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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Lehigh Valley Flavor: An Alternative Online Newspaper

He calls it an "E-Publication for THE PEOPLE." It's Alfonso Todd's Lehigh Valley Flavor, an eclectic look at life in the Lehigh Valley. Diverse articles span subjects as diverse as the Gothic Liberation Front (Good, but Misunderstood) to an interview with Jose Rosado, author of Being Good at Being Bad. Between these articles are fascinating pictures and pop art.

He also has published a strident defense of his Down Low/Catch 22 Nightclub, which Allentown is suing to close. "If you have problems with scores of 'black/brown kids and adults' coming into Allentown to spend money and give revenue to a supposedly 'cash-strapped' city and you mind having them roam the streets and 'expect' the police to be called, ask yourself if you have the same opinion when the Allentown Fair and The Mayfair comes to our area and bands of 'white' youth roam Allentown in search of recreation? I really hope it has not come down to THIS in the great city we live in."

Lehigh Valley Flavor is a mind-opening experience.

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

>I can assure all of the City leaders and those ill->informed and opinionated "rank and file" citizens >that the Down Low/Catch 22 is not a haven for >criminal activity.
Wow! Let Alfonzo spend a week merely observing criminal court. As one who must actively participate in the proceedings, I have first hand knowlegde. The night club district is TROUBLE. And thats not a black, brown, yellow or white thing. We all pay taxes, so what! That makes no one a saint.

Bernie O'Hare said...

You may be right, but I like the different perspective that comes from LV Flavor. I wish it was a blog. I'd like to see Alfonso go back and forth with you on this point.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to do it. Unfortunately I'd have to debate anonymously. Alas and Sorry. This after my last diatribe on a different post. Oh well.

Anonymous said...

Down Low/Catch 22 Nightclub - isn't that where the illegal dog fighting was taking place?

Anonymous said...

I LIKE HIS WEBSITE. I THINK ITS GREAT, I JUST WISH IT WAS EASIER TO POST COMMENTS, BUT MY COMPUTER HAS BEEN SLOW TODAY, SO MAYBE ITS MY COMPUTER.

IF YOU READ HIS FULL ARTICLE, I THINK HE HAS A POINT ABOUT THE CITY TRYING TO SHUT HIS CLUB DOWN. THE CITY DIDNT TRY TO SHUT DOWN BANANA JOES OR JETPORT...SO WHAT'S THE DEAL?

Anonymous said...

I thought the guy that owned Down Low was named Geza Frey.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Alfonso Todd has something to do w/ it. I'm not sure exactly what it is, whether it is part ownership or management or what, but he is involved in some capacity. This seems like a slam dunk for the city. That is the place that had dog fights. But when I read his post, I learn there's always another side.

Anonymous said...

they did shut down banana joes....and jetport isnt in the city. there have been numerous shootings / fights at this club...the city has the data and police calls to back this up. the owner assumes that because he kicks people out of the club and they fight outside that is not his problem, which is his logic that nothing happens "inside" of his club, just right outside of it's front door. this was by far one of the worst clubs in the city. hopefully, the holmes don't let him ride their "coattails" trying to get his license back to have all night "dance parties"

Anonymous said...

there is NEVER, EVER, another side to dog fighting.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, if you think there are two sides to dog fighting, you must be freaking sick, Thats like saying there are two sides to racism.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I don't think there is a positive side to dog fighting and intended no such implication. What I intended to imply is that there is A-town's side and the business' side about whether this place is a nuisance.

Anonymous said...

Fox says, "We report, you decide." Bernie you can say "I decide and then I report and then I spend all my time arguing about how right I am." It is not as catchy a phrase, but I think you know what I am saying.

Facts be damned.

Doesn't matter if there were dog fights in this fine establishment: if Bernie likes the guy who likes this establishment, than that is that. It is an excellent place.

No matter what Alfonso says, it must be true because Bernie, well, likes him and Alfonso's different perspective.

