San Francisco Punk with V. Vale

San Francisco Punk V. Vale, writer and independent publisher Wed., April 19, 12-1:30 pm Thinking Through the Arts and Design at Berkeley: California Countercultures V. Vale is a San Francisco cultural historian, writer, keyboard player and, as Vale Hamanaka, was a member of the initial configuration of Blue Cheer. In 1977 V. Vale founded as sole proprietor Search & Destroy, San Francisco’s first Punk Rock publication. In 1980, V. Vale launched as sole proprietor RE/SEARCH. V. Vale is most likely the longest lasting (and still active) Punk publisher. Although Vale released books that include Jello Biafra, Henry Rollins, Lydia Lunch, and many other Punk notables, RE/SEARCH is actually best known for its impact on the total world of underground culture. Thinking Through the Arts and Design at Berkeley: California Countercultures is co-taught by Natasha Boas, independent curator, art historian and critic, and Michael Cohen, Associate Teaching Professor in the African American Studies Department. The Wednesday public lecture series is organized by Natasha Boas. California Countercultures is sponsored by UC Berkeley’s Big Ideas program and the Arts + Design Initiative, with additional support from Cal Performances and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Added 12 Aug 2026