Rewind back to last summer. The local uproar was over the new kids in town, KK’s Temptations adult boutique, that was to open in October. Some of the City folks had a fit because the shop was in Old Town Manassas. People envisioned hordes of perverts lining up to see the bustiers and nighties. It didn’t matter that the City also has Fashion Fantasy over on route 28 and at least one adult movie store over near the library, within blocks of Kindercare and Parkside Middle School on Mathis Avenue. This new store was going to be in Old Town near the Candy Factory. Each and every person I talked to who was opposed to the opening of KK’s used the location as the main, if not only reason for objection.
Fast forward back to the present. In the past couple of weeks, I have heard some mumblings and grumblings over KKs from two friends who I can clearly say are on different ends of this argument. KK”s had planned to do some events for Susan G. Komen for the cure to raise money. Their first plan had been a wet tee shirt contest. Elena and I spoke briefly but negatively about this plan and basically backed off. Because of issues with the City, KK’s plans changed to a bikini contest at Backyard Grill at the corner of Sudley Road and Williamson Blvd. We didn’t like that idea either because of the objectification of women but kept our mouths shut. It was Kim’s business. In other words, do no harm. We didn’t.
Fast forward again. I go out to Backyard Grill at least once a month. I consider it to be in my extended neighborhood, so I thought I would just go have a little chat. It appears that some of the rumblings I had heard were true. Backyard Grille had cancelled the KK’s event. A week before it was to take place, on a Friday night, there was a sweep. you know, one of those events where the ABC, the county cops, and the fire marshall all show up simultaneously. It isn’t real good for your business. They got cited for not having enough security during DJ time, even though there were only 10 people in the bar area.
More to the point, Why did this raid happen? Had some folks been lying? That is a fairly low key establishment that causes very few problems. I also f0und out that lots and lots of phone calls came in complaining about the KK event, even though contests of that nature are not unusual at Backyard. The complaints all were directed over KK’s. Most of the callers were anonymous. One in particular, when pressed, said she was with the City of Manassas. Yea. Right. Callers asked very complex questions that tipped off the manager.
I immediately told the person I spoke with that it was the Pitchfork and Torches crew putting pressure to bear. My dining friends wanted to know how come the cops, fire marshall and ABC board all cooperated. Easy. If enough bogus complaints are made, they would be remiss not following up. Furthermore, the likelihood that some ‘torch carriers’ work for the cops, ABC board, and fire marshall’s office is fairly good. I might have to put a little pressure to bear myself about wasting county resources for political gain.
Backyard Grille basically got the word if they wanted the sweeps and complaints to stop, they would cancel the event. Much as they hated to do so, they complied. I was told too many of the employees count on their jobs and money from tips for the restaurant to put them in jeopardy.
Some of those who participated in this intimidation and who are reading this account are probably cheering and hi- fiving each other that they won. They need to ask themselves if they won a battle or a war. Most Virginians don’t take too well to intimidation. This situation was clearly intimidation by the social do-gooders. These same do-gooders have lied. They have lied about their intentions. KK’s was not going to hurt the City of Manassas by having an event in the county.
Remember, every person I spoke with who wanted KK’s to disappear used the excuse that the shop was in Old Town. I was told by ring-leader Jackson Miller, who claimed to represent many City folks, that he had never said anything about Fashion Fantasy or MCV because those retail stores were NOT in Old Town. I guess the latest episode of Moms Against Sex Shops (MASS) really weren’t being very honest, now were they?
The problem with these kinds of lies is, they often push people over to the other side. Elena and I weren’t involved. We don’t like those types of contests so we just didn’t offer our support. We didn’t blather on about it. We said nothing. And when we say nothing, assume we aren’t in support. I don’t like intimidation and I don’t like the Pitchforks and Torches coming on my turf and wasting county resources over a ridiculous raid.They also hurt the employees of Backyard because no one comes to an establishment with 20 cop cars in the parking lot. Most of them went home that night with fairly empty pockets.
The world is big enough for KK’s Temptations and the Pitchfork and Torches crowd to co-exist. Meanwhile, the Pitchforks and Torch crowd needs to tell the truth. They need an enemy and Kim Skokal is it. They targeted her and regardless of what she did, some of them were going to go after her. They didn’t care who they hurt in the process. It might be wise to stay off our turf out here in the county. It is mighty stupid to take people like Elena and me and force us back into the fray by being bullies and control freaks and worst of all, by telling lies.
