Comedy Club’s Neighborhood Support

I am writing to you in response to your article “Some Neighbors Not Humoring Comedy Club’s Request to Expand” (Feb 2). It pertains to the L.A. Cabaret’s request to permit dancing in the lounge and increase the authorized seating capacity to the level as it was when I purchased the club and as it remained for over two years as approved by the city.

In your second paragraph and throughout the article you report on the protest of the neighbors and the suggestion that they get no respect. The truth is that the many people who support the L.A. Cabaret did not get proper respect from your newspaper in this article.

Although you mention that about 60 persons attended the hearing, you failed to mention that only about 10% were opposed to the Comedy Club request. Your article also failed to mention that about 300 other neighbors submitted letters of support and petitions in support of the L.A. Cabaret, and that about 50 letters from charities thanking the L.A. Cabaret for hosting benefits and contributing to charitable projects were submitted at the hearing.

You also failed to mention the support from many television comedians who came to tell of how the L.A. Cabaret was responsible for the opportunity which allowed them to learn the business and be seen by the producers and agents who frequent the club in search of fine talent.

It is also important to note that the allegations made by a few residents gave no indication that they came from the L.A. Cabaret. In fact, some of the testimony was shown to be exaggerated and unfounded during the hearing.

We sympathize with those persons who live in back of Ventura Boulevard, but it is highly doubtful that the boulevard will return to vacant land as it once was. The only way to prevent the new vitality and growth of Ventura Boulevard is to ask that the residents it serves with products, services, food, fun and entertainment move from their homes. I feel certain that, if people did not choose to live close to the boulevard, business would not exist.

I have lived within two blocks of Ventura Boulevard since 1972 and feel that I share the feelings of a majority of neighbors. Property values increase dramatically close to the boulevard. Everything is convenient, and I feel the vitality of people close by. The drawbacks are similar to those of any neighborhood, but it has been my choice to live here.

I feel that there are positive solutions to the problems, such as better transportation, a better police service and better public cleaning. As our businesses grow, our families grow and our tax base thrives with our growth. We should work together to solve problems in a positive way for the betterment of the entire community rather than to allow a small minority to take away what has made us great.

RAYMOND J. BISHOP

Encino

Bishop is owner of the L.A. Cabaret Comedy Club.