Rules Committee recommends Steven Torres for Entertainment Commission seat amid industry testimony

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ Rules Committee voted Oct. 17 to recommend Steven Torres to the full Board for the Entertainment Commission’s industry seat after applicants and supporters described efforts to revive the city’s nightlife and protect entertainment workers.

The committee heard from six candidates for the open seat and from more than a dozen public supporters by phone and in person. Applicants detailed decades of experience in venues, event production and advocacy; Torres, who described himself as a 22‑year veteran of the city’s entertainment and nightlife industry, framed his candidacy around worker representation and equity in the industry.

“Representation of industry workers, in addition to that of owners and proprietors, is essential to this industry’s future health and sustainability,” Torres said during his remarks, summarizing his perspective on the Commission’s work.

Public testimony included venue owners and operators who urged appointment of candidates they said had kept venues afloat during the pandemic. Dylan McNiven, a partner at Cafe du Nord, praised John Larner’s role in stabilizing his venue, saying Larner had “doubled down his efforts and joined the company as a partner to breathe new life into the business.” Other callers — including managers at The Independent and leaders of venue coalitions — offered endorsements for Larner and Torres alike.

Committee members noted the quality of the applicant pool but emphasized different priorities. Supervisor Connie Chan said the Commission needs members who understand worker safety and livable wages as well as the needs of venue owners. Vice Chair Rafael Mandelmann said he had worked with Torres on neighborhood projects and cited Torres’s experience with the Castro Cultural District.

Following discussion, the committee made a motion recommending Steven Torres to the full Board for confirmation; the roll call recorded Supervisor Chan, Vice Chair Mandelmann and Chair Peskin voting “aye” and the motion passed without objection.

The recommendation moves to the full Board, which will hold a confirmation hearing before final appointment.