A Logical Appeal from the Shattuck Down Low Owner

Below is a letter from the owner of the Shattuck Down Low, responding to recent efforts to boycott the venue. It seems to me that the boycott has harmed a local business, local employees, local performers, and Boalt social justice organizations that frequently hosted fundraising events at SDL. Not surprisingly, it seems the boycott has in no way harmed Lakireddy.

I support raising awareness of human trafficking in our community and I support strong punishment for traffickers through our criminal justice system. I don't support a boycott that is aimed at punishing someone who served his time, and doesn't even accomplish that purpose anyway.

As the leader of a social justice organization at Boalt, I can attest to the fact that it is very difficult to find other local venues who are willing to host fundraising events, in a time when our organizations are desperately seeking ways to fundraise. So we should really ask ourselves, who are we harming if we continue to boycott Shattuck Down Low?

I certainly would like to know what my classmates think after reading this letter.

We are writing in response to concerns regarding the Shattuck Down Low, “SDL,” and its relationship to Bali Reddy Lakireddy, a Berkeley land owner convicted of human trafficking who served eight years in prison.

Shattuck Down Low is a family owned business gainfully employing 20 East Bay residents, and dozens more musicians, performers, sound engineers, and promoters. Earnings from shows and sales at SDL do not directly profit Bali Lakireddy or his family. The only relationship SDL has to Lakireddy is that we, like many residents and businesses in and around Berkeley, are a tenant of a Lakireddy property. Second only to UC Berkeley, the Lakireddy family is the largest land/real estate owner in the City of Berkeley, with thousands of commercial and residential units. The Lakireddys receive millions of dollars in rent every month. UPS, CVS, Cross Roads clothing, numerous doctors, therapists, companies, and ironically, Amnesty International, all rent from Lakireddy, or a subsidiary.

Even though it would likely be an insignificant loss to the Lakireddy family income, as a socially conscious business, SDL has considered moving to another property. In addition to the expense, it has not been possible to open at a new location because the City of Berkeley has a moratorium on opening new bars or clubs in the city.

SDL is one of only a few places in Berkeley for locals to play music, see a show, or dance. We are proud to provide a space for musicians, DJs, and artists. We are also proud of fundraising thousands of dollars for numerous non-profit organizations and causes over the years, including Doctors without Borders, Girlfest, J-Flag, public K-12 education, and an organization fighting hunger in Brazil.

Boycotting small businesses in Berkeley will not affect the Lakireddy family, but it will adversely affect the employees of such businesses, and their families.

Until there is law or policy that allows for the seizure of property and other assets from individuals who profited from human trafficking, Bali Lakireddy and family will likely continue to profit and thrive from ownership of numerous Berkeley properties.

On behalf of myself and my staff, and in light of the facts above, I ask for your continued support and patronage of the Shattuck Down Low. We consider our business an asset and contributor to the community, and hope to continue to provide entertainment in Berkeley. I would be happy to talk to anyone interested in the matter, attend any event on the topic, and I welcome any comments and responses. Feel free to forward my contact information.

Sincerely,

Daniel Cukierman

Owner

Shattuck Down Low

Cell: (510)220-5908