According to the Examiner, The Meters’ guitarist, Leo Nocentelli couldn’t make a reservation at Travelodge Central in San Francisco, …. because he was black! Jason Perkins, the manager of the Oakland venue The New Parish, who was used to place bands in this hotel, posted this on its Facebook page:
‘We just watched the manager of the Travelodge Hotel on Valencia in SF turn down The Meters' Leo Nocentelli's credit card saying he doesn't accept black people's credit cards anymore and would not check him in.
We have never been more embarrassed nor ashamed for this treatment of of a person in San Francisco. AWFUL. This happened in SF on Valencia St. Manager is Ginger Latu – tl@staysf.com – 41.5621.6775.’
'I was stunned. What is this 1954?’ added Perkins. And this is what Perkins told a friend according to the San Francisco Weekly:
‘I bought 4 rooms for the band and prepaid for them on debit card. After sound check, Leo and the band went to the hotel and tried to check in. The manager refused to accept 3 of 4 members credit cards for incidentals (4th member is Rich Vogel/white dude). Leo called me and (my family and I) drove to the hotel at 7:30 pm. I asked what the hell and manager pointed at 3 members and said he wouldn't accept credit cards and "those people" need to pay cash deposit. When I asked what did he mean by "those people" — he pointed at Leo and said "black people.'
I felt like I was hit in the face. It was stunning. I called the police and when they arrived, the police went through it with him and then he caught himself and said that they cannot check in any longer as he didn't feel "safe." He then refused to talk.’
The Weekly tried to call the hotel unsuccessfully but the Examiner went through and they were told by Travelodge Central manager, Michael W., that the hotel policy was ‘to deny access to those whose credit cards reflect insufficient funds’, but of course, when he was asked if Leo Nocentelli’s credit card had been run through for a credit check, he hung up the phone
How such a thing is possible in 2012? And people say racism is dead!! How naive… This is the website of the hotel, be sure to boycott the place if you stay in San Francisco!