If Alfonso says this gentle club is being dumped by the city on because of a race thing, well, by golly, that must be true because Bernie likes Alfonso and his alternative view.

Sheesh.

Anonymous said...

Can't mitigate dog fighting. Anyone associated in any way is an animal abusing other animals. Will someone please call evil by its name when they see it? Good grief.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the "shout out" Bernie and now to answer some questions:
Anonymous may actively participate in court proceedings with "some" of the clientele of CATCH 22 but they do not represent the majority of those who come to the establishment. I also have first hand knowledge because I live, hang, and conversate with those you call TROUBLE and not ALL of them are criminal-minded, just the percentage you deal with; which is kind of an unfair representation since you don't get a well rounded view of the people or establishment, don't you think ?
I just don't see how everyone can say the nightclub district is bad news when more than likely they have never been there when it is in full swing. Again, I ask for everyone to come and visit. See for yourself and stop depending on second hand facts.
As for me, I do freelance club photography and have done so at CATCH 22 for years. I am not employed and have no ownership/interest in the club. I am an advocate because I believe the issue is BIGGER than the club itself. I believe the City needs stop focusing on the negative aspects of the individuals who are frequenting the club. I like to call us the "forgotten people" We are known by most as hooligans, criminals, burdens of society, lazy welfare recipients, no-goodniks, etc because of our dress, thought process, music, demeanor, etc and that in itself, is bias/misconception which I feel is REALLY pushing the City to close down CATCH 22. The City has NEVER reached out to Geza Frey and had a conversation about how they can work hand in hand and make it a place that would work in the "re-development" of Allentown. There are alot of good people in the so-called "ghettos" of A-town but how would you ever know if you don't venture out and see for yourself ?
Lastly, I am NOT riding on the "coattails" of Kari Holmes' incident. This issue was put out on April 1, 2008 and I believe her incident happened last week. I have been advocating racial justice for years. I got this from my father who actually participated in the Martin Luther King marches of the 1960's and years of living and learning about Black History. I have lived in the LV for 6 years and have experienced the positive and negative aspects of being a "person of color" but this hasn't affected my attitude toward people. So, I choose to keep it moving.....

Bernie O'Hare said...

Anon 3:30 & 3:44,

I never said it does not matter whether there are dog fights. I never said there was a good side to dog-fighting. I said there are two sides to every story, and I have only heard A-town's side. I spoke w/ Alfonso Todd on the phone once. I like his e-publication but know little about him. I am unwilling to condemn him because of something that happened there that I'm sure he did not sanction in any way.

Anonymous said...

What's the other side to dog fighting? Wow!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Hayshaker, I refer you to my comment above. Of course, I never would argue there's a "good" side to dog-fighting. My point, quite simply, is there are two sides to every story. If it was not sanctioned by the owner and he knew nothing about it, can he be held responsible? Was he negligent in entrusting the building to someone who would do something like that? Should he have known? These are the kinds of questions I ask. But I certainly condemn whoever knowingly participates in any way in any dog fight.

Anonymous said...

Anonn 3:47

Good luck with your quest for better relations. Any community can benefit from calm and thoughtful people. The problem with the club and some others is it doesn't matter who frequents them or what color the patrons are; the problem is unlawful behavior, rowdy and rude behavior. The Community cannot move forward regardless of how many meetings are held without certain principles clearly laid out.
As mentioned before the 'dogfighting ' incident. If it happened at the club you take pictures for, the club should be closed. There is no excuse or explaination for dogfighting.
The people before said Bernie tries to justify his positions after he has already decided. In some cases that is true he does find the 'facts' to fit the cause and 'dismiss' those he disagrees with. Overall he is not a bad guy, just a bit to highstrung.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Dude, the blog is about an e-publication. I quoted a paragraph because I thought it was a different perspective. I certainly don't condone dog-fighting. I do condone getting both sides to a story.

Angie Villa said...

