Entertainment Commission     City and County of San Francisco

Draft Meeting Minutes

 

Room 416, City Hall

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, CA. 94102

 

Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 5:30 P.M.

Regular Meeting

                               

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Ben Bleiman (President), Dori Caminong (Vice President), Bryant Tan, Steven Lee, Al Perez, Laura Thomas, Dave Falzon

 

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None

 

STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Executive Director, Maggie Weiland; Deputy Director, Kaitlyn Azevedo; Senior Analyst, Dylan Rice;  Senior Inspector Jordan Roberts; Crystal Stewart-Kennedy

THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY PRESIDENT BLEIMAN AT 5:36 PM

 

SPEAKER KEY:      

 

+ indicates a speaker in support of an item;

-  indicates a speaker in opposition of an item; and

= indicates a neutral speaker or a speaker who did not indicate support or opposition

 

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL       
 

1. General Public Comment - None.

Members of the public may address the Commission on items of interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. With respect to agenda items, members of the public may address the Commission for up to three minutes at the time such item is called. 

 

2. Approval of Meeting Minutes.  Discussion and possible action to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2019, Commission meeting. [Discussion and Possible Action Item]

MOTION: Commissioner Caminong moved to approve the June 18, 2019 minutes, Commissioner Falzon seconded the motion.

ACTION: Approved Minutes for June 18, 2019

AYES: Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Falzon, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Caminong, Commissioner Bleiman, Commissioner Lee

NAYS: None

Absent at the time of the vote: Al Perez

3. Report from Executive Director: Legislative/Policy Update: Announcement of Mayor London Breed’s Executive Directive 19-02 Supporting Special Events; Staff and Office Update: Welcome new hire Jordan Roberts to Senior Inspector role, and Re-cap of Entertainment Commission’s role to promote emergency preparedness during Pride Week; Update on Board of Appeals Actions: nothing to report; Corrective Actions: Director's Suspension for Public Safety from 6/21/19-6/24/19 - #EC-822 POE - Club Malibu. [Discussion Item]

Commissioner Perez arrived at 5:44PM

4. Report from Deputy Director: Deputy Director Kaitlyn Azevedo reports on recent venue inspections and activities. [Discussion item] 

 

Date and Time of Complaint	Venue Name	Venue Address	Permit Type	Complaint and Action
Sun 6/23/2019  1:16:41 AM	Kells	530 Jackson St	LLP	This bar plays increasingly loud music very late into the night on Saturdays. I live at 112 Columbus Ave, and my window is about 200 feet away. I have to wake up relatively early on Sunday, and it's difficult to sleep even with earplugs. I'm not sure if they have a permit for such loud noises this late into the night. ACTION: Earlier in the night, Inspector Savino went to the venue and saw a DJ setting up after 10 pm. They were issued an NOV for operating entertainment past 10 pm. He spoke with the owner the following Monday and explained their LLP permit conditions. The owner agreed to stop the DJ by 10 pm.
Sat 6/29/2019  1:59:35 AM	The Blue Light	1977 UNION ST	Applied for LLP	Music rattling my house. ACTION: Inspector Savino went to the Blue Light earlier in the night in response to a complaint made earlier in the week. He heard very loud music and when he walked to the back of the bar, he saw a DJ playing in the kitchen. They did not apply for a OTEEP and they have not been issued their LLP yet. They were given a citation. Owner called Deputy Azevedo and said that he thought that since the patrons couldn't "see" the DJ, and because it was a staff person, it was not entertainment.

 

Thu 7/4/2019  1:24:00 AM	St. Mary's Pub	3845 Mission St	Applied for LLP/BP/ MAD	Resident above St. Mary's Pub says excessive noise from jukebox, bass is vibrating through residences upstairs. This has been going on for years and at times they don't stop until 5am. ACTION:  Deputy Director Azevedo forwarded the complaint to the owner. The owner, Maria, sat down with the neighbors to discuss resolutions and they were able to have a friendly and productive conversation. Maria listened to the volume of the music from their unit, gave them her cell phone number, and intends to work with a sound engineer on possible abatement solutions.
Sat 7/13/2019  9:02:10 PM	Odd Job	1337 Mission	N/A	Director Weiland and Deputy Director Azevedo received an email from a neighbor saying this place was setting up a band on roof. We have received three emails from the same neighbor about noise complaints from live music, and each time staff followed up with the owner of Odd Job, they assured us there was no entertainment. However, when Inspector Savino responded this time, they had a band on in the bar and on the roof.  They were issued a citation and Deputy Azevedo reiterated permitting process.

