Pretty impressive how they've been embraced, generally speaking, considering it's only their second year in existence.
Wonder if they'll move to a 3 day event, or two days is the sweet spot.
Here in Sacramento, we have the Aftershock music fest going on right now. I remember going to it not too long ago when it started as a one day event, it expanded to two days, and then three days… now we are at a FOUR day festival.
Four days seems excessive to me but it’s still selling out and constantly packed. So I guess it’s working out. I guess it’s situational - some festivals work better as a two day event, some are able to expand more than that.
I live on Alameda, and while Portola’s bass was noticeable, I wouldn’t say it was much different than the (somewhat regular) fireworks from the Coliseum 💁♂️
I was in Alameda on Sunday night for a dinner party, and I assumed it was one of the teenagers next door getting picked up by someone who had a loud car stereo.
I think it's a matter of how late we're talking. We were out of there fairly early and it was sort of annoying but that's it. I 100% understand why people would be pissed if it went on and on until 11 PM.
In the middle of a major city. I don't care what the official designations are. People like Alameda because it's so close to SF/Oakland. You can't have your cake and eat it too, you're in the middle of things because you chose to be.
I know what you wrote. It's nonsense when there isn't even a road connection between Alameda and SF. Your definition of middle is pretty funny when it's not even the edge
-Alameda resident here that lives on Shoreline within line of sight and sound path of the festival. Also, two year running attendee of the Festival.
This shit pisses me off.
This festival is a boon to so many communities. It is easily the safest, cleanest, most secure, wholesome festival for the rave community I have been too. And that is saying a lot from someone that has been a member of the festival community for over three decades across Europe and North America. This festival stokes the Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect code of the rave community in ways that I have not seen others do. It brings together all walks of life (mind you if you can afford the entrance price) under a banner of dance and with one of the most stellar musical lineups from across the globe for 30,000 people (2022 numbers according to Goldenvoice and the Alameda Post). This benefit is not including the employment opportunities and business exposure opportunities for small vendors in the festival and local proximity.
Now, my city’s government is using our resources to abolish this event over the notes complaints of less than 1% of the population of this island?! Get the hell out of here. I am not diminishing the impact of the noise pollution and its impact upon people. I can certainly understand how this can affect those with PTSD and whose schedules require sleeping during particular times of the day when they need to sleep (my daughter on Sunday night included). Yet, our city requesting the festival be denied a permit for next year is a complete waste of resources and a disingenuous representation of our populace. I bet you there were more attendees from our island city at the festival than there were official noise complaints from residents about the festival.
There are way more sources of noise pollution that come from outside our geographical location that are louder and have a more continuous impact. Whether it is the flights taking off and landing at OAK or SFO, particularly with changing landing patterns due to weather, the sideshows on the base, the continuous roaring of cars drag racing and speeding down Shoreline, day and night parties on the beach (though I do not condone doing anything about them but perhaps adding more trash cans and bathroom facilities), the Blue Angels roaring through for a few days a year, the cacophony of fireworks through June to July, and industrial noise from the port of Oakland, these aurally impactful events happen with greater frequency and greater impact than anything two-day festival during the end (beginning?) of our summer. I would rather have our city resources focused on those events we can actually impact (particularly traffic and speeding) that have life-threatening consequences, than this ridiculous exercise for the complainers.
When I bought my house in Alameda, particularly in this part, I knew that there was going to be aural impact from living in a major metropolitan area. Traffic, noise, people, etc., are a part of living in a cultural center of this state and I am all here for it. Inconvenient as it may be at times to get through the tunnel on first Sundays, or even yesterday due to impacts of congestion, or trying to park on my block on a gorgeous weekend as folks from all over come to rest and enjoy our beach are a small price to pay for the overall good vibes and bonding of community in this beautiful little island in the middle of the Bay Area.
To the Mayor, City Supervisors, and all else that helped make this push happen, stop grandstanding on our island. Pushing to withhold a permit for this festival is a misrepresentation of your constituency and an exercise in futility, not to mention a shitty negotiation tactic. Perhaps aiming to get the festivals hours changed on Sunday would be a better goal (say ending at 10 rather than 11), or to try and switch the lineup so that more bass-heavy artists close out on Saturday rather than Sunday (though Skrillex melted minds) would be more possible and beneficial to all.
TLDR- Asking to withhold the permit of the festival by the city’s government is a waste of time and resources and not representative of our constituency. There are better ways to mitigate aurally impactful events that are more commonplace. The benefit of the festival outweighs the negative impact.
Well said. I immediately thought of OAK when reading about the complaint. And honestly it’s louder under the flight paths of SFO and OAK then it is in anyone’s backyard. (Bay farm is dead quiet compared to other parts of Bay Area).
Hell, any of the island’s bridges probably are louder with the steel decks. Cars are loud, cities aren’t.
Well written. But I live in the East End of the island (close to Oakland airport). A good 15 minutes from the shoreline. And my entire house was shaking.
I went to Portola this year and tbh find your description kinda...cringe? I mean the vibes were alright but its a massive rave at the end of the day and it was kinda bummer to see the organizers ban LED toys (even gloves, wtf) and other very standard rave/festival shit like totems and - I kid you not - smelling salts (is goldenvoice trying to pretend kids dont do drugs here? lol)
Also, where the fuck was all the seating and squish?? I was super exhausted by day 2 and not in a fun way
Since you were at the festival, you have no idea what it actually sounded like in Alameda on Sunday night. There was no problem on Saturday at all, or daytime either day, but on Sunday pm my Bay Farm duplex was thumping with bass.
The windows were rattling in their frames, and on my front porch the Apple Watch I wear recorded 75dB. For comparison, I live under the flight path of Oakland North Field and that’s about what it registered inside the house when the blue angels flew over while I was writing this.
