The C.L.A.E.R. Project Responds to Nightclub Violence

The C.L.A.E.R. Project
1099 Sunnydale Ave.
San Francisco, CA
415.333.3017

Media Release 4/28/09

Interview Requests:
*Sharen Hewitt, Executive Director 415-724-4794

Contacts:
*Lacrecia Gardner 415-595-1446
*Laurel Moeslein 707-696-7951

The C.L.A.E.R. Project stands in strong support of Supervisor Bevan Dufty and the seven members of the Entertainment Commission as they continue to debate the issue of nightclub violence and the ability to issue permits.

As Supervisor Dufty voiced at the Board of Supervisors meeting this afternoon, the entertainment commission director should have the right to immediately shutdown nightclubs that have a history of violent incidents.

The C.L.A.E.R. Project supports this legislation to that would potentially limit permits for several reasons.

First, we at C.L.A.E.R. understand that in order to increase public safety an in-depth set of responses to violence and potential violence is needed. Limiting the violence occurring at San Francisco nightclubs is part of the necessary framework for a safe San Francisco. Peace is the penultimate goal, and a myriad of responses is needed to achieve this goal. San Francisco must, and will, serve as a national model for violence prevention.

Second, this legislation holds clubs accountable for their actions. Clubs that refuse to beef up security and take precautionary measures will be denied permits by the Entertainment Commission, and rightfully so.

Third, nightclubs must remain safe and available. Young men and women need a place to go to mingle and make important connections. We must remember that black men and women must be able to maintain cultural relevance. Nightclubs offer a place for black people to meet each other and develop relationships. This is increasingly important as the black population in San Francisco shrinks rapidly.

We at The C.L.A.E.R. Project commend Mayor Newsom, Supervisor Dufty, Police Chief Heather Fong, and Police Deputy Chief Kevin Cashman for engaging in this important debate. We all agree that life is the preeminent issue, and stopping violence in and outside of nightclubs is another step toward achieving peace in our streets.

We invite anyone wishing to continue this conversation to join us on May 9th at C.L.A.E.R.’s “Mother’s Day of Healing” with keynote speaker Senator Mark Leno. The event will feature a series of workshops dealing with mental health, legislation, and media influence as it relates to violence prevention.

RSVPs can be sent to laurel.claer@yahoo.com