Hi Everyone,
As you may already know, Lindy in the Park was shut down early today (Sunday, June 28, 2009) by the park police due to the lack of a sound permit. This was a bit of a surprise, considering we have been putting on this free public swing dance in Golden Gate Park for almost 13 years and have never been required to obtain a permit before.
In any case, we will be working on getting the necessary permission to continue running Lindy in the Park. At this tme, we don’t know how soon we will be able to resume having Lindy in the Park, but we’re hoping to be back next Sunday (July 5, 2009). Please check back here at this website for the latest status on this situation.
Thank you all for all your support!
Ken Watanabe
Ken- Shannon found that LitP is listed on the Golden Gate Park Attractions page. That could be very useful in lobbying for a permit waiver.
It is sort of funny right now, evan though the man cost me a half hour of dancing, but if we can not go next week I am going to start feeling opressed by the man
Ken – what happened to the award/certificate from the mayor that was presented to LitP at their 10th Annv? even if honorary would show further knowledge of LitP by the city.
Good luck – Sam
Can you provide guidance on communications – particularly with district supervisors, etc. We want to make sure we tell the story in a way that makes people want to help us and not in a way that alienates anyone (esp park police).
Take it to Chanel 2 then directly to Gavin’s office. This is terrible PR for a gubernatorial candidate. LITP routinely draws people from all corners of California, bringing with it revenue to SF with little or no outlay beyond established infrastructure on the part of local government. I have never personally observed LITP need to be policed, or cleaned up after in any way. What does the park police think they are achieving in the long run? Was there a stated objective? I doubt seriously this order came from the top. Sounds more like somebody bucking for Sargent to me.
Does the sit down band that plays in the half dome have a permit?
I have bought a membership to the Aquarium, and pay frequently to go into the De Young. This sours the whole experience for me. Being a San Jose resident importing revenue into SF, I guess I will have to look closer to home to spend my disposable income.
Did any go to get a permit on monday, or talk to a park rep or city rep
I know that supervisor Eric Mar knows about Lindy in the Park and has taken his daughter there, he lives right outside of GG park and it’s his district. He might be a good one to contact in reference to district supervisor communications.
I am finally in contact with the Rec & Park Department, and we are in the process of trying to work something out.
I totally agree with Clark’s point about dealing with this issue in positive, collaborative way that makes people want to work with us, rather than against us (especially Rec & Park and the Park Rangers).
Thank you everyone for all your support! We’ll keep you all posted.
I know one of the Park & Rec Commissioners. I’ll talk to her, let her know about LTIP and ask for her suggestions.
The SFGate article. http://is.gd/1jJMA
Sounds like paper work just needs to be done. Sure hope we can lindy on sunday
Ken,
I wrote letter to Eric Mar – District Supervisor and let him know. See what he can do. Wish you all well and hope to come Sunday
Carol Ruth Silver (http://www.carolruthsilver.com/), former supervisor, attends the LiTP every week. She may still have some juice at City Hall. Contact her office. If you cannot quickly get a permit, I suggest the dance be moved to the street in front of Newsom’s new home in the Haight. 😉
Mike, Thank you
I found Carol phone number 415-861-5802. I left a massage for her and told her about situation
Hey, great news everyone! I’ve been speaking with the Rec & Park Department, and they have given us permission to continue having Lindy in the Park, beginning this Sunday, July 5. Please see my latest posting for more info.
And see you at the park!