The Midpeninsula Free University

MFU Articles Published by The Stanford Daily
1969

Be-In Organizers Defend Concerts to Paly Council

A Palo Alto City Council committee heard from local be-in organizers about the conflict of morality last night in a calm, friendly meeting.

While members of the Free People's Free Music Company (FPFMC) passed out fresh-baked bread and flowers to the audience, of more than 120 people, committee chairman Frank Gallagher explained it is our resolve to study the be-in with a view of recommending to the Council on the advisability of continuing them, and if they are, what the conditions will be.

The committee is investigating the Saturday night free dances in Lytton Plaza as well as complaints stemming from two be-ins last summer.

In explaining the FPFMC's position. Free University leader Bob Cullenbine declared, We weren't looking for a confrontation. We wanted a concert. When we got two complaints, we'd split like the police asked.

Cullenbine blamed the alleged Lytton Plaza trouble on local new coverage. If you want to investigate, take the clippings from the Times. I think you'll find the Palo Alto Times has done a magnificent job of polarizing the community with its deceptions and outright lies.

In addition he complained of police harassment and cited over 315 jay walking tickets that have been handed out by officers at the Plaza dances during the past year. Would they do this at a Lions Club meeting? Cullenbine asked.

How can the city in good faith enforce these laws? It takes us about 35 to 40 dollars a night to rent the sound equipment. Hell, the city took more out of the Plaza with their fines than we have, declared Cullenbine.

Gallagher had no rebuttal and thanked Cullenbine for speaking. The next speaker led the audience in a hand clapping song while more bread was distributed. The next few speakers tried to persuade the committee to change sound level regulations so that the bands could play at their accustomed volume.

Saul Wasserman from the Peninsula Observer addressed the committee to point out that It's institutions like the Free University and the be-ins that provide one of the most useful activities for youth." Without them, he said, "there will be drug abuse, alienation, and profound despair.