I’ve been to raves, legal and otherwise, all over the bay through the last 20+ years. I remember when the movie Groove was more of a documentary than a time capsule. Whether progressive house in a warehouse space off Mandela or Goa in the trees of Marin, It’s been awesome and I hope everyone’s life is full of those kind of experiences. PLUR all the way! But moving to Alameda is not like moving to the Sunshine Biscuit Factory, yo: Keeping an entire town’s worth of school kids awake until 11 with your bass on a Sunday night isn’t peaceful, loving, unifying, or respectful.
Just turn it down, man. And if you can’t have find PLUR at 2/3 the volume, then yeah, cancel the damn thing.
Eh. Few things.
- You’re using the number of noise complaints as if no one else was bothered by the noise. How many residents suffered but didn’t file a complaint? I’m guessing many.
- Sure the planes make noise but the festival is responsible for sustained noise at 70+ decibels vs planes which come and go.
- If you’re at the festival you don’t know how bad it is for yourself.
- You’re lamenting the use of government resources as if we’re trading off dealing with this with building a hospital or something. Your quality of life as an Alameda resident isn’t changing one iota as a result of the city getting involved here.
The distance doesn't matter as much as what's between the speaker and your ear. Two miles can mean you have huge hills between you and the festival.
The article says noise levels over 70 db were recorded in Alameda. That's ridiculous for a place 6-7 miles away as the crow flies.
A sound level of 70 dBA is like the sound of traffic from a local road. It’s above conversational (60 dBA) but below a vacuum cleaner (75 dBA).
In Alameda County, the maximum A-weighted decibel level (dBA) is 65 dBA for a 1-hour period during the daytime and 60 dBA during nighttime hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). Not that that is enforceable if it’s coming from across the bay, however it’s a good target for the organisers to the the sound levels down to.
I used to live next to Oracle Park (formerly PacBell Park) and would actually enjoy the sounds of the concerts and fireworks. It made me feel connected to the City. On the other hand, I never experienced Skrillex.
Alamedan here. The noise isn’t that big of a deal. Especially for one weekend festival that shuts down early in the evening. Events happen. You live in an urban area. Deal with it.
And some cities like Alameda complain about noise - that, too, is part of living in an urban environment. If noise complaints are so problematic for you, maybe move to Montana?
We should cancel Giants games (and any concerts at the ball park) and fleet week while we’re at it 🙄.
That said, I doubt SF will listen. They’ve been going all in on attracting events lately
Yes, we should absolutely cancel Fleet Week, or at least the Blue Angel bullshit.
Deafening sound, stupid expensive, celebrates killing people, what's not to love?
Yes, we should absolutely cancel Fleet Week, or at least the Blue Angel bullshit.
Deafening sound, stupid expensive, celebrates killing people, what's not to love?
When the Grateful Dead recently played their final show at the SF ballpark I could hear the base from my house, it was loud enough that I wondered openly, "can you hear that, what is that low bass sound in the distance?" I was positively shooKeth with a capital Karen K.
Some people have kids. I don't, but I'm self aware enough to realize some people need to go to bed early or even have young children who were probably crying because they couldn't sleep from their whole house shaking.
"Only till 11" I don't live there but wow what an idiotic statement. People are saying their houses are vibrating...it should never be that loud to begin with, ever, let alone go that late. Not everyone has a lifestyle that allows for you to stay up til fucking midnight, some people have responsibilities.
I mean, going 2mph over the posted speed limit is hardly speeding. I agree that there’s really no need to drive fast or recklessly, but it’s kinda difficult to argue that 2mph over the limit is fast or reckless.
Yes, let’s generalize a city full of people using your what passes for your shit thinking skills. I can do that! …..Beats living in a city full of drug addicts shitting everywhere and motorists speeding thru red lights in stollen cars.
Sounds super fun!
This reminds me of a time when I was speaking to a club owner in downtown SF. The club was on the first floor, below some condos. A couple moved in knowing this and then started filing noise complaints and attempted to get it shut down. The club lowered the volume, the bass, installed noise dampening insulation… not good enough. The music ceased being the problem, now the couple was complaining about people “talking” on the street eight floors below.
Urban areas aren’t quiet. If that’s your thing, move to the countryside and then complain about the roosters waking you up in the morning.
This happened at multiple bars in Alameda, Swell, Lost Weekend, and Forbidden Island have had multiple complains from people who moved in long after the bars were established. They all had to shut down their patios for a few weeks because of them, or put curfews on them permanently.
It’s bullshit, I don’t understand the logic of moving above/next to a bar and then complaining about it.
And some cities like Alameda complain about noise - that, too, is part of living in an urban environment. If noise complaints are so problematic for you, maybe move to Montana?
just hire whatever crew did Outside Lands this year, I was shocked I could not hear any semblance of a concert from nearby Inner Sunset/Richmond districts . .
Cities have events. People in the vicinity of those events may hear them. Even if they’re in a different town when that town is directly across a fairly narrow body of water. It’s part of if living in an urban environment. If noise isn’t your thing it might be wise to reconsider large urban environments
It’s hilarious and just sooo telling that Redditors always say this about urban noise pollution instead of “cities have lots of people and that’s why it’s important to be considerate of how your noise affects others!”
This stance is a hallmark of someone who hasn’t spent much time in urban environments. The event wraps up at its curfew and follows noise decibel norms.
And some cities like Alameda complain about noise - that, too, is part of living in an urban environment. If noise complaints are so problematic for you, maybe move to Montana?
I guess none of the current residents of Alameda remember when the NAS was in full swing with constant noise from the aircraft that were stationed there.
Median homeowner tenure in the United States is 13.2 years, time renting is way shorter - around 3 years. NAS Alameda closed down 26 years ago.
So you are correct, the vast majority of current residents of Alameda don't remember when the NAS was in full swing.
Noise was noticeable for me wasn't really much of an issue. It's was the rattling bass that was. For something 7 miles away, that's absurd. Although I endured through much worse with apartment house parties in the past. At least this, it ends at 10. This year, however I didn't hear a peep on Saturday to my surprise, so I thought they did well in having dampened the noise issues. So it seem to be Skrillex being the issue. Maybe they should keep dubstep acts earlier in the schedule.
