GOSSIP, GOSSIP and MO' GOSSIP! Hey! Heard any juicy LA strip club related gossip? E-mail me ASAP before it's not hot anymore. Stop watching those soap operas and talk shows and get your water cooler talk right here. I will attempt to seek a second source on all rumors but if none can be found and the info seems legit, it will appear here anyway. Normally, I will not give out my sources for gossip. However, if you want to be in the spotlight, say so in your email and all dirty credit will be gladly given. But remember why it's called gossip and rumors, and not news and facts. Also remember to check the GOSSIP topic of my bulletin board for more timely (like the same day) stuff.

Bare(ly) Rumors
December 20, 1998

There is a rumor going around that the owners of Bare Elegance is looking to open a nude club in the Glendale/Silverlake area. Officials from the club did not deny that the owners are always looking for locations for new clubs but denied that a location has been found in that area.

In related gossip, the VIP are at the Bare Elegance will be built where the DJ booth is now located as reported earlier this year. What exactly the VIP area will consist of has not been disclosed. Moreover, there will be a new smoking area outside on the west side of the building. There is already a smoking area outside behind the building at the Jet Strip.

Celebrity Sightings
December 19, 1998

A single source fingers Eric Erlandson from the band "Hole" being seen at Cheetah's topless fashion show along with Billy Corrigan of the "Smashing Pumpkins". This sighting was from mid November during a fashion show by LA designer Pauline Takahashi which featured skirts and shorts only. Pop singer Taylor Dayne is rumored to have been in attendance. No confirmation of this from my sources at Cheetah's as of this posting.

Club Flesh Gets Burned
December 15, 1998

According to the San Bernardino County Sun, the Club Flesh case against the city is continued to a later date but the city seems to be winning. Currently, it does not appear as though the club will be opening in the near future. Club Flesh is owned by Tropical Lei.

Strip Clubs For Sale
December 9, 1998

The owners of the Candy Cats are selling their clubs which are neighborhood "Cheers" type bar/clubs. They are a little small by today's new standards but are relatively clean, well run and fully licensed. The owners have been in the business a long time and are now looking to slow down a bit. Contact them directly for more information.

In related gossip, a bikini bar in San Luis Obispo is also for sale by the owner. The club has a full liquor license, full kitchen, is fully operational and making money, and is located in downtown San Luis Obispo in a popular bar/pub area. The asking price is $225k. For more information, email the owner directly at js168@pixi.com.

Nude Male Reviews at 4Play
November 23, 1998

According to the owner of 4 Play and the LA news media, 4Play will nude male exotic dancers on Sunday nights starting at 8pm with a $10 cover. As far as I know, this the only nude male review in LA/OC. In terms of legality, as long as the dancers do not get aroused during their performance, they are allowed to go nude with no alcohol. The owner tells this reporter that the male review dancers were hand picked by him and is not from an outside dance group.

4Play has also placed 5 full sized billboards around the West Los Angeles area advertising their female nude dancers at their club. Also look for cable TV commercials advertising the club on ESPN and other male oriented cable channels.

Penthouse Magazine Goes Nude
November 10, 1998

There is a rumor circulating that Penthouse Magazine may be getting ready to open a strip club, probably on the east coast. With Hustler Magazine opening a adult bookstore in West Hollywood, there seems to be a definite trend of the adult magazines to be entering new areas of the adult entertainment business. I suspect Playboy is not too far behind in this matter.

Sam's Hof Brau Enters Porno Industry
November 3, 1998

The owner of Sam's Hof Brau has purchased a minority share of Exquisite Pleasures which produces and distributes X-rated adult videos. The owner of Exquisite Pleasures has split ranks with Bruce 7 and Bruce 7 Productions and will be producing more of it's own line of videos.

The owner of Sam's Hof Brau will eventually book feature dancers for the topless club as well as sell the videos at the location.

Leggs Shuts While Others Spread
November 1, 1998

Deja Vu is rumored to be looking at a location near Chinatown in down town Los Angeles for a new club location.

In related gossip, Kenny Coplan's Leggs is once again shut it's doors due to the city putting more pressure on it's location.

In other related gossip, Strippers is closed because of ABC violations. It is not known if this is temporary or a permanent closure.

