Halloween planning may be scary

but at least it looks like the City is planning something other than crying "please stay home" again. But I don't think a party in a parking lot is going to do it, especially if the City charges for admission.

From the morning Chronicle:

Last year, officials rolled out a campaign telling people to stay home for the holiday, and urged Castro businesses to stay closed. While the campaign was successful, Supervisor Bevan Dufty said his office and the Entertainment Commission wanted to create "an event that brings San Francisco's different cultures and community together."

To that end, the Entertainment Commission hired an events manager, Laura Fraenza, last month. Fraenza, who previously worked for the promotion company Bill Graham Presents, is currently planning a large event in the stadium's Parking Lot A.

The event will include an early evening, free gathering for kids and a more adult-friendly, paid event later in the evening, which will feature local musicians and artists. Details are still being worked out, but Fraenza said she is talking with cultural centers, youth groups, and people involved in Carnaval and Burning Man.

Granted, I've never like parking lot city-sponsored parties as they tend to feel like your mom planned the prom. But my crowd isn't exactly what they are trying to tear away from the Castro. The locals aren't the issue. So if the Castro isn't local for the target audience, maybe the ballpark parking lot will be just as if not more convenient. Here's hoping.

Full article.