P-S-O and fans at the Industry

Zak Prescott, drummer with Lemon Grove punk band P-S-O, suggests culture clash caused Industry, an all-ages music venue in Chula Vista’s Eastlake area, to close in January.

The 250-capacity Industry hosted eight to ten shows a month, giving local bands Mizery and Take Offense the chance to play with touring headliners such as Turnstyle and Terror. Prescott says Industry closed after eight months because of the neighbors.

“Everyone was respectful of the neighbors,” says Prescott. “No laws were ever broken. There was no property damage.” But, “There were issues because sometimes there were shows during the week that started at six, while the dance-recital place next door [had events that] started at seven. I think what the [Industry fans] didn’t understand is that they would be too frightening to the people going to dance recitals in their quiet little complex in Eastlake…. I understand the landlord just didn’t want it there.”

Industry founder Francisco Garcia-Velasquez makes it clear it wasn’t a single business that quashed Industry. “People have a tendency to fear what they don’t understand. When you have a couple hundred punk-rock kids showing up, even though the show promotes a message of hope and acceptance and individualism, people are afraid because of the delivery method.”

Garcia-Velasquez says he would like to launch the second Industry in Chula Vista.

“I still believe in the passion of punk and hardcore,” says Garcia-Velasquez, a Methodist minister who finds a connection with those who thrash. “Our mission is to be a sacred space where social justice and the arts come together to make a difference in our community. Part of that work is to support and show solidarity for particular issues like LGBTQ, homelessness, and human trafficking…. I still get comments from when I did it last year saying I was going to hell for supporting gay rights. But, like the kids in the punk-rock community, they are marginalized. I will stick my neck out any day for the silent voices that aren’t being heard.”

Garcia-Velasquez just announced his first music event since Industry closed. “We are putting together a show at the South Bay Pride Festival September 9 at the J Street Marina.” He says punk, hardcore, and surf-rock bands will play from noon to 7 p.m.