San Gabriel Valley : DANCE FEVER

More than 300 residents packed the Pasadena City Council chambers to demand that the city shut down an adult entertainment club in their neighborhood.

Dancers took to the stage of Red Hot Theater / Cafe’s stage last week after U.S. District Judge Audrey B. Collins issued a temporary restraining order at the club’s request, prohibiting the city from regulating such entertainment until a Nov. 17 hearing.

At Monday’s council meeting, residents turned in a petition with the signatures of more than 1,600 people opposed to the club at 1570 E. Foothill Blvd.

“We are here to clearly state and say to you as our representatives: It is not possible to allow an erotic dance club to be part of our neighborhood,” said Pastor Stephen Green of the First Church of the Nazarene.

Others echoed concerns about crime and prostitution. “Please don’t compromise our safety and security and property values in East Pasadena,” said Greg Jones of the Lower Hastings Ranch Neighborhood Assn.

Mayor William Paparian asked the crowd to attend the hearing in the downtown federal courthouse, and vowed that the city would fight the club. Club attorneys argue that Pasadena’s laws restricting adult businesses to commercial areas with special permits violate owners’ freedom of expression.