Join Jocelyn Kane, Executive Director of the San Francisco Entertainment Commission and Commander Greg McEachern of the San Francisco Police Department to hear their perspectives on public and patron safety and communication between law enforcement and the entertainment community.

When: Friday, March 25, 2011 from 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Where: Mezzanine (444 Jessie Street)
Free for members, $10 for non-members
Please arrive promptly as the program is expected to begin immediately at 12:00pm.
RSVP here!

Friends:

In 2008 and again in 2010, industry representatives and lawmakers learned that the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was inconsistently regulating infused beverages – such as limoncello and sangria – as illegal.  Many of you may have been subject to this enforcement.  In response, California State Senator Mark Leno has introduced Senate Bill 32 (SB 32), a bill that would clearly permit beverages to be flavored with fruits, vegetables, or herbs.  The proposed legislation includes explicit language to prevent this type of confusing regulation from commencing again.

Next Tuesday (March 22, 2011), the California Senate Governmental Organization Committee will consider SB 32.  The California Music and Culture Association strongly supports SB 32. It is essential that people show up and speak in support of updating this antiquated language.

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Attend the hearing and share how you feel about the role infused beverages play in California’s culture.  It is important that the committee hears from members of the entertainment and nightlife community.  On Tuesday, March 22 at 9:30am at State Capitol (1315 10th Street – Room 4203, Sacramento, CA), the Governmental Organization Committee will hear public comment on the legislation. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you plan to attend.  We will help coordinate carpools and are also keeping a tally of expected attendees.

Email the California Senate Governmental Organization Committee and tell them to “Support Senate Bill 32 because…”.  Please address the email to Senator Roderick Wright at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and copy the following members of the committee as well as the Assembly speaker, Speaker Pro Temp,  the Senate President, the ABC Executive Director, Chair of the State Board of Equalization, and Senator Mark Leno.  (We’ve provided some talking points below to help you with your letter.)

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Please be sure to copy This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as we are keeping a running tally.

Below are some talking points to help you with your letters of support and public testimony:

Economic Impact
California’s nightlife and entertainment industry are large drivers of economic development: providing jobs, generating tax revenue, and boosting tourism in cities throughout the state.  Every $1 spent at California restaurants and bars generates $1.22 of additional sales in California in other California industries. And each additional $1 million spent at California eating and drinking places generates an additional 31.2 jobs in the State.  SB 32 will enhance the economic development of the industry.

Innovation
Tourists visit California to experience our state’s renowned restaurants, wineries, breweries, bars, lounges, and other culinary ventures.  Our industry is known for its creativity and innovation.  Mixologists are featured in magazines because of their usual flavor combinations – frequently through infusions.  SB 32 will encourage and provide opportunities for our industry to exercise its culinary creativity.

Improved Relations
Enforcement of infused beverages has been inconsistent and confusing for business owners and law enforcement, alike.  Under the law’s existing language, traditional beverages, such as sangria, could be enforced as illegal.  SB 32 will provide clearer guidelines of these regulations and create a more positive and improved relationship between the ABC and the entertainment industry.

For more information, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Public Safety Committee and Police Commission are hosting a special session this week on Wednesday, March 9 at 6:00pm to hear public comment on community police advisory boards and community policing.  Attend the hearing to voice your thoughts about what community policing means to you.  Additionally, the committee will receive an update on the new police chief selection.  To view CMAC’s criteria for the new police chief, please click here.

What: Public Safety Committee/Police Commission Hearing on Community Policing & Community Police Advisory Boards

When: Wednesday, March 9 @ 6:00pm

Where: San Francisco City Hall, Room 250

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

San Francisco, CA – The California Music and Culture Association (CMAC) applauds Supervisor Scott Wiener (District 8 – Castro, Upper Market, Eureka Valley, Noe Valley, Glen Park, Diamond Heights, Twin Peaks, Buena Vista, Corona Heights, Corbett Heights, Duboce Triangle, Dolores Heights, Liberty Heights, Mission Dolores) for calling on the San Francisco Controller’s Office to conduct an economic impact study on the financial value of San Francisco’s nightlife economy. An empirical assessment of music and culture’s fiscal contribution to the City is long overdue.

“Although San Francisco does not have a hard number to date, it is irrefutable that the ‘other 9 to 5′ [music and culture industry] makes a substantial investment into our local economy,” said Sean Manchester, CMAC President and owner of Mighty and WISH. “In addition to being a significant job generator, tourist attraction, and tax revenue source for vital city and state services, entertainment attractions also contribute to increased economic activity in other industries such as hospitality, restaurants and transportation.”

Manchester cites a 2004 Audience Research and Analysis study which found that the New York City nightlife industry generated $9.7 billion in economic activity, $2.6 billion in earnings, and 95,500 jobs. Additionally, the study found that the entertainment industry contributed an estimated $391 million in tax revenue in the Big Apple. “I worked in New York and was a member of the New York Nightlife Association when that study was released,” Manchester said. “That economic report was a game changer for the industry. The results really illustrated the massive impact the nightlife industry had on the citywide economy – and, thus, a more empowered voice at the decision-making table.”

For a listing of economic impact studies on nightlife around the United States, visit
http://cmacsf.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Econ-Impact-Study-Fact-Sheet-06-01-10.pdf.