Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Inspectors flag recurring nuisance on Valencia Street as complaints mount after JAM rollout
Summary
Deputy Director Azevedo told the Entertainment Commission that inspectors have fielded dozens of JAM-related complaints and described a recurring nuisance — an individual dubbed "Tony the scooter guy" driving a moped with a boom box on Valencia Street — that has generated complaints even when businesses were closed.
Deputy Director Azevedo told the Entertainment Commission on Sept. 15 that enforcement teams have received dozens of complaints tied to outdoor amplified sound since the JAM permit rollout and provided an account of monitoring on Valencia Street. Inspectors responded to 31 complaints about 22 businesses since JAM went live; three businesses had already applied for JAM permits and others were being educated or found to have existing outdoor permits.
Azevedo described a recurring nuisance observed during field monitoring: an individual nicknamed "Tony the scooter guy" riding a moped with a boom box, playing music loudly near closed businesses and attempting to start a dance party. "Inspector Fiorentino witnessed this happen at 5 different businesses on Valencia Street," Azevedo said, and staff reported they had reached out to the City Attorney's code-enforcement team and the SFPD Mission Station but found limited options when closures ended and street monitors were off duty.
Why it matters: The existence of a repeat, mobile noise source complicates enforcement focused on brick-and-mortar permit holders. Azevedo said most complaints they are seeing — amplified sound after 10 p.m., loud live music, unmasked performers and use of prohibited instruments — could be mitigated by compliance with JAM permit rules, including health-and-safety plans and fixed equipment placement.
Staff actions: Inspectors Sabino and Fiorentino have responded to nearly all complaints; Azevedo said one outstanding complaint remained to be addressed in the field, and staff plan a deeper enforcement briefing at the commission’s Oct. 20 meeting. The department has also signed and displayed JAM permit signage as part of mitigation and education efforts.
Next steps: Azevedo asked for continued interagency coordination with SFPD and code enforcement and said staff will return with a fuller enforcement report and recommendations to address recurring, non-permit-based noise nuisances.
