Film Date
3/25/1965
Film Reference Number
KRON 1315-2
Description
KRON-TV news footage from March 25th 1965 featuring scenes from a public hearing in North Beach with San Francisco Mayor John Shelley and Chief of Police Thomas J. Cahill, who listen to a request from the Rev. Larry Byrne (1908-1987) to do something about the "situation" in North Beach, which is known for the topless bars and night clubs on Broadway. Cahill acknowledges these concerns but emphasizes how: "We have to enforce the laws but we cannot make illegal arrests." Byrne ran the Salesian Boys Club and was urged by Shelley to form a select committee to work with him and Chief Cahill, over the next 2-3 weeks. One month after this hearing the SFPD launched raids on North Beach topless bars, claiming they were in violation of US obscenity laws. A court case followed and Judge Leo R. Friedman found that the topless bars were not breaking obscenity laws in May. Opening graphic designed by Carrie Hawks.
Format
16mm newsfilm
Copyright
Young Broadcasting of San Francisco, Inc.