The New Santa Monica Pier

So, as I've said, the busking rules at the Santa Monica Pier have changed (in no small part due to the fact that performers having a feud while the city is upset with you is never a good thing) so here are the updated rules:

Still need a permit and all the insanity that goes with that BUT now you have to show up at the gazebo (to the left of the walkway down to the pier behind the carousal) ten minutes before the shift begins, so no more waiting 5-8 hours a day (or 18-40 for a holiday) for a spot.

That's how it works. Unfortunately because of this, because the lottery takes away any need to get up and get out to the pier, we've started having characters out there (like the really creepy Elmo guy... seriously, this guy took a spot away from a real performer?).

In response to this, a few guys are getting together to try to re-negotiate the new rules and, if need be, sue the city of Santa Monica. Now I don't think that they want to get rid of the regulations all together (with how childish some of the buskers are, they need regulation. Not saying it makes it right, only necessary), just make sure that these half-assed "performers" have to put in some effort to be there and that they don't detract from everyone else.

So that's it! That's the new, easier Santa Monica Pier.

Oh, shifts are 1-4. 4-7, 7-10, and 10-1* (*only weekends).