Further reading:
Manassas Busts Up Wet T-Shirt Contest
Did any of these callers have problems with the many other contests that go on at Backyard? Or did they only have a problem with ONE of the contests hosted by ONE local establishment?
Steve,
I beg your pardon, but I don’t recall anyone from WestGate commenting up a storm. I had very little say about the issue really. As my grandmother was dieing at home across the street from me. Furthermore, on the day of the funeral I had one person call me. This was after they were advised that that day was NOT the day to contact me about this issue. I did attend the city’s “marathon meeting” to hear what people had to say. I didn’t say boo that night. I took a lot of crap from this individual who is well known to many. I will not call them out by name, as I do like this person. However, I was really glad it was months before I saw them face to face. It burns me up to this very minute to think of that phone call. Your swipe at WestGate does NOT set well with me, and I hope you understand why.
Moon, can back up every last word I’ve just typed. Oh, and she was the one who advised someone NOT to call me, but they did anyways.
I back you up Lafayette. Maybe he meant me, even though I don’t live in Westgate, I live near it.
I suppose right now, it is all speculation. I know what is being said. I know what was said to me and I gave out no information. The person who talked to me had no idea what my opinion was, so it wasn’t said to appease me.
That’s the best I can do. If the Pitchforkers are innocent and something else is going on, of course I would apologize. I doubt if any of them will contact me to plead innocence though. I expect they would feel they owe me nothing and probably rightly so.
As for the sweep, it is fairly easy to get an investigation going. Complaints here, complaints there. I have only done it once–to a convenience store that repeatedly sold beer to kids….young ones. I will accept that this one was random, although the store doesn’t seem to think so.
O’Mearas is another story. They had a bull’s eye on the side of their building. I have strong family ties to that establishment…and that is all I will say publically.
“Your swipe at WestGate does NOT set well with me, and I hope you understand why.”
Lafayette,
This was not meant to be a swipe, nor was it directed at you. It was meant to make a point. Much has been made regarding where the “callers” to Back Yard Grill actually reside. I believe the premise is “why do people who live in the City, care what happens outside of City limits?”. This is an extension of the whole “It’s all about Old Town”” argument. My point was, when KK’s was opening up shop last Fall, many of her supporters did not actually reside within the City limits. Even though the nuts-and-bolts of the legality/zoning/etc were 100% a City matter, which side of the line someone lived in didn’t trump anyone’s arguments, as is often the case. Even the latest news coverage made ZERO distinction between Manassas (City of) and “Manassas”. When someone asks you where you live, to you tell them “Manassas”, or “Greater Manassas Prince William County”? Lot’s of “Greater Manassas” folks chimed in with much vigor for or against the opening of the store. So, why does it matter if a resident of Manassas (City of) called a restaurant in Manassas (Greater, PWC) to say “I don’t like you having a bikini contest….”?
I am sorry that you sufferred a loss during this time. The illustation was meant to show how we conveniently ignore the geographical boundries when making one argument, but will defend them with great enthusiasm when makin another argument, depending on what suits us. No offense was intended.
@Steve, the original fight back last summer was over old town vs. not old town. I was told by City leaders that if it weren’t in Old Town,, no one would be saying much. IN other words, it was ok to have an adult shop in front of the trailer park or over near a county school and library. I think location really is at the heart of the issue. My only point is, the Backyard Grille is a long way from Old Town.
Now, if those who were protesting originally want to redefine the debate, fine. But I need to know. If they want to take on all bikini contests in my ‘hood, fine. I really don’t care. Might not be a bad idea. But…I just want people to be truthful. Is it about bikini contests or is it about KK’s right to exist?
Steve,
Here is my issue with the events described by the manager at Backyard sounds very credible. The question really now is, “have the complaints miraculously stopped”? What if find interesting is that a segment of our political ideology promotes an anti sexual freedom agenda but has very little issue with guns being in the hands of people that have no business having them. I find it more disturbing to allow guns in bars than I do breasts!
