Oy! Bartender's logic really escapes me sometimes.

By Joy A. Kennelly

I've been really trying not to blog about the stupidity of this whole bar issue, but this letter to the editor really got me going. Either I'm getting real old, or bartenders are really dense. Or maybe both. I just can't fathom her reasoning and just have to comment.

Here's what I wrote on This is Hermosa re: Blue 32. (BTW, read the reviews on this place - lots of references to over-crowding, dancing etc. Nice mix of opinions and obviously not written by bartenders who work there, just real people telling it like it is. Also, revealing how this bar consistently is breaking their Conditional Use Permit. Very interesting.)

Now here's my This is Hermosa post with some added notations:

"This letter was in today's Beach Reporter. I think what this "Wealthy Gener" is missing is that her bar, Blue 32 (click for my earlier post on them and others mentioned in her letter), consistently breaks the law and that doesn't seem to bother her which surprises me. Don't ask me why it does, it just does. I guess if it feels good, do it seems to be the message.

We're not disputing the good people who own, work and operate Blue 32, just the fact that when they moved into the neighborhood they said they would be a restaurant and all that that entails - 50/50 food, no dancing, no over-crowding etc etc. You know. A grown up establishment, not a Hollywood wannabe.

We don't need more nightclubs, just restaurants. I'm sure it's a grand place and may visit when I'm in town, but for now would appreciate it if it was simply a restaurant that abided by their CUP. That's all we are asking and that's all the Planning Commission is enforcing.

Is that too much to ask? Is that wrong? I don't think so and apparently lots of other people don't either. We're not "taking the bars down" just politely requesting that you don't take yourselves down by irresponsible behavior and allow illegal activity to occur over and over and over again.

No matter if you think it's stupid or irrelevant. It's what your owners agreed to abide by when they moved in. If they didn't like the terms, maybe they shouldn't have set up shop there. I know, it's been going on for so long why stop now.

Because maybe it's time for the law to be enforced and the residents to have a nicer place to live rather than be over-run with establishments that claim to be one thing when they're another.

Have fun, have a drink, or two or three, but also serve enough food to offset the alcohol like a restaurant does. Stop with the nightclub act and the dancers and over-crowding your tiny space and simply be a restaurant. It works for Mediterraneo, it can work for you too.

BTW, was Blue 32 listed in the Best of anywhere in the Easy Reader? If so, I missed it. Please let me know because I'd love to hear what Blue 32's claim to fame is other than a bartender's opinion of the establishment. Anyone? Anyone?

Now without further ado, here's her letter and I quote:

"Good people in Hermosa’s bars

It’s my understanding that the city of Hermosa Beach believes that Blue 32, Shore and the Dragon are “naughty, naughty” bars. I happen to be a bartender at Blue 32 and though the Planning Commission tries to bring us down, the people of Hermosa keep coming and enjoying themselves. So, dancing and popularity in a bar is a hazard according to the commission. I’m glad to work and live in a town where this is the biggest scare in my life. The eight assaults/violations stated were over a period of three years; I’ve had more problems with my loved ones in one week than this. It’s my opinion that having an upscale bar that provides fun and entertainment is something that Hermosa Beach needed and now has. Locals rave about such nice additions to their town. Having to drive to downtown L.A. for an upscale bar increases drinking and driving, and that’s something to worry and complain about.

I’ve been working at Blue 32 since it opened in 2005 and I can honestly say it’s where I usually start and end up on my nights off, out on the town. I’ve never felt like my life was in danger. The people who frequent there are good people and the people who own and work there, I’ve never felt more comfortable to be around. The commission would be mistaken to think anything else and to bring these bars down would be taking away what brings life to Hermosa Beach.

Wealthy Gener, Hermosa Beach"

Comments

[Joy Kennelly]

I've had time to sleep on my comments re: this issue and realize I probably came down a little more harshly than I would normally because I've been angry over another situation in my personal life.

So, I'm sorry Wealthy for my tone in responding. I stand by the statements I made, just the attitude with which I made them were wrong.

Thanks.
JOY