Past Thursday, the new branch of Pizza Orgasmica in San Rafael was target of vandalism, promoted by two employees of the nearby Extreme Pizza at 3 a.m.
Pizza Orgasmica’s manager Stephanie Loftis was inside the restaurant when the vandals were destroying the newly painted facade with spray paint, writing things like “Go Home” and other insults, also spraying the faces of an artistic rendition of Adam and Eve; and she called the police immediately. Both men were arrested right away by the police, and are facing charges and had bail set in $10,000. The police arrested the men while they were discarding the cans and gloves they used to attack the new business. Damages are estimated in $7,000. One of the men, manager of Extreme Pizza, was also immediately fired. The owners of Pizza Orgasmica, Taylor Maia and his wife, Gina Gochez were not there at the time of the interview.
Pizza Orgasmica was also target of a complaint filed with the Planning Commission of San Rafael regarding the bright yellow color the owners chose to paint the facility. Well, Taylor Maia is a Brazilian citizen, who decided to pay homage to the colors of the Brazilian soccer squad, the best of the best in the world. The argument for the complaint was that it is a historical building and the color is inappropriate. So far, the owner agreed in toning down the yellow. The case is going to further hearing.
In the light of these events, some issues were raised and are worrying the Brazilian leadership in the Bay Area. Some say the pizza parlor was target of a hate crime, because of the expression “go home”, and that the yellow-controversy happened because the owner is Brazilian, a foreigner, being a case of xenophobia. While some opinions are completely exaggerated and off the blue, the community must always watch carefully acts and activities performed against foreigners. On the other hand, foreigners living here must also be aware of cultural issues that may come to light every time an expression of a different culture is openly exercised. Careful analysis and reflection must be done when cultural differences are involved. It is much easier to discuss and convey cultural coexistence in peaceful and non-activist mood.
In any case, the acts performed by those two men are completely despicable, and the Planning Commission, before issuing any recommendation to the City Council, should analyze the nature of the complaint, the ulterior motives behind it, and also the benefits a new business creating jobs and circulation in downtown San Rafael may bring to the city. The city of San Rafael should use these two events to rethink the relationship of the city’s authorities with its diverse population, and the future policies that can be created to erase once and for all this type of acts.
Many residents of Marin County are spontaneously going to the newly opened Pizza Orgasmica to show their support to the business, and the Brazilian community is doing the same. According to Loftis, at the end, the whole publicity of these unfortunate happenings is actually increasing the movement in this recently opened business. Orgasmica San Rafael was opened for only two days when the vandalism occurred!
If you believe in a peaceful cultural coexistence, in a land of opportunity and free enterprise, complemented by just policymaking decisions, support his business. Eat there, recommend to your friends and family, and make sure that hard and honest work is never damaged by irrational and prejudicial mindset.
Pizza Orgasmica
812 Fourth Street
San Rafael, Ca. 94901
(415) 457-BEER (2337)
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