 

5. Report from the Senior Analyst: Report from the Senior Analyst: Dylan Rice provides an update on the education and networking initiative and digital enhancements for One Time Event permit applications. [Discussion Item]

 

Education & Networking Initiative

The next SF Outdoor Events Network mixer is at Jolene’s on July 22^nd, 5:30pm-8pm.

Topic will be “Success Through Vendor Management” – presentation and panel will feature speakers from Event Hub (moderator), La Cocina, and Eat Drink SF.

31 RSVPs on Eventbrite so far – goal is 50+ attendees.

Dylan will do another push via social media and email this week to promote to event producers.

One Time Event Permit Application – Digital Enhancement

Dylan Rice and Crystal Stewart observed user testing of the new Screendoor application for the One Time Indoor Entertainment Permit. They worked with the Digital Services team to collect user feedback and highlights of the challenges and successes that come with using this new online form. They are meeting with Digital Services this Thursday to analyze the feedback and come up with revisions to improve the Screendoor application form.

6. Police Department Comments & Questions. This item allows any member of the SFPD to address the Commission regarding matters related to nightlife and public safety. [Discussion Item]

 

SPEAKERS: None

7. Hearing and Possible Action regarding applications for permits under the jurisdiction of the Entertainment Commission. [Discussion and Possible Action Item] 

Consent Calendar:

All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar, are considered to be routine by the Entertainment Commission, and will be acted upon by a single roll call vote of the Commission.  There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Commission, the public, or staff so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered as a separate item at this or a future hearing.

Consent Agenda:

1. EC-1530 – Adam Rosenblum of Nola AA, LLC, Alba Ray’s, 2293 Mission St., Limited Live Performance permit.

Limited Live Performance permit for Alba Ray’s, located at 2293 Mission Street. They are a Cajun style restaurant that want to bring in live music during their brunch or dinner service. Originally, the owner applied for a POE permit, however due to their zoning district, they are required to do the Section 311 Neighborhood Notification. Consequently, they decided to apply for the LLP permit so they can bring in entertainment sooner. In the interim of the application process, they have applied for one time permits. They received 10 letters of support from neighboring residents and businesses, and no opposition was submitted. Mission Station approves this permit with no added conditions.

 

Staff recommendation: Approval with Good Neighbor Policy.

 

2. EC-1275 – Tiffny Chung and Shawn Vergara of S&T Revelry Holdings, Inc. The Detour, 2200 Market St. Suite A, Mechanical Amusement Device permit – amendment and dba name change.  

Mechanical Amusement Device permit and dba name change for the Detour, previously known as Brewcade, located at 2200 Market Street. The Detour has held a MAD permit since 2014, but recently they expanded their space and underwent a Conditional Use Authorization in May, 2019 to allow more than 11 video games onsite. There was no opposition to this permit. Mission Station approves this permit with no added conditions. 

 

Staff recommendation: Approval with Good Neighbor Policy.

SPEAKERS: = Deputy Director, Kaitlyn Azevedo, staff report

MOTION: Commissioner Falzon moved to approve the consent agenda, Commissioner Tan seconded the motion.

ACTION: The consent agenda was approved and both applicants were conditionally granted their permits.

AYES: Commissioner Perez, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Caminong, Commissioner Bleiman, Commissioner Tan, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Falzon

NAYS: None

Regular Agenda:

3. EC-1527 – Ratha Vann of Happy Donuts, LLC, Happy Donuts, 3801 24^th St., Extended Hours Premises permit – change in ownership.

Extended Hours Premises - change in ownership permit for Happy Donuts located at 3801 24^th Street. The location has held an EHP permit since 2000, and the new owner intends to have the same business operations of selling donuts and sandwiches 24 hours a day. We received three letters of opposition from neighboring tenants. The concerns are about the machinery, stating that a fan runs throughout the night causing disruption inside their units located above the donut shop. The owner was provided with the submitted opposition, but did not share with EC staff if they followed up with the neighbors. Included is a copy of a letter they posted in the tenants’ entryway and outside their units. The new owner told me the previous owner had a health inspector come out to test the sound of the fan, and said they were in compliance with noise regulations. EC staff explained to concerned neighbors that this type of sound falls under the purview of the Department of Public Health, not the Entertainment Commission. In result, I contacted Jonathan Piakis, an Industrial Hygienist / Noise Control Officer with the Dept. of Public Health to share the neighbors’ concerns. Mr. Piakis asked me to share his information with the neighbors to schedule a sound test within their unit to check on the fan’s noise compliance. DPH plans to ensure the operating noise is within allowable levels during all times of operation. Please note that DPH’s work to ensure compliance within their purview does not preclude your ability to grant the amendment to this EHP tonight. Mission Station approves this permit with no added conditions.

