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Rules Committee recommends Naomi Akers for Entertainment Commission public-health seat
Summary
The Rules Committee recommended Naomi Akers to the Entertainment Commission’s public-health seat after hearing testimony about nightclub-safety training, harm-reduction experience and the economic importance of nightlife; the committee voted to forward her nomination with recommendation.
The Rules Committee on Sept. 20 recommended Naomi Akers for the San Francisco Entertainment Commission’s public-health seat, citing her harm-reduction work, public-health experience and involvement with nightclub-safety training.
Supervisor Scott Wiener and others emphasized the economic value of nightlife and the need for a balanced approach that protects public health while preserving a safe, vibrant entertainment sector. Wiener cited a City economist estimate that nightlife contributes roughly $4.2 billion to the local economy and argued the Entertainment Commission must balance economic and public-health priorities.
Akers described more than 15 years of public-health work, including a master’s in public health and program work at St. James Infirmary, and noted experience developing nightclub-safety training and assessments of exotic dancers’ health and safety. Public commenters including Terrence Allen and the Harvey Milk Democratic Club supported Akers for bringing a harm-reduction perspective to the commission.
Committee members noted the unique nature of the public-health seat — it is intended to bring health and harm-reduction expertise into decisions about entertainment venues and nightlife policy — and moved to forward her nomination to the full Board with a positive recommendation. The motion carried without objection.
