The Ché Café is a worker‑cooperative, social center, and live‑music venue situated on the campus of the University of California, San Diego (UC SD) in La Jolla, California. Established in 1980 by a group of UC SD students, the organization operates as a volunteer‑run collective that provides a space for concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings, and community gatherings, as well as a vegan café offering inexpensive meals.
History
The café was founded by students including Scott Kessler, Ruth Rominger, Kim Higgs, and Joy Every. Its name references the Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara, but was officially registered with the university as the backronym “Cheap Healthy Eats” to reduce political scrutiny. Throughout the 1980s the venue hosted reggae and punk shows; by the 1990s it had become a recognized hub for hardcore, punk, post‑punk, and indie rock acts, adhering to a DIY (do‑it‑yourself) ethic.
Relationship with UC SD
Since its inception, the Ché Café’s relationship with university administration has been intermittent. The university has periodically attempted to close or relocate the venue, citing safety concerns and policy violations. Notable incidents include a 2000 lockout by the university that prompted a member‑led “lock‑in” protest, and a 2014 court‑ordered eviction notice that was subsequently stayed after negotiations. A new lease agreement was signed in 2017 following renovations, and the venue reopened in 2018.
Operations and Activities
The café functions as a cooperative, with members participating in consensus‑based decision‑making. Its programming emphasizes community‑oriented events, ranging from live music performances to political meetings and workshops. The café’s food service operates on a vegan menu, marketed as affordable and healthy. It also serves as a resource for UC SD’s music and art departments.
Cultural Impact
Prominent musicians and activists have praised the Ché Café for its role in fostering artistic expression and community building. Zack de la Roche, frontman of Rage Against the Machine, described it as “a place that is not only a great venue, but a source of inspiration and community building for any artist, student, or worker that has entered its doors.” The venue continues to host both local and touring acts, contributing to San Diego’s independent music scene.
References
Information summarized from the Wikipedia entry on the Ché Café, which details its founding, cooperative structure, historical conflicts with university administration, and ongoing cultural activities.