FOUNTAIN VALLEY : City Says It Has No Cause to Close Cafe

A recent shooting outside a Vietnamese cafe, in which one man was slain and two others were wounded, has spurred neighborhood residents to demand that city leaders shut down the business.

But city officials said there are no grounds to close the Gia Hoi Cafe, located in a shopping center near the corner of Edinger and Magnolia avenues.

In response to concerns, police and city officials at Tuesday’s City Council meeting offered ways residents can help to keep their neighborhood safe.

Police Chief Elvin G. Miali told residents who packed the council chambers that a Neighborhood Watch program should be established.

Mayor Laurann Cook, who lives in the neighborhood, volunteered to host an organizational meeting in her home. No date has been set.

A police officer has been assigned to act as a liaison between residents and the Police Department so citizens can report any suspicious activities or other concerns about the cafe. Police have increased patrols in the area.

Cook urged residents to report any suspicious activities at the cafe to police, saying, “We need you to be our eyes and ears.”

City officials said the cafe is not violating any city codes. However, there have been complaints about loud music coming from the cafe, which had installed a karaoke system that has since been removed.

Miali said the shooting on Oct. 20 was not gang-related and police do not have a motive for the crime. One suspect is in custody, and police are working on leads concerning others who were involved, he said.

Hayward P. LeCrone, attorney for cafe owner My Nguyen, who opened the coffeehouse a year ago, said his client’s business should not be shut down, pointing out that the shooting happened outside his establishment.