City's official statement on Bastards sports bar

The city of Downey released the following statement regarding Bastards, the controversial new sports bar scheduled to open this month at 2nd Street and Downey Avenue:The City has recently received several complaints from concerned residents regarding the name of an upcoming restaurant in Downtown Downey. The City is definitely sensitive to the fact that the new name may be offensive to some - it is not a word usually used in polite conversation. City officials are hoping that the military story behind the name will help make residents more comfortable with it. In a statement made by "Bastards" business owner, Nick Velez, the name comes from "Magnificent Bastards," a nickname for the 2nd battalion 4th Marines infantry unit and serves to pay respect and honor those who served in the unit. The City can regulate the size and placement of a business sign and can meet with business owners to encourage that they choose a business name that is appropriate for the community and will help them to succeed in Downey. However, the Supreme Court has already said the City is not allowed to regulate what the sign actually says - it is a matter of free speech.

********** Published: May 10, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 04