Simi Laser-Tag Arcade OKd Despite Concerns

Plans for a new laser-tag arcade in Simi Valley have been approved by the city despite concerns by some parents that the simulated gun play could set a harmful example for area teen-agers.

A group of Simi Valley community leaders Tuesday night embraced the concept of a laser-tag arcade at the west Simi Valley site now occupied by the Earthquake Service Center. They said they view the proposed game as an appealing draw for local youths.

But some parents said they would not send their children to the arcade because they believe it could blur the sharp line between serious violence and fun.

“It’s a war-type game, and in this era of violence, I can’t be a big fan of that type of game,” said Ed Reshew, a Simi Valley parent who heard a presentation on the game Tuesday night. “But I think that is a decision that all parents have to make for themselves.”

The game gives children and adults 15 minutes to scamper through a maze of mirrors, pillars, smoke and lights with weapons resembling laser-type guns. Two teams compete, trying to disable the other team’s weapons and cross into each other’s territory.

Arcade developer Anthony Greco told neighborhood leaders Tuesday evening that he hopes to draw participants of all ages from Chatsworth to Thousand Oaks. Greco could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

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But many who heard his presentation said the high-tech laser game sounded like a blast.

“It seemed like so much fun I can hardly wait for it to be built,” said Theresa Berenger, president of one Simi Valley neighborhood council. “It’s going to be a new outlet for real family entertainment.”

Despite the enthusiasm, some local experts on teen-age violence argued that simulated gun play will numb children to the harsh realities of crime.

“Turning violence into a game teaches children that there is no realistic consequence to shooting someone,” said Glenda Barnard, a Thousand Oaks parent whose son was shot and paralyzed by another child.

“There’s certainly the chance that one of these kids will pick up a real gun without understanding the pain it can cause someone,” she said.

The arcade is especially problematic, they argue, because teen-age violence is of growing local concern. A recent school district survey suggested that a startling number of students are carrying weapons onto Simi Valley campuses.

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“Recreation activity that promotes violence or violent behavior creates problems for the schools,” said Ronald Stephens, director of the Thousand Oaks-based National School Safety Center.

“Allowing something like laser tag or anything like that to come to Simi Valley, given the problems they’ve been having, raises some serious questions,” Stephens said. “Certainly, more thought might have gone into the decision to approve this.”

Wolf Ascher, the city’s deputy planning director, said his department approved a special use permit for the center Tuesday after receiving only positive feedback about the arcade.

He also said Simi Valley police officials added requirements, such as a security guard and constant adult supervision, to ensure safety at the arcade.

And police officials contacted Wednesday said they believe the 9,000-square-foot arena planned for Tierra Rejada Road will curb violence by keeping teen-agers off the street.

“Anything that gives kids something to do that’s not out on the street is a good thing,” said Diane Sliester, the Simi Valley police officer who reviewed the project.

A similar arcade in Oxnard, called Laserstar, has given police little trouble since opening last year, police say.

Operators of that arena said the games appeal to people of all ages, from young children who play at birthday parties to adults who participate to help relieve stress.

“This can be a really fun and entertaining experience for the entire family,” said John Henigin, general manager of Laserstar.

“Obviously, this appeals to 17-year-old boys,” he said. “But if you run the place right it can be appealing to a really wide range of people.”

Heidi Svoboda, a Simi Valley parent who saw plans for the Simi Valley arcade, said she is optimistic that it will ultimately benefit the community.

“A few of us were talking about violence,” she said. “But I think it’s a much better alternative than some of the entertainment that’s already out there.”

“It just seemed like it would be a lot of fun,” she said.