Panel Rejects Nude Dance Club Proposal

Nine months of fretting over the prospect of a nude dance club ended in a simple, one-minute vote Wednesday rejecting the project.

With a roomful of angry residents determined to keep the strip joint out of their quiet hometown, the Simi Valley Planning Commission voted down the club--saying it would be too close to a neighboring karate studio and Bible study center.

The city’s municipal code forbids adult entertainment businesses from opening within 1,000 feet of religious establishments or within 500 feet of businesses catering to youths.

“I just can’t imagine how a business like that can be compatible with what’s there,” said commission Chairman Richard Kunz.

“Since they’re there, the code says you cannot operate this kind of business in that area,” said Commissioner Robert Swoish. “I don’t feel I have much choice.” A fifth member, Dean Kunicki, recused himself from voting because he had consulted months ago with the owner of the Bible study center.

Club developer Philip Young did not attend the meeting. His attorney, Roger Diamond, said he plans to appeal the decision to the City Council and to pursue legal action against the city.

“We didn’t come this far to abandon the project at this stage,” said Diamond, who appeared at the meeting with two bodyguards.

The proposed Mirage Cabaret, which would be situated near the intersection of Los Angeles Avenue and Sinaloa Road, has generated fierce opposition throughout the city. Steve Frank, who is leading the fight against the project, presented the commission with 10,000 signatures opposing the club.

Other residents spoke out Wednesday night, saying the business would destroy their community’s character.

“We don’t want it here,” said Russ Hopkins of Simi Valley. “He knows that. Why doesn’t he just let us have our peace and take it somewhere else.”

Rick Martin agreed.

“He doesn’t offer to bring anything positive to our community,” he said. “He doesn’t offer to bring anything positive to our children.” Diamond argued that Young should be allowed to use the property as he saw fit.

“Because what this case is about is property rights, with a twinge of First Amendment thrown in,” the attorney said.

That argument did not convince resident Louise Metcalf. “Freedom of speech?” she asked. “I don’t see how anyone is free if they are addicted to pornography.”

Diamond also argued that the karate studio and the Bible study group had moved in only after the strip club was proposed. The two businesses did not require the extensive approval process needed for an adult entertainment club.

“They both came after the fact,” Diamond said. “They only went in there for the purpose of killing the project.”

In other respects, the club Young hopes to open would adhere closely to city standards for adult establishments, standards created by the City Council last fall in anticipation of the project. Nude dancers would perform on a stage at least 600 feet large and 30 inches high. Patrons could sip nonalcoholic beverages and munch prepackaged snacks. Seats would be attached to the floor.

This marks the second time Young has tried to open a nude dance club in conservative Simi Valley. In 1993, the city rejected his plans for a club called the Dancing Bear, prompting Young to sue the city.

Young has placed that lawsuit on hold during the current application process. If the Mirage Cabaret is rejected by the council, as well, Diamond said his client will press forward with his suit.