Hollywood Community Police Advisory Board
Nightclub Committee
Chaired by Captain Beatrice Girmala

The Nightclub Committee brings together approximately 50 club owners to address various issues affecting their businesses within the community. Issues ranging from enforcement of nightclubs to valet parking to the positive aspects nightclubs bring to the community are addressed.

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES
  • Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
  • Hollywood Nightclub Owners Association
  • Hollywood Entertainment District BID
  • Hollywood Media District
  • Los Angeles Sheriff Department (LASD)
  • Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, Neighborhood Prosecutor

For questions or concerns about Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) locations, including nightclubs, restaurants and liquor stores, please contact: Officer Andre Abrams - Vice Unit (213) 972-2991 or via e-mail: 35415@lapd.lacity.org

                  UPCOMING MEETINGS

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PAST MEETING MINUTES:
HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY POLICE ADVISORY BOARD
Nightclub Owners Sub-Committee
MINUTES OF MEETING

February 4, 2011

 

ATTENDEES:

Mark Shofer Ian Price Nick Cochis

George Younan Peter Younan Carl Hubbard

Rob Cianciano Vinny Laresca Mykel Owens

Madison Williams Anthony Beary Yoshi Fujimoto

Brian Shober Ian Ford David Stratton

Copper Dallas Gurgen Israyelyan Errol Roussle

Steve Meyer Louis Pellicia Gordan Kelley

Mio Danilovic Tricia Labelle Adam Manacker

Robert Bersui Frank Lara Robert Abrahamian

Brad Tennesen Stephan Box Erica Box

Yousef Enert Louis Angelo

 

LAPD PERSONELL:

Captain Beatrice Girmala Sergeant Steven Hwang

Detective Robert Klohr Officer Andre’ Abrams

Officer Daniel Pesqueira

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was held at The Director’s Guild, located at 7950 Sunset Blvd. Ofcr Abrams called the meeting to order at 3:10 PM and gave a general overview. He thanked everyone for attending and expressed the need to provide information on the upcoming Hollywood events specifically the NBA All Star weekend. Additionally, he stressed the need for detailed information on special events held at night club facilities.

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Sgt Hwang welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were conducted.

ITEMS OF DISCUSSION

Sergeant Hwang

 

Introduced himself and identified the need for information regarding the upcoming special events in the month of February. In the month of February, Hollywood area plays host to major events including the Oscars and the various NBA All Star Game festivities. Proper staffing is a paramount concern for the Los Angeles Police Department, more specifically, Hollywood division. When planning for these types of events its imperative that the department has details of scheduled events including; expected attendance, type of event and if any outside promoters will be utilized. All this information is necessary when implementing deployment plans.

Captain Girmala

Captain Girmala introduced herself and discussed the upcoming major events occurring in Hollywood area. She stressed the need to “keep the partnership going” amongst the CPAB members and the police department. Additionally, she recognized that all eyes will be on Hollywood for the next few weeks and the importance of not bringing negative press to Los Angeles.

She ended by discussing the need for venues to regulate/monitor promoters. These promoters either in-house or independent are representative of the venues. They “mark the brand” of the nightclub. Any negative activity is a negative mark for the establishment. Therefore it is paramount for the owners/managers to be responsible for which promoters they allow to use their facilities.

Principal Inspector Frank Lara of Building and Safety. Inspector Lara discussed the inspection process with regards to Zoning. His department handles inspection of new building for both usage and final occupancy based on plans. A major item of discussion was occupancy load. Inspector Lara provided information on the process and how the occupancy is determined. He added that LAFD’s occupancy load supersedes all other numbers, and any request to revise the occupancy would involve a re-evaluation process. Additionally, any change of use of a location from its original planned usage may require a CUP review hearing.

 

Inspector Lara also discussed the revocation process once a location is deemed to be a nuisance. If a location is deemed to be a nuisance, the Conditional Use Permits can be pulled. This can lead to loss of the ability to operate under the existing business plan. Any physical or most cosmetic changes to a location require a review and possible change of CUP’s.

