“Hopefully in the future, they will comply with all the laws and regulations; if not, the ABC will remove their licenses permanently,” noted Chief Gonzales.“It certainly has been a concern of the council,” and in April Chief Gonzales formed a special enforcement team targeting gangs and drugs that also worked with the ABC, noted Bobkiewicz. “I want to congratulate Chief Gonzales and the SPPD officers for a job well done.”Ruben’s Bar had been targeted for ABC and SPPD sting operations and raids after two men were murdered in close proximity to the East Harvard Boulevard bar in separate incidents. One victim, a 16-year-old laborer, had been drinking in Ruben’s and was stabbed outside during a botched robbery attempt.The second homicide occurred after a local business owner left the bar where he had been in an argument with another patron; he returned to Ruben’s and later was found stabbed to death close to the bar.Ruben’s and La Cita, located on East Main Street, have been the focus of numerous police calls.
City Council toasts closure of Ruben’s Bar, La Cita for ABC violations
November 07, 2003
Santa Paula City Council
Two area cocktail lounges that have been the focus of enforcement by the Santa Paula Police Department and state Alcohol Beverage Control agency have had their licenses suspended.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesTwo area cocktail lounges that have been the focus of enforcement by the Santa Paula Police Department and state Alcohol Beverage Control agency have had their licenses suspended.“I want to ask Police Chief Bob Gonzales to come forward; he has an announcement,” said City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz at the October 20th meeting of the City Council.Chief Gonzales told the council that Ruben’s Bar and La Cita have each received a 30-day suspension of their liquor licenses.“I want to thank Sgt. Gary Marshall for putting together the grant that allowed our agency to work with the ABC,” on enforcement measures.“Because of the grant and what we were able to do with it,” both cocktail lounges have been closed temporarily.
