Festival goers in California have enjoyed events at the San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore for the last few years, but if San Bernardino County Second Supervisor Janice Rutherford has her way, these events may come to an end. On May 24th, Rutherford will place an item on the supervisors’ meeting’s agenda to decide whether or not to nullify the contract the county has with Live Nation. When the contract was initially finalized, a later end time of 2:00 am as opposed to 11:00 pm was negotiated. Not surprisingly, this has led to noise complaints.
The San Manual Amphitheater has been home to Beyond Wonderland and Nocturnal since 2013. Before 2013 these events were held at the National Orange Show Events Center but complaints of noise, increased traffic, and drug use surrounding the events led Insomniac to move to its current endangered home for the festivals. Now the same complaints threaten to make Insomniac seek yet another place to throw its massive festivals that draw thousands of people from all over the country.
Earlier this year around 250 people were arrested for Beyond Wonderland and about 20 people were hospitalized. In response to concerns over patron safety and security, Insomniac has worked with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, allowing more than 100 deputies and a few drug sniffing dogs to work the festival’s entrances and the nearby campground. In 2015, Insomniac put out a video that promoted the hashtag #WeAreWideAwake to promote personal responsibility for one’s self and others at its festivals.
The social impact is one thing to consider, but another aspect of the issue is the economic impact. An economic impact study conducted by independent research firm Beacon and Beacon showed that Beyond Wonderland brought in $15.5 million and provided $1.7 million in taxes. In an article put out by Insomniac’s Editorial Team that illustrated Insomniac’s overall economic impact, it was found in an analysis from Beacon Economics that attendees to Insomniac’s festivals have generated $2.28 billion from 2010 to 2014, with $440 million of this money going to San Bernardino, California.
Janice Rutherford believes that the contract with Live Nation can be terminated if it can be shown that the event has resulted in public safety hazards and complaints from residents. In the last few years, deaths at edm festivals have continued to be highly publicized. Many companies have come under scrutiny. As we rave full steam ahead into the 21st century, it remains to be seen whether or not these large festivals will be able to stand up to the complaints of San Bernardino County residents. The Department of Dance will keep you posted.
I was listening to electronic dance music without even knowing it when I was listening to Jock Jams in the 90s. Fast forward to my senior year in high school and I had discovered Fatboy Slim. I have been listening to edm ever since and love writing about new sounds, good sounds, and the music that makes us move.