 

Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention and Public Safety Mark Stormes of the Los Angeles Fire Department was introduced and further discussed the occupancy Load issue. He added that several locations are currently under review.

Detective Roger Klohr is assigned to OWB Sexual Assault Detectives. He thanked the CPAB members for the effort involved in decreasing the crime trends in sexual assaults in relation to the Hollywood night club scene. He stressed the continued need to control the “weak” spots in clubs, therefore security personnel who are either not properly trained or not thorough.

Sergeant Hwang closed the meeting at 4:20pm.

We will advise you when the next meeting will be held. There will be STAR training held on March 9, 2011 from 10am-2pm at the Archlight theaters.

If you have any questions or suggestions for the next meeting, please contact Officer Andre’ Abrams, Hollywood Vice Unit, at 213-972-2991 or email at 35415@lapd.lacity.org.

 




December 15, 2010 
ATTENDEES:

Sean Walsh                             Peter Younan                          Ciato Cerisda

Jerry Garcia                             Scott Strozier                          Loyal Pennings

Kyle Ackley                            Mio Danilovic                         Chris Breed

Eric James                               Tony Daly                               Eric Davis

Jeff Mori                                 Joe Ando                                 Jenny Maggard

Omar Moss                              C. Puree                                  Geno Lee

David Bradley                           Louis Pellercia                         J.P.

Brian Shober                           Cooper                                  . Lynch

Brian Lewin                            Gurgen Israyelyan                   Elie Braidi

Vinny Laresca                         Chris Kasteler                         Ian Ford

David Judaken                       Steve Meyer                            Justin Styes

Gordon Kelley                      Mark Panasuk                         Carina Affinito

Adam Koral                            Rhino Williams                       David Bodzin

  LAPD PERSONELL:

 Captain Peter Whittingham               Captain Nancy Laura

 Sergeant II Gil Pinel                            Sergeant Steven Hwang                    

 Officer Andre’ Abrams                       Officer Enrique Hernandez               

 Officer Roussett

 CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was held at Drai’s Nightclub, located at 6250 Hollywood Blvd.  Capt Whittingham called the meeting to order at 3:15 PM and gave a general overview.  He thanked everyone for attending and for the current level of cooperation in Hollywood between members and the police.  He stressed the importance of the member’s ongoing responsibility to self-police.  Additionally, he stressed the need for detailed information on special events held at night club facilities.

 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Sgt Hwang welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were conducted.

 ITEMS OF DISCUSSION 

Sergeant Hwang

Introduced himself and identified the need for information regarding the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations.  Proper staffing is a paramount concern for the Los Angeles Police Department, more specifically, Hollywood division.  When planning for these types of events its imperative that the department has details of scheduled events including; expected attendance, type of event and if any outside promoters will be utilized.  All this information is necessary when implementing deployment plans. 

Sergeant Hwang introduced Secret Service Agent Willing.  Agent Willing is apart of the Credit Card Fraud Squad.  He discussed the different types of credit card fraud with relation to the nightclub scene. The most common type is an altered card, where the strip has been re-coded.  He stressed the need to conduct a three prong test on all transactions.  This test includes checking the expiration date of the card, making sure the last four digits of the card match that on the receipt and comparing the signature of the signer versus what is on the back of the card.

There was also a presentation given on counterfeit currency. Secret Service Agent Fields conducted the presentation and added that his office receives anywhere from $70,000.00 to $200,000.00 dollars in counterfeit currency monthly.  Adding that most counterfeiting occurs with store bought scanners and laser printers.  He explained the security features on genuine currency include OVI (Optical Variable Ink), watermarks and security threads.

