By Roman Wolfe
Snoop Dogg’s upcoming appearance at The 2nd Annual Monterey Music Summit in California has angered some local residents and county officials, who are afraid the rapper’s appearance at the concert could spark gang violence.
Yesterday (May 7), the Monterey County Board of Supervisors reached an agreement with Joe Fletcher Presents Inc. and issued a permit for the rapper’s performance on May 31, but under tight security.
According to The Salinas Californian, the Board of Supervisors’ permit calls for metal detectors at the front entrance and undercover Monterey County Sheriffs at the event.
Organizers have also banned all firearms in the venue, except for on-duty law enforcement officials.
Finally, extra security searches of Snoop Dogg, has entourage and any vehicles will take place before the rapper is allowed to perform.
The three-day festival, which takes place from May 30 - June 1 at Laguna Seca, aims to promote peace and eco-friendly behavior.
Snoop, who is an admitted Crip gang member, has renounced the street life and actively works to rehabilitate gang members, although he has made international headlines for his run-ins with the law.
Salinas has been plagued with gang violence in recent years, but sources told AllHipHop.com that tension exists mainly between The Norteños and The Sureños gangs, as opposed to any warring Crip or Blood faction.
Other confirmed acts performing during The 2nd Annual Monterey Music Summit include The Crystal Method, Ozomatli, Taking Back Sunday, Ky-Mani Marley and others.
Over 5,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event, which will also donate $1 dollar per ticket sold to local community group’s attempting to end gang violence.