Rhino Van Nuys Hoax?
October 29, 1998

There has been some talk that the new Spearmint Rhino in Van Nuys is a hoax. All the representatives that I have talked to at the Spearmint Rhino have told me that the club is under construction and is still scheduled to open. I have also been told that managers for the new club are being trained and other employees and workers are also getting ready. There is no official opening date announced by Rhino.

VIP Room Rumors
October 27, 1998

The rumor that there is a special $80 room at the Spearmint Rhino in Industry is not true and is likely a hoax or a scam by a dancer or employee at the club. If you encounter anyone at the club that mentions it, notify the manager so that they can stop this hoax.

In related VIP rumors, the Bare Elegance has started construction on their VIP area which will be where the DJ booth used to be. It has not been decided exactly what this area will be used for but there is a possibility that there might be "real" VIP parties there with alcohol.

Mermaid's Last Try
October 20, 1998

There is a rumor going around that the owner of Ecstasy will try once again to re-open Mermaids by the end of the year. This rumor has been going back and forth since early 1998 and is not confirmed. In any case, the city will probably have a hard-on to close them down again.

Fritz Too Finishes Their Time Out
September 5, 1998

Fritz Too in Anaheim has served their 30 day ABC liquor license suspension started on August 6, and is back with alcohol once again. As is usually the case, the reason for the suspension was from a few years back and the actual suspension was delayed until this year. During the 30 days, Fritz lost a lot of customers and dancers but managed to stay open except for Sundays, although they closed as early as 10pm on some nights due to lack of customers. It is rumored that they lost as much as $100k per week during this dry period. This number sounds a little high, but that's why it's a rumor. They are now back to their normal schedule but not all the dancers are back.

20/Twenty Becomes Pleasures
August 15, 1998

20/Twenty of Pasadena has changed their name to Pleasures. The name change is confirmed but the rumor for the reason for the name change is due to the Dennis Morgan move from Fantasy Island. Whatever the reason, by the time you read this rumor, the signs on the building should be changed over to the new name. There will be a grand re-opening party on or around September 16.

Leggs Tries Again with Kenny Coplan
August 14, 1998

Leggs in Wilmington, a nude club, will try opening their legs once again with the help of Sunset Strip owner and promoter Kenny Coplan. The location is not really the best but he could send some of his dancers over to that location to entice customers.

Star Gardens Sold and Closed
August 10, 1998

It is rumored that Star Gardens has been sold and is now closed. It is not clear if the new owner intends on keeping it a strip club or converting it to something else. The last owner of this club was the owner of AdultCheck, an Internet age verification website. The same owner also ran Internet live stripper feeds for other websites.

Century Tries Lapping Again
August 9, 1998

Century Lounge has returned to lap dancing once again. They had tried it once before and not only did their dancers not like it, they got busted and had to stop doing it. But times have changed and Century was one of if not the only nude club left in LA that did not have lap dances. Competition brings on $15.50 lap dances at the Century. You read that price correctly. Not $15, not $20, not even $16. It's $15.50. "Ahm, yeah. You can keep the 50 cents baby!"

Babydolls Opens Their Legs
July 24, 1998

Babydolls (aka Doll House) has opened in Pomona during the week of July 15th. It is a nude club and is rumored to be owned by a ex-club goer and his ex-dancer wife. A reliable source tells me that the club is very upscale, and has a large dressing room for the dancers, and they have pool tables. However, I have gotten some gossip from dancers that the club is very slow right now. Perhaps, there are just too many clubs in LA and not enough customers in Pomona. They are located at 2005 W. Holt Pomona. Their phone is (909)865-2038. Their hours are Mon-Fri, 11am - 2am, Sat, 2pm - 2am and Sun, 3pm - 12am.

Morgan Moves from Fantasy Island to 20/20
July 22, 1998

Dennis Morgan, the owner of Fantasy Island has once again been allegedly ousted from Fantasy Island and will be moving to 20/20 in Pasadena as their new manager. This is now the second time he has left Fantasy Island for various reasons. The rumor is that the lawyers that took over the last time are once again, back in the Fantasy Island saddle.

Rhino Attacks Van Nuys
July 17, 1998

The Spearmint Rhino chain will be opening a new LA strip club in Van Nuys. This club will be nice like the other ones and is rumored to become their new LA headquarters. If they have features everyday, this will likely cut into Bob's business and if not for Bob's Sportsclub with alcohol, could have been the last nail.

