We got redlined

What you are doing is, of course, the illegal but all too common practice known as redlining. It's racism in pseudo-economic guise.

Eleven years ago when I bought this building, there were street walkers and drug dealers plying their trades on the sidewalk in front. There was a stolen car chop shop in the empty lot behind. On one occasion I was confronted at gunpoint and faced them down.

Since then, the lot behind has been built-up and the slummy buildings on the street in front have been replaced by shiny new multi-story housing construction. I am proud to be a pioneer in a revived neighborhood.

Yet, the battle is not over. Angry young men still spray paint graffiti. My building wears this as a badge of honor. In years past, I would scrape and wash it off. The next night it would come right back. I have chosen other battles to fight.

Indeed, it's a kind of urban art and -- more importantly -- bestows security by obscurity. My "decorated" exterior hides the million dollar music studios within. I've never had a break-in. Artists recording here have included Santana, Sly Stone, Tower of Power, and many more. We are the low profile home of the Oakland Sound and proud of it!

In denigrating my courage and vision you reveal your ignorance and prejudice. We make progress despite you.

-- cartoon by my father Charles Keller,
who also pioneered a tough neighborhood,
New York City's Lower East Side
(long before it became fashionable)