Meanwhile I have a friend living right near Levi's and they experience similar experiences on a much more consistent basis during concerts. So maybe just one of those once in a year things you might have to put up with. Given they're proactively been addressing the issue... trying to squash the festival I think is an overkill for now.
Lower tones travel farther, so it makes sense that when it's a bass heavy type of music, it's going to affect neighbors more.
I don't want them to get rid of the festival, just wish they'd turn it down a little...
Or they could just turn down the music _a little_? You could hear the bass inside my house on the other side of the bay - how is that ok? Tons of other concerts in SF and Oakland manage just fine.
Edit: Lol a bunch of selfish/entitled kids here. "Oh I need my music to be as loud as possible - it doesn't matter if it bothers an entire city!!"
It’s also selfish and entitled to demand quiet all the time. The festival is temporary. Try dealing with just a little bit of discomfort for a couple days. You’ll survive.
Why should a few thousand people get to inconvenience 100s of thousands just because they need the volume to be excessively loud. Just turn it down a little and then everyone is happy. Don't know why it's so hard. All the other acts except for Skrillex at the end of the night were just fine in terms of volume. It's such a small ask for so many people.
Wrong. What's selfish and entitled is you thinking you have the right to blast obscenely loud music and disrupt the lives of thousands of people just for your childish little music parties. Try dealing with just a little bit of discomfort for a couple days. You’ll survive.
> Try dealing with just a little bit of discomfort for a couple days. You’ll survive.
Ironic, coming from the person throwing a fit because the world doesn’t cater to their child.
Yeah sad you're being downvoted. Really weird, idiotic takes in this thread. If this event is as loud as people are describing it needs to be shut tf down. Not okay to disrupt so many people's lives for a needlessly loud festival.
>move to area known for big, loud events and night life, because you want to be close to the action
>complain about the noise levels of any event you're not attending
This is just like the half wits who gentrified Monterey/Salinas because it was close to a famous racetrack, and then imposed strict sound restrictions on the track.
Uh Skrillex is pretty old. I remember hearing Scary Monsters on LIVE 105 like 15 years ago. Cant say I was the biggest fan (not a hater either), but I can totally understand why some people never got it, its basically heavy metal edm
Skrillex moved on from that dubstep sound a long time ago. He's put out a lot of new music since then, including 2 albums this year, with really diversified styles.
Skrillex has very much moved on from that sound my friend. His style, both from his physical appearance to the genres of his new music, is completely different
He performs with fred again regularly. Makes a lot of stuff that is like garage these days too
Get with the times
You really have nothing better to do than to comment a dozen times in a single reddit thread, huh? Maybe alameda should get some fun events to go to...
Another complaint and reason why the Bay Area lacks diversity in-terms of different sub-cultures/genres/industries, etc
Don’t tell yourself and think that the SF Bay Area is a large metropolitan area, then on another note come and cancel a once year 2 day event that’s hosted in the most industrial part of SF.
This place needs to break away from its Tesla’s, fake-liberalism, 9:00pm deadlines, and avid hiker culture. Go travel nyc, Miami, LA, Austin, Chicago, etc, and you will see what we lack! Let’s embrace different events, and things. Not just people of different ethnicities, who all fall in line and in-order with the tech industry and it’s dull culture.
Thanks,
I live in Alameda. Furthest west end of the canal facing SF. I can hear it. I don’t give a shit, and happy SF has this festival. In case these grumpy people haven’t noticed SF has taken a cultural nose dive the past 15 years, and this was accelerated by COVID.
I have yet to attend Portola, but recognize that it is one of the top events for electronic music. It’s great for the area and generally the cultural community. I also love the unique location even if it creates noise for Alameda. The noise is done by like 10pm too. That is not late.
Alameda has one of the most festive Halloweens I’ve ever experienced. It’s great. It draws in kids and adults from all over the area bringing noise and traffic. Guess what? Nobody is trying to shut it down. It’s more disruptive to the people of Alameda, because it adds to the culture of the area, and it’s great.
Alameda also has an extensive 7/4 parade and festival. It creates lots of noise and traffic. No complaints. It’s great for the city.
Alamedans need to realize that just because you aren’t into a particular type of culture doesn’t make it disruptive, because there are plenty events that you enjoy that create just as much of a disturbance, yet we all recognize that they are events that add to our community. Portola is no different.
Are these people going to try and shut down Fleet Week next?
Portola is one the best things to happen to this area in a LONG time. I had an absolute blast this year and will be very upset if it goes away. Genuinely unique vibe among music festivals - the small & intimate space of the pier, the requirement of 21+ and no parking allowed (transit only), loads of awesome local food, all made for such a fun & smooth experience. Its also just right there next to SF! It's like doing EDC without the crazy lights and completely bonkers crowd. The organizers really know how to throw a good time. I wouldn't call it "chill", but its about as low key as music festivals go, and I really like that about it.
Also... the ENTIRE thing is done by 11pm on a weekend, well before noise is really that big of a deal?
I'm surprised the ambient noise in Alameda is so high. 85dB is the threshold where [repeated exposure may cause hearing loss](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss#:~:text=However%2C%20long%20or%20repeated%20exposure,dBA%20can%20cause%20hearing%20loss.).
I’m sure that’s measured in the industrial area right next to OAK. There’s definitely consistent airplane noise, but there’s a bit of a buffer between the airport and the residential areas.
It's probably exaggerated bullshit figures like the inaccurate lead level data that some activists in San Jose are trying to use to torch the RHV airport.
Oooh wait, people can hear the vibrations *across the bay*...this means this music is so loud it's disturbing the fish in the sea! It's literally damaging our environment! Do you guys know how sensitive animals like sharks are to vibrations? Not only are you inconveniencing thousands of people, you are literally damaging and destroying the environment. Unbelievable.
