Shut-down nightclub says fight not over

The Marysville City Council unanimously denied the appeal to reopen downtown night club Planet Rock - but it might not be the end of the debate.

“They should have taken the time to consider more of what we were saying,” said Planet Rock lawyer Garcia Garza.

“We are considering whether or not to seek a writ to overturn this denial,” he said.

A writ in court would challenge the decision to revoke Planet Rock's use permit.

City Planner Gary Price said the council's decision Tuesday night to deny the appeal reflected city staff's suggestions.

“The staff made a recommendation to the council to uphold the Planning Commission's decision, and they did,” Price said.

Police Chief Jack Beecham responded to Planet Rock's accusations that police exaggerated a crowd control incident involving the response of about 50 law enforcement officers.

“I think we handled it very professionally. We estimated about 2,000 people in the downtown area,” Beecham said.

“Regardless of who the crowd was, or their reason for being there - some of them were out of control, and our officers did a great job responding along with other agencies,” he said.

City officials said the council's decision to keep the club closed is final.

“The City Council's action was final in terms of what the city will do, unless it's adjudicated,” Price said.

Garza said a decision hasn't been made whether to challenge the city's decision to shut down the club.

The attorney said he's already filed a lawsuit against the club's former owner, Jack Mogghadam, Marysville and a Marysville police officer regarding alleged damages caused to Planet Rock after it was shut down in July.

Garza said the civil complaint was filed around Thanksgiving. He expects a response from the defendants within the next couple weeks.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Breeana Laughlin can be reached at 749-4724. You may e-mail her at blaughlin@appeal-democrat.com.