You remember on August 3rd, when the cops put out a press release saying “DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT GANG ACTIVITY AT THE LOW-RIDER SHOW?” Well, you’ll be pleased to hear it worked. Here’s what Sgt. Kristy Galvan of North Precinct had to tell the August 10 Gang Violence Task Force:

8 officers from GET (on Union Overtime) were working at front entrance and removed a lot of jerseys prior to entrance. Gang tattoos were very oblivious after shirt removed (example “CVS” – abbreviation for Compton Varrios Segundo XIII, a Latino gang set). 2 big groups (10 to 15) , resulting in one fight, involved gang associations from Hillsboro and Beaverton. Artists in the concert asking crowd to show signs, which encourage a fight in the dance floor resulting in exclusions.

Here’s Lieutenant Jay Drum of NE Precinct:

“one of the bands had full gang attire on / when GET was walking persons excluded out of the event,”“8:30 fight broke out on the Kentucky Fried Chicken lot. This was addressed very quickly. Recovered 3 guns, 3 juvenile custodies, 3 adults for illegal possession of firearms.”

Don’t worry about the abbreviations—they make no sense to me, either. All I’m saying is, I’m thrilled the Police Bureau issued a press release, the day before the event, telling people “NO TROUBLE.” And that the event was swarming with cops. Because I don’t know about you, but when I want to start trouble, a load of cops right in my face telling me what to do…well, it calms me down.

So anyway. Tomorrow night, there’s this show at the Mardi Gras club in SE Portland. Amy and I wrote a newslede on the club back in April. To be more specific, the event is taking place in the parking lot of the Mardi Gras. And I’ll let the cops’ press release tell you the rest:

On Friday, August 24, 2007, at 8:00 pm, a concert titled, “Parkin’ Lot Pimpin’ Tour” is scheduled to take place at Mardi Gras located in the 14600 block of Southeast Stark Street. This event is expected to bring together a wide ethnic-based music fans. In preparation, officers from the Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct, event organizers, and members of the community have been working together to create a safe environment for the concert.

Community members and the Portland Police Bureau would like to remind those attending the concert that the event is about music appreciation and the artists. This event is not about violence or membership in a gang, and there are no other permitted events attached to this show. Event sponsors and the promoters have asked the Police Bureau to advise concert goers that gang attire will not be allowed at this event. In an effort to make this a fun, safe event, community outreach members and police officers will be present at the event, and officers will be available to respond to disturbances or traffic problems.

The Portland Police Bureau and concerned community partners are sharing this information in advance, so that everyone attending can enjoy the concert.

So, “ethnic-based music fans.” I want you to remember. No trouble, okay? None whatsoever. Go home and listen to your “ethnic-based music there.” That’s my advice.