From: hoco@stroid.timefold.com (Howard Cohen)
Subject: [sfskaters] Meeting with Tom Ammiano
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 19:45:18 -0700

Today, Dave Miles, Paul Pillitteri and I met with S.F. Supervisor Tom Ammiano
concerning the Friday Night Skate.  Here is a quick paraphrasing of what
transpired.

Mr. A: "The day you all came and spoke before the board was the first time
	we heard that there were any problems with the FNS.  What prompted
	you to speak out?"

Mr. D: "We just want to survive as an event."

Mr. A: "Is someone threatening the FNS?"

Mr. D: "There is one police officer who has been making noise about us,
	and the police came out a week ago and told us to get our act
	together, or else.  Since then we've done a lot, including forming
	a skate patrol to keep the skate safe and under some degree of
	control.  We checked with the police, and they can find no complaints
	against us."

Mr. A: "So you guys are policing yourselves, and there are no complaints,
	so what is the problem?"

Mr. D: "Well, we're at risk becuase the city has laws against skating
	at night. The police can shut us down if they want to."

Mr. A: "Those laws were meant to keep kids off the street at night.  I
	don't think it applies to inline skates.  But, let us know which
	ordinances are in the way, and we'll work on ammending them.  Also,
	if there are any disputes involving the police, I can help mediate
	them so we can get them resolved."

Mr. D: "Well that would be great, that's just what we need.  That's why
	we wanted to meet with you."

David (Mr. D) played a video tape with three different news broadcasts on
the FNS.  They were all very positive, and Mr. Ammiano seemed to enjoy them.
We all talked while they were playing.

Mr. Ammiano asked to come out and skate with us.  Dave was enthusiastic,
but we learned Mr. A had never skated before.  Dave suggested a Sunday in
the Park.  By the end of the meeting, David had offerred to provide
lessons for any of the board who wanted to come skating with us.  He even
offerred to rent a trolly-bus for the supervisors to ride in along with
the Skate.  It would seem that all that remained was to agree upon a date.

Now a few observations of my own.  Mr. Ammiano confirmed a few times with
two staff members who were present that the press was very positive
on the FNS.  Dave confirmed it as well.  I assume Mr. Ammiano doesn't 
want to come out supporting something too controversial.  But he's seen 
such good press, and there isn't a public outcry against us.  In fact, he
and other supervisors have received numerous email messages praising the
FNS and asking that it be allowed to continue.  So, I think Mr. Ammiano
views this as a low risk, high benefit opportunity.  I think he really
will help us.

So, things look pretty good.  It would seem that Mr. Ammiano will 
champion our cause, and help us make the FNS a legal activity.

Paul and I did contribute to the conversation, but to keep the writeup
simple, I've paraphrased things and indicated that D said everything.
Just consider it to be a team effort.

Best regards,

      ____
     / ^ \\
    /     ``======,       Howard Cohen
    (____________/        hoco@timefold.com
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