City council debates adult zoning

A dissatisfied Long Beach City Council returne d a proposed ordinance that would have loosened restrictions on adult-only establishments to the city attorney's office on Tuesday for revision.

The proposed ordinance would have restricted adult-only businesses from being closer than 200 feet from residences, 500 feet from schools and 1,000 feet from other similar businesses.

At the meeting, some council members said they wanted to retain the current required distance between adult-only establishments and schools, which is 1,000 feet, and include parks and churches.

Similar restrictions were declared unconstitutional in May by the U.S. Supreme Court, in a dispute over a Los Angeles law resembling the one currently under debate in Long Beach.

The council also discussed imposing a moratorium on permits for new adult-only businesses in the city, but no action was taken. However, the council did vote to incorporate downtown's special zoning laws into the revised ordinance, which is expected to be completed in three weeks.

Downtown Long Beach was originally left out of the proposed ordinance because it has its own zoning laws that were established in lieu of the improvements being made in the area.

"My investments are not downtown in buildings," Jeff Kellogg, 8th district councilman, said to the other council members. "My investments, like everyone (else's here), are in neighborhoods."

All members of the council agreed that an ordinance would eventually be passed, but said they felt the city's image was more important.

"This is certainly a very political issue," Jenny Oropeza, 1st district councilwoman, said, "but it is an issue that we must pursue as a city."

There is only one topless bar within city limits, Angel's, which is on the west side of Pacific Coast Highway, and city attorney officials reported only one inquiry into establishing another adult- only club in town.

Although there is not yet much call for adult-only clubs in Long Beach, several adult bookstores line Atlantic Avenue, which runs through Kellogg's district.

The 7th district councilman, Mike Donelon, said he was appreciative of those members of the community who spoke out during the public forum part of the meeting. He praised the citizenry for stepping forward and speaking out against the proliferation of adult-only businesses.

"We have to send (the proposed ordinance) back and adopt (one) ourselves, or the courts will force it on us," Donelon said.