Town torn on visiting Deadheads

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- An event bringing Grateful Dead fans to an upscale town north of San Francisco has some residents seeing an economic boon while others complain of trouble.

Deadheads from all around the United States have crowded into Mill Valley for a series of "live rehearsal sessions" in advance of the first tour by Further, a band started by Grateful Dead alums Bob Weir on guitar and vocals and Phil Lesh on bass, the Marin (Calif.) Independent Journal reported Friday.

Some businesses said the Deadheads have been an economic boon for the village.

"They've been great," said Vasco restaurant hostess Annie Bresnahan, 28. "They're very sweet. They come in before the show and they eat and they come back afterward and eat more. They usually pay with cash, spend a lot of money and tip well."

However, some business owners said the extra business is not worth the trouble.

Doug Canepa, co-owner of the Mill Valley Market, said the fans in town for the series have been stealing from his business and defecating in his driveway.

"What is the city's role in this?" he asked. "Is this what the city bargained for when they issued them permits?"