Interview with a Hells Angel By Leslie Kaye Jan.19.2010 San Francisco and the Bay Area have a proud and generally supportive history with the ?Hells Angels. How do you feel about that? > We are part of the establishment and the community. Your shop is almost as iconic as the club you are in, it’s very popular. Does being a Hells Angel ?help or hurt business? > A little of both. Some people are apprehensive about us because they don’t know us. And the people who do know us are like family. How long have you been a Hells Angel? > 29 years today. What type of man do the Hells Angels want to recruit? > It’s quality, not quantity. The Hells Angels have a long tradition of supporting the military, do you like when vets apply to be members? > A military background is good. They’re respectful, willing to adapt to a regimen, you can count on them, and the job gets done. How hard is it to become a member and how long does the process usually take? > A slow learner takes very long. Must a new member ride a Harley? > Yes. Do you have any comment about the 1st amendment challenges facing clubs with not being ?permitted to wear their colors? > That isn’t being enforced and may not be enforceable. How do the Hells Angels feel about other clubs that are not 1%-ers, like the historic SFMC? > We like everybody.