Capt. Laura of LAPD’s West Traffic Bureau was introduced and discussed the year-ending DUI statistics for the area under her command, which includes nearly 126 square miles stretching from Laurel Canyon to parts of central Los Angeles.  She stressed the need for venues to properly train staff to be aware of the obvious signs of intoxication, adding that a part of her officers DUI investigations is determining where the arrestee was drinking and if it was at an ABC location.  This information can have an adverse affect on the ABC licensee, including but not limited to fines, license suspension and civil liability. She ended her presentation reminding the members to think of the ramifications of serving to a person who is obviously intoxicated and the effects this may have on the public in general. 

Officer Enrique Hernandez of LAPD’s Commission Investigation Division was introduced and gave a short presentation regarding Noise Enforcement.  This issue has been a long standing problem within Hollywood Area and he discussed methods of enforcement.  Initially, when a complaint is received, the Noise Team will respond to the location and conduct an ambient noise reading.  This reading generally occurs between the hours of 11pm and 12 am.  Once an ambient reading is obtained, another reading will be conducted and if the reported noise is more than 5 decibels above the ambient reading, a citation can be issued.  He added that the Noise Team responsibility is to enforce, however there are cooperative efforts than can be made to help alleviate nearly any noise problem.

   

Captain Whittingham closed the meeting at 4:35pm.

We will advise you when the next meeting will be held.

 

If you have any questions or suggestions for the next meeting, please contact Officer Andre’ Abrams, Hollywood Vice Unit, at 213-972-2991 or email at 35415@lapd.lacity.org.

 

Minutes from December 1, 2010 Nightclub CPAB Meeting:

 

Captain Girmala welcomed the attendees and gave opening remarks.  Captain Girmala discussed Halloween 2010 event and recent club over-capacity issues.  She discussed about developers who are interested in coming to Hollywood and the need to ensure the viability and safety of the Hollywood community.  Captain Girmala also gave update  on New Year’s Eve preparation. 

 

Captain Girmal introduced Mr. Richard Tefank, Executive Director, Los Angeles Police Commission.  Mr. Tefank briefly discussed his organizational entity and their goal of obtaining voluntary compliance from club owners on issues before taking enforcement action.  He provided Detective Sandra Bentacourt, (213) 236-4000, as the contact person for questions related to nightclub permits. 

 

Sergeant Pinel introduced himself to the club owners and discussed his role as the Acting Officer-in-Charge, Hollywood Area Vice Unit.  Sergeant Pinel gave his impression of the nightclub scene and need to work to address crowds spilling out onto the street at 0200 hours.

 

Sergeant Hwang discussed the need for better notifications to Hollywood Vice on special events.  Sergeant Hwang provided his email and Officer Abrams’ email address for notifications.  He requested club owners to provide information on New Year’s Eve, NBA All Star Event in February 2011, and Oscars related events in February 2011, for adequate deployment of officers.  Sergeant Hwang also requested that club owners work with valet companies in addressing illegally parked vehicles on the street.  He warned that a future taskforce will be conducted to address this issue.  He stressed the need to move in a collaborative effort forward to ensure the safety of the Hollywood’s business and residential communities.

 

Battalion Chief Christopher Kawai provided video presentation of the Daisy Rave event from the Coliseum this summer illustrating the dangers of overcrowding.  He also presented video footage from the Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island.  The dramatic fire illustrated the dangers of sparklers and how quickly the fire spread killing 100 people inside the club.  BC Kawai also provided a handout on public assemblage information containing illustrations and information on past major fires at nightclubs.  BC Kawai implored the club owners to discuss evacuation plans and fire safety issues with their respective club staff. 

 

LAFD Fire Inspector Eugene Andrews discussed his duties and discussed the following:  Fire Department Occupancy Load, Certificate of Occupancy (CAO), which is issued by Building and Safety, and the number indicated on the Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which is issued by Planning Department.  He clarified that the Fire Department’s Occupancy Load is at or under the number that is issued on the CAO and cannot exceed this number.  Andrews stated that nightclubs looking to increase their Occupancy Load must first update Building and Safety and obtain a higher CAO before coming to LAFD.  Fire Inspector Andrews discussed the importance of posting Division 4 Permit, Occupancy Load signs, and business licenses.  He provided his new contact information,(213) 978-3653. 