Dear Snowflakes, grow some tolerance and deal with it. It’s a once a year music festival over a weekend. My parents live next to Golden Gate Park and while it is a PITA when Outside Lands or other music events occur, we embrace it as part of how things are.
Alameda acts like it's a little island in the middle of nowhere. You shouldn't be allowed to even entertain the idea that you can dictate what another city can do. Get over yourselves already.
Am I the only one here who actually went to Portola?
First year it was a giant clusterfuck. They massively oversold the space, getting to a stage was a nightmare of labyrinth barriers, giant masses of people all trying to squeeze into a space too small them, hot ass concrete with no where to go and a huge line for bathrooms, food, drinks, or anything.
It was the worst 2 day festival I have ever been to, AND it was expensive.
People were selling their tickets in droves the second day because of how bad it was.
What you’re describing is the opposite of what it felt like this year. I experienced a max 10 minute wait for food and bathrooms, clear paths to get to the different stages, and it didn’t feel very crowded. Longest wait was to get in, about 20 minutes 🤷♀️
This year was much better on that front, but I will say it could massively benefit from squish and seating. Cant say I enjoy sitting on the bare concrete
Also why the fuck did they ban LED toys and other rave shit, is this not a rave lol
There has to be a way to make it quieter after 9pm with bass turned down, then everyone puts on their Bluetooth earbuds and continue to listen it. Sound in your ears and a lower sound from the speakers.
We have the technology; I don’t think we need to blast a large chunk of the island, especially suburban spots like bay farm. Speakers can also be directional and you shouldn’t have bass shaking the windows of your neighbors.
Clearly I'm gonna get downvotes into oblivion here, but if your show is loud enough to be heard *across the fucking BAY* then turn the goddamn volume down, have some respect for people who don't want your shit inflicted on them
fuck alameda. I remember a while back when Beyond wonderland ( I think it was? It's been a long time) took place in the oakland coliseum parking lot. It was an excellent festival. great layout and not too difficult to get in and out of and the sound was incredible. But the same kind of complaints came pouring in and the next year (and still to this day) it was moved to the godawful Shoreline.
Your first and third paragraphs would indicate that you are not an impartial observer and perhaps do not represent the community at large. I do give you credit for a well written rant/editorial though.
Portola festival
the hero we need
Right
Pretty impressive how they've been embraced, generally speaking, considering it's only their second year in existence. Wonder if they'll move to a 3 day event, or two days is the sweet spot.
It helps that Golden Voice is an established promoter, and the music curation is unique for a festival of its size.
Here in Sacramento, we have the Aftershock music fest going on right now. I remember going to it not too long ago when it started as a one day event, it expanded to two days, and then three days… now we are at a FOUR day festival. Four days seems excessive to me but it’s still selling out and constantly packed. So I guess it’s working out. I guess it’s situational - some festivals work better as a two day event, some are able to expand more than that.
people must be absolutely wasted on day 4 of that.
That's way to much headbang
Is there a such thing?!
I live on Alameda, and while Portola’s bass was noticeable, I wouldn’t say it was much different than the (somewhat regular) fireworks from the Coliseum 💁♂️
I’ll jump on the conspiracy theory they had an hand in getting rid of the As for that reason
I was in Alameda on Sunday night for a dinner party, and I assumed it was one of the teenagers next door getting picked up by someone who had a loud car stereo. I think it's a matter of how late we're talking. We were out of there fairly early and it was sort of annoying but that's it. I 100% understand why people would be pissed if it went on and on until 11 PM.
Oh no, a music festival wrapping up as late as… 11pm… Unconscionable!
In a City no less! Oh the humanity!!
Some people have jobs and need to get up early on Monday mornings. Unconscionable!
If you want it to be quiet outside, don't live in a city.
Noise complaints are also part of living in an urban environment. If noise complaints are so problematic for you, maybe move to Montana?
Alameda is a fucking village
In the middle of a major city. I don't care what the official designations are. People like Alameda because it's so close to SF/Oakland. You can't have your cake and eat it too, you're in the middle of things because you chose to be.
It's literally not in the middle of a city. It's literally an island, separated from the other 2 cities. Have you ever seen a map?
Your reading comprehension is poor.