I think it is important to hear a different perspective- one that we really don't hear too often at the local poli-blogs. When I wrote about the local club scene a while back, Alfonso left a comment that got me interested in hearing his POV. He's good at articulating it. It's of course much different than mine, but we both share a creative interest in improving the quality of life of all people through the arts. I met and spoke with Alfonso and I think it is great that he is speaking out, attending city "visioning" meetings and organizing events that will benefit the families living in the downtown area and everyone else willing to participate. He's doing something, not just talking about it.

Anonymous said...

The night club district at 3rd and Hamilton no longer exists as a direct result of this place.

The area was up and coming with larger and larger crowds at a growing number of establishments until this place set up shop (under various names) right in the center of it all.

One by one the clubs closed or began could no longer attract decent clientle with the Down low on the corner ready to explode every Friday and Saturday night.

This place was a magnet for criminal throughout the valley and beyond. This is one good move on the part of the Pawlowski administration.

Bernie O'Hare said...

You may be right. A court will decide.

Anonymous said...

Well, ANON, perhaps YOU believe the Nightclub district no longer exists but I guess the hundreds of people who go to CATCH 22, The Sterling, and Club Yes, would disagree. Remember, just because YOU don't go doesn't mean it doesn't exist. As far as the "criminal element" is concerned, I believe most are just upset because CATCH 22 serves a clientele that most would rather NOT see or deal with. But guess what, WE are here and we like to dance and have fun just like you do. Also, you just stated how CATCH 22 does EXPLODE on Fridays and Saturdays, which is true, it explodes with people having a GREAT time; so if he is operating a successful business with people, that supposedly, many don't want in THEIR establishments, it seems he is doing everyone a favor. And since he has upgraded security and procedures, people are safer than ever. As far as the dogfighting incident, it DID happen and it WAS resolved, so why is this the only excuse many use to close it down when people have literally been killed in parking lots and bathrooms in other bars and nightspots, that are still operating, throughout the Valley. Go figure....
Alfonso Todd

Geoff Brace said...

"I believe the City needs stop focusing on the negative aspects of the individuals who are frequenting the club."

I completely disagree. The city needs to focus on its negatives. Glossing over them gets nothing accomplished. Ignoring the negatives often times only serves a particular agenda. The city needs to focus on the negatives and resolve them. That is the only way the quality of life improves in the city.

I don't care who is holding a party in the parking lot across the street from my house at 3 AM. I'm not willing to look over that negative. If I'm correct in my understanding, bar owners can be held responsible for the behavior of their patrons after they leave a bar intoxicated. If this understanding is not accurate, then I would say that at a minimum there is a moral obligation.

Allentown stands to gain if it fully embraces its diversity. Embracing diversity, however, does not mean we have to tolerate businesses/clients that are disrespectful of the residents that live in the city. That isn't related to diversity. Respect for diversity can only be created in a climate of mutual respect, which includes respecting the well-being of our neighborhoods.

Anonymous said...

From WFMZ: "Officers have responded to 41 serious calls at the Down Low ... including what authorities described as an illegal dog-fighting operation, mayhem and melees, stabbings and shootings. The mayor says his patience has run out."

Sounds like a barrel of laughs Alfonso. Instead of expending energy defending this haven of crime, why not find a positive outlet? I'm sure there are other places you can go to have a good time, right?

Anonymous said...

I agree wit you GSBrace but there has to be a mutual sense of collaboration. I know the owner has personally went to City meetings and spoken to the Mayor and asked what he could do to improve the situation and no response has ever been given. He has been given appointments and the mayor cancelled them. He has spoken to the Police Commissioner and been stone walled, so he has taken matters into his own hands and done improvements. No one is asking for anything to be "glossed over" but for fairness from the City. Pure andd simple. Geza Frey has always wanted to do what is right for his customers and has done everything he can to appease the City, but the City needs to make an effort also. This cannot be a good guy/bad guy issue which is what it has been publicized as.
And ANON, I find that that defending the underdog is very positive. I don't believe I am wrong in my beliefs and advocation. It all comes down to your point of view, I guess. Either way, who says you can't fight city hall ?? (smile)

Alfonso Todd

Anonymous said...

