*Pending*
As the owner of the beloved Graffiti Alley Fashion Show held at The Alley, a private space outside the Level 13 Lounge, I have firsthand experience of how this small restaurant and entertainment business contributes significantly to our local community in Oakland, California. For the past six years, events at The Alley have created many jobs and numerous opportunities for local artists, service workers, and small business owners.

The city of Oakland is threatening to shut down this crucial space because of a local competitor’s excessive noise complaints. Level 13 has invested in a lot of equipment and has worked tirelessly to improve the event space to control the sound and keep it below legal decibel limit. On numerous occasions they have attempted to work with the person submitting the complaints to come to a solution and have only been met with pushback. The complaints are excessive, unjustified and are exhausting public resources. 

If action is taken to shut down The Alley it would detrimentally impact both the local economy and the fabric of our community. In addition to direct job loss, surrounding businesses that largely depend on the influx of customers these events bring are also at risk. Economically, the effect would be profound: the Level 13 Lounge events have assisted in generating substantial revenue for Downtown Oakland and nearby areas, contributing to the local economy's vitality since 2012 (source: Oakland Economic Development Report).

The loss of an event space like The Alley doesn't simply translate to a loss of jobs or resources; it means the loss of a cultural institution integral to Oakland's vibrant art and entertainment scene. Let us band together to support Level 13 Lounge, maintain The Alley, and continue to allow events that have been part of our community for almost a decade. Public support is essential in keeping this cultural and economic hub alive. Sign this petition to stand against the closure of the Alley at Level 13 Lounge in Oakland. Together, we can ensure our city remains a thriving center of community, creativity, and economic resilience. Thank you.