By: Michelle Tepper
If you happen to live in Encino, then you may have noticed a new nightclub in the old El Torito Restaurant space that had been abandoned for over a year. A Gentlemen’s club called Mermaids Gentlemen’s club has recently opened without regard to the community outburst. If you are opposed to belligerent drunk men stumbling from the “cafe” into the park where our children play and not to mention, the pre-school at the park, scantily dressed women hanging around the exterior of the bar at all hours, then please voice your opinion to Paul Koretz’s office at:
Shawn Bayliss
Planning Deputy
Office of Councilmember Paul Koretz
(818) 971-3088; Fax: (818) 788-9210
Email: Shawn.Bayliss@lacity.org
Here is the latest information from the Encino Neighborhood Council regarding the action being taken against the club:
To: Members of Homeowners of Encino
and Encino Residents
From: Gerald A. Silver,
Pres. Homeowners of Encino
#333 ENCINO COMMUNITY UPDATE
UPDATE ON THE MERMAIDS CAFE/ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE Atlantis Mermaids Gentleman’s Club Examiner Hearing
- The hearing for the Atlantis Mermaids Gentleman’s Club has been scheduled to be heard before the HEARING EXAMINER on:
- Monday May 10th at 9AM.Police Administration Building, Board Room100 West First Street, LA
NO PUBLIC TESTIMONY WILL BE TAKEN.
The attorneys involved will have a forum to hear testimony from police, code enforcement etc. and to take cross-examination testimony.
THE PUBLIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THE HEARING TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS.
NO COMMENT OR DISRUPTION WILL BE ALLOWED.
Shawn Bayliss
Planning Deputy
Office of Councilmember Paul Koretz
(818) 971-3088; Fax: (818) 788-9210
Email: Shawn.Bayliss@lacity.org****
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 11:56 AM
Jeffrey Ebenstein <jeffrey.ebenstein@lacity.org> (Councilman Paul Koretz)
Friday, Apr 23, 2010
ENDING A NEIGHBORHOOD NUISANCE IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
- Hi , I hope you are doing well. I just want to update on Mermaids. The Councilman, Shawn and myself attended and spoke at the hearing re: Mermaids. Below, I have provided a synopsis of what transpired:
- Mermaids is the latest in a series of clubs affiliated with the same owner-operator and located on an Encino site that was once home to the original El Torito family restaurant. There have been many reports of nuisances disturbing and afflicting the local neighborhood: past violations included service of alcohol without a license and service of alcohol past 2:00 a.m.
- A recent undercover investigation by LAPD Vice Officers and Building & Safety found a multitude of alleged violations and serious concerns, echoing the angry complaints of people living in the area. Issues raised have included possible public intoxication, scantily clad employees giving lap dances, late night partying and patrons littering and urinating on surrounding properties upon leaving the club.This undercover investigation was conducted at the instigation and urging of Councilmember Koretz.
Councilmember Koretz, local residents and neighborhood groups attended the Police Panel hearing and called for action against Mermaids.
The Panel seemed very receptive to the Councilmember and the community. Because the City Attorney requires a few weeks to complete all the necessary legal paperwork, the Panel agreed to take legal action at a subsequent hearing. At the request of Councilmember Koretz, the Panel will hold that hearing at the very beginning of next month, which is much sooner than would normally occur.
Councilmember Koretz explained, “We are doing everything in our power to protect this community by getting rid of a neighborhood nuisance as quickly as possible.”
****
Los Angeles Daily News – 04/26/2010
