November 4, 2025 Entertainment Commission Meeting

MINUTES

Meeting was held virtually and in-person

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

5:30 P.M.

Regular Meeting

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Ben Bleiman (President), Cyn Wang (Vice President), Maria Davis, Laura Thomas, and Jordan Wilson

COMMISSIONERS EXCUSED: Leonard Poggio and Anthony Schlander

STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Executive Director Maggie Weiland; Deputy Director Kaitlyn Azevedo; Project and Communications Manager Dylan Rice; Commission Secretary May Liang; Senior Inspector Andrew Zverina

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

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL AT 5:33 PM

2. General Public Comment

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.

Public Comments:
Michael Petrelis expressed disappointment over recent reductions in City Hall meeting coverage, specifically the loss of multiple camera angles and live closed captioning. They noted that the single fixed camera makes it hard to identify speakers or see public commenters and their signs. They emphasized the importance of visual aids like overhead projectors and accessible features like captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing. The speaker urged the Board of Supervisors to restore funding to ensure full, inclusive coverage of public meetings.

3. Approval of Meeting Minutes: Discussion and possible action to approve the minutes of the October 21, 2025 Commission meeting. [Discussion and Possible Action Item]
Support Document: https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/EC_Meeting_Minutes_October_21_Draft.pdf

Commissioner Thomas arrived during this item.

Motion: Commissioner Wilson made a motion to approve the meeting minutes; Vice President Wang seconded the motion.

Action: The Commission approved the minutes of the October 21, 2025 Commission meeting.

Ayes: President Bleiman, Vice President Wang, Commissioner Davis, Commissioner Thomas, and Commissioner Wilson

Nays: None

Public Comments:
Michael Petrelis praised the accuracy and transparency of the meeting minutes, especially how their previous comments about Another Planet Entertainment (APE) and concerns over the Castro Theatre were faithfully recorded. They emphasized the importance of continuing to publish draft minutes before meetings, as it helps the public stay informed and engaged.

4. Report from Executive Director: Legislative/Policy Update: none; Staff and Office Update: none; Update on Board of Appeals Actions: none; Corrective Actions: none. [Discussion and Possible Action Item]

Public Comments: None

5. Report from Senior Inspector: Senior Inspector Andrew Zverina reports on recent enforcement activities. [Discussion and Possible Action Item]

Public Comments: None

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

Consent Agenda:

a. EC-1891 – Church of Clown, dba Church of Clown, 2400 Bayshore Blvd, Limited Live Performance

b. EC-1901 - Francesco Covucci of NBR TUMBUNO, dba North Beach Restaurant, 1512 Stockton St, Limited Live Performance

Motion: Commissioner Davis made a motion to approve the permits on the Consent agenda with staff recommendations; Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion.

Action: The Commission approved the permits on the Consent agenda with staff recommendations.

Ayes: President Bleiman, Vice President Wang, Commissioner Davis, Commissioner Thomas, and Commissioner Wilson

Nays: None

Public Comments: None

c. EC-1907 – Atsushi Iyoda and Yuki Yoshikai of KIDDLETON, INC., dba Kiddleton, 3995 Alemany Blvd, Mechanical Amusement Device

Motion: Vice President Wang made a motion to continue this permit application to a future hearing; Commissioner Davis seconded the motion.

Action: The Commission approved to continue this permit application to a future hearing.

Ayes: President Bleiman, Vice President Wang, Commissioner Davis, Commissioner Thomas, and Commissioner Wilson

Nays: None

Public Comments: None

Regular Agenda:

d. EC-1889 – JOSE H BELTRAN of LA CANCHA MEDIA 1, dba La Media Cancha 1, 4995 Mission St, Limited Live Performance

Motion: Commissioner Thomas made a motion to approve the permit application with staff recommendations; Commissioner Davis seconded the motion.

Action: The Commission approved the permit application with staff recommendations.

Ayes: President Bleiman, Vice President Wang, Commissioner Davis, Commissioner Thomas, and Commissioner Wilson

Nays: None

Public Comments:
(=/-) Fay (Teams attendee), the neighbor living next door to the restaurant, acknowledged recent improvements but raised ongoing concerns. They requested that future sound level measurements be conducted in the evening when performances occur, that speakers be moved away from the shared wall to reduce noise disturbances, and that ambient noise levels be measured directly at the common wall due to continued late-night noise impacts.

e. EC-1899 – APESF, LLC, dba The Castro, 429 Castro St, Place of Entertainment

Motion: Commissioner Wang made a motion to approve the permit application with staff recommendations; Commissioner Davis seconded the motion.

