Rules Committee forwards reappointment of Entertainment Commission public-health member

The San Francisco Rules Committee on July 18 moved to forward the reappointment of Ms. Akers to the Entertainment Commission, sending the nomination to the full Board of Supervisors for final action.

Ms. Akers, who said she has 18 years of experience in public health and has served in the commission’s public-health seat for nine months, told the committee she has been leading a pilot research study on nightclub safety and designing interventions to improve patron safety and crowd management. "Patron safety is of utmost concern," she said, describing plans to work with clubs, the fire department and police to set standards and reduce overselling.

Two public commenters urged unanimous support for Akers’s reappointment. Barry Toronto praised her research skills and outreach; Stefano Casolato said the commission was achieving greater accountability and transparency since recent legislative changes.

Chair Supervisor Norman Yee called for a motion to forward the appointment, and with no objection the committee approved the nomination for consideration by the full Board. The committee record notes the appointment will be placed on the Board agenda for July 30 for final confirmation.

The committee did not take a final confirmation vote; the full Board will consider the nomination at its next meeting.