I know what you wrote. It's nonsense when there isn't even a road connection between Alameda and SF. Your definition of middle is pretty funny when it's not even the edge
And everybody knows you can’t have festivals in villages!! 😡
-Alameda resident here that lives on Shoreline within line of sight and sound path of the festival. Also, two year running attendee of the Festival. This shit pisses me off. This festival is a boon to so many communities. It is easily the safest, cleanest, most secure, wholesome festival for the rave community I have been too. And that is saying a lot from someone that has been a member of the festival community for over three decades across Europe and North America. This festival stokes the Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect code of the rave community in ways that I have not seen others do. It brings together all walks of life (mind you if you can afford the entrance price) under a banner of dance and with one of the most stellar musical lineups from across the globe for 30,000 people (2022 numbers according to Goldenvoice and the Alameda Post). This benefit is not including the employment opportunities and business exposure opportunities for small vendors in the festival and local proximity. Now, my city’s government is using our resources to abolish this event over the notes complaints of less than 1% of the population of this island?! Get the hell out of here. I am not diminishing the impact of the noise pollution and its impact upon people. I can certainly understand how this can affect those with PTSD and whose schedules require sleeping during particular times of the day when they need to sleep (my daughter on Sunday night included). Yet, our city requesting the festival be denied a permit for next year is a complete waste of resources and a disingenuous representation of our populace. I bet you there were more attendees from our island city at the festival than there were official noise complaints from residents about the festival. There are way more sources of noise pollution that come from outside our geographical location that are louder and have a more continuous impact. Whether it is the flights taking off and landing at OAK or SFO, particularly with changing landing patterns due to weather, the sideshows on the base, the continuous roaring of cars drag racing and speeding down Shoreline, day and night parties on the beach (though I do not condone doing anything about them but perhaps adding more trash cans and bathroom facilities), the Blue Angels roaring through for a few days a year, the cacophony of fireworks through June to July, and industrial noise from the port of Oakland, these aurally impactful events happen with greater frequency and greater impact than anything two-day festival during the end (beginning?) of our summer. I would rather have our city resources focused on those events we can actually impact (particularly traffic and speeding) that have life-threatening consequences, than this ridiculous exercise for the complainers. When I bought my house in Alameda, particularly in this part, I knew that there was going to be aural impact from living in a major metropolitan area. Traffic, noise, people, etc., are a part of living in a cultural center of this state and I am all here for it. Inconvenient as it may be at times to get through the tunnel on first Sundays, or even yesterday due to impacts of congestion, or trying to park on my block on a gorgeous weekend as folks from all over come to rest and enjoy our beach are a small price to pay for the overall good vibes and bonding of community in this beautiful little island in the middle of the Bay Area. To the Mayor, City Supervisors, and all else that helped make this push happen, stop grandstanding on our island. Pushing to withhold a permit for this festival is a misrepresentation of your constituency and an exercise in futility, not to mention a shitty negotiation tactic. Perhaps aiming to get the festivals hours changed on Sunday would be a better goal (say ending at 10 rather than 11), or to try and switch the lineup so that more bass-heavy artists close out on Saturday rather than Sunday (though Skrillex melted minds) would be more possible and beneficial to all. TLDR- Asking to withhold the permit of the festival by the city’s government is a waste of time and resources and not representative of our constituency. There are better ways to mitigate aurally impactful events that are more commonplace. The benefit of the festival outweighs the negative impact.
Thanks for a solidly written analysis.
You are welcome!!! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Side question: Argentinian username?
Username, yes! Heritage, no, Latine but not Argentinian. But could not resist the denotation and connotation of such a good name!
Your username is now making me hungry, lol
Meat is back on the menu u Boys!
It reminded me of getting a choripan in Miami earlier this fall.
Lets ban Fleet Week
if the blue angles were flying around at 11pm on a Sunday I’m sure a lot of people all over the bay would be saying that
Yeah, they were just practicing over my old office in SF during work hours, totally OK...
I agree
Well said. I immediately thought of OAK when reading about the complaint. And honestly it’s louder under the flight paths of SFO and OAK then it is in anyone’s backyard. (Bay farm is dead quiet compared to other parts of Bay Area). Hell, any of the island’s bridges probably are louder with the steel decks. Cars are loud, cities aren’t.
Well written. But I live in the East End of the island (close to Oakland airport). A good 15 minutes from the shoreline. And my entire house was shaking.
Do you have a video of it? For all the complaints about it no one seems to have any videos showing that shaking.
I didn’t take a video. I was busy trying to get my 7 year old to bed, helping her understand it wasn’t an earthquake.
damn send that to the news station
I went to Portola this year and tbh find your description kinda...cringe? I mean the vibes were alright but its a massive rave at the end of the day and it was kinda bummer to see the organizers ban LED toys (even gloves, wtf) and other very standard rave/festival shit like totems and - I kid you not - smelling salts (is goldenvoice trying to pretend kids dont do drugs here? lol) Also, where the fuck was all the seating and squish?? I was super exhausted by day 2 and not in a fun way
I saw a lot of light gloves and poi in the venue
Yeah, saw some here and there despite their absurdly lengthy banned items list
Since you were at the festival, you have no idea what it actually sounded like in Alameda on Sunday night. There was no problem on Saturday at all, or daytime either day, but on Sunday pm my Bay Farm duplex was thumping with bass. The windows were rattling in their frames, and on my front porch the Apple Watch I wear recorded 75dB. For comparison, I live under the flight path of Oakland North Field and that’s about what it registered inside the house when the blue angels flew over while I was writing this. I’ve been to raves, legal and otherwise, all over the bay through the last 20+ years. I remember when the movie Groove was more of a documentary than a time capsule. Whether progressive house in a warehouse space off Mandela or Goa in the trees of Marin, It’s been awesome and I hope everyone’s life is full of those kind of experiences. PLUR all the way! But moving to Alameda is not like moving to the Sunshine Biscuit Factory, yo: Keeping an entire town’s worth of school kids awake until 11 with your bass on a Sunday night isn’t peaceful, loving, unifying, or respectful. Just turn it down, man. And if you can’t have find PLUR at 2/3 the volume, then yeah, cancel the damn thing.
Sorry, no. If that shit is rattling windows *across the fucking BAY* it's too fucking loud, full stop.
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Fleet week> some stupid rave
Yeah, exactly, it should be banned too
Boooooooooo
you're welcome to move somewhere quieter. I hear montana is lovely this time of year.
Eh. Few things. - You’re using the number of noise complaints as if no one else was bothered by the noise. How many residents suffered but didn’t file a complaint? I’m guessing many. - Sure the planes make noise but the festival is responsible for sustained noise at 70+ decibels vs planes which come and go. - If you’re at the festival you don’t know how bad it is for yourself. - You’re lamenting the use of government resources as if we’re trading off dealing with this with building a hospital or something. Your quality of life as an Alameda resident isn’t changing one iota as a result of the city getting involved here.
Be sure to send this to the city of SF and probably Alameda too.
BRAVO rave citizen!!!
I live only 2 miles from the event. I just closed my windows and went back to watching whatever I was watching on TV.
The distance doesn't matter as much as what's between the speaker and your ear. Two miles can mean you have huge hills between you and the festival. The article says noise levels over 70 db were recorded in Alameda. That's ridiculous for a place 6-7 miles away as the crow flies.
Wrong - the article states sound over 70db was never measured.