 

LAFD Fire Inspector Gerry Travens explained that even if a nightclub is under their occupancy load, they can be closed down if the crowd inside is congregating at a particular location. 

LAFD Captain Paul Ybarra, Legal Unit, discussed various fire code sections pertaining to overcrowding and fire exits.  Ybarra advised that his unit takes each overcrowding incident seriously and prepares a very detail case before presenting it to the City Attorney for direct filing. 

 

Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Senior Investigator Joann Aguilar discussed the issues of One Day and Caterer’s Permit.  She explained the purpose of those permits and procedures for obtaining them.  Aguilar explained that One Day Permits were designed for Non-Profit organizations such as religious organizations, Boys Scouts, and civic organizations and NOT designed to be utilized by promoters and clubs to circumvent the system.  Aguilar stated that ABC is requesting 15 day notification prior to the event.  Also, events attracting over 100 people requires the approval of the local police department, prior to submittal to ABC office.  Aguilar also clarified that sales or furnishing of alcoholic beverage past 0200 hours is illegal. 

 

Sergeant Hwang introduced Eric Parmater, Wickler Device.  Parmater stated that the wickler device is a digital clicker that is able to provide a real time number of ins and outs to the doorman.  The device also is capable of being monitored by cell phone or off-site via a computer by owners/managers.  Several owners showed interest in the device and met with Parmater after the meeting. 

 

Question/Answer session followed. 

·         Issue of regulating the parking lot owners to raise taxes and to better handle the crowds at the end of the night was raised.  Detective Pace, CID, answered the question and stated that paid parking lots are regulated by CID.  CID in fact has a database containing all companies conducting business as a parking lot. 

·         Discussion on overcrowding was mentioned by John Lyons.  Lyons mentioned the Avalon incident and stated that night was a typical night without major issues.  Lyons stated that the incident outside could have been avoided had he been given a chance to clear the crowd inside better prior to being shut down by LAFD.   Sergeant Hwang advised Lyons that this forum was not appropriate to discuss a pending LAFD criminal complaint. 

·         Issue of controlling the exiting of the crowd at closing time was brought up to alleviate the “dumping” of the crowd at 0200 hours.  Sergeant Hwang advised that certain nightclubs whose CUP allows for them to be open until 0300 or 0400 hours are already practicing this procedure.  Sergeant Hwang stated that Hollywood Vice would not necessarily be opposed to clubs slowly letting their patrons out until 0215 or 0230. However, he stressed that absolutely no service of alcohol past 0200 hours will be permitted. 

 

Sergeant Hwang closed the meeting by thanking everyone for coming and participating. 

 

 

 

HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY POLICE ADVISORY BOARD

Nightclub Owners Sub-Committee

MINUTES OF MEETING

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       September 16, 2010

 

ATTENDEES:

Gordan Kelley                                    Michael Ortiz                          Ian Ford

Louis Pellicia                           Chad Hanna                            J.P.

Steve Meyer                            Rhino Williams                       Mio Danilovic

Vincent Laresca                      Joel Fisher                               Andy Alvarez

Joshua Kopel                           Van White                               Caito Cerisola

Eddie Martinez                       Conrad Straub                         Armando Coffey

Lorenzo Woods                      Chris Breed                             George Nahas

Ray Lomeli                             Ruben Ramirez                       David Bodzin

Michael Morris                        Tricia Labelle                          Jeff Movi

Jauri Pachero                           James Merchant                      Reid Nelson

Renee Mansi                           George Younan                       Jenny Maggard

Steve Adler                             Gurgen Israydyan                   David Bradley

Geno Lee                                Mark Panasuk                         Mykel Owens

Copper Dallas            

 

LAPD PERSONELL:

