Phoenix reviews policies
Published: Thursday, Feb 14, 2008
Editor: The Phoenix Theater management and the board of directors are deeply concerned by the discovery that a youth who had been ejected from our theater was later found in possession of a loaded firearm. This is a first in the history of the Phoenix Theater. We place the health and safety of our patrons above all else and we strive to manage events at the Phoenix responsibly and conscientiously. For large concerts the Phoenix hires professional security guards for stations both inside and outside of the building and in the parking garage.
In light of this recent event, we are reviewing our security policies and procedures with the Petaluma Police Department and the security companies we use. Until we have satisfied our goal that we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our patrons, we are altering the types of concerts we book. To ensure a safer venue, we will increase the number of security guards we routinely have on the street and in the parking garage during sell out concerts.
The revenues earned from shows fund a significant part of the cost of the mainstay programs of the Phoenix such as the Free Teen Health Clinic, which serves up to 75 local kids a month who lack health insurance; the art program, which involves local artists and Petaluma Arts Council members who are helping young people develop their creative talents (including weekly graffiti removal throughout downtown); our daily drop-in center, which gives up to 60 local teens a day a place to skate, play music, and socialize in a safe environment; weekly AA and NA meetings; and our weekly free Phoenix jam nights, where professional performers come to jam with budding musicians. We know that all of this provides not just a safety net for local kids who need a positive place to be, but it also offers teens the chance to develop creative skills and talent.
We are committed to being a safe, positive and responsible influence in our community.
Tom Gaffey, Phoenix Theater manager, and the Phoenix Board of Directors