 

Staff recommendation: Approval with Good Neighbor Policy.

 

SPEAKERS:  = Deputy Director, Kaitlyn Azevedo, staff report

+ Ratha Vann, owner

+ David Yin, previous owner

= Sophal – language Interpreter

+ Mike Winger has lived on the third floor of Happy Donuts since 1981 and noise has never been a problem.  He is a regular customer and it was a great place run by kind and happy people. Happy Donuts is an essential part of the Noe Valley neighborhood.

+ Stefano Cassolato said the neighbors could invite the venue owner over to their space and ask the city what are some of the safeguards or remedies they put in with other venues and they could try it for their business.  He said it was something that could be worked out if they get together.

MOTION: Commissioner Tan moved to approve with the Good Neighbor Policy. Commissioner Thomas seconded the motion.

 

ACTION: The Extended Hours Premises permit was conditionally granted to the applicant.

 

AYES: Commissioner Tan, Commissioner Caminong, Commissioner Bleiman, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Falzon

 

4. EC-1523 - Mastro’s Mason SFO Restaurant, LLC, Mastro’s Steakhouse, 399 Geary St. Suite A, Place of Entertainment permit.

Place of Entertainment permit for Mastro’s Steakhouse, located at 399 Geary Street. The premises is currently undergoing construction, but will be an upscale steakhouse and bar with plans to have live entertainment in the evenings. The owners have restaurants all over the United States, including Morton’s Steakhouse here in the City. Included in your file is a letter they submitted to twenty three of their neighboring businesses, Neighborhood Associations, and Community Groups. There was no opposition for this application. Tenderloin Station approves this permit with no added conditions.

 

Staff recommendation: Approval with Good Neighbor Policy.

 

SPEAKERS:  = Deputy Director, Kaitlyn Azevedo, staff report

+ Gregory Hammann, Regional Vice President of Mastro’s Steakhouse.

+ Stephano Cassolato stated the group has made a large financial commitment to the space and improved the space and if they are making that kind of commitment, they will pay attention to detail.  He said they need entertainment in that pocket area.

MOTION: Commissioner Caminong moved to approve with the Good Neighbor Policy.  Commissioner Falzon seconded the motion.

ACTION: The Place of Entertainment permit was conditionally granted to the applicant.

AYES: Commissioner Perez, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Caminong, Commissioner Bleiman, Commissioner Tan, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Falzon

 

5. EC-1520 – Derek Parker of 1700 Dimples Inc., Dimples Cocktail Lounge, 1700 Post St., Place of Entertainment Permit – change in ownership.

Place of Entertainment– Change in Ownership permit for Dimples Cocktail Lounge, located at 1700 Post Street. The new owner intends to keep the business operations exactly as they are; a small bar with karaoke rooms. They received a letter of support from the President of the Japantown Merchants Group, as well as signatures of support from the neighboring businesses. The new manager worked at Dimples under the previous ownership, so she is very familiar with the operations. Northern Station approves this permit with no added conditions.

 

Staff recommendation: Approval with Good Neighbor Policy.

SPEAKERS: 

= Deputy Director, Kaitlyn Azevedo, staff report

+ Derek Parker, owner

MOTION: Commissioner Lee moved to approve with the Good Neighbor Policy. Commissioner Thomas seconded the motion.

ACTION: The Place of Entertainment permit was conditionally granted to the applicant.

AYES: Commissioner Perez, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Caminong, Commissioner Bleiman, Commissioner Tan, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Falzon

6. EC-1526 – Maria Davis of Davis-Driscoll, LLC, St. Mary’s Pub, 3845 Mission St., Limited Live Performance and Billiard Parlor permits.

Limited Live Performance and Billiard Parlor permits for St. Mary’s Pub located at 3845 Mission Street. The bar is coming into compliance by applying for these permits, with the plan to continue having live DJs perform if granted. The neighbors living above the bar contacted Deputy Director Azevedo with concerns, which you can find in your file for reference. In response, the owner, Maria, sat down with the neighbors to discuss their concerns and solutions. Maria listened to the volume of the music inside their unit, gave them her cell phone number, and plans to work with an engineer to explore potential sound abatement. She personally reached out to the community and all of the immediate neighbors, and received 6 letters of support which are in your file. Ingleside Station approves this permit with no added conditions.

 

Staff recommendation: Approval with Good Neighbor Policy and requesting staff set a sound limit for the LLP permit.

SPEAKERS: 

= Deputy Director, Kaitlyn Azevedo, staff report

+ Maria Davis, owner

+ Michael Kahn, tenant that lives above the venue. He is not apposing permit and is happy Maria will work with them to get the noise issues resolved.