Captain Peter Whittingham                Lieutenant Jeffrey Pailet                    

Sergeant Steven Hwang                     Detective Roger Klohr

Officer Colin Langsdale                     Officer Andre’ Abrams

Officer Danny Pesquira                      Officer Irv Isabella

 

LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONELL:

Battalion Chief Butler                                    Fire Marshall Jerry Traverns

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was held at Lucky Strike Lanes, located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.  Capt Whittingham called the meeting to order at 3:15 PM and gave a general overview.  He thanked everyone for attending and for the current level of cooperation in Hollywood between the nightclubs and the police.  He thanked Geno Lee for holding the meeting at Lucky Strike Lanes.

 

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Lt. Pailet welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were conducted.

 

ITEMS OF DISCUSSION

Detective Roger Klohr is assigned to OWB Sexual Assault Detectives.  He discussed the increasing trends in sexual assaults in relation to the Hollywood night club scene. There has been an approximate 45% increase in Rape.  Within this increase, some 9 out of 10 cases are related to the club scene in some way.  Detective Klohr also suggested areas of improvement that could assist in limiting this upward trend.  The most important aspect is to control the “weak” spots in clubs, focusing on security personnel who are either not properly trained, or simply not thorough.  With today’s technology, this information gets out quickly and locations become targets for underage clients and predators at the same time.  Detective Klohr also touched on the fact that clubs must make an effort to “police” themselves and put pressure on each other to create an environment in which information can be exchanged systematically.

 

Battalion Chief Butler introduced himself as a long-standing member of the Los Angeles Fire Department.  He is based at station 27 and oversees the 6 stations within the Hollywood area.  The Fire Department has worked diligently with the clubs on the problem of overcrowding.  He emphasized that clubs need to both be aware of their occupancy load and adhere to them.  LAFD maintains a very business friendly position, however when the philosophy of the business includes going over the specified occupancy load strictly for profit, the department must respond and alleviate the potential dangers of overcrowding.  

 

Fire Marshall Terry Taverns introduced himself as a 35 year department veteran, with 16 years of expertise in the maintenance of safe public assembly.  Taverns discussed the on-going problem of many locations using “sparkler” type fireworks.  The City of Los Angeles does not allow the use of any type of fireworks.  This includes the “Safe and Sane” type of fireworks.  There is an inherent danger with the mixture of any type of firework inside a crowed nightclub, emphasizing the potential tragedy when overcrowding is present.  Per Fire Marshall Taverns, upon discovering that a location is using “sparklers”, only one written notice will be issued.  After that, the department will issue a citation which will then be forwarded to the City Attorney’s office.  

 

Fire Marshall Taverns also discussed an audit that is to be performed by the Los Angeles Fire Department.  The audit will focus on the issuance and display of certified occupancy loads.  Taverns explained that a location’s Conditional Use Permits defines an occupancy limit. The enforcement that the fire department takes is based solely off the permitted occupancy load only.   

 

Sergeant Hwang discussed the clubs responsibility to assist overly intoxicated individuals, specifically lone females.  The main point of emphasis was to have clubs “do their part”.   Club employees have a moral responsibility to do what’s necessary to assist a person who cannot adequately take care of themselves.  Sergeant Hwang gave out his cell phone number and requested that clubs call him if needed. 

 

The use of “party buses” is a trend within the Hollywood area. These buses bring party-goers from outside areas to various club locations within Hollywood.   The problem with these buses is that quite often the operators are not properly certified to drive in this capacity.  A recent task force designed specifically to combat the problem, resulted 4 impounds and 27 citations. 

 

Sergeant Hwang discussed the issue of fake ID’s used to get into a Hollywood nightclub. He displayed a large stack of confiscated fake ID’s, recognizing Viking Protection security.  Although this has always been a problem, a challenge was issued to see which establishment could confiscate the most fake ID’s for the next CPAB meeting.  The confiscated ID’s can also assist detectives with the investigation of crimes that occur in clubs.  All a part of the clubs responsibility to assist with some form of “self-policing”.