Action: The Commission approved the permit application with staff recommendations.

Ayes: President Bleiman, Vice President Wang, Commissioner Davis, Commissioner Thomas, and Commissioner Wilson

Nays: None

Public Comments:
(-) Michael Petrelis, a longtime Castro advocate, showed a sign that says APE = GREED and criticized Another Planet Entertainment (APE) for poor community engagement, noting they’ve held only one public meeting in the Castro since 2022. They urged the board to require APE to hold annual town halls, as they do in other districts, and to provide community support funds. The speaker also raised concerns about the ongoing eviction of two small businesses from the Castro Theatre and called for transparency and accountability from APE regarding their plans and community impact.

(+) Suzanne Ford, Executive Director of SF Pride and resident of the Castro, expressed strong support for the permit, highlighting Another Planet Entertainment’s (APE) positive partnership with San Francisco Pride. They noted that APE hosted a free Pride kickoff event in 2023, which raised $12,000, and that many Castro business owners they know are excited about APE’s involvement.

(+) Jorge Portillo, founder of the local Queer Events Collective and the Manager of Events at The Lookout, voiced strong support for Another Planet Entertainment’s efforts to revitalize the Castro Theatre with live entertainment. They emphasized the importance of supporting ethical, community-rooted businesses to help revive the city’s struggling nightlife and boost local commerce. They praised APE’s stewardship of the historic venue and their inclusive programming, noting that local businesses like The Lookout are also supportive.

(+) Stefano Cassolato expressed enthusiastic support for Another Planet Entertainment’s investment in the Castro Theatre, highlighting the $41 million commitment, job creation, and potential to revitalize the neighborhood. They emphasized the importance of embracing change, welcoming high-caliber talent like Sam Smith, and seeing the project as a positive evolution that could anchor the Castro as a music and cultural destination, benefiting local businesses and aiding the City’s recovery.

(+) James Gonzales (Teams attendee), a neighbor who lives around the corner from Castro Theater with his husband, voiced strong support for Another Planet Entertainment’s permit, emphasizing the Castro’s economic struggles and the importance of revitalizing the neighborhood. They praised the diverse programming planned at the Castro Theatre, including events like Frameline and Sam Smith, and highlighted the excitement among neighbors. They commended APE for their deep investment—both financial and emotional—in the community and urged approval of the permit.

7. Commissioner Comments & Questions; New Business Request for Future Agenda Items: This item is to allow Commissioners to introduce agenda items for future consideration, and to make announcements. [Action item and Announcements]

Public Comments:
Stefano Cassolato expressed gratitude for the recent celebration of life for Mark Rennie, recognizing his decades of community impact and mentorship. They credited Rennie as a pioneer whose efforts helped lead to the formation and success of the current Commission. The speaker praised the Commission’s evolution, effectiveness, and leadership, calling it one of the best-run in the city.

8. ADJOURNMENT at 6:50 PM

The public may participate or view the meeting via computer with a Microsoft Teams link, or via telephone.

In addition to in-person public comment, the Entertainment Commission will hear up to 20 minutes of remote public comment total on each agenda item (all public comments are limited to 3 minutes per person on each item for both in-person and remote attendees).  The Entertainment Commission will hear remote public comment on each item in the order that commenters add themselves to the queue to comment on the item.  Because of the 20-minute time limit, it is possible that not every person in the queue will have an opportunity to provide remote public comment.  Remote public comment from people who have received an accommodation due to disability (see “Disability Access” section) will not count toward the 20-minute limit.

To access the Meeting by Computer/Smartphone/Tablet or by Telephone:

To access by computer/smartphone/tablet, please click the link in the agenda.

To access by telephone, call +1-415-906-4659 and enter the Meeting ID located on the left side panel of this webpage. (Please read the notes, below, prior to calling in).

Participants using the telephone who wish to speak on a particular item on the Entertainment Commission’s agenda can stay on the phone line and listen for the item to be called.  Please wait for staff to announce the public comment portion.  If your agenda item is called and you would like to speak in public comment on your phone, dial *5 and this will show a raised hand; staff will enter you into the meeting when it is your turn. To unmute or mute yourself, dial *6.

