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 Colin Langsdale - Vice Unit (213) 972-2991 or via e-mail: 38006@lapd.lacity.org

MEETING DATE

To Be Announced

PAST MEETING MINUTES:

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 7^th 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

MINUTES OF MEETING

October 21, 2009

ATTENDEES:

Joel Fisher

Micholas Cochis

Collin Thalken

Brian Keathley

Jason Bonfiglio

Maddox Clinkscales

Brian Hert

Steve Meyer

JT Torreglani

Misty Mansouri

Victor Mororossian

Melli Manukyan

Naira Hakobyan

Amanda Grandietti

Phil Pavel

Jorden Birnbaum

Joseph Ojeda

Paul Oberman

Alex Bennett

Leo Medina

Gordon Kelley

Mark Panasuk

David Bradley

Tony Evans

Tony Gutierrez

Geno Lee

Joseph Gharib

Mike Marji

Andy Chapman

Los Angeles Fire Department

Fire Marshall Eugene Andrews

LA Department of Building and Safety

Inspector David Hickman

LAPD Hollywood Division Commanding Officer:

Captain Beatrice M. Girmala

LAPD PERSONNEL:

Lieutenant Jeffrey Pailet

Police Officer Petrona Cummings

Sergeant Damian Velasco

Police Officer Othar Richey

Sergeant Steven Hwang

CALL TO ORDER:

Lieutenant Pailet called the meeting to order at 15:10 PM. The meeting was held at

The Director’s Guild” 7920 Sunset Bl.

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS:

Sergeant Velasco welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were conducted.

ITEMS OF DISCUSSION:

Lieutenant Pailet said there has been a rise in fights and shootings, and advised club management of stricter enforcement. He spoke of the role that the club owners’ play in the community and with the Police Department. There was a drop in Burglaries and Theft from Motor Vehicles due to the strong uniform appearance. The PD conducts DUI Enforcement on Friday and Saturday nights. Drivers are asked where they drank and how many drinks they have had; ensure that drinks are monitored and that your employees have received STAR training.

Captain Girmala reiterated what Lt. Pailet and Sgt. Hwang said about the relationship between the clubs and the Police Department. She stated she knows that a venue can only control intoxication to an extent but please try to be vigilant with the issue. We don’t want one incident to cause a large negative blight to Hollywood. Personnel from Cress had a question regarding parking. Capt. Grimala repeated her request for responses to Halloween events. She stated that there are no street closures anticipated. However, aid is anticipated from the CHP and Metropolitan Division.

Fire Marshall Andrews said he has a commitment to the community. He reminded club owners and managers of the dangers of using sparklers inside the venue and reminded them of the dangers and the fact that they are illegal. If caught, offenders will receive a warning violation and will have to take it up with the CA and Fire Chief. Andrews stated that the Battalion Chief will close clubs for overcrowding. Andrews told the audience that occasionally an inspector may come to the venue to conduct an inspection and permits will be checked. Andrews reminded the audience that a permit is needed to use candles. Also if the FD drive by and notice potential problems, for example large crowds, they will come in. Owners/managers are reminded to stick to the occupant local.

Sergeant Hwang reminded the members that the PD look for adequately staffed valets for parking, the noise level, large crowds on the outside and finally, neighbor complaints. He stated that during an inspection, one of the things that is checked is the alcohol bottles for what is referred to as “buggy bottles” or pieces of cork in the alcohol. He stated that ABC was out in October and found no violations. He commended owners/managers on a good job in checking identification.

Inspector David Hickman spoke about his duties as a building inspector and in responding to complaints. He explained warning notifications, the abatement process and complying with and working with the Department of Building and Safety. He advised that if the CUPs have lapsed, alcohol cannot be served. He advised owners/managers to have their licenses and permits available and in order for inspections.

Closing: Lieutenant Pailet closed the meeting at approximately 4:15 PM reiterating the need for a close working relationship between the Police Department and the club owners/managers.