In related Rhino gossip, the chain is branching out to making adult videos with signed actresses. Since Rhino also sells videos, they can not only sell their own videos, they can also make their actresses feature at their own clubs. They've got every angle covered.

In even more related rumors, an unconfirmed source says that the Spearmint Rhino in Industry has a low profile $80 private room for lap dancing.

New Showgirls in Cathedral City?
July 11, 1998

There is rumor that there is a sign on I10 in Cathedral City for a club called "Showgirls". If anybody knows more about this club, please email me or post on the Bulletin Board.

Deja Vu Opens in Redlands
July 6, 1998

The Deja Vu chain has bought the Sports Club in Redlands and will convert it to a Deja Vu strip club. This branch will serve alcohol and is located at 1331 W. Colton Ave. Their phone number is (909) 798-6330.

In related rumors, some dancers have heard that Deja Vu is trying to open a club near LAX. I don't know if they are buying an existing club (e.g. Century) or opening a new one but it will most certainly be nude.

To Live and Die in LA
June 30, 1998

There was a fatal shooting at the Carl's Jr. near Bob's Classy Lady on Sepulveda and the victim was at Bob's before he stopped by Carl's to get something to eat. It is rumored that this was either a carjacking or gang related incident.

In related gun play, the night manager at Star Strip Too was recently shot in the leg by a gunman. The victim is recovering from his injuries. It is not known at this time if this was a disgruntle customer or attempted robbery gone bad.

In yet more related stories, a disgruntle customer, turned gunman, allegedly shot at a security guard at Sam's Hof Brau. The security guard returned fire and the police was called to investigate. The gunman escaped by a car driven by another individual but the security guard was not hurt.

Bare Gets Face Tuck
June 18, 1998

Bare Elegance will be adding more new lighting and more smoke machines. Also, the snack machine has a new location, and new neon signs and partition for the cashier have been added. Moreover, tattoos are no longer required to be covered up. There is also some rumors that there may be a new "VIP" private room that will be located where the DJ boot is now located and will be a flat fee arrangement for usage.

In related gossip, keep your eyes open for more of these "VIP" parties with reduced fare laps because even at the $5 cut the club takes, they are making a bundle (e.g. $15k+ for the 3 clubs).

Floating Strip Club in Maria Del Rey?
June 10, 1998

A rumor has surfaced that someone has registered for permits and permission to open a floating strip club with multiple boats in the Marina Del Rey harbor. I don't know what the laws are pertaining to strip clubs on boats. I know that there are "private clubs" on boats that go out into the waters, including one for partner swapping, but this is the first "open to the public" strip club boat that I have heard of. LA County is pretty slow in issuing permits, so don't hold your breath.

Baby Dolls to Open in Pomona?
May 31, 1998

There is a rumor that a club named Baby Dolls will be opening in June in Pomona. I have not heard about a club opening there as of yet. Perhaps, there is a delay in opening. If anyone has been to this club, please post on my bulletin board.

Clubs Install Cameras
May 24, 1998

TJ's in Orange County has installed cameras. This is definitely a growing trend among clubs. This helps the management keep the dancers in line and if there is a bust at a club, they can review the video to see if the vice cops were telling the truth about a dancer or not.

In related gossip, a dancer at Deja Vu (North Hollywood) has threatened to sue the club over the camera in the dressing room that is being broadcast on the Internet. The dancer claims that the club's position is that if the dancer does not like it, she doesn't have to work there.

Crazy Girls Goes Too Crazy
May 18, 1998

Once again, Crazy Girls is dry from ABC violations and will remain so until July 1, 1998. The rumor is that this last offense has put the club to its maximum number of violations and the owner has put the club under a different name. Technically, the owner on paper was not the same as the operating owner, and therefore, this change will have little effect on the operation of the club. This last dry period will probably hurt the club since many of the dancers and 2 DJ's have left the club.

Flamingo to Spread its Wings
May 11, 1998

The Flamingo Club is slated to open a new club in Long Beach. Angel's is currently the only significant club in that area. Unlike Angeles, the Flamingo will probably not be serving alcohol and will be nude.

