San Gabriel Valley : HOT CONTROVERSY
Pasadena’s Red Hot Theater / Cafe is expected to get a lot hotter today as erotic dancers clad in string bikinis take the stage for the first time since a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order that prohibits the city from restricting such activities.
The order by U.S. District Court Judge Audrey B. Collins Thursday takes away the city’s power to limit live entertainment at the club and allows “bikini dancing” until a full hearing Nov. 17, said Ben Kaufman, city special counsel.
The judge will decide then whether the club’s owners have a constitutional right to have topless dancers at the nightspot, which is near homes in the Hastings Ranch area.
“Obviously, I am very disappointed,” said Mayor William Paparian, in whose East Pasadena district the club is located.
“I am encouraging people from the surrounding family neighborhoods to make their feelings known in court.”
The club at 1347 E. Foothill Boulevard opens today.
At issue in next month’s hearing is whether Pasadena’s laws limiting adult businesses to commercial zones with a special permit violate the club owner’s First Amendment right of freedom of expression.
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