Remote Public Comment during Meetings:

The Entertainment Commission welcomes and encourages public comment.  Please read below to help facilitate this process for remote public comment:

Follow these best practices to improve your call:

1. Call from a quiet location
2. Speak slowly and clearly
3. Turn down radios or televisions.

Raising Your Hand in a Remote Meeting:

If you would like to speak during public comment, please listen for your agenda item to be called, then wait until the public comment section is announced. When it is your turn, staff will enter you into the meeting to speak or read aloud your chat message.

By computer, smartphone, or tablet:

Step 1: Select the hand icon with the word “Raise” at the top-right of the Microsoft Teams window/screen.

Step 2: When you are prompted to unmute, click on the microphone icon with the word “Mic” at the top-right of the Microsoft Teams window/screen to speak.

By telephone:

Step 1: Dial *5 to raise your hand.

Step 2: When it is your turn, Commission staff will tell you to unmute. Dial *6 to unmute/mute.

Dial *1 to hear the command menu which provides descriptions of dial-pad commands that are available.

By chat:

During the public comment for a particular agenda item, you may submit a written comment via the chat function on Microsoft Teams. Your comment will be read aloud in the order it is received.

Things to Remember:

The Commission’s staff will indicate how much time you will have to provide your verbal comment. You will be alerted when you have 30 seconds remaining. 

Once your public comment time has ended, you will be moved out off the live speaker line and back listening to the meeting (unless you disconnect).

City Hall Room 416 is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible entrances are located on Van Ness Avenue and Grove Street. There are elevators and accessible restrooms located on every floor.

Remote public participation is available upon request for individuals who cannot attend in person due to disability. Making a request to participate remotely no later than one (1) hour prior to the start of the meeting helps ensure availability of the meeting link.

Sign Language Interpretation is also available upon request. If requesting remote Sign Language Interpretation, please submit an accommodation request a minimum of 4 business hours prior to the start of the meeting. Allowing a minimum of 48 business hours for all other accommodation requests (for example, for other auxiliary aids and services) helps ensure availability. To request accommodation, please contact us via email at entertainment.commission@sfgov.org.

The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair or the Interim Chair may order the removal from the meeting of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices.

Public Comment will be taken before or during the Commission’s consideration of each agenda item. Speakers may address the Commission for up to three minutes. During General Public Comment, members of the public may address the Commission on matters that are within the Commission’s jurisdiction and are not on today’s agenda.

WRITTEN COMMENTS

Persons attending the meeting and those unable to attend may submit written comments regarding the subject of the meeting.  Such comments will be made part of the official public record and will be brought to the attention of the Commission.  Written comments should be submitted to the Entertainment Commission via email to entertainment.commission@sfgov.org.
 

Explanatory Documents:  Copies of explanatory documents listed in this agenda, and other related materials received by the Entertainment Commission after the posting of this agenda, can be obtained by emailing Entertainment.Commission@sfgov.org during normal business hours, and also, to the extent possible, will be available on the Commission's website at: https://sfgov.org/entertainment/public-notices-meetings.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE

Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct people's business.  This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review.  Copies of the Sunshine Ordinance can be obtained from the Clerk of the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force (sfgov.org/sunshine) the San Francisco Public Library. and on the City’s website at sfgov.org. For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance (Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code) or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact:

Sunshine Ordinance Task Force

City Hall, Room 244

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, CA 94102-4683

Office:  (415) 554-7724

(Fax):    (415) 554-5163

(E-mail):  SOTF@sfgov.org

(Web): sfgov.org/sunshine

Per the Language Access Ordinance (Chapter 91 of the San Francisco Administrative Code), Chinese, Spanish and or Filipino (Tagalog) interpreters will be available upon requests. Meeting Minutes may be translated, if requested, after they have been adopted by the Commission. Assistance in additional languages may be honored whenever possible. To request assistance with these services please contact us via email at entertainment.commission@sfgov.org at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing. Late requests will be honored if possible.

Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local policy or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance (San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code sections 2.100-2.160) to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94102, telephone 415/252- 3100, fax 415/252-3112 and website: www.sfgov.org/ethics.