Sergeant Hwang discussed the issue of valets.  Including illegal valet companies, and the tactics used by some companies to secure business.  There is a continued debate within the City Council on the regulation of the valet industry, specifically within Hollywood.    

 

Captain Whittingham answered questions regarding robberies within the area.  Overall there has been a slight decrease.  However, there is a noticeable increase of robbery on the weekends.  This can be attributed to the influx of outsiders that come into the Hollywood area on the weekends.  Specifically, the Metro Redline stop at Hollywood and Vine is having a direct affect with the increase in crime. This metro stop is being used by many law-abiding individuals to visit the Hollywood area.  At the same time, its being used by the criminal element as an quick way in and out of the Hollywood area.        

 

Also addressed was the question of gang activity in Hollywood.  Captain Whittingham advised that overall gang activity has significantly decreased over the years, recognizing the effort of the Hollywood Gang Enforcement Detail, adding that the core of any weekend gang activity is typically “unwanted visitors to the Hollywood area.

 

Lt. Pailet addressed the increasing problem of credit card fraud in Hollywood night clubs.  A typical scenario mentioned was the use of a credit card with a matching identification card.  When the card is processed, the magnetic strip is from another card.  One established advised of an incident in which several hundred dollars of food and alcoholic beverages were stolen using the fake ID and credit card. 

 

The main way to combat this problem is through documentation. Making a crime report gives the detectives information to work with, a suspect description, a pattern of conduct, any type of information that can possibly link individuals to a crime. 

 

Lt. Pailet closed the meeting at 4:35 PM, reiterating the need for continued assistance from the night club establishments.   

 

We will advise you when the next meeting will be held.

 

If you have any questions or suggestions for the next meeting, please contact Officer Andre’ Abrams, Hollywood Vice Unit, at 213-972-2991 or email at 35415@lapd.lacity.org.

 

 

HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY POLICE ADVISORY BOARD

Nightclub Owners Sub-Committee

HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY POLICE ADVISORY BOARD

Nightclub Owners Sub-Committee

MINUTES OF MEETING

May 26, 2010

 

ATTENDEES:

Mark Panasuk                                     Angela Cofrancesco                            Thaddeus Hunter

Ian Ford                                              Misty Mansouri                                   Mio Danilovic

Louis Pelliccia                                     Jose Bermudez                                    Gurgen Israyelyan

JT Torregiani                                       Barney Holm                                       Emma Suttus

Tony De Haro                                     Dalton Buckels                                   Elizabeth Peterson

Robert Berson                                     George Nahas                                     Tricia La Belle

Raphe Wolfgang

 

LAPD PERSONELL:

Lieutenant Jeffrey Pailet                     Officer Irv Isabella

Sergeant Steven Hwang                     Officer Colin Langsdale

Officer Danny Pesquira

 

COUNCIL PRESIDENT ERIC GARCETTI’S OFFICE:

Angela Motta

 

COUNCIL MEMBER TOM LABONGE’S OFFICE:

Stacy Marble                                       Doug Mensman

 

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES:

Arlene Schneir                                    Irene Lim

 

HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

Leron Gubler

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was held at The Kress 6608 Hollywood Blvd.  Sgt. Hwang called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM and gave a general overview.  He thanked everyone for attending and for the current level of cooperation in Hollywood between the nightclubs and the police.  He thanked Louis Pelliccia for holding the meeting at The Kress.

 

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Lt. Pailet welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were conducted.

