Downtown club changes rules to make for safer environment.

environment safer. club black pearl has been a staple of el paso’s downtown union plaza district for eight years. in hopes of bringing in a more mature crowd the management has opted to raise the age limit. abc-7’s jerry najera is live with the story … rick estela the move has got some people takling. some like the idea –others don’t. but in working this story we’re also finding out that while this club owner is making changes to make the district safer police on the ground –in this location –will not be around. during the summer months the union plaza entertainment district could see thousands of party-goers over the span of a weekend. but in the past the district has seen a number of assaults, stabbings and even shootings. the incidents are making some think twice about going back. “we wanted to give the adults somewhere to come and have fun without having drama” rico torres is the manager at club black pearl. he tells me the club that has stood the test of time at the union plaza district.. is making a bold move. “january of this year w started the 25 and over night.. gentelmen you have to be 25 and over ladies can be 21 and over because we all know women mature more than men so 21 and over is fine for the ladies” “we’re very happy and supportiv that businesses like this are working to keep downtown safe” rudy vasquez is a spokesperson for the downtown management district. he says although there are incidents in the area it’s still relatively secure. “incidents are few and fa between they are very low..we are a safe downtown and as a result we are a safe city” torre tells me the club has new ownership and they’ve made changes to the club like adding a elegant vip room with silky drapes marble walls. “i’ve seen downtown transition it’s been ratchet, it’s been young, it’s been older, we just wanted to go to the direction where it’s time for us to step up into that older crowd” we contacted el paso police and asked for the number of officers on the ground during the weekends they sent this statement: “as far as officers that work that area they come from central command center. there are no dedicated officers assigned to work that area at this time. “officers from central respond when called and patrol when available” “there were officers assigned to work that area on friday and saturday night but the funding source ran out or had to be allocated elsewhere.” i spoke with another bar owner and told him about police not being dedicated and on the ground for the time being. he tells me he was shocked to hear the news saying he felt the police presence played a part in keeping the area secure. state senator jose rodriguez and other el pasoans are launching a campaign