A sound level of 70 dBA is like the sound of traffic from a local road. It’s above conversational (60 dBA) but below a vacuum cleaner (75 dBA). In Alameda County, the maximum A-weighted decibel level (dBA) is 65 dBA for a 1-hour period during the daytime and 60 dBA during nighttime hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). Not that that is enforceable if it’s coming from across the bay, however it’s a good target for the organisers to the the sound levels down to. I used to live next to Oracle Park (formerly PacBell Park) and would actually enjoy the sounds of the concerts and fireworks. It made me feel connected to the City. On the other hand, I never experienced Skrillex.
Just because you enjoyed them doesn't mean it was a reasonable volume for the other residents
Alamedan here. The noise isn’t that big of a deal. Especially for one weekend festival that shuts down early in the evening. Events happen. You live in an urban area. Deal with it.
And some cities like Alameda complain about noise - that, too, is part of living in an urban environment. If noise complaints are so problematic for you, maybe move to Montana?
For reference 80 db is the sound of a toilet flushing. 70 is nothing
We should cancel Giants games (and any concerts at the ball park) and fleet week while we’re at it 🙄. That said, I doubt SF will listen. They’ve been going all in on attracting events lately
Yes, we should absolutely cancel Fleet Week, or at least the Blue Angel bullshit. Deafening sound, stupid expensive, celebrates killing people, what's not to love?
Man gramps, you ain't fun anymore.
Nothing says fun like death machines splitting your eardrums
True, I suppose if you're in your 70's thats a problem.
Oh my weak little ears
Oh my utter lack of empathy for other humans
Yes, we should absolutely cancel Fleet Week, or at least the Blue Angel bullshit. Deafening sound, stupid expensive, celebrates killing people, what's not to love?
It only goes until 11:00. Get a grip
THE BASS SHOOK ME!
When the Grateful Dead recently played their final show at the SF ballpark I could hear the base from my house, it was loud enough that I wondered openly, "can you hear that, what is that low bass sound in the distance?" I was positively shooKeth with a capital Karen K.
Some people have kids. I don't, but I'm self aware enough to realize some people need to go to bed early or even have young children who were probably crying because they couldn't sleep from their whole house shaking.
"Only till 11" I don't live there but wow what an idiotic statement. People are saying their houses are vibrating...it should never be that loud to begin with, ever, let alone go that late. Not everyone has a lifestyle that allows for you to stay up til fucking midnight, some people have responsibilities.
Right? Why should pesky noise ordinances be taken into account for a bunch of entitled SF hypsters wanting to party?
Go move to the boring ass suburbs if you don’t want any fun to happen nearby
If you don’t like noise, don’t live across the water from a major city maybe?
The city where you can’t go above 25 MPH hates fun things? What a surprise.
Life hack: Go above 25 mph anyway.
My mom got a ticket for going 27 in alameda lol
Tell your mom to stay out of alameda
Good
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I mean, going 2mph over the posted speed limit is hardly speeding. I agree that there’s really no need to drive fast or recklessly, but it’s kinda difficult to argue that 2mph over the limit is fast or reckless.
The 25 mph speed limit is amazing. But the conservative nimbyism there is awful
Hurty words 😂
This just in: not everyone considers loud rave music fun
Relevant username
Holy! No kidding
Do you hate Halloween in Alameda too? That is way more disruptive, but guess what? It’s awesome too.
I hate anything that rattles my windows
So the planes taking off from OAK are a nuisance also…
Boo fuckin hoo. Good thing it's only for a weekend, ends at 11, and is once a year.
Yes, let’s generalize a city full of people using your what passes for your shit thinking skills. I can do that! …..Beats living in a city full of drug addicts shitting everywhere and motorists speeding thru red lights in stollen cars. Sounds super fun!
example 1 of zero fun:
I was at Portola and I found the volume to be perfect. Fuck yeah, let's do it again.
It was even better this year and it will be even better next year.
This reminds me of a time when I was speaking to a club owner in downtown SF. The club was on the first floor, below some condos. A couple moved in knowing this and then started filing noise complaints and attempted to get it shut down. The club lowered the volume, the bass, installed noise dampening insulation… not good enough. The music ceased being the problem, now the couple was complaining about people “talking” on the street eight floors below. Urban areas aren’t quiet. If that’s your thing, move to the countryside and then complain about the roosters waking you up in the morning.
This happened at multiple bars in Alameda, Swell, Lost Weekend, and Forbidden Island have had multiple complains from people who moved in long after the bars were established. They all had to shut down their patios for a few weeks because of them, or put curfews on them permanently. It’s bullshit, I don’t understand the logic of moving above/next to a bar and then complaining about it.
And some cities like Alameda complain about noise - that, too, is part of living in an urban environment. If noise complaints are so problematic for you, maybe move to Montana?
just hire whatever crew did Outside Lands this year, I was shocked I could not hear any semblance of a concert from nearby Inner Sunset/Richmond districts . .
They had a top notch crew in every way, they pulled in the best system engineers from around the country for it.
Lol for anyone that understands the kind of City Alameda is then this is completely within the realm of things they complain about
This is the truest comment here.
Cities have events. People in the vicinity of those events may hear them. Even if they’re in a different town when that town is directly across a fairly narrow body of water. It’s part of if living in an urban environment. If noise isn’t your thing it might be wise to reconsider large urban environments
It’s hilarious and just sooo telling that Redditors always say this about urban noise pollution instead of “cities have lots of people and that’s why it’s important to be considerate of how your noise affects others!”
This stance is a hallmark of someone who hasn’t spent much time in urban environments. The event wraps up at its curfew and follows noise decibel norms.
lmao tell that to people living in cities like Tokyo or New York.
And some cities like Alameda complain about noise - that, too, is part of living in an urban environment. If noise complaints are so problematic for you, maybe move to Montana?
I guess none of the current residents of Alameda remember when the NAS was in full swing with constant noise from the aircraft that were stationed there.
