About the Che Cafe, by Jay Campbell

KSDT is proud to be affiliated with the Che Cafe, perhaps one of the most decorated subversive spaces on campus. Covered in paintings of radical icons, complete with its own organic garden, the Che is obviously very different from the rest of the buildings at UCSD. The Che mantains itself as a venue for inexpensive (rarely over 5 dollars) all-ages shows, as well as a Cafe providing two vegan (strict vegetarian - no animal products whatsoever) all-you-can-eats a week. It also hosts meetings, discussion groups, film screenings, art shows, and varius other activities, including the yearly Dis-Orientation party, a celebration of campus activism and concious activity that takes place every fall quarter.

The Che is volunteer run, and managed as a collective. This means that there is no hierarchy at the Che, that first time volunteers have just as much respected input as long time members. They meet every week to discuss issues relevant to the collective weekly, and anyone is invited to participate.

The Che dedicates itself to a number or worthy causes, such as: fighting for student control over student fees, donating money to the Zapitista indigenous rights movement, supporting the local chapter of Food-Not-Bombs (a grasroots organization that serves hot meals to the homeless), and simply supporting DIY musicians on tour. As a collective there is a huge intrest in progressive politics, as well as supporting independant artists and groups. Every decision made is made with consequences in mind, such as the price of a show, or the lyrical content of a band that wants to play.

So come check out a show, or grab a bite to eat, but by all means don't stop there. Get involved whether it's by washing some dishes to get into a show for free, or going to a meeting, take part in the process. That's half the fun.