Dear Editor:

Regarding recent coverage and letters on the subject of Ojos Locos cantina, the proposed development of Ojos Locos is problematic for at least a couple of reasons.

First is the fact that existing cantinas’ operations have been a drawing card for criminal activity at other locations. It doesn’t matter that an opening in Downey would be the first Ojos Locos in California; the record of operations in other states reflects a risk that Downey should not have to “underwrite” in our community.

Second, the location proposed for operation is in the midst of community activities that are the antithesis of the Ojos Locos operation. Specifically, two high schools, a retirement home and churches are within blocks of the current planned location; perhaps a location in a more industrial area would pose less risk to the community.

There are a sufficient number of people concerned about this project that opinions will continue to be expressed both before and after any cantina opening. We ask the Ojos Locos group to reconsider.

Dora Basurto and Howard Friedman
Downey

Dear Editor:

I’m a little surprised by so many opponents to a new business here in what I thought was a welcoming city of Downey. I thought this was America, the land of the free.

I have a little suggestion to others who oppose the Ojos Locos establishment: do not go. If you are afraid of your children going, parent them.

Joseph Simms
Downey

Dear Editor:

I, for one, am so pleased that Ojos Locos is arriving in our beautiful city. As a proud woman and Latina, I am thrilled that a business that empowers women to value all of their assets in the workplace, and empowers them to be financially independent.

It is their right to choose to work there, just like it is your right to choose to patronize this business or not.

I will be supporting this business with my children regularly because it will teach them to value all that an independent woman brings to the table. God bless this establishment and all that it will bring to our great city.

Megan Ortiz
Downey

Dear Editor:

Scantily clad or provocatively dressed women do not provoke criminal behavior in and of themselves. More is needed.

The provocativeness comes from the fact that they provoke, conjure, or cause thoughts in some people, especially members of the opposite sex, who may be attracted to them for various reasons. These thoughts range from harmless to harmful to even dangerous and criminal. The matter is relative, but the risk is always there, that provocation will fall on the wrong side of this range.

The proposed sports bar called Ojos Locos loosely translates to “crazy eyes,” “crazed eyes” and “evil eyes” and it is the “crazy” part that has a lot of Downey worried because the risk of dangerous or criminal provocation definitely increases, according to studies, statistics, and other data, when alcohol is involved. The risk or probability of harm is more foreseeable when alcohol is involved in anything. This is why California strip clubs do not allow full nudity when alcohol is being offered on the premises. The risk is too great that provocation will lead to “crazy eyes” relaying crazy messages to the brain which then directs the body to commit crazed acts which may cause “crazy” harm. So there’s reason for concern.

Although most people will not be provoked to act dangerously upon seeing women in short shorts and low-cut t-shirts on a hot summer’s day, it only takes one person to commit a tragic I-told-you-so-act after too many beers, shots, or drinks. Downey has every right to be concerned when an outsider comes with a risqué, braggadocios and ominous name like “Ojos Locos”.

Out of respect for the zoning of nearby schools, senior facilities, and churches, this business venture should be nixed. Although the tax revenue forecast looks good, the forecast for trouble looks much worse.

Conversely, if Ojos Locos is allowed at the current proposed location, Downey should require more indemnity via a sizable insurance policy to spare taxpayers the costs of damages when something bad happens. The city could easily be named a plaintiff in any lawsuit for allowing this business to proceed. Let there be no mistake, Ojos Locos is not pretending to be a family establishment. It is just a place for adults to hang-out and do adult things.

As we consider this issue and the vested interests we have in the value of Downey’s safety, residents, businesses, real estate, location, accessibility, and other resources, we should be mindful of how small cities such as South Pasadena and San Marino preserve values for their resident stakeholders and even learn from their approaches.

Dan Chantre
Downey