 

ITEMS OF DISCUSSION

Lt. Pailet discussed property crime as it relates to clubs.  He said that much of the property crime is related to thefts from vehicles and is occurring in the parking lots and the surrounding streets.  Overall, the crime has been going down and cooperation is going up.  He said that there has been an increase in narcotics arrests in clubs and thanked the club security for their part in these arrests.  This is the year of the minor and much of the enforcement and focus will be on crimes and problems related to minors.  One area of concern has been the increase in minors entering and drinking at clubs.  He urged the clubs to continue with being diligent in carding.  This has unfortunately led to an increase in sexual assaults.  One way to help prevent some sexual assaults would be to ensure that the intoxicated person knows the person they are leaving with.  He then thanked the Avalon for allowing Hollywood Vice to conduct a trap door operation.  There were many arrests made and Avalon was thankful because they saw a decrease in the amount of minors attempting to get in even after the operation was done.

 

Arlene Schneir and Irene Lim showed a power point presentation about underage alcohol and drug abuse.  Mrs. Schneir discussed a survey that was given to 16-24 year olds in Hollywood.  The results showed that 20% of those surveyed said that they binge drink and did not think that it was dangerous.  34% said that they get their alcohol from within nightclubs.  Overall, youth in Hollywood found it very easy to obtain alcohol within the area.

 

Leron Gubler discussed ways that the Chamber is trying to revamp the CUP process.  They want to create a system where responsible clubs and ABC locations have the ability to fast track the renewal process to save time and money.  Approval from the LAPD, the council office and the neighborhood council should be able to move a CUP along faster.  It would create a system where businesses are rewarded for good business practices.  The Chamber is working with the Mayor’s office, the City Council and Zoning to move this idea along.  Mr. Gubler then spoke about the parking meters around Hollywood.  Most are only 1 hour after six but some have recently been changed to 2 hour limits due to petitions that were signed by many of those that live and work in the area.  To continue to change the meters, more petitions will need to be signed and the City will need to see that nothing negative occurred with changing those in the area of Hollywood between McCadden and Schraeder.

 

Angela Mota said that the council is still working on the valet issue.  There has been legislation written but that it is still in the process of being passed and put into place. 

 

Officer Pesquira said that it is getting into “nightclub season” and to keep up the safety.

 

Sergeant Hwang said to call him with any issues or problems.  He also asked if the nightclub owners believed that a bike unit would be beneficial.  Most everyone agreed that it would be a good thing to have, especially in the summer. 

 

Lt. Pailet asked if it would be beneficial to change Type 47 licenses over to Type 48 licenses.  It is not known if this would be possible, but it could help make the line between restaurants and clubs more defined.  He also asked if anyone was interested in hosting another trap door operation.

 

Lt. Pailet closed the meeting at 4:35 PM. 

 

We will advise you when the next meeting will be held.

 

If you have any questions or suggestions for the next meeting, please contact Officer Colin Langsdale, Hollywood Vice Unit, at 213-972-2991 or email at 38006@lapd.lacity.org.

 

 

MINUTES OF MEETING

February 24, 2010

ATTENDEES:

Vinny Laresca

Josh Slocum                            

Joel Fisher

James Daly                                          

Brian Sayers                            

Nicholas Coshis

Craig Presley                                       

Gerald Travers            

Eric James

Copper Dallas                                     

John Lyons                              

Barney Holm

Scott Whitman                         

Chris Breed                             

J.T. Torregiani

J.P.                                                     

Misty Mansouri                       

Steve Meyer

Ashlee Gardner                                   

Joshua Kopel                          

Tony Gutierrez

Mike Smuck                                        

Raphe Wolfgang                      

Brad Kilgore

Jonathan Blake                        

Gurgen Isragelgan                    

Rob Cianlcimino

Brian Hart                                           

Mark Middlam            

Matthew Espinoza

Mario Mclender                                  

Louis Pelliccia                          

George Nahas

Ray Lomeli                                          

Gordon Kelley

LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT

Captain Phillip Ayala                            

Fire Marshall Jerry Traverns

LAPD PERSONELL:

Lieutenant Jeffrey Pailet                       

Police Officer Danny Pesquira                          

Sergeant Damian Velasco                    

Police Officer Othar Richey

Sergeant Steven Hwang

COUNCIL MEMBER ERIC GARCETTI’S OFFICE

Angela Mota

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was held at “The Director’s Guild” 7920 Sunset Bl. Lieutenant Pailet called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m. and gave a general overview.  