Fort Knox Busted
May 7, 1998

A topless club called Fort Knox was busted by the ABC and had to close their doors for a few days. There is no specific information regarding the actual offenses and it may have been unrelated to the dancers. In any event, they expect to reopen in the next few days.

West LA Clubs For Sale
May 5, 1998

The new owner of The Men's Club has quoted a price for the club or a portion of the club. It is not certain if the offer is open to any bidders or only to those with special connections to the club. The Men's Club has recently changed owners when one of the owners of The Gentlemen's Club sold the club to one of the owners of the PlayPen.

In related rumors, the owner of Fantasy Island may be filing for Chapter 11 (reorganization) and it is rumored that the club may also be up for sale. This is an unconfirmed rumor and this situation may have nothing to do with the club itself.

In yet another related rumor, the owner of 4 Play denies rumors that his club is also for sale. It may be the case that the owner is looking for some infusion of capital to help finance the club without selling the club.

Sunset Strip Busted
April 24, 1998

Sunset Strip was busted and temporarily closed for the night of April 24. It is not known exactly how many dancers were busted but at least 2 might have been arrested. This is a clear indication that the mileage is high at this club but probably not any more.

New Strip Club In Hollywood?
April 16, 1998

There is a rumor going around clubs in Hollywood that there will be a new topless or bikini strip club opening in Hollywood. The location is not known and details are very sketchy. Personally, I doubt that a topless club can be opened in Hollywood. It would have to be bikini or a little outside of Hollywood in West Hollywood or Los Angeles right next to Hollywood. The rumor is that this club will open in late May or June.

PlayPen Busted or Not
April 13, 1998

It was rumored that PlayPen (a new nude club in downtown) was busted and 2 dancers were arrested. Upon further investigation, it turns out that after a bouncer (who was a cop) was fired from PlayPen, and the club coincidentally had a vice bust a few days later. However, the 2 dancers who were "arrested" were released without being booked and have not been formally charged with anything. There are 2 possibilities if the rumors are correct, and I will just leave them for the student to work out.

Men's Club Sold
April 7, 1998

One of the owners of PlayPen has bought The Men's Club which used to be owned by the owners of The Gentlemen's Club. If I'm not mistaken, the location of the Gentlemen's Club was found by this same owner. It is also rumored that this owner was trying to purchase 4 Play which is in the same 'hood as the Men's Club.

Sahara Makes Changes
April 3, 1998

After the recent busts at the Sahara, the club has been forced to make some changes. The laps are now being monitored and counted by cops. I don't know if they are on the club's payroll (as in Mermaids) or the city but I would have to guess that the club is being forced to pay. Moreover, the DJ's are no longer paid by the club and work as independent contractors and also pay a $40 fee to the club. This is probably due to the fact that the city is looking into the payroll situation at the club (for tax reasons) and the club is trying to hang on to the independent contractor (read: pay no tax) status that they enjoy.

Sahara Lap Dancers Found Guilty of Prostitution
March 28, 1998

As reported earlier, dancers from Sahara and Flamingo were busted simply for doing normal lap dances. An OC jury found the lapdancer guilty of prostitution. They're also prosecuting the club managers for aiding and abetting prostitution. It won't be long before they start busting the club owners for pandering. The other dancers and managers trials start next week.

The Sahara used to be one of my favorite lap clubs and I didn't even know I was going to a whorehouse. If the Orange County DAs are successful in convicting more dancers for prostitution, I'm sure it won't be long before the LA DA jumps on the bandwagon.

To read a copy of the LA Times article, go to my Media Bites section.

Deja Vu Bust Details
March 28, 1998

A dancer from Deja Vu, North Hollywood reports that 4 dancers were arrested in February during the reported bust on lewd conduct charges. According to this source, none of the dancers danced for the vice cop and the dancers were not told what lewd conduct they had performed.

She reports that one of the dancers busted had finished working and was leaving the club when everyone was told to evacuate. On her way out, she was struck in the face by an officer for "resisting arrest".

If this report is true, it is likely that the case will be dropped by the DA. In a similar case at Star Strip Too, all the charges were dropped because the arresting officers did not act according to regulations. Perhaps, they just wanted to get some free lap dances on the taxpayers. If anybody from law enforcement is reading this, please put me on the waiting list to be an undercover vice cop. I will gladly pay a fee to join. Notify me by email when I am accepted.