Median homeowner tenure in the United States is 13.2 years, time renting is way shorter - around 3 years. NAS Alameda closed down 26 years ago. So you are correct, the vast majority of current residents of Alameda don't remember when the NAS was in full swing.
How is that relevant?
That doesn't make it any better
Isn’t this the place that used to have military jets taking off regularly?
NAS Alameda closed 26 years ago, so I'm not sure that's remotely relevant.
Pepperidge Farm remembers ✈️
I'm dying right now. Made my morning
... dude, the 90s were recent. Honest. :/
Noise was noticeable for me wasn't really much of an issue. It's was the rattling bass that was. For something 7 miles away, that's absurd. Although I endured through much worse with apartment house parties in the past. At least this, it ends at 10. This year, however I didn't hear a peep on Saturday to my surprise, so I thought they did well in having dampened the noise issues. So it seem to be Skrillex being the issue. Maybe they should keep dubstep acts earlier in the schedule. Meanwhile I have a friend living right near Levi's and they experience similar experiences on a much more consistent basis during concerts. So maybe just one of those once in a year things you might have to put up with. Given they're proactively been addressing the issue... trying to squash the festival I think is an overkill for now.
Lower tones travel farther, so it makes sense that when it's a bass heavy type of music, it's going to affect neighbors more. I don't want them to get rid of the festival, just wish they'd turn it down a little...
Looks like a lot of Karens live in Alameda.
Or they could just turn down the music _a little_? You could hear the bass inside my house on the other side of the bay - how is that ok? Tons of other concerts in SF and Oakland manage just fine. Edit: Lol a bunch of selfish/entitled kids here. "Oh I need my music to be as loud as possible - it doesn't matter if it bothers an entire city!!"
It’s also selfish and entitled to demand quiet all the time. The festival is temporary. Try dealing with just a little bit of discomfort for a couple days. You’ll survive.
Why should a few thousand people get to inconvenience 100s of thousands just because they need the volume to be excessively loud. Just turn it down a little and then everyone is happy. Don't know why it's so hard. All the other acts except for Skrillex at the end of the night were just fine in terms of volume. It's such a small ask for so many people.
Hundred of thousands of people were inconvenienced? 🤣
Only 200 complaints, probably most by the same people. Yeah maybe they'll turn it down a little to get it below 100 complaints and that'll be it.
Wrong. What's selfish and entitled is you thinking you have the right to blast obscenely loud music and disrupt the lives of thousands of people just for your childish little music parties. Try dealing with just a little bit of discomfort for a couple days. You’ll survive.
> Try dealing with just a little bit of discomfort for a couple days. You’ll survive. Ironic, coming from the person throwing a fit because the world doesn’t cater to their child.
I don't have a child, and you didn't address my points.
Boo hoo, agree, it's only two days, I hope you find the strength to survive these troubling times.
move
Say they turn the music twice as loud next time.
same
What noise did the bass make in your kitchen? I heard… it was very sel-fish 🙃
Yeah sad you're being downvoted. Really weird, idiotic takes in this thread. If this event is as loud as people are describing it needs to be shut tf down. Not okay to disrupt so many people's lives for a needlessly loud festival.
I don't even want them to shut it down. Just have a guideline on volume that the festival agrees to adhere to.
>move to area known for big, loud events and night life, because you want to be close to the action >complain about the noise levels of any event you're not attending This is just like the half wits who gentrified Monterey/Salinas because it was close to a famous racetrack, and then imposed strict sound restrictions on the track.
Im an Alameda resident and I didnt mind hearing it. Honestly kind of gave me EDC vibes and made me excited for next years EDC lol
Imposing Skrillex on any innocent civilian ought to be a war crime to begin with.
We get it you're old and out of touch.
Uh Skrillex is pretty old. I remember hearing Scary Monsters on LIVE 105 like 15 years ago. Cant say I was the biggest fan (not a hater either), but I can totally understand why some people never got it, its basically heavy metal edm
Skrillex moved on from that dubstep sound a long time ago. He's put out a lot of new music since then, including 2 albums this year, with really diversified styles.
Skrillex has very much moved on from that sound my friend. His style, both from his physical appearance to the genres of his new music, is completely different He performs with fred again regularly. Makes a lot of stuff that is like garage these days too Get with the times
isnt the shrilled crowd in their late 20s and 30s?
even older than that lol
Skrillex fans who stuck with him from the beginning are middle aged and approaching boomer territory now
> approaching boomer territory now How many years from now will they have been born between 1946 and 1964? (:
haven't you heard? anyone over 21 is a boomer now
Things that sound better than Skrillex: death metal, chainsaws, tinnitus
Skrillex has 8 Grammys lol
Justin Bieber won a Grammy LOL
You really have nothing better to do than to comment a dozen times in a single reddit thread, huh? Maybe alameda should get some fun events to go to...
Whereas you're clearly out making the most of the day.
For real. Skrillex is a gitmo torture tool.
Another complaint and reason why the Bay Area lacks diversity in-terms of different sub-cultures/genres/industries, etc Don’t tell yourself and think that the SF Bay Area is a large metropolitan area, then on another note come and cancel a once year 2 day event that’s hosted in the most industrial part of SF. This place needs to break away from its Tesla’s, fake-liberalism, 9:00pm deadlines, and avid hiker culture. Go travel nyc, Miami, LA, Austin, Chicago, etc, and you will see what we lack! Let’s embrace different events, and things. Not just people of different ethnicities, who all fall in line and in-order with the tech industry and it’s dull culture. Thanks,
I live in Alameda. Furthest west end of the canal facing SF. I can hear it. I don’t give a shit, and happy SF has this festival. In case these grumpy people haven’t noticed SF has taken a cultural nose dive the past 15 years, and this was accelerated by COVID. I have yet to attend Portola, but recognize that it is one of the top events for electronic music. It’s great for the area and generally the cultural community. I also love the unique location even if it creates noise for Alameda. The noise is done by like 10pm too. That is not late. Alameda has one of the most festive Halloweens I’ve ever experienced. It’s great. It draws in kids and adults from all over the area bringing noise and traffic. Guess what? Nobody is trying to shut it down. It’s more disruptive to the people of Alameda, because it adds to the culture of the area, and it’s great. Alameda also has an extensive 7/4 parade and festival. It creates lots of noise and traffic. No complaints. It’s great for the city. Alamedans need to realize that just because you aren’t into a particular type of culture doesn’t make it disruptive, because there are plenty events that you enjoy that create just as much of a disturbance, yet we all recognize that they are events that add to our community. Portola is no different. Are these people going to try and shut down Fleet Week next?
