaluate your priorities, and, please, don't procreate.