If I understand this place correctly, it is an after hours club. ISn't that in and of itself just asking for trouble? What is the proprietor selling to make money? A cover charge? You get a bunch of people who have been drinking all night and then open another club at 2AM for them to continue drinking? Sounds like a bad move to me. And apparently, they have been cited for selling alcohol after 2 AM.

Anonymous said...

To answer your questions ANON, I wouldn't say an afterhours club is ASKING for trouble. It is a business that serves a clientele wh actually still want to have MORE fun. Many may not agree or like such an establishment, but that does not make the place wrong or right to have. It is a business that serves clients. CATCH 22 has a cover charge and an extensive menu. He serves everything from shrimp to chicken wings to hamburgers. He also has a large array of video games that can be played. (Think of a mini-Dave and Busters.) it IS a non-alcoholic club that serves sodas, water, and sports drinks. In the past some "entrepeneurial staff" attempted to sell alcohol but were caught. Geza explained all this to the officers and although he had nothing to do with the sales, he has new security that watches for staff and customers who have may continue to try to make these illegal sales. Again, I invite you and come and see for yourself. It is NOT as it has been portrayed. The crowd is as diverse as Allentown and everyone enjoys the dancing and vibe.

Anonymous said...

You keep saying the owner "has nothing to do with" this and that but he absolutely DOES. It doesn't matter if he himself knows alcohol is being sold. It is his business. The same can be said for the violence which has resulted in 41 police responses. I

Anonymous said...

By the way, "as it has been portrayed" to me is opening the newspaper and seeing another violent act at the Down Low. Funny I never see Starters or Tally Ho or any other bars connected with violence on such a regular basis.

Anonymous said...

ANON, I can tell, if nothing else, we can agree to disagree about this subject.
I wholly agree,that since he owns and operates the establishment, and even if he had been thousands of miles away, any incident that happens would be his responsibility. I must reiterate, though, that Geza has taken steps to prevent anything like the past events from ever happening again. And as far as those 41 police responses, those were not accumulated in one day, one month, or one year; those are a combined total of over 6 years. So if you do the math, that is relatively a small number of calls. The lady down the street complaining about the young whipper snappers with the booming car makes more calls. And as far as Tally Ho and Starters are concerned, they DO have their incidents and if the paper you read is the Morning Call then you will NEVER read about them. Please don't tell me you think the Mcall is NOT biased ? It's like this: Allentown is the BAD child, Bethlehem is the GOOD child, and Easton is like the red-headed step child. Everything is ALWAYS worse in Allentown, according to the Mcall. THIS is why I started my e-newsletter to report on POSITIVE people, places, and events because they DO exist, even in the supposedly, godforsaken A-town.

Alfonso Todd

Bernie O'Hare said...

It's like this: Allentown is the BAD child, Bethlehem is the GOOD child, and Easton is like the red-headed step child. Everything is ALWAYS worse in Allentown, according to the Mcall.

I hear that sentiment, but MCall really waited to publishj the story about how those LANTA changes were hurting people. Mayor pawlowski's $270 fine for violating campaign finance laws did not appear. I'm unsure whether the paper even reported the racial assault against Kari Holmes.

So we have one group saying the paper does not say enough positive things. We have another group, and I'm in this one, that claims that the paper gives Pawlowski a fairly easy time.

I suspect we're both wrong and both right.

Anonymous said...

I can assure you there are no melees, stabbings or shootings around Starters or most bars. It just doesn't happen.

Anonymous said...

Especially after 2:00 AM!! Time to go home, fellas.

Anonymous said...

I think the MC is best suited for the bottom of bird cages. That being said, please, enough with the they hate Atown. Atown is the MC's city they have overlooked things in Atown for decades in order to promote the city. There have been crimes committed in Atown that went unreported in past years after a phonecall.
So now the reason that the crime that occurrs at an afterhours club, gets reported is 'bias'.
Any club that creates as much trouble as that club creates for the city is bad news. If I lived near it I would be calling the police. I once lived near a club with a very 'white' clientle. There were fights and load cursing and I would call the police as other neighbors did until I moved.
Crime, and disrespectful behavior know no ethnic boundaries. So as has been stated many times, despite BO's need to be PC, there is no excuse for unlawful activity at such a club.

Anonymous said...

That's a big IF, ANON and it is MY point exactly. You DON'T live near CATCH 22 and have no idea what is going on as does the rest of the complaining folk. I and 3 other families actually LIVE above CATCH 22 in beautiful loft apartments and can truly say quietness is the norm. And like you said, if there is rowdiness and unlawfulness taking place, actions must be taken and they are. In fact his security personnel has been upgraded and procedures have
been implemented that have actually caused the banning of several individuals. SO, things have improved and are only getting better.

Anonymous said...

[QUOTE who="Alfonso"]Just for the record, the owner of CATCH 22 has implemented new procedures and updated his security personnel to keep the troublemakers out. Every person is ACTUALLY photographed before they can enter and if they refuse, then they don't get in. Actions have been implemented to improve the status of the establishment as well as protect the customers.[/QUOTE]

I just read the Morning Call article about this were Alfonso left this message.
Will someone explain to me the attraction of an 'after hours' club in downtown Allentown? Why is there a desire to gather at a place where crime occurs? What is the point of this? Aren't the owners of such an establishment asking for trouble? Aren't they liable for anything that happens? How do such owners make money if they are not selling alcohol? And why on earth would they go to the trouble and expense of photographing everyone who enters? What are they going to do, sue them?

Anonymous said...

OK, ANON, let me see if I can answer your inquiries completely:
Afterhours clubs are attractive to people, like myself, who are used to metropolitan areas where these clubs are the norm. In Miami, NYC, and Atlanta, many clubs regularly stay open until 5:00am. In towns like Allentown, 2:00am is the closing down point. Geza saw the clientele existed for a place to open until 5:00am. He saw the need and created a product/establishment. We aren't just young hooligans or thugs either. The crowd is very diverse in age and race. Why do we like to party until the crack of dawn ? It's simply because we can. (smile) It's enjoyable to dance and have a good time with others. And while you may not agree with our party culture, it certainly is not unlawful.
There is NO desire to gather at a place where crime occurs. In reality, crimes RARELY occur there. You may think so because of all of the negative publicity but if you average out the 42 calls in 6 years that have been made by the police and any other calls not reported, they would still be relatively small. The security now doesn't even allow people to loiter outside the club or sit in their cars. You either are in or out of the area. Period.
The point of Catch 22 is for people to have fun. You may enjoy going to a bar and watching a game, surfing the net, or going camping. We enjoy dancing, conversation, and meeting new people every week. We are no different than any other group of people who go to any other club in the area. The only thing that makes us stand out is the time in which we do so.
I don't believe the owner is asking for trouble. This is a business like any other. Is a liquor store asking for trouble when he opens ? Is a 7-11 asking for trouble when they open ? Was Starters asking for trouble when it opened ? Was Allentown Brewworks and Johny Mananas asking for trouble when they opened ? Each is a business who get different types of clientele. They all have rules and regulations that must be followed as long as they are in operation; and each is reponsible for the welfare of their customers as long as they are in the establishment.
The owner makes money off of the cover charge, his beverages that include sports drinks, water, and sodas, video games, pool tables, and his wonderful mini-diner that sells food like shrimp baskets, hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza, and more! Believe me, after dancing for hours, you do develop a thirst and appetite !
The photography is to capture the image of anyone who may cause problems in the club. This will allow security to know who is banned. It also deters troublemakers from doing any mischief. A person will think twice before acting up if they know their image is saved and can be used as evidence.
I hope i answered your questions.

Alfonso Todd