Hawaii Theater Blows Mileage Rating
March 25, 1998

With all the busts going down at the clubs, it is interesting that some clubs seem to be doing even higher mileage dances than before. I've gotten no less than 4 reports indicating the highest mileage possible at Hawaii Theatre. However, keep in mind, this type of mileage will cost accordingly.

If any law enforcement individuals are reading this gossip, this is a prank to make you check out something to just waste your time.

Industry Sahara 3 Adds and Expands
March 23, 1998

Sahara 3 in the City of Industry, is now doing nude lap dances and will be adding features to its list of attractions. Lisa Lipps is slated to feature there in the first week of April. Moreover, they will be expanding to an upstairs to their club. No detail as to what will be upstairs was available at this time.

Ecstasy Busted AGAIN!
March 19, 1998

In an unusual show of bust-ability, yet another dancer at Ecstasy was once again busted during the dayshift. This makes 2 busts in as many weeks. This might be some kind of dubious record breaker. I wonder if the "three strikes and you're out" rule applies here.

Hot Tip at Jet
March 18, 1998

At the Jet Strip, there is a loveseat sized couch in a back corner where only one customer at the bar can see in. If anybody is sitting there, he is discouraged from doing so by all the employees. This couch is for a 5 dance minimum (at $30 per song) or doubles (two dancers, one customer) only. The floater is told ahead of time that a dance will be going on there and there are no cameras pointed at it... yet. After reading this gossip, they probably will put one in.

Tropical Lei Loses Mileage
March 14, 1998

The more die-hard Tropical Lei regulars may have noticed that the mileage there has been reduced by the management. Apparently, the club is worried about another bust that might shut them down.

In related TL gossip, a single source reports that the general manager was fired because the owner suspected the manager of stealing and tapped the phones to catch him. However, coincidentally, after the GM was fired, the club was busted for illegal wiretapping as well as the IRS coming in to look at the books. However, the IRS found nothing unusual.

Industry Rhino Feature Busted?
March 13, 1998

At least 6 uniformed LA County Sheriffs were seen at the Spearmint Rhino in the City of Industry on Friday, March 13 after Nikki Tyler was finished with her performance. The exact reason for their presence is not known. However, the officers did go into the back area where the dressing rooms and offices are located. Moreover, they went into the booth where the feature normally takes pictures with her fans.

Ex-Mermaid's Ecstasy Dancers Become Bare
March 14, 1998

Apparently, the bust at Ecstasy has forced some of the dancers there to move to the Bare Elegance. This is probably a temporary move while the dancers wait for things to cool down at Ecstasy. However, don't rush out now to the Bare to try to get high mileage dances since one of the more strict low mileage lap enforcer is working the night shift.

In related gossip, the mileage at Ecstasy as of March 8, has come way down to the point of making it unlikely for somebody to be happy with a $50 per song bed dance. However, regulars who are known to the dancers can still get the usual mileage. For those writing in to me regarding the name of the dancer that was busted, it was Kayla from the dayshift. You might also check my bulletin board for other more timely gossip.

Bust Bust Baby, Bust Bust Baby
March 6, 1998

There was a undercover vice bust at Ecstasy during the day shift of Friday, March 6. The dancer was doing a bed dance with the undercover vice cop. Since the bed dances are semi-private booth in a separate room, there would be no other way for a dancer to get busted except to actually do the dance for the cop himself. At the time of this writing, it is not known what the dancer was charged with but it is probably lewd conduct, although prostitution is possible. Because of this bust, the club has been dead since. The dances will probably be calmed down for a while so I will probably have to change my top 5 list again.

In related gossip, a dancer at Deja Vu (North Hollywood) was busted in the early part of February. In this bust, an undercover vice cop got a lap dance with the dancer in a booth and it is alleged that she performed some illegal services for the officer. What a great job these guys have, using taxpayers money to get nasty dances. Where do I sign up? It is further rumored that when the vice cops returned with the uniformed officers to arrest the dancer, she had already left but the cops did not believe this story. After searching the club, they came across a dancer that they believed to be the offending dancer and arrested her. The dancer claims that it was not her and in fact, it was another dancer that had already left. Perhaps the vice cop saw some identifying marks in some private areas of the dancer to make his case "hard". I'm sure the DA will have a ball with this case.