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS:

Lieutenant Pailet welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were conducted. 

ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

 Fire Marshall Jerry Traverns said the Fire Department had noticed a lot more smoking within the clubs.  It’s probably due to the enforcement unit not going out as much to conduct the inspections.  It is a citable offense for the offender and the venue.  There have been issues with overcrowding in some venues.  Make sure to check your occupancy loads. LAFD checks for fire permits so please make sure they are up to date.  Special Events need permission from Building and Safety and the Fire Department.  So make sure you go to your inspector for their approval.  If you have candles make sure you have permits and that they are up to date.  Don’t allow the promoters to overcrowd your venues.

Angela Mota said Eric Garcetti’s office is working on two projects.  The first is the Valet parking ordinance to regulate the operators.  The Council is working on the drafting of the ordinance.  If there is anyone that you would recommend that might be able to provide assistance with the drafting of the ordinance please let her know.  The second item the office is working on is the carts and catering trucks.  BID has been assigned to start checking on the permits of the carts and trucks.  If you are having a problem in front of your venue please contact her so the city can install “No Commercial Parking” signs. 

Sergeant Hwang said to please contact Vice if you are having a problem with the carts or catering trucks.  If Vice is working he and/or his PED Officers will go to the venue and check out the permits.

Captain Ayala said LAFD has noticed an increase in the use of sparklers.  They are illegal so please make sure you do not have them in your venue.

Lieutenant Pailet said there has been a nine percent reduction in crime due to the forty new Officers that have been assigned to work the Hollywood corridor.  Lately, quite a few crimes have occurred in and around the night clubs.  Hollywood is very saturated.  Encourage your valet companies to be fully staffed so they can expedite the people leaving so there might be fewer fights.  Please make sure you have adequate numbers of Security and they have the required permits.  Most venues have a Security camera clause in their CUP’s.  Make sure they work and there is someone at the location that can immediately retrieve the information if the Police needs it.  The video can help the security staff protect themselves against law suits.  Taxis can block traffic.  If you can, please ask them to move on especially along Cahuenga Blvd.  There have been a lot of minors getting into clubs.  Vice might start sending in the PED unit to check for identification.  Lately there have been some sexual assaults that have occurred against minors in clubs.  Some Officers may be sent in with a PASS (Portable Breath Test) to check underage drinkers.  Lt Binder from Detectives keeps a file that has crime reports with named clubs.  Although we know that clubs are not responsible for all crimes that occur within their venue.  Please be careful with some of your promoters.  If there are issues with hot dog vendors call Officer Pam Anthony at (213)485-4316.  She is the reserve coordinator that can schedule the Officers to come in and look for the carts.

Sergeant Hwang said to be careful with the promoter.  Sometimes they are the ones getting the underage people into the clubs.  To assist with property crimes have a coat check area to keep coats and bags.  Try to keep the valets from parking on the street.  Some venues have a condition in their CUP that requires them to have parking spaces for the business.  If you have any questions or need assistance call him at (213)926-2641.  If he is working and can he will be there to assist with any problems.  Lt Pailet’s number is (213)379-1764.

Lieutenant Pailet said they are going to try and put a “trap door operation” together.  It is where a club to volunteers.  The Police will stand with the doorman to check for minors.  If anyone is interested to please let him know.  The Academy Awards are on March 7th and traffic will be very heavy.  Please be careful and try to control your parking issues.

Lieutenant Pailet closed the meeting at 4:20 p.m.

 

We will advise you when the next meeting will be held.                                                            

If you have any questions or suggestions for the next meeting, please contact

Officer Colin Langsdale, Hollywood Vice Unit, at (213) 972-2991, or e-mail at 38006@lapd.lacity.org.

 

HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY POLICE ADVISORY BOARD

Nightclub Owners Sub-Committee