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Commission approves multiple entertainment permits; Great Star Theater continued for planning follow-up
Summary
The commission approved a one-time extended sound permit for Circus Bella at Eastcutt Crossing and LLP/POE permits for Bay So Me (Polk), Shuggie's (Mission), and The Academy (Market); the Great Star Theater item was continued to coordinate with Planning on end-time zoning determinations.
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted Wednesday to approve several entertainment permits and continued a long-running zoning dispute affecting the Great Star Theater.
Commissioners approved a one-time outdoor event permit to extend evening hours at The Crossing at Eastcutt for Circus Bella’s Dance of Enchantment on Dec. 21; staff said SFPD Southern Station had no concerns and recommended conditions tied to the Commission’s Good Neighbor Policy. Janice Atenza, a representative for Eastcutt Landing Partners, described programming that will include DJs, a live band, circus artists and poetry readings.
The Commission also approved a Place of Entertainment permit for a new operator at 1121 Polk Street (presented by Martel Toler), with staff-set internal sound limits. A nearby resident, David Villalobos, urged limits on outdoor amplified music and additional interior sound attenuation, saying sound travels through the building’s floors and that many neighbors are seniors who may not receive written outreach.
Two additional permits were approved: an LLP for Shuggie's (a climate-focused restaurant and natural wine bar in the Mission) to host low-key jazz and small-scale entertainment, and an LLP for The Academy (an LGBTQ+ social club at 2166 Market Street) to formalize indoor programming and back-patio amplified sound. In both cases staff reported outreach to neighbors and no opposition in the files; the Castro Merchants Association provided a letter of support for The Academy.
The commission continued the Great Star Theater item at the applicant’s request to allow further coordination with the Planning Department on an end-time/hours determination. Paul Nathan, who manages the Great Star, detailed the venue’s century-long history and argued that recent zoning determinations imposed an untenable curfew that could jeopardize operations; commissioners agreed to continue the item so the applicant can work with Planning prior to returning to the Commission.
All permit approvals were made with staff recommendations and Good Neighbor Policy conditions; commissioners emphasized that limits, enforcement, or follow-up inspections remain available if neighbors complain.
