Dark Horse Inn rallies troops

 

SUNNYSIDE(1-26-98)--It looked like a sure thing the Dark Horse Inn's liquor license was a goner last week after several angry persons came down hard on the popular night spot.

 

After heated discussion tonight, however, the council directed city staff to get with Dark Horse owner Rosendo Magana's attorney to see what can be done to resolve the issue.

 

Tavern neighbors last week said the music, squealing tires, overflow traffic, and tossed trash were making their residential lives miserable.

 

This week, several more equally angry persons spoke in favor of the Dark Horse.

 

Since the dance hall is owned by a Hispanic family, some councilmen were accused of being a "clique" that was picking on a solid, hardworking Hispanic businessman, Rosendo Magana.

 

Cooler heads noted that, as Sunnyside grows, such business-resident conflicts will continue, that race had nothing to do with it. They advised city planners to anticipate similar problems down the line.

 

Yet others noted that, in a community 60% Hispanic and 40% white, it is important not to polarize the community over issues like the Dark Horse.

 

Councilmen noted the Dark Horse's present license is good until March 31.

 

The city has up to 15 days before that date to bring complaintants, city staff, and tavern allies together to reach a satisfactory settlement.

 

Magana's trick will be to run a popular tavern and dance hall quietly enough to placate those who live nearby, while the city keeps an alert eye toward Magana's rights as a businesman.

 

The city council last week voted to urge the state's Liquor Control Board not renew the tavern's liquor license. If the state agreed, the business as such would be down the tubes. The city could, in addition, refuse to renew the city business license.

 

Dark Horse owner Rosendo Magana didn't show up in person at Monday's council meeting. But his friends and supporters did.

 

Anibal Mejia, of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, told the council and audience that Magana is a very hardworking man.

 

"He has labored hard on the Dark Horse, fixing its roof, painting it, and bringing it up to fire code. He has worked 20 years to build a successful Sunnyside business. I will do everything in my power to see that he stays in business," Mejia said.

 

Magana's nephew, Javier Ornelas, criticized the city for not warning either himself or Magana the city was considering contesting the Dark Horse's liquor license.

 

"Someone should have told him or me first," Ornelas said.

 

Javier de la Torres told the council Magana was "deeply concerned" about noise to his neighbors, and "will do whatever he can" about it.

 

Mark Keller, Liquor Control Board agent, said the Board's only concern is minors on the tavern premesis, and illegal liquor sales, not other complaints.

 

"If the council goes ahead with its letter (suggesting the state not renew the Dark Horse liquor license) the city is entirely responsible for lining up witnesses," he said.

 

Robert Hicks told the council his parents have lived behind the Dark Horse for 20 years. He indicated the issue has nothing to do with Magana's race.

 

"If Rosendo Magana can resolve this issue, I say grant him a business license. If not, then don't," he said.

 

Councilman Chad Werkhoven said, "My position has been all along that we're not out to shut down (Magana's) business. He enjoys the full rights and privileges of any Sunnyside citizen. But those rights end when he infringes on the rights of others,"Werkhoven said.

 

Councilman Errol Brown agreed the issue is noise, not race. He suggested an acoustic engineer might be able to help Magana address the problem.

 

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