Sunday, January 11, 2015

INVESTIGATION - Fiesta Nightclub In Trouble? Follow-up to Previous Investigation and Some Analysis of Security at Nightclubs

There were two blogs that I originally posted which included mentions of the Fiesta Nightclub in San Jose. The first blog involved a promotion including the owner of Ambitious Ink in downtown San Jose and the first signs of a possible violation, which triggered my investigation after a promotion involving the Ambitious Ink owner was posted on Facebook. The second involves my investigation into a high-profiled person that sparked some illegal activity that was originally undetected. In both cases, there has been some ties with Go Der Magazine (pronounced as "Go Dare"). But the most recent shooting that happened on January 11, 2015, at 1:20am has even more trouble with Fiesta Nightclub, including it's management and some kind of indirect involvement from some of KMEL Radio DJ personalities, though only mentioned in promos. Beyond the fact that the Fiesta Nightclub made national and international headlines, only in this blog uncovers more on some of Fiesta Nightclub's history, as well as the history of a local magazine seen doing drugs even in their offices posted on social media.

To describe the Fiesta Nightclub, it is a underground club known to play Mexican music but does have the ability to book private events that is only announced and invited to certain guests.

A photo posted by GO DER Magazine (@godermagazine) on



As said in my previous blog, possible violations has been uncovered when I made an unannounced visit, but went undercover to investigate possible violations of some of San Jose city ordinances involving smoking regulations. That event at the time was promoted by a user, which now I have learned is also involved in shooting a film for Bay Area Racing, using the hashtag #BARMovie, filming at various places in Santa Clara County and posted many videos of those on his Instagram page.

The question pertains to what other possible violations that the Fiesta nightclub really have, including whether or not Fiesta Nightclub were abiding local and state laws. I was unable to get any answers from the management or from people in my unannounced visit, and the only hint that got me to check out the club as part of my undercover investigation was a promotional video posted on Instagram.

A video posted by respectmost (@respectmost) on



The news of the shooting also made local headlines, including TV stations and the San Jose Mercury News, who all noted that cell phone video was recorded inside the nightclub when shots were fired, sending Brown to safety as he was singing the song.

MAGAZINE: FALSE CLAIMS, OR MORE THAN JUST THE CLAIMS?

The organization that covers underground rap music and events that includes marijuana, Go Der Digital, who operates Go Der Magazine, claims that they are an "urban entertainment publication that provides insight into the world of urban music, culture, fashion, and trends." While they do promote events at venues such as Fiesta nightclub, my findings on social media reveals more than just the claims they insisted to cover. 

Some posts on Go Der Magazine's Instagram page also reveals disturbing images and hard evidences of drug use possibly (and potential) not limited to only marijuana. A health study contacted out of British Columbia, Canada (mentioned in the blog on Ronnie Rey), uncovers shrinking of the brain when marijuana is consumed.

While I may not have the magazines in hand to take a look at my findings, the evidence is very clear and there is no denying about the findings. The first thing that was on the list is events that cover marijuana (cannabis) at various locations, but particularly those that draw huge crowds. Promotions shown on social media have included graphic images and tattoo parlors that Go Der Digital does promote. Fiesta nightclub does have strong ties to Go Der Magazine when the event is promoted there, though it is not clear about the cozy relationship between the magazine and Fiesta. No comments were made by either party so far.

LITTLE INFORMATION ABOUT FIESTA NIGHTCLUB?

Fiesta Nightclub is located not far from Capitol Expressway on Monterey Road near Rancho Drive, only about a block from the Capitol Caltrain station.

Other than the known location of the club, there is relatively little information and background about the Fiesta Nightclub, though from several videos taken from the scene, it can accommodate up to about 1000. But there were some information that I've uncovered myself through an unannounced visit - that was to get the facts and see for myself if there is any more information about the club itself. Various social media posts revealed that the cost to enter the Fiesta nightclub is $20 for many of the events. But no employees would speak about the background information on the Fiesta nightclub - not even to the media.

Fiesta Nightclub does have a Facebook page, but the page is written in Spanish with no mention of any promotions such as Chris Brown's private event. My indications, however, points to serious problems involving Fiesta Nightclub itself, including breaking the law on smoking ordinances, and now, security checkpoints. Fiesta Nightclub itself did not previously made local, national, or international headlines. The nightclub is known for promoting Mexican music during certain times despite the fact that it can promote other events including hip-hop, R&B, and other genres.

Artists that have performed at the Fiesta Nightclub have included Rance Oliver (LoveRance), DJ Rick Lee, among others. One of my blogs also included several known party goers inside the nightclub, which included Stephanie Smith ("Huss Baby", sometimes stylized as "Hu$$ Baby"), who Smith is currently serving a jail sentence after KSBW and KION television reported about a crime that involved the San Benito County Sheriff and two of Smith's accomplices - one of which is from Sacramento.

REDUCED POLICE FORCE MEANS HIGHER CRIME RATES IN 2015?

As far as security at the Fiesta Nightclub, that could be sparking concerns among San Jose police officers. In the 2014 election, the San Jose Police Officers Association recommended Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese to head up the city of San Jose in dealing with the issue in retaining the police force. However, his opponent, former San Jose City Councilman Sam Liccardo, eventually won the election in a tight race.

The problems with the SJPD are far from over. There is now talk about even further reduction of the San Jose police officers, even assigning the California Highway Patrol to handle some of the duties. The result was mostly from negotiation stalls between the city and the police officers association that led to over 600 police officers leaving the force, resulting in cutbacks from some of the most valuable programs. If the reduction trend does continue, SJPD could only have half the normal number of officers in less than 2 years, though the trend depends on several different factors that could have unpredictable results.

The bottom line is that the overall fate of Fiesta Nightclub, including the relationship with Go Der Magazine, is not clear as of yet, though the operations will continue for now.

NOTE OF CAUTION: The external pictures and/or videos in this blog post can be disturbing. Please exercise caution when viewing the pictures/videos. (Credits belong to original owners.)

Original Work: Kyle Chak
E-mail: chak595301@gmail.com
Twitter: @KyleSChak

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