City to decide fate of Marque in December City to decide fate of Marque in December (November 29, 2002)

Drunkenness, drugs, rape report cause concern
by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

The Pleasanton City Council will hold a hearing at its meeting Dec. 17 to determine whether or not to revoke the use permit for the Marque night club in the Crossroads Shopping Center on Hopyard Road.

The City Council voted 3-2 to hold the hearing in December, after Police Chief Tim Neal told them that investigations into a July crash on I-580 that killed four people just revealed that the two intoxicated young men who drove over the center divide had been drinking at the Marque that night.

"We believe the Marque does not control the premises in accordance with public safety," Neal said. "We think it is appropriate to revoke their use permit." He also voiced concerns about underage drinking, possession of drugs and a reported parking area rape.

Councilwomen Kay Ayala, Becky Dennis and Sharrell Michelotti wanted to hold the permit hearing as soon as possible to prevent any more tragedies, while Mayor Tom Pico and Councilman Matt Campbell felt they should honor their original agreement with the Marque to wait until January.

The council reviewed the conditional use permit in September after the city received numerous complaints from neighbors about noise at closing time, including yelling, loud music, screeching tires and alleged gunshots.

The council at that time noted that the club does fill a recreational need in the area and provide employment. It directed Marque owner Carlos Ratinho to move the club's entrance to the other side of the building and lower its occupancy to 200 patrons. It agreed to hear a progress report in a few months and to make a decision on the permit in January. Ratinho, who owns Mountain Mike's in Dublin, also said he planned to turn part of the Marque into a pizza parlor.

Complaints from the neighbors across Hopyard have decreased since the changes were made, but staff noted this is probably due to the colder weather. Now that the Marque entrance is on Inglewood Drive, the city has received complaints about noise from the Summerfield Suites hotel on Chabot Drive.

Ratinho's lawyer, Mark Cohen, addressed the council, saying that his client has complied with the council conditions, plus 18 others added by fire and police inspectors. He asked that the matter be continued until January because Ratinho is undergoing negotiations with the landlord.

The lease was due to expire Nov. 30 but staff noted that the council should consider revoking this permit for the location whether the Marque was there or not. The conditional use permit was originally given in 1995 for Cadillac Ranch, a country-western dance club and sports bar.

"Part of our plan was to review this issue in January," said Pico. "I still think January is appropriate."

But the three councilwomen disagreed. "My concern is something bad may happen in between now and then," said Councilwoman Dennis. "I don't want to be responsible for keeping this issue going any longer than necessary."