LAGUNA BEACH : Motorcycle Parking Limits OKd at Eatery

After giving local bikers three months to persuade other Orange County motorcyclists to turn down the volume in the city, the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to impose motorcycle parking restrictions near a favorite hangout.

Residents have long complained about “throttle jockeys” who on weekends frequent Las Brisas Restaurant, located on Cliff Drive at the edge of Heisler Park. Local bikers blamed the problem on “rubbies” (rich urban bikers), a trendy subgroup of riders.

In September, the council considered imposing parking restrictions to force motorcyclists not to park in front of the restaurant, which is across the street from the Royal Tahitian Apartments, where many elderly people live.

But the council stopped short of that action when about 15 local bikers appeared in council chambers asking for time to solve the matter themselves, saying they could persuade visiting motorcyclists to tone it down.

However, on Tuesday, Police Chief Neil J. Purcell Jr. told the council the effort has made little difference.

“We tend to agree with residents of the Royal Tahitian and other residents there that there still is a problem,” Purcell said.

Local biker Rock Martin, who urged cohorts to be more quiet, also spoke at the meeting, saying his “heart goes out” to those bothered by the noise.

“It didn’t work out as well as we planned,” he said.

The council thanked Martin for his “valiant effort” and approved an ordinance requiring motorcyclists to park at the north end of the 300 block of Cliff Drive, out of view from the restaurant and away from the Royal Tahitian Apartments.

A spot has been set aside there for about six motorcycles and no additional motorcycles may park within 800 feet of that space. Bikers may also park in the lot behind the restaurant but Purcell said they choose not to because “they want to be able to park their bikes where they can see them.”

The ordinance also applies to motorized bicycles.

The decision was a victory for apartment manager Jinnie Barrie, who has long sought the city’s help in keeping her neighborhood quiet.

“I have nothing against motorcycles or their riders,” Barrie said Tuesday night. “But I do insist other people have rights too.”