The difficulties of doing business in the socialist state of Berkeley. Key quote:
When a planner working in design review looked at Dalrympleโs plans, she told her she didnโt think a black and white awning would fit in with the neighborhood, said Dalrymple. The planner didnโt give her any specific recommendations for a different color, but just nixed her idea. . . . “Rules arenโt written down anywhere,โ said [Dan Marks, director of the Planning and Development Department]. โBut the planner has worked in the neighborhood a long time and she knows what the neighborhood likes.” [emphasis mine]