Echoes of community conflict
The multiple-performance uses of Oceanview Pavilion sparks strife with neighbors
By Liz Soteros-McNamara 06/26/2008
Big name events at Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme are attracting a whole different kind of crowd in the form of neighbors concerned with increased noise and permitted alcohol consumption at the 575 E. Surfside Dr. property.
Residents of the Surfside Four Condominiums behind the Oceanview Pavilion have come together in the past year to oppose larger rock music groups from using the facility. Surfside Four sits directly behind the pavilion, and the Surfside Four Homeowners Association recently met with the facility’s officials to discuss concerns about night noise and event liquor licenses. The association members only protest the larger music events where liquor is served, not theater events or weddings. The group also wants to prevent the venue from obtaining a permanent liquor license.
“I should have the right to some peace,” said Surfside Four resident Mary Williams, who lives directly behind the pavilion (and is the mother of incoming Reporter managing editor Michael Sullivan).
“You can’t make everyone happy,” said Sharon Kloeris, Oceanview Pavilion’s Vice President of Marketing while preparing for Club Breeze, first of four Friday night youth dances for kids ages 14-20. She readied for the evening by preparing security to wand and search bags for approximately 300-400 Port Hueneme teenagers. All weekend events, from dances to rock concerts, are required to end by midnight, in accordance with the city guidelines for noise. “We run a very tight ship.”
Kloeris said the planning commission designated the space that is now Oceanview Pavilion for its growing community nearly two decades ago. The facility was empty for a dozen years before reopening four years ago. Current programs include the year-round adult daycare and, starting June 24, a free summer theater club for children. Kloeris said the facility gives back to the community, like their involvement with the Boys and Girls club. “These kids, a lot of them had never seen a performing arts theater,” she said.
Williams said she is concerned with the pavilion hosting events with as many as 1,100 people where the venue could potentially be serving alcohol. Williams is working to put together a petition to take to the Port Hueneme City Council for action against louder concerts and certain events with alcohol.
Community Development Director Greg Brown said the venue is required to get a temporary per-event license if they wish to serve alcohol, or a specific group such as Rotary may bring a current license with them to the pavilion.
The facility has had two reports of incidents this past April, including a knifepoint robbery. Both incidents, however, occurred on nights when the venue did not have a commercial event.
“I didn’t buy my house with the disclosure that they were going to bring in rock bands,” Williams says.
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