In other States, the undercover vice cops have started using hidden cameras that video tape the dancers during the lap dance. In this way, the jury can see exactly what was going on instead of taking the word of the officer. If LAPD has not already done this, I'm sure they are getting ready to do it. The interesting sideline to this is that the video used in these cases can be obtained by the public via the freedom of information act and can be viewed by basically anybody. The unredacted version of the video will show the charged dancer as well as other customers that may be in the shot. Very interesting for husbands that told their wives they were working late that night.

Bare Gossip
March 4, 1998

It is rumored that the Bare Elegance will be installing a real cappuccino maker. There's no word as to if the cappuccino will be for customers or workers but its probably for the customers so that they won't have to drink the powdered version.

In related gossip, Randy West (adult video actor turned producer) was at the Bare getting lap dances. As the dancer was dancing for him, his penis peeked out the top of his pants (over the waistband). The dancer asked the same question we all have on our minds, "Don't you get enough p*ssy?". His reply, "Never enough." Of course, Seymore Butts found Shane at Jet Strip so strip clubs are a good place to look for new talent.

Crazy Girls Remodels
March 2, 1998

As reported in this section earlier, Crazy Girls is dry for 30 days (until 3/18) and is temporarily closed for remodeling. The rumor is that they will reopen as early as 3/13 and as late as 3/20 (the first Friday after 3/18). Once source tells me that they are adding a VIP lounge area and a larger dressing room.

Hustler Turns Into PlayPen
February 26, 1998

What was reported earlier as a nude club that would open as the Hustler Club has now opened as the PlayPen at the same reported location of 1109 Santa Fe Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. They had a pre-grand opening private party on 2/26 and 2/27 and their open to the public grand opening on 2/28. During the private party, free alcohol and food were served and according to several sources, the lap dances were very high mileage. At least 2 dancers were told by the DJ that they should expect a bachelor party atmosphere. From my small polling, most of the dancers were imports from other clubs that were there just for the grand opening only, but were plentiful and many lookers present.

My sources tell me that there are 3 owners and the owner of Crazy Girls is not involved with this club. One of the owners was an adult video producer at one time. The manager from Sam's Hof Brau (a topless club nearby) is the manager of this new club. He has previous experiences at other topless clubs in the Valley.

I was asked to wait on a full review until the club is up and running properly. Currently, the lap dances are $20 (bikini), $30 (topless), $40 (nude), and $50 (VIP room nude). I've got a few things to say about that room but I will wait and see if they change it before doing a review. My overall impression is that the club is good, especially for the 'hood, perhaps even too big for the area. However, because of the standards set by some new clubs (e.g. 4 Play, Rhino Industry), I must say that the club is not up to the new standards. Stay tuned for my full review coming soon.

Bob's Website Off-Line
February 26, 1998

Bob's Classy Lady's website must get a lot of hits because I've been getting many emails regarding the fact that the website is off-line. According to my sources, the web hosting company that they were with have gone under and therefore, Bob's is looking for a new host. No time table was given regarding when they would be up and running again.

Rhino Expands More
February 25, 1998

According the Spearmint Rhino's website and one other source, this ever expanding club chain will be opening clubs in Highland, Las Vegas and Florida. No other details were given. They have also already opened yet another club in Santa Maria at 505 S. Broadway. Their phone number there is (805) 349-9535.

Showgirls Consolidates
February 23, 1998

One of the owners of Showgirls in Reseda has sold his share of ownership to the remaining owners. The reason given for this sale was differences in business handling practices. No other comments were available from the other owners at this time.

TL, Hawaii and Rhino Test Limits
February 21, 1998

According to multiple sources (including myself), Tropical Lei, Hawaii Theatre (owned by TL), and Spearmint Rhino (Industry) are all testing the limits of high mileage. Without going into details that would prompt another bust, I will simply say that what goes on in the dark corners, even in the open, are quite amazing. I was amazed at what goes on stage as well as what the DJ says on the mike. If high mileage is what you are looking for, these clubs should be on your must see list.

Crazy Girls Goes Dry
February 18, 1998

Crazy Girls will be dry starting from today for 30 days because of an ABC Vice violation that occurred over a year ago. It has not been decided, as of this writing, if the club will close for remodeling (like Sunset Strip) or if it will remain open without alcohol. In either case, dancers and other workers will not be making much money there for a month.