I’m not so sure that this is a City vs. county group of people so much as it appears to be a religious/moral based group of citizens. The City probably couldn’t survive without those of us who live in the county and patronize its (the City’s) establishments and fairs. The opposite is not true given the county’s population. We, as county residents, can always express our disapproval of the City’s actions by taking our business elsewhere so I think that our opinions need to be taken into account.
I’d be interested in knowing how often these raids occur, how many complaints it takes to prompt them, and if the organizer of the raid looks at whether the complaints appear to be generated by a group as a mean of “getting even” with a particular establishment or whether the police have a record of fights, under-age drinking, etc. at the restaurants targeted.
“Is it about bikini contests or is it about KK’s right to exist?”
[Facepalm, sighs]: Look, I don’t have a problem with some establishment having a sexplotation event, as long as it conforms to the local ordinances regarding the conduct thereof. I will take my business elsewhere. Does KK’s have a right to exist? Sure they do, as long as they are willing to conduct their business in a manner that is within the local, state and federal laws, in all manner of things there unto pertaining. Do concerned citizens have right to use whatever legal means at their disposal to encourage KK’s to move elsewhere? Yes. Does the locality within which KK’s does its “brick-and-mortar” business have a right to establish the conditions that KK’s and other businesses like KK’s can operate within the jurisdiction thereof? Yes-in-deedy. All these are pretty cut-and-dried, objective statements.
Here are some subjective questions:
-is KK’s a positive influence on the community?
-Is the constant barrage of “Sex Sex Sex” a threat to a civil society?
-Do businesses like KK’s exploit women?
-Is the “sexualization” of our children at younger and younger ages good or bad for society as a whole?
-Porn: Good thing or bad thing?
I could go on and on. But right now, I have a headache in my eye.
Oh no Steve, headache in your eye is not a good sign. I can actually see you, in my minds eye, face in your palms. In my eyes this is not about KK’s, which, I expressed in another thread, I did not approve of the boob contest or the wet t-shirt event. I am opposed to the implication of the tactics used and that is all I am concerned about right now.
My little girl isn’t even allowed to watch Hanna Montana. However, I now reallize that the clothes for her barbies is where she is getting her “fashion” ideas from…..YIKES!
Elena,
I’ll agree. KK’s is not the source of all that is wrong with our overly-sexualized, pop-culture obsessed society. I consider KK’s (and establishments like them) more of a symptom. Do you remember the “Bratz” dolls? Dolls meant for little girls, dressed like prostitutes. Seriously.
I recognize that we all have both shared and individual sensibilities, perspectives and opinions. I am waiting for the day when we can collectively define a standard upward, rather than in a constantly downward direction. But, where Rome fell, so must we.
maybe for now, all we can do is have a nice dinner out and start small!
in fact, I think I owe you for my wrong assumption about Weiner!
Amazing the power of a little shop in a building that once sold fudge and cupcakes. A shop that closes during family events like the 4th of July. A shop that, despite two setbacks, is planning its next charity event to benefit breast cancer research. Maybe they should make it a flash mob event to avoid anonymous calls.
Meanwhile, Week of Hope volunteers cleaned up Portner Ave and the alleyway behind it so that parade goers and marching reenactors don’t have to pass by dead tires, stolen shopping carts, bottles of urine, women’s underwear and enough litter to fill 8 black trash bags on their way to Liberia Plantation on July 22. On Tuesday they cleaned up the huge mess our own citizens left in Old Town after the fireworks. If you want to thank these youth and their adult leaders, they’re at “The Rock” through Friday morning. They come from as far as Michigan, Pennsylvania and carry back memories of our hospitality with them. Their theme this summer is “Connected.” I promised the group that helped me that I’d send them pictures of the march. Now, to get the lot at the corner of Sudley and Portner and the Portner side of the former bicycle house neatened up.
Is the bicycle house gone? I just saw it recently I thought.
Thanks for bringing out those positive things. Do you have a paypal count I can send you a little contribution for them to?
Steve, you ask some good questions. I might be tempted to address them later with the full knowledge that I do not think that the questions are related, necessarily.
Let’s just start with acknowledging that there are people living right here in Manassas/Greater Manassas who think sex is simply for procreation. Conversely, there are people living in the same region who feel sex is for recreation.
Now, there is the rest of us who fall somewhere in