Ever notice that when your downtown it is very hard to locate a public restroom? Sometimes even if you are willing to buy something, the place of business still cannot accommodate you. I have compiled a list of some easy to access bathrooms for each town that I have preached in. Sorry girls I have only checked out the men's department. Hope this is helpful!

Los Angeles - Hollywood
Downtown Los Angeles for the time I was there, I found it a great challenge to find a bathroom. Anytime I saw a san i-can it was locked. If you don't look like a bum you may use some of the public market's portable restrooms that they keep locked. If you ask nicely it may go well. I notice that if you are willing to buy a burger or sandwich you can use the can without problems.

In Hollywood there is the big five-story mall that has several restrooms. Also there are coffee shops that are fairly liberal in who they let use the restrooms. Much better here than in downtown LA.

New York
New York is a large city but I will share where I know from the places I have been. Across from Union Square there is a Whole Foods store which restrooms are available on the second floor where a small food court is.

In the Greenwich Village area I noticed that there are portable san-i- cans. These are larger ones and are green on the outside. They are unbelievably clean. They are located right on the sidewalks about every other block.

If you go to Times Square you can always use Starbucks. If you eat or have coffee anywhere plan on using the bathroom then while you are a paying customer.

Oakland
Downtown Oakland is not the easiest place to go to the bathroom. The Marriot Hotel in their lobby is ok if you can get pass the clerk. Don't dress like a bum and it should be a go. (pun intneded) Of course Starbucks will work as well. Not too promising here, sorry.

Phoenix
The public library which is a little off the beaten path, more uptown, is a good place, It is brand new. In the heart of downtown I looked for the friendly Starbucks and use their facilities. They usually let you even if you don't buy a cup, but I usually do.

Portland
If you are in downtown Portland there is a public restroom located in Pioneer Square. It is in the Tri-Met office where you buy transit passes. They are used by the street people but are fairly clean. There are other restrooms around town since Portland is friendly in this manner. While your in the Tri-Met office get a free map of the downtown area. This will show you the other bathrooms.

Sacramento
If you are in the general downtown area of Sacramento, Caesar Chavez Park has a public restroom that is very convenient. It is located on the corner of 9th & "L" streets in the park itself. This is fairly clean and to my knowledge it is open from dawn to dusk.

The Greyhound bus depot on "J" street between 7th & 8th is available for non patrons. Unlike most large cities, the Sacramento Greyhound (at this time) does not have security panels to block access to the bathrooms from non customers.

The "K" street mall, the front entrance located on 7th & "K" streets has several restrooms. I normally use the one on the second level in the food court. This is a Westfield owned mall and they are very good about having access to restrooms. The cleanest around too.

On 828 "I" street is the Sacramento Library. I have never used this one but I am told it is a place to go (no pun intended) by the homeless people.

Occasionally the city puts up san i-cans by the Capitol when there is a major event about to take place. Keep your eyes posted for these, they will perhaps save you some time and effort. These are usually unlocked unlike most other cities that lock them so they cannot be used by "undesirables". You know how it is.

If you are down in the "Ole Town" area besides the mall there is a Holiday Inn that myself and others have had no trouble using. This was on weekends however with the many guests you just blend in.

San Diego
This is one of the best cities for restrooms around the downtown area. Here goes the list. First there is Horton Plaza in the heart of downtown known as the gas lamp area. There are several clean restrooms here. It is a Westfield Mall and they are top notch. Also there is no hassle with them.

On the back side of Horton Plaza at 1st Ave and "G" street is a Ralph's Grocery Store. This is a convenient no hassle place to go. (pun intended)

Forget the Greyhound station here in SD. I know an employee and it is a policy for customers only. Besides why fight with them when there is a Wendy's across the street that you can use. It is on the corner of 1st and Broadway. I'm sure there are more but that was all I needed.

If you are in the Fisherman's Wharf area there are some pretty good ones right by the crab sign on Taylor and Jefferson or Pier 39.

Downtown is a little tougher unless you can find a business that will let you use their bathrooms. Sometimes they don't have any available even for customers. The best place is under the Weisfield Mall in the food court. This is located on Powell and Market by the cable car turnaround. There are more than one there. On the top floor of Forever 21 a clothing store at the same location (Powell & Market).

UN Plaza / Civic Center area try the library or the hotels in the area. Hope this helps.

Seattle
The restroom I use most is located in the Westlake Center mall. It is on the third floor and it is clean and easy to get to going up the elevator or escalator.

Most any Starbucks, which is Seattle's favorite son so to speak, will accommodate you even if you don't buy a beverage. If they question you say this; "There are a number of times I drink coffee at Starbucks and don't use the bathroom, however I need to use it now. Is it ok?" Also some have locked doors, just ask for the key or code. No problem!

More cities will be added later.