City attorney seeks to shut down Tenderloin strip club

By: Brent Begin
Examiner Staff Writer
September 30, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO — A rowdy Tenderloin adult entertainment spot that has angered police and neighborhood residents for the violence and noise that has spilled out its front door could be shut down now that The City has asked for its closure.

The Pink Diamonds nightclub at 220 Jones St. has long been targeted for closure by the City Attorney’s Office, but a homicide that
police said happened in a line for the club may have been the final push to shutter the club.

Harris Fullbright, 30, of San Francisco, was slain at 3 a.m. on June 27 outside the club. Police said Fullbright was fighting with another man while outside. The homicide remains unsolved and police accused club security of being non-cooperative in the investigation.

A motion from City Attorney Dennis Herrera claims police have responded to more than 230 calls for service since March 24 for crimes such as illicit drug sales, prostitution, extended hours permit violations, illegal alcohol consumption, noise nuisance violations and repeated episodes of violence and disturbances of the peace in the surrounding neighborhood.

“This killing was but one of many acts of violence and illegality that have attended the operation of the Club at the Property between the hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., during which the Club lacks the required permits to operate,” the complaint said.

“With our motion today, we’re saying enough is enough — Pink Diamonds needs to be shut down before another life is lost,” said City Attorney Dennis Herrera in a statement.

The motion names Damone Smith as the principle operator of the club and seeks at least $688,500 in civil penalties. Smith’s attorney, Brendan Hallinan, said he did not know about the case and would not comment.

Adding to the controversy, Entertainment Commissioner Terrance Alan is the owner of the building in which Pink Diamonds operates. Alan was not named in this latest filing from The City. Alan also did not immediately return calls for comment.

Club violence has been a major debate at City Hall where legislation that would grant significant powers to the Entertainment Commission to regulate local night spots has been roundly criticized by police.

bbegin@sfexaminer.com

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Reader Comments

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absolutelycrazy

Sep 30, 2009

Good, maybe finally this place will get shut down. The residents in this neighborhood deserves better.

Jacko

Oct 1, 2009

In neighborhoods in Oakland where a business like Pink-Diamonds have become a nuisance the neighbors have successfully filed law suits in small claims court against the building owners and won. Each neighbor files a $5000 dollar claim against the building owner seeking damages for loss of sleep, declining property value,or public safety related issues. The property owner is faced with having to deal with each claim separately until each claim is settled or dismissed. This type of approach motivates the property owner (in this case Entertainment Commissioner Terrance Alan) to take a proactive approach in dealing with the nuisance.

If I were a neighbor I would be leading the charge to small claims court with all of my neighbors. Imagine having to deal with 10 or 20 small claims court cases. It might even wake Mr. Allen up to the problem he has created by leasing his building to this business.

Grand Jury helllllllllloooooooooooo

Oct 1, 2009

Dear Grand Jury, now its your turn to investigate the gross conflict of interest for members of the Entertainment Commission. Come on...you can do it...