The San Francisco Chronicle headline reads "Hooters at the Wharf -- there goes the neighborhood? Politically incorrect restaurant inspires debate over area's character" I guess they are worried about soiling their image of bums, beggars, and vagrants.

Actually, I shouldn't be too hard on San Francisco. Fisherman's Wharf can be quite nice in spots. Some of the street performers are quite interesting and do add character to the town. The silver people that make machine noises when they move and perform are quite interesting to watch. My favorite is the hilarious 'Bush Man' who hides out on a short bridge down by the Wharf, disguised behind two tree branches. Believe it or not, people don't think that the 'bush' sitting on the side walk is at all out of place, until he leaps out and scares the dickens out of them. (I actually got him to scare the shit out of Kenny, who lives in San Francisco and had never heard of him.) You would think that with all of the people standing around staring, and holding back their snickers while they wait for the 'Bush Man' to strike would be a dead giveaway.

Still, Fisherman's Wharf, like the rest of the world, also plays host to a seedier crowd; from the man with the brutally honest "Budweiser Fund" sign, to the pathetic high school freaks, complete with colored mohawks and studded leather garb. For a dollar, you could have your photo taken with someone who you hoped to never see again.

I don't think a Hooters Restaurant is going to set them back too far. Hopefully the gays and lesbians won't be offended by the prospect either.