MOTION: Commissioner Thomas moved to approve with the Good Neighbor Policy and staff’s recommendation to set a sound limit.  Commissioner Falzon seconded the motion.

ACTION:  The Limited Live Performance and Billiard Parlor permits were conditionally granted to the applicant.

AYES: Commissioner Perez, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Caminong, Commissioner Bleiman, Commissioner Tan, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Falzon

7. EC-1529 –Johnny Metheny of Lombard Hospitality Group, LLC, The Blue Light, 1979 Union St., Limited Live Performance and Billiard Parlor permits.

Limited Live Performance and Billiard Parlor permits for The Blue Light, located at 1979 Union Street. They are a bar and restaurant in Cow Hollow, and are coming into compliance by applying for these permits. With the LLP, they intend to continue hosting DJs for their weekly Taco Tuesdays and other dance nights with live music. As previously mentioned in the enforcement report, there have been some hurdles with The Blue Light regarding neighbor complaints and a citation issued for hosting entertainment without a permit. They did not submit any neighborhood outreach to staff, but we also did not receive any direct opposition. Northern Station approves this permit with one added condition, listed below.

 

Staff recommendation: Approval with Good Neighbor Policy, requesting staff to set a sound limit for the LLP permit, and EC staff’s version of SFPD Northern Station’s recommended condition:

1. The permit holder shall email a monthly calendar of events to SFPD Northern Station and the Entertainment Commission one week prior to the beginning of each month.

SPEAKERS: 

= Deputy Director, Kaitlyn Azevedo, staff report

+ Johnny Metheny, owner

+ Julie Zielinski stated she has worked for Johnny Metheny since he has opened the bar and is supports the permit and supports the live music industry.

MOTION: Commissioner Lee moved to approve with the Good Neighbor Policy and the staff recommendations, Commissioner Falzon seconded the motion.

ACTION: The Limited Live Performance and Billiard Parlor Permits were conditionally granted to the applicant.

AYES: Commissioner Perez, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Caminong, Commissioner Bleiman, Commissioner Tan, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Falzon

8. EC-1532 – Cem Salur, Orson’s Belly, 1737 Balboa St., Limited Live Performance permit.

Limited Live Performance permit for Orson’s Belly, located at 1737 Balboa Street. Orson’s Belly is a small neighborhood café and tapas bar. They are family owned and operated, and are coming into compliance by applying for the LLP permit. If granted, they hope to continue having live entertainment for their guests to enjoy. The reason they are on the regular agenda and not consent is because we have received sound complaints, however upon investigating the complaints, our inspector has concluded that most complaints were made while the business was closed. They received 186 signatures of support from neighbors and patrons, and no opposition was submitted to the EC. Richmond Station approves this permit with one added condition, listed below.

Staff recommendation: Approval with Good Neighbor Policy, requesting staff to set a sound limit for the LLP permit, and EC staff’s version of SFPD Richmond Station’s recommended condition:

1. Permit holder shall install one surveillance camera on the exterior of the building, covering the entrance and exit. Permit holder shall retain video surveillance footage for a minimum of 30 days, and shall provide footage to SFPD upon request within 48 hours, regardless of whether an incident has occurred or not.

 

SPEAKERS:

= Deputy Director, Kaitlyn Azevedo, staff report

+ Cem Salur, owner

MOTION: Commissioner Thomas moved to approve with The Good Neighbor Policy and staff recommendations. Commissioner Caminong seconded the motion.

ACTION: The Limited Live Performance Permit was conditionally granted to the applicant.

AYES: Commissioner Perez, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Caminong, Commissioner Bleiman, Commissioner Tan, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Falzon

8. Election of Vice President: This item allows the Commissioners to nominate and elect the seat of Vice President of the Entertainment Commission. [Action Item]

•  

MOTION: Commissioner Bleiman nominated Commissioner Caminong for Vice President. Commissioner Thomas seconded the motion.

ACTION:  Commissioner Dori Caminong was elected as Vice President of the Entertainment Commission.

AYES: Commissioner Perez, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Caminong, Commissioner Bleiman, Commissioner Tan, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Falzon

9. Election of President: This item allows the Commissioners to nominate and elect the seat of President of the Entertainment Commission. [Action Item]

SPEAKERS:  = Vice President Caminong

MOTION: Commissioner Caminong nominated Commissioner Bleiman as President.  Commissioner Perez seconded the motion.

ACTION: Commissioner Ben Bleiman was elected as President of the Entertainment Commission .

AYES: Commissioner Perez, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Caminong, Commissioner Bleiman, Commissioner Tan, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Falzon

10. Commissioner Comments & Questions. [Announcements]

ADJOURNMENT 7:56PM