I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing operation of the unlicensed and illegal nightclub, Lava Lounge, located at 2701 Telegraph Ave in Oakland that has been operating illegally for over 15 months.
Most recently, on October 20th, 2024, another disturbing incident occurred when a fight involving over 50 individuals broke out at 3:15 a.m., spilling onto the nearby streets. According to videos circulating online, several police officers were reportedly assaulted, and a mass shooting was narrowly avoided when a patron brandished a gun and aimed it at the crowd.
This is just the latest in a series of violent and criminal activities associated with Lava Lounge. Over the past 15 months, the venue has been the site of multiple shootings, robberies, assaults (including sexual assaults), injury-related DUIs—such as the incident where a patron crashed into an Oakland Police cruiser—and ongoing drug activity.
Despite this alarming track record, Lava Lounge continues to operate unchecked. I am gravely concerned about the ongoing risk this venue poses to the community, and I question why it has not been shut down after such a lengthy period of lawlessness. Additionally, I am troubled by reports of campaign contributions made by the owner of the Lava Lounge property to various city officials, raising potential conflicts of interest that could be influencing the lack of enforcement against this illegal establishment.
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing operation of the unlicensed and illegal nightclub, Lava Lounge, located at 2701 Telegraph Ave in Oakland that has been operating illegally for over 15 months.
Most recently, on October 20th, 2024, another disturbing incident occurred when a fight involving over 50 individuals broke out at 3:15 a.m., spilling onto the nearby streets. According to videos circulating online, several police officers were reportedly assaulted, and a mass shooting was narrowly avoided when a patron brandished a gun and aimed it at the crowd.
This is just the latest in a series of violent and criminal activities associated with Lava Lounge. Over the past 15 months, the venue has been the site of multiple shootings, robberies, assaults (including sexual assaults), injury-related DUIs—such as the incident where a patron crashed into an Oakland Police cruiser—and ongoing drug activity.
Despite this alarming track record, Lava Lounge continues to operate unchecked. I am gravely concerned about the ongoing risk this venue poses to the community, and I question why it has not been shut down after such a lengthy period of lawlessness. Additionally, I am troubled by reports of campaign contributions made by the owner of the Lava Lounge property to various city officials, raising potential conflicts of interest that could be influencing the lack of enforcement against this illegal establishment.