In related news, the Seventh Veil (same owner) has finished remodeling and has reopened its doors. I did a drive by and the outside looks like an Arab belly dancing restaurant. It is much fancier looking but the rumor is that the main room is actually smaller since they now have a separate VIP room, much like its other sister club Star Strip.

Encino Wants to Get Tight
February 18, 1998

The City Council members are meeting in Encino on Wednesday the 18th at 7pm at the Encino Community Center (4935 Balboa Blvd.) to discuss the proliferation of Strip Clubs and other adult businesses in the Valley, with an eye toward tighter regulations.

If anybody goes to this meeting, please send me a report for me to post on my website for everyone to laugh at. I'm really glad that we have been able to eliminate other serious crimes to be able to worry this much about strip clubs and what bad things dancers are doing to the poor customers who are being victimized.

Sam Gets Viced
February 12, 1998

In more bust news, the LAPD Vice told the management at Sam's Hof Brau that the DJ should be fired for using the words, "f*cking" and "sucking" which is considered "inappropriate behavior" at a strip club. Moreover, the Vice held a "Chair Dance 101" class for the dancers whereupon the dancers were taught the proper way of chair dancing for customers.

If I was one of those officers, I would have had the dancers demonstrate what not to do and repeat this offense over and over until all the dancers could demonstrate those naughty moves. I'm sure none of the dancers knew the law or rules so the class was a big success. I hope the dancers who passed the class were given certificates that they could put on their office walls.

Scamp Permit?
February 2, 1998

There is a rumor from a dancer that in order to work at Scamps, the dancer must get a city permit which costs $200. This could be a new law enacted in Westminster to force dancers to get a permit like in San Diego and Las Vegas. However, the price seems very high for a permit for dancers. The other possibility is that the club is trying to have the dancers be real independent contractors by having a city permit which they would have to provide to the club for tax purposes. In either case, if this doesn't cause dancers to go elsewhere, I don't know what will.

Bare Loses Mileage
February 1, 1998

The rumor mill seems to indicate that several of the good lookers at the Bare Elegance who used to do high mileage laps (for Bare standards) has left the club for other pastures. This may simply be due to the fact the the money seems to be down at this club. Otherwise, it may be that the mileage was indeed to high and they were fired.

UPD Herds Tropical Lei Customers
January 30, 1998

At 2:45 pm, the Upland Police Department closed Tropical Lei for about 3 1/2 hours. The police were uninterested in the dancers. They were told to get dressed and that they were not there for them. Customers were herded into a group and the police videotaped them and released them. They spent the next few hours searching the club, bookstore and the office next door. At least two computers were taken from the office.

Tropical Lei has been busted in the past for problems with their state taxes and the manager there has been fired recently but the true reason for the bust was not disclosed at this time.

ABC Goes A-Go-Go
January 27, 1998

The ABC recently visited Hollywood A-Go-Go and told the management that the dancers are not allowed to stand on the bar counter and dance for the customers. The management has decided to instruct the dancers to stay 18" from the customer as well as to keep one foot on the dance floor at all times.

Rhino Goes Live on the Internet
January 24, 1998

The Spearmint Rhino, City of Industry has gone live with cameras in the club that broadcast the stage performance on the Internet. The plan is to do this to all 6 Rhino clubs. National advertising has begun. According to the owner, ads have been placed in Playboy and Penthouse with 1/3 page ads. There is also talk about doing late night infomercials. There will also be fantasy chat rooms where the user will be able to chat live with a dancer who will talk back via the keyboard or 900 number. Their website already has the Industry club hooked up and the DJ controls the camera position and zoom with a joystick in the DJ booth.

Disney Cleans Backyard
January 22, 1998

The unconfirmed rumor is that the President of Disneyland (not Disney, Inc.) is offering financial incentives to the Anaheim City Board members to clean up Anaheim, just like they did to Times Square. The funding will all be political capital, legal in every sense of the word. Whether this rumor is true or not, Anaheim has been really coming down on the clubs there. They really want them closed.

As reported here in this gossip column, Sahara and Flamingo were both busted recently. The new twist is that customers are also busted as sex offenders (like the dancers) and are making them take AIDS tests. If the test comes back positive the offense becomes a felony. I guess I missed the big news that you can get AIDS from lap dances.