如對會議有任何疑問，請致電 628-652-6035 查詢。當會議進行時，嚴禁使用手機及任何發聲電子裝置。會 議主席可以命令任何使用手機或其他發出聲音装置的人等離開會議塲所。
 

了解你在陽光政策下的權益

政府的職責是為公眾服務，並在具透明度的情況下作出決策。市及縣政府的委員會，市參事會，議會和其 他機構的存在是為處理民眾的事務。本政策保證一切政務討論都在民眾面前進行，而市政府的運作也公開 讓民眾審查。如果你需要知道你在陽光政策 (San Francisco Administrative Code Chapter 67) 下擁有的權利， 或是需要舉報違反本條例的情況，請聯絡：

陽光政策 專責小組行政官 地址：

City Hall – Room 244

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, CA 94102-4683

電話號碼: 415-554-7724 ; 傳真號碼 415- 554-5163

電子郵箱: SOTF@sfgov.org

陽光政策的文件可以通過陽光政策專責小組秘書、三藩市公共圖書館、以及市政府網頁www.sfgov.org等途 徑索取。民眾也可以到網頁http://www.sfbos.org/sunshine閱覽有關的解釋文件，或根據以上提供的地址和電 話向委員會秘書索取。

語言服務

根據語言服務條例(三藩市行政法典第91章)，中文、西班牙語和/或菲律賓語（泰加洛語）傳譯人員在收到 要求後將會提供傳譯服務。翻譯版本的會議記錄可在委員會通過後透過要求而提供。其他語言協助在可能 的情況下也將可提供。上述的要求，請於會議前最少48小時致電628-652-6035或電郵至 may.k.liang@sfgov.org 向委員會秘書May Liang 提出。逾期提出的請求，若可能的話，亦會被考慮接納。

遊說者法令

依據「三藩市遊說者法令」 （SF Campaign & Governmental Conduct Code 2.100） 能影響或欲影響本地立法 或行政的人士或團體可能需要註冊，並報告其遊說行為。如需更多有關遊說者法令的資訊，請聯絡位於 Van Ness 街25號 220室的三藩市道德委員會，電話號碼:415- 252-3100， 傳真號碼 415-252-3112， 網址: sfgov.org/ethics。

Para preguntas acerca de la reunión, por favor contactar el 628-652-6035. El timbrado de y el uso de teléfonos celulares, localizadores de personas, y artículos electrónicos que producen sonidos similares, están prohibidos en esta reunión. Por favor tome en cuenta que el Presidente podría ordenar el retiro de la sala de la reunión a cualquier persona(s) responsable del timbrado o el uso de un teléfono celular, localizador de personas, u otros artículos electrónicos que producen sonidos similares.

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS BAJO LA ORDENANZA SUNSHINE

El deber del Gobierno es servir al público, alcanzando sus decisiones a completa vista del público. Comisiones, juntas, concilios, y otras agencias de la Ciudad y Condado, existen para conducir negocios de la gente. Esta ordenanza asegura que las deliberaciones se lleven a cabo ante la gente y que las operaciones de la ciudad estén abiertas para revisión de la gente. Para obtener información sobre sus derechos bajo la Ordenanza Sunshine (capitulo 67 del Código Administrativo de San Francisco) o para reportar una violación de la ordenanza, por favor póngase en contacto con:

Administrador del Grupo de Trabajo de la Ordenanza Sunshine (Sunshine Ordinance Task Force Administrator) City Hall – Room 244

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, CA 94102-4683

415-554-7724 (Oficina); 415-554-5163 (Fax);

Correo electrónico: SOTF@sfgov.org

Copias de la Ordenanza Sunshine pueden ser obtenidas del Secretario del grupo de Trabajo de la Ordenanza Sunshine, la Biblioteca Pública de San Francisco y en la página web del internet de la ciudad en www.sfgov.org. Copias de documentos explicativos están disponibles al público por Internet en http://www.sfbos.org/sunshine; o, pidiéndolas al Secretario de la Comisión en la dirección o número telefónico mencionados arriba.

