Keep Viva Open!
Viva Coffee House, in Tucson, Arizona needs your help to stay open. Pima County launched a "wall of shame" website that has deliberately targeted our business. We are Patriotic and back the Blue, we served as a food bank for the community at the beginning of the crisis. But loving your country and law enforcement invites persecution these days.
One example: A lady came in and took unauthorized photos of some mothers and their kids enjoying drinks (without trying to strain them through masks) and then "reported" us. Knowing full well that we have been diligent to meet their ever-shifting "proclamations" in good faith, the county threw us on their public shaming site. No warning, no chance to address anything.
A barrage of attacks by the "rage mob" and cancel culture followed. Our family and staff received threats, harassment, and personal attacks. The county did nothing to address the results of their terrible actions and has continued to bully us whenever any random complaint comes their way. It's become obvious they don't care and, in fact, want us to fail, as many other local businesses have.
Before the shutdown, we were growing and almost able to pay ourselves a little after 2 years in business. Because of these heavy-handed tactics, we are down 30-50% from last year. The community LOVES Viva, but since schools still haven't opened, parents are stuck at home, when they'd normally drop the kids off and come to Viva for a break. That's hurt us a lot.
We need your help to get through the next two months. We want to be here for the long run, serving the community we love. We could close our doors, but we provide meaningful work for wonderful staff, and we don't want power-drunk tyrants to prevail without resistance by good people. So we are going to stand up and let these demagogues know they don't have unlimited power. We are going to fight back and hold Pima County and our governor accountable. But we're very tired, and behind on rent and utilities.
WE CAN'T LET THE BULLIES WIN. WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW.
Any help you can provide for operating expenses and legal costs is appreciated.
See what we are all about on our Facebook and Instagram: @VivaCoffeeHouse
