Emmanuel Singh, owner of couchdate in Frank Ogawa Plaza, experienced a shooting incident that prompted him to seek city support. Despite his efforts to advocate for help, including a rent reduction, his business received no assistance. Singh announced his decision to close couchdate, blaming the city's lack of support and the issuance of multiple citations. In response, city officials stated they provided creative solutions and suggested Singh's business violated regulations. The situation highlights tensions between local entrepreneurs and municipal governance in fostering safe community spaces.
Singh remarked, "I have been breaking my back doing my job - bringing art and culture to this neighborhood. It's time you showed some support."
Three months later, Singh announced couchdate will leave its downtown location on July 26 due to the city's failure to provide support after the shooting.
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