The Vats were a thriving institution in the Mission. Literally the remains of an old brewery, with storage areas once filled with large quantities of beer that were big enough to live in. An enterprising group of punks transformed this unlikely setting into a thriving community of apartments, hangouts, and rehearsal spaces. It was a major nerve center of the scene while it lasted. When the owners evicted everyone and locked them all out, it was time for one last party.