THOUSAND OAKS : Petitioners Seek Ban of Adult-Rated Films

Petitions asking the Thousand Oaks City Council to oppose racy films such as the current hit “Showgirls” are swirling through the Conejo Valley, with organizers vowing to run the nudity-filled movie out of town.

Manufacturing executive Roy T. Thorsen said Wednesday that he has collected hundreds of signatures from residents opposed to permitting NC-17-rated movies in Thousand Oaks.

“It’s a violation of our community standard,” said Thorsen, a 29-year resident. “We request that the City Council take whatever action that might be appropriate to eliminate such screenings from our community.”

Thorsen told the council on Tuesday that it should consider going to court to prevent adult-themed movies from playing in Thousand Oaks.

The “nudity, erotic sexuality, graphic language and sexual violence” in “Showgirls” and other NC-17 films would undermine the quality of life in the Conejo Valley community if allowed to proliferate, Thorsen said.

Councilwoman Elois Zeanah agreed, calling on her colleagues to adopt a resolution opposing the showing of adult-themed movies in Thousand Oaks.

City Atty. Mark Sellers said his office had received a number of inquiries about whether local officials have the authority to prevent such screenings. But he said state legislators set guidelines regulating pornography.

“Showgirls,” which grossed more than $8 million last weekend, is now playing at the Conejo Village 2 theater on Hillcrest Drive and numerous other Ventura County locations. Ticket sellers are requiring identification to verify age to enter the auditorium.

A spokeswoman for Mann Theaters in Van Nuys declined to comment on the petitions.