SFO Bay Area
- Thread starter salmon51
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Miles Mademoiselle
Level 2 Member
Just saw this. Would love to get something going over the coming weeks. I'm in the East Bay/North Bay/SF (yes, all of those).
Miles Mademoiselle
Level 2 Member
Any takers...?
Confectioneer
San Francisco Bay Area
I'd love to get together! I'm in Berkeley, but can easily meet anywhere near a BART station.
If I were in charge of the world
, weekends work best.
If I were in charge of the world
, weekends work best.
SC Trojan
Level 2 Member
I've been getting a lot of "push back" from WM about MOs. Of the 2 WMs near me, one requires they check the debit card has your name on it and it matches your ID. The other allows the use of VGCs, but makes a copy of your license and makes you fill out a form with the DL# on it. I don't really feel comfortable that WM is going to protect my personal info, so I have cut back on in person MSing and limited it to using Kate or other means. I'm thinking of using an expired license next time and maybe getting a California ID (not a Drivers License, it's something else).I will be in the Bay Area on 8/13 to 8/20. Very unsure if it would work but willing to try if something is planned.
BTW, where do you guys buy MOs in the Los Altos/Palo Alto/downtown SF area? I'd hate to leave my MSing schedule at home
cocobird
Level 2 Member
Interesting - I believe there is a California law that does not permit a business to take a copy of your license or even write the drivers license number down. Sounds like time for push back (or maybe a lawsuit?)
The law only allows the business to see that the person is who he/she claims to be and can only be used for identification purposes. I had that issue at a restaurant (using a discount voucher) and told them it was illegal. The next time, I went, they were no longer trying to take the info down.
SC Trojan
Level 2 Member
I work in CA and went through a bunch of privacy training when I started a new job a couple years back. I figured what they were doing was illegal and the thought had crossed my mind of reporting it to the manager or WM. My concern is they will then just cut off the use of VGCs all together. I know that's what they did in the WM nearby, so I think that's pretty likely. It's also a huge PITA because they have to take my ID, run to the back of the store, photocopy it, then run back then they can process my multiple VGCs. I'll probably try the expired ID route, and just argue that it's a valid ID. Otherwise maybe I'll give them some random government ID like my Global Entry one.
taxicabnumber
Level 2 Member
I'd be down for something in South Bay (I'm in Palo Alt0).
@SC Trojan , which WM are you talking about that copies down your DL? Don't think I've hit that one.
@SC Trojan , which WM are you talking about that copies down your DL? Don't think I've hit that one.
SC Trojan
Level 2 Member
The WM fresh market in San Ramon. The WM in Pleasanton is the one that requires the card to have your name on it. Technically they have a Kate, but it down like 90% of the time, so pretty useless. Livermore doesn't have a Kate, though I haven't checked them out lately. The WM fresh market in Pleasanton I haven't been to lately, but got a bad vibe at last time. The manager was the one that checked me out when reloading a BB, she asked if I was "doing this for points" which caught me off guard, so I just repeated "it's a debit card". She gave me a dirty look and said OK. I might check back there sometime soon, but it seems like a trend. I think they had a huge increase in MS after VRs stopped being sold at the drug store with CC. VRs at the drug store used to be pretty hard to find, so I'm sure there are a lot of MSers in the area.
I definitely go to the one in San Ramon and know exactly what you're talking about. Have you had any luck with doing more than 2k of MOs? They only want to do one transaction for me, even though it's a PITA.
Are you still in town? Because if so we can schedule a meetup and then whoever is free can come along too.
SC Trojan
Level 2 Member
I never tried, but they seem to be OK with multiple $500 VGCs in one transaction. Actually once you photocopy the ID they seemed OK.
Miles Mademoiselle
Level 2 Member
I'll just throw this out there and see who bites -- anybody free this Friday, August 15 to get together in downtown SF at, say, 5:30? What about the Grand Hyatt Union Square? They have a nice, recently-renovated bar/lounge area overlooking the lobby.
taxicabnumber
Level 2 Member
I'll potentially bite, was planning to meet up with people in SF later that evening anyhow. That said, not 100% so feel free to not count me when deciding whether or not to go ahead with this.
(And how much are drinks at the Grand Hyatt? I'm a grad student )
(And how much are drinks at the Grand Hyatt? I'm a grad student
)
Miles Mademoiselle
Level 2 Member
They're not cheap (standard hotel cocktails ~$10-12). There's also Lefty O'Douls down the street. Cheap drinks, dark corns, tons of space. Any other takers for Friday evening?I'll potentially bite, was planning to meet up with people in SF later that evening anyhow. That said, not 100% so feel free to not count me when deciding whether or not to go ahead with this.
(And how much are drinks at the Grand Hyatt? I'm a grad student
Confectioneer
San Francisco Bay Area
I'd normally be interested, but wouldn't be able to make tomorrow. Saturday or Sunday, sure. Or a future Friday.
Miles Mademoiselle
Level 2 Member
I'm game for a meetup whenever it works for folks. @taxicabnumber -- if you want to meet tonight, PM me and we can pick a place and then announce it here. Best time for me is anytime between 6 and 8.I'll potentially bite, was planning to meet up with people in SF later that evening anyhow. That said, not 100% so feel free to not count me when deciding whether or not to go ahead with this.
(And how much are drinks at the Grand Hyatt? I'm a grad student
taxicabnumber
Level 2 Member
I think I'm going to have to pass this time, sorry! I'm a little behind and won't be heading up to the city as soon as I hoped -- I wasn't sure if this was happening and started working a bit late today. Next Friday (8/23) work for people? Same general location/time?
taxicabnumber
Level 2 Member
So how does this Friday look for people? Same location/time idea (~6ish, near Union Square)? If this happens, I promise not to flake this time!
Miles Mademoiselle
Level 2 Member
I would love to join but can't make this Friday. Let's keep throwing dates out (or everyone else can meet Friday).
taxicabnumber
Level 2 Member
Bump. How's this Friday for people?
MaryE
Level 2 Member
I'll be up at my favorite Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara this coming Saturday. Anyone want to meet up? We can talk SMGC and MO and WM in local areas. Not to mention I'd like to hang out with some points and miles people. I'm a Diamond member, so we could go to the Regency Club there and talk on Sat night, or I can meet others somewhere else.
damanjeff6
Level 2 Member
Ha, I'll be doing my mattress run this weekend there too. I'd go to the meetup.
Parking is free! I'm free Fri or Sat.
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damanjeff6
Level 2 Member
Cool! I'll be there. I'll post when I get there.
damanjeff6
Level 2 Member
I'll be at the Lounge at 630! I'll wait inside.
MaryE
Level 2 Member
Me, I'm back in Santa Clara at my favorite Hyatt.