SAN CLEMENTE : Council to Consider Jazz Club Proposal

A proposal to open a jazz club in a neighborhood shopping center, an idea opposed by some neighbors, will be considered at tonight’s meeting of the City Council.

The owner of the shopping center, Ray Campbell, and his partner, jazz musician George Butts, seek permission to convert a former bank building at 1001 S. El Camino Real into a nightclub.

But 62 residents near the center signed a petition opposing the club, saying it would bring noise, traffic, parking problems and the potential for drunk drivers.

“The jazz club would be better located in a strictly tourist area,” Shirley and Larry Dowell said a letter. “To think of a party-type atmosphere each night potentially takes away our rights to a peaceful, safe and quiet neighborhood to raise our families.”

City planner Jim Pechous said the project proponents submitted a rebuttal to the residents saying, “jazz club listeners are educated and aren’t the type to get drunk.”

The city Planning Commission has recommended unanimously that the council approve the jazz club permit.

Peggy Proestos, former city economic development director who recently resigned to take a job in Claremont, also supported the jazz club in a memo dated Aug. 30. The memo said sales tax from the proposed nightclub would help the city, and that jazz music was quiet and wouldn’t disturb the neighbors.

The council meets in City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio.