Promoters Of Deadly Cow Palace Rave Putting On Oracle Arena Event

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)—The same promoters that put on a rave-like party that resulted in two drug-related deaths at the Cow Palace in 2010 are bringing a new event to Oakland's Oracle Arena this Saturday, but with heavy medical personnel in attendance.

The event is called Pop 2012, and the party's promoters have worked with San Francisco Assemblywoman Fiona Ma as well as Oakland City Councilman Ignacio De La Fuente, who chairs the commission that oversees the arena, on new safety standards.

The safety measures include a text messaging alert system that incorporates on-site support in conjunction with 911 resources.

KCBS' Janice Wright Reports:

De La Fuente said the promoters put an electronic music party last year, with no problems.

Joseph Pred, Operations Manager for Mutual Aid Response Services Incorporated, agreed and said Skills DJ Workshop has a pretty good track record.

Pred, a licensed EMT, should know - he goes to a lot of parties for his job. He's been working in public safety since 1989, specializing in large events and temporary mass gatherings. He's provided mutual aid for events like Burning Man, and his 30 member team will be at the Oracle Arena.

"We will be having ambulances standing by like we always do, dedicated to us so we do not have to wait for transports," Pred said.

Mutual aid response services were also at the Cow Palace in 2010, but Pred doesn't feel he's the authority to say what went wrong there. However, he doesn't think it should be blamed on the music or the current youth culture.

He said those are likely suspects when people are looking for something to blame and that, in the 60s, the hippie movement was also vilified.

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