OJAI : Planners Order Cartoon Off Awning

The monkey must go, the Ojai Planning Commission ruled Wednesday night.

The silk-screened cartoon of a bearded, big-eared monkey scratching his head and armpit must be removed from an awning at the entrance to an Ojai comedy club, commissioners decided.

Three out of six commissioners voted to deny a sign permit application from Joe Borgaro, owner of Ojai’s Laff Lounge.

Assistant City Planner Marilyn Miller told the commission in October that Borgaro had disregarded city regulations by erecting the awning and logo in September without a permit.

Commissioner David Hirschberg said Wednesday that the 18-inch-high monkey cartoon was not tasteful and would detract from Ojai’s reputation. Commissioners Ruth George and Lynn McConnell also voted against permitting the sign.

Marc Whitman, Marge Fay and Joe McAllister voted to allow the company to keep its sign. Since the permit application did not get a majority vote, it was denied. Committee members said, however, that they would approve the sign permit if the monkey is removed.

The awning faces Goldenwest Avenue and is part of The Ojai Valley Bowl building.

When the permit application was reintroduced Wednesday night, Miller told the commission that the monkey logo “is barely visible from the street.” Other Ojai business signs approved by the commission feature animals, including chickens and quails, she said.