Dream Fest Drug Issues

Despite the recent death of a concertgoer from a drug overdose during a rave festival near San Francisco, officials aren’t planning on pulling the plug on the annual concert just yet.

Anthony Mata was admitted to San Francisco General Hospital over a suspected Ecstasy and methamphetamine overdose while attending this year’s Pop 2010: The Dream festival at the Cow Palace in Daly City May 29. He died the next day.

Mata was one of eight drug-related hospitalizations at the fest, police said. Five remained in critical condition at press time.

Festival promoter Jason Sperling of Skills DJ Workshop said in a statement that the company does not condone drug use at its events and takes every precaution to “provide a safe and secure atmosphere” for all concertgoers.

“Our company has been sponsoring this event for 12 years – the last three at the Cow Palace – and has safely hosted over 200,000 guests,” Sperling said. “We have a strong track record of working with local law enforcement and private security firms to ensure the safety of all of our patrons.”

Specific efforts included undercover police officers at the show and emergency medical technicians on site at the show, he added.

Daly City Police Capt. Cory Roay said the officers, part of a county narcotics task force, arrested about 75 people for possessing or selling drugs at the festival and confiscated roughly 800 Ecstasy pills, $16,000 worth of other drugs and $5,000 cash.

Roay said investigations into the drugs are ongoing and officials will likely discuss whether the rave will be allowed a repeat performance in the city.

“I think it’s fair to say there will be some scrutiny and likely some debate on whether this event will take place next year,” he said.
But Cow Palace CEO Joseph Barkett told the San Mateo County Times the venue isn’t rushing to ban similar events in the future.

“We are not going to rush judgment,” he said. “We feel that if we are dealing with reputable professional promoters … then we will consider [their] events.

“Absolutely, there was a tragedy here. But it’s a tragedy that’s not a result of our efforts but despite our efforts.”