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Commission approves entertainment permit for El Valenciano under new owner
Summary
The commission granted a place‑of‑entertainment permit to El Valenciano (1153 Valencia St.) after the new owner described long‑running community ties and neighborhood outreach; staff indicated police recommended conditions were included.
The Entertainment Commission approved a place‑of‑entertainment permit for El Valenciano at 1153 Valencia Street, where new owner Kamal Karajah told commissioners the venue has served the Latin community for more than 30 years.
Karajah described weekly programming centered on tango, salsa and piano nights and said the prior owner had an entertainment permit. He told commissioners he limits speaker power to about 500 watts and relies on an experienced bartender and a manager on site to respond quickly to any neighborhood concerns. When asked about insulation and complaints, Karajah said he has long relationships with neighbors and letters of support in the file.
Miriam Zazunas, a board member with the Arab American Grocers Association and a member of the small business commission, spoke in support, citing the owner’s long‑standing merchant relationships and offering association resources for complaint follow‑up.
Commissioners asked about prior permits, soundproofing and response procedures; Karajah reiterated his plan to respond quickly to complaints and noted a long‑term bartender and manager will be on site to address issues. The commission moved to approve the application with police recommendations and recorded ayes; staff said police had reviewed the file and had no blocking concerns.
The approval allows Karajah to operate entertainment programming under the new ownership; he said he will continue neighbor outreach and monitor sound levels.
