Planning Commission Shortens Arcade Hours

By Josh Grossberg

After hearing a parade of neighbors blame the Pier's Playland Arcade for practically every act of malfeasance except the Lindbergh Baby kidnapping, the Santa Monica Planning Commission voted Wednesday to recommend the City Council shorten the landmark's nighttime hours.

But in the end, the commission gave the arcade more hours than city staff had suggested, but fewer than its owners had hoped.

Since it opened in 1950, Playland has had the option of staying open until 2 a.m. But if the council agrees with the commission, the arcade will close at 10 p.m. most of the year.

During peak summer hours, the arcade's hours will mirror those of its Pier neighbor Pacific Park and close at 12:30 a.m. City staff had recommended the arcade close at 10 p.m. all year.

"It should close at 10," said resident Louise Steiner. "It's filled with violent gangs which results in rampant graffiti and car break ins."

Resident Stephanie Barbanel said she had her van stolen and noted that there have been several murders in Santa Monica in the past year, one of them near the pier. She objected to the violent nature of many of the arcade's video games.

"Post Columbine we don't need a place where teens can learn how to kill people," she said.

But Rick Howard, who grew up nearby, said the arcade should keep the longer hours.

"It's part of the character of the city," he said. "Closing the arcade will not alleviate the gang problem. It's hysterical to blame crime on the Playland Arcade."

Representatives of the arcade said they are a good neighbor, which is why they receive more police calls than anybody else on the pier. Employees keep a close eye on activities and call the cops before troubles escalate.

"We have no evidence of a link" between the arcade and crime, said attorney Lisa Quateman. "The arcade is a safe, well-lighted place."

Shorter hours would be also be financially disastrous, pier representatives said.

Commissioner Eric Parlee, who said the shorter hours were unfair, noted that crime was down overall on the pier and that youngsters will be attracted to the beach, arcade or not.

"Youth is still going to go down there and will be milling about unsupervised," he said. "There may be more mischief, not less."