Case Still Pending but Nude Bar’s Foes to Party
Residents who have been fighting the opening of a nude juice bar are planning a victory party Monday and inviting the whole town--even though the court battle over the adult business isn’t over.
In December, a federal jury found that the city had the right to prevent the Pelican Theater from opening.
The club’s owners have since filed a motion for reconsideration. They are asking that the jury’s decision be overturned and that U.S. District Judge Alicemarie H. Stotler issue an order allowing them to open the business or order a new trial, Pelican attorney Roger Jon Diamond said Friday. The case will be heard Feb. 24.
In denying the Pelican permission to open, city officials said the business would not meet parking and landscaping requirements. Diamond said that his clients did meet the requirements.
Hundreds of residents who make up Citizens for a Better La Habra protested the Pelican at City Council meetings and at the juice bar site.
At the party Monday, residents will hear an update on the status of the court battle and will be urged to continue to oppose the business, said Rhonda Tommer, co-founder of the citizens organization.
She said the group’s leaders will ask residents to write letters to legislators, urging them to pass laws that would give cities the right to prohibit adult businesses.
The party is planned for 7 p.m. at La Habra Hills Presbyterian Church, 951 N. Idaho St. Information: (714) 491-3327.
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