Deja Vu Hot Bed
January 21, 1998

The current rumor is that the bed dances at Deja Vu, North Hollywood, is high mileage and at only $20 a pop, is a good buy. Also, although there are cameras everywhere at the club, no camera is visible at the one at the far end of the room on the right. But of course it could be hidden. As always, YMWV.

Nude Hustler Update
January 20, 1998

The new Hustler Club, reportedly nude, is now auditioning dancers at their location. They are at 1109 S. Santa Fe in downtown LA. Their number is (213) 489-2000.

The owner of Crazy Girls is said to have a part in the club but others are much more involved. I have it on good sources that the inside of the club is almost finished and is very upscale. This can be a relative term these days in LA. As you can see from the picture I took on my drive-by, the outside of the club is nothing to write home about yet. I assume they will do more work on it. Considering the size of the club, the parking area in front doesn't seem to be very large.

When opened, this will be the only nude strip club in downtown LA. The actual location is in a industrial area so I doubt they will have any protesters. It will be interesting to see how a nude club does in this area, since many of the customers will be blue collar workers.

Busts 'R' Us... Again
January 19, 1998

Aside from Lacy Street, Star Strip Too and The Gentlemen's Club were busted on 1/7/98. In the case of Star Strip 2, 3 dancers were arrested and booked for lewd conduct.

In related news, Industrial Strip has added shuttered booths so that the floaters cannot see inside. Bob's used to have these when they first opened. The mileage is very high but the cost matches the mileage. And as you might expect, they were also busted recently when instead of using undercover Vice Cops, LAPD simply came in and "busted" the booth doors open to see what was going on inside. One customer was masturbating inside a booth and was arrested.

Lacy Street Gossip
January 17, 1998

Lacy Street Cabaret got busted on 12/30/97 at about 8pm when a dancer lapped an undercover LAPD Vice cop. Later about 7 cops (1 female) return with 1 uniformed cop. Only that one dancer was arrested and the club returned back to operation. The DJ said "Well, now you know that the laps at Lacy Street Cabaret really are the hottest ones around" and the show continued but with low mileage thereafter.

In related gossip, Lacy Street is again hiring new people for their club. I guess with all the busts, it's hard to keep their employees for very long. Their 1/16 LA Weekly ad reads:
BRAND NEW CLUB: New Gentlemen's club open in LA. New female management. Dancers, waitresses, bartenders, floaters, and cashiers needed. No experience necessary. Must be 18. Call Sandy at (213) 227-6829.

Mermaid to Swim Again
January 12, 1998

There is a rumor going around Ecstasy that Mermaids is to reopen around the first of February. I know that the owner has the resources to do such a thing. This rumor was supported by a hiring increase of new talent at Ecstasy. Perhaps, they are getting ready for the reopening by having more dancers onhand to move over to the new club.

Rhino Industry Grows
January 9, 1998

Spearmint Rhino, City of Industry is planning on expanding in the adjacent building. The rumor is that this area will be used for a new VIP section as well as Venus Faire type live peep show rooms.

In related news, the offer by Deja Vu to buy the Rhino chain was turned down by the owner. Deja Vu also made an offer to buy other City of Industry clubs but were also turned down. These Deja Vu guys certainly want to own a lot of clubs. They practically own SF, now they want to own LA.

In still more related news, cameras have been installed at the Industry Rhino to broadcast live stage dancing on the Internet. I assume that users will have to pay to see this but I am not sure if there is a real big market for this. Afterall, there's a glut of free hardcore porno on the Internet, so why pay to see nude dancers on stage? Nevertheless, it will also be interesting to see if the dancers are all going to sign release forms before dancing. I have enough trouble getting dancers to let me put a still picture of their face on my website.

If that wasn't enough gossip about the Rhino, when Jenna Jameson featured there on the week of January 15, she did not show up for a show and the crowd got out of control and destroyed some displays. Police had to come and calm things down and the club had to give the customers free passes for the next day. Another rumor has it that when she did eventually show the next day, the club got so packed from the people returning from the previous day that the police had to return again to calm things down. I knew Jenna was a big draw, but this is ridiculous.

Hermosa Beach Opens Legs
January 1, 1998

The city of HB appears to have backed down and cleared the way for the opening of a topless club on Beach Blvd.