ACCESO A IDIOMAS

De acuerdo con la Ordenanza de Acceso a Idiomas “Language Access Ordinance” (Capítulo 91 del Código Administrativo de San Francisco “Chapter 91 of the San Francisco Administrative Code”) intérpretes de chino, español y/o filipino (tagalo) estarán disponibles de ser requeridos. Las minutas podrán ser traducidas, de ser requeridas, luego de ser aprobadas por la Comisión. La asistencia en idiomas adicionales se tomará en cuenta siempre que sea posible. Para solicitar asistencia con estos servicios favor comunicarse con el Secretario de la Comisión May Liang al 628-652-6035, o may.k.liang@sfgov.org por lo menos 48 horas antes de la reunión. Las solicitudes tardías serán consideradas de ser posible.

ORDENANZA DE CABILDEO

Individuos y entidades que influencian o intentan influenciar legislación local o acciones administrativas podrían ser requeridos por la Ordenanza de Cabildeo de San Francisco (SF Campaign & Governmental Conduct Code 2.100) a registrarse y a reportar actividades de cabildeo. Para más información acerca de la Ordenanza de Cabildeo, por favor contactar la Comisión de Ética: 25 de la avenida Van Ness , Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94102, 415-252-3100, FAX 415-252-3112, sitio web: sfgov.org/ethics.

Kung mayroon kayong mga tanong tungkol sa miting, mangyaring tumawag lang sa 628-652-6035. Ang pagtunog at paggammit ng mga cell phone, mga pager at kagamitang may tunog ay ipinagbabawal sa pulong. Paalala po na maaring palabasin ng Tagapangulo ang sinumang may-ari o responsible sa ingay o tunog na mula sa cell-phone, pager o iba pang gamit na lumilikha ng tunog o ingay.

ALAMIN ANG INYONG MGA KARAPATAN SA ILALIM NG SUNSHINE ORDINANCE

Tungkulin ng Pamahalaan na paglinkuran ang publiko, maabot ito sa patas at medaling maunawaan na paraan. Ang mga komisyon, board, kapulungan at iba pang mga ahensya ng Lungsod at County ay mananatili upang maglingkod sa pamayanan.Tinitiyak ng ordinansa na ang desisyon o pagpapasya ay ginagawa kasama ng mamamayan at ang mga gawaing panglungsod na napagkaisahan ay bukas sa pagsusuri ng publiko. Para sa impormasyon ukol sa inyong karapatan sa ilalim ng Sunshine Ordinance ( Kapitulo 67 sa San Francisco Administrative Code) o para mag report sa paglabag sa ordinansa, mangyaring tumawag sa Administrador ng Sunshine Ordinance Task Force .

City Hall – Room 244

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, CA 94102-4683

415-554-7724 (Opisina); 415-554-7854 (Fax)

E-mail: SOTF@sfgov.org

Ang mga kopya ng Sunshine Ordinance ay makukuha sa Clerk ng Sunshine Task Force, sa pampublikong aklatan ng San Francisco at sa website ng Lungsod sa www.sfgov.org. Mga kopya at mga dokumentong na nagpapaliwanag sa Ordinance ay makukuha online sa http://www.sfbos.org/sunshine o sa kahilingan sa Commission Secretary, sa address sa itaas o sa numero ng telepono.

PAG-ACCESS SA WIKA

Ayon sa Language Access Ordinance (Chapter 91 ng San Francisco Administrative Code), maaaring mag-request ng mga tagapagsalin sa wikang Tsino, Espanyol, at/o Filipino (Tagalog). Kapag hiniling, ang mga kaganapan ng miting ay maaring isalin sa ibang wika matapos ito ay aprobahan ng komisyon. Maari din magkaroon ng tulong sa ibang wika. Sa mga ganitong uri ng kahilingan, mangyaring tumawag sa Clerk ng Commission May Liang sa 628-652-6035, o may.k.liang@sfgov.org sa hindi bababa sa 48 oras bago mag miting. Kung maari, ang mga late na hiling ay posibleng pagbibigyan.

LOBBYIST ORDINANCE

Ayon sa San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign & Governmental Conduct Code 2.100], ang mga indibidwal o mga entity na nag iimpluensiya o sumusubok na mag impluensiya sa mga lokal na pambatasan o administrative na aksyon ay maaring kailangan mag register o mag report ng aktibidad ng lobbying. Para sa karagdagan na impormasyon tungkol sa Lobbyist Ordinance, mangyaring tumawag sa San Francisco Ethics Commission at 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94102, (415) 252-3100, FAX (415) 252-3112, website: sfgov.org/ethics