Nightclub Badly Damaged in Suspicious Fire

Arson investigators are trying to determine the cause of an early morning fire that roared through a popular Ventura nightclub Friday and forced it to close temporarily.

The fire began outside Rumors on Main Street about 4:30 a.m. It quickly found its way inside, severely damaging the roof, floor and bar area before being extinguished by city firefighters. Damage is estimated at more than $40,000.

“It is considered suspicious at the moment,” said Ventura Fire Department Battalion Chief Rod Smith.

Standing in the middle of the closed club Friday night, owner James Dean questioned whether the fire was set because the club caters to a largely gay and lesbian clientele.

He said it’s not uncommon for people to drive by and yell anti-gay slurs or to throw trash and eggs at the club’s front door.

The Fire Department sent 24 firefighters and five engines to the scene. Police and fire investigators said they are looking at all possible motives.

A witness told police that a man was seen throwing an unknown liquid at the front door moments before the fire broke out. The man ran off through a parking lot near the club, the witness said.

Club Manager Lori Nelson surveyed the blackened floors, the gaping hole in the roof and people sweeping up the soot.

“We will be opened by May 5--Cinco de Mayo,” she vowed. “We have to be. I have all the plans made and all the people are coming.”