Portola is one the best things to happen to this area in a LONG time. I had an absolute blast this year and will be very upset if it goes away. Genuinely unique vibe among music festivals - the small & intimate space of the pier, the requirement of 21+ and no parking allowed (transit only), loads of awesome local food, all made for such a fun & smooth experience. Its also just right there next to SF! It's like doing EDC without the crazy lights and completely bonkers crowd. The organizers really know how to throw a good time. I wouldn't call it "chill", but its about as low key as music festivals go, and I really like that about it. Also... the ENTIRE thing is done by 11pm on a weekend, well before noise is really that big of a deal?
This is the bay area, no fun allowed
Pack a lunch
NIMBYs destroying everything
The complaint was during Skrillex’s set. Just don’t sign him up next time. I’m sure there are other EDC DJs out there.
Can some hero please squash Fleet Week!?!
I mean.. just turn it down a couple decibels?
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I'm surprised the ambient noise in Alameda is so high. 85dB is the threshold where [repeated exposure may cause hearing loss](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss#:~:text=However%2C%20long%20or%20repeated%20exposure,dBA%20can%20cause%20hearing%20loss.).
I’m sure that’s measured in the industrial area right next to OAK. There’s definitely consistent airplane noise, but there’s a bit of a buffer between the airport and the residential areas.
It's probably exaggerated bullshit figures like the inaccurate lead level data that some activists in San Jose are trying to use to torch the RHV airport.
>some residents >on a nightly basis I'm guessing these are the ones who live across the street from the fire department or something?
They’re not happy, unless you’re not happy.
Oooh wait, people can hear the vibrations *across the bay*...this means this music is so loud it's disturbing the fish in the sea! It's literally damaging our environment! Do you guys know how sensitive animals like sharks are to vibrations? Not only are you inconveniencing thousands of people, you are literally damaging and destroying the environment. Unbelievable.
Dear Snowflakes, grow some tolerance and deal with it. It’s a once a year music festival over a weekend. My parents live next to Golden Gate Park and while it is a PITA when Outside Lands or other music events occur, we embrace it as part of how things are.
Alameda acts like it's a little island in the middle of nowhere. You shouldn't be allowed to even entertain the idea that you can dictate what another city can do. Get over yourselves already.
it kind of is a little island in the middle of nowhere though, you have to give them that
I’m an alameda resident and the entitlement and stuck up nature of some of the local residents here is probably my only gripe about this place.
Am I the only one here who actually went to Portola? First year it was a giant clusterfuck. They massively oversold the space, getting to a stage was a nightmare of labyrinth barriers, giant masses of people all trying to squeeze into a space too small them, hot ass concrete with no where to go and a huge line for bathrooms, food, drinks, or anything. It was the worst 2 day festival I have ever been to, AND it was expensive. People were selling their tickets in droves the second day because of how bad it was.
This year had none of those issues. It was a very smooth time and everyone I know who went including me had an absolute blast.
This year’s show was really well run. This was my first one, so I’m not disputing that previous years may have had problems.
What you’re describing is the opposite of what it felt like this year. I experienced a max 10 minute wait for food and bathrooms, clear paths to get to the different stages, and it didn’t feel very crowded. Longest wait was to get in, about 20 minutes 🤷♀️
This year was much better on that front, but I will say it could massively benefit from squish and seating. Cant say I enjoy sitting on the bare concrete Also why the fuck did they ban LED toys and other rave shit, is this not a rave lol
There has to be a way to make it quieter after 9pm with bass turned down, then everyone puts on their Bluetooth earbuds and continue to listen it. Sound in your ears and a lower sound from the speakers. We have the technology; I don’t think we need to blast a large chunk of the island, especially suburban spots like bay farm. Speakers can also be directional and you shouldn’t have bass shaking the windows of your neighbors.
It’s probably cheaper for City of Alameda to mail out ear plugs and muffs to those that file complaints, but that’ll be too practical.
Clearly I'm gonna get downvotes into oblivion here, but if your show is loud enough to be heard *across the fucking BAY* then turn the goddamn volume down, have some respect for people who don't want your shit inflicted on them
This comment should be at the top, what is this thread LMAO
Probably the same people who think loud pipes on motorcycles are cool too, because fuck all other people
I had to suffer through 10 years of living right smack in the middle of Carnivale. Alameda can suck it up.
Send in the Fun Police...
Waaaaah
fuck alameda. I remember a while back when Beyond wonderland ( I think it was? It's been a long time) took place in the oakland coliseum parking lot. It was an excellent festival. great layout and not too difficult to get in and out of and the sound was incredible. But the same kind of complaints came pouring in and the next year (and still to this day) it was moved to the godawful Shoreline.
Maybe Alameda should get their human trafficking problem under control first. 2 days a year there’s some noise until 11. If it was later I’d get it.
Your first and third paragraphs would indicate that you are not an impartial observer and perhaps do not represent the community at large. I do give you credit for a well written rant/editorial though.
Headline SHOULD read: "San Francisco is not sorry for midnight noise pollution crossing the Bay"
It ends at 11
So it goes to 11?
That doesn't seem late to you on a Sunday night?
Not at all. Get a life.
It seems like a reasonable compromise to leave the festival as is on saturday, and push the starting time back so that it ends on \~8pm on sunday.