Pomona Council sets hearing to review activities at downtown business

POMONA - For months the city and representatives of Angelo's Pizzeria worked to develop a proposal modifying the business's conditional use permit.

This week City Council members opted to hold an evidenciary hearing and then determine how to deal with concerns linked to activities at the business.

Council members on Monday scheduled the hearing for 6 p.m. Oct. 7 in City Hall.

The East Second Street business was granted a conditional use permit in 2007 that gave it authorization to serve alcohol and have entertainment, Assistant City Attorney Andrew Jared said at this week's council meeting.

Over time changes occurred at the business including attracting crowds that exceeded its capacity, reports semi-nude go-go dancers performed there and other complaints, he said.

As late as last month Pomona police responded to a fight at the establishment that required more than a dozen officers, according to a city staff report.

The city brought its concerns to the attention of the property owner in late February with a notice of correction, Jared said.

Negotiations to address the issues began in June which resulted in a proposal city staff presented to City Council members Monday

The proposal contained "a set of conditions Mr. (Jason) Abboud felt could live by," Jared said, referring to the owner of the business.

However, those were "not necessarily staff's preferences," he said.

Among the recommendations was improving security and changing the hours of operation, a city staff report said.

Stuart Miller, lawyer for Abboud, said a series of personnel changes have been made at the business that has already started to produce positive results.

Among the changes made was bringing in a new security manager.

"City staff is well justified but the areas of concern can be resolved," Miller said.

During this week's meeting supporters and opponents of the business brought their comments to the council.

One supporter, Oleena Davis, said she lives on the floor above the business.

"I really don't see a reason to revoke" the permit, she said, adding what that part of the street needs is more activity.

Opponents urged council members to examine the situation carefully since the business doesn't resemble what it started out as.

"When did this become a club? It was Angelo's Pizza," said Pomona resident Hank Fung.

Councilwoman Paula Lantz said she realized the business had made some changes but that wasn't until recently following the fight at the business.

"All of a sudden the light goes on," she said.

Councilman Freddie Rodriguez said the city needs to act.

"My biggest concern is that if we don't do something about this it could lead to a death," Rodriguez said.

At the October hearing the council will function as a panel of judges and both sides will present evidence, Jared said.

The council will be able to address the concerns using the recommendations offered by the city's staff or they can add to it or take from it, he said.

"When they hear the evidence they can take whatever action they deem is appropriate," Jared said.

Council members will be able to modify, suspend and or revoke the business's conditional use permit, he said.

Councilman Steve Atchley said Tuesday the hearing process could be a long one.

The process will be "expensive and time-consuming," Atchley said.

It still may be possible to work out an agreement that doesn't require the extensive hearing process, he said.

Mayor Elliott Rothman said Tuesday there will be work ahead for the council.

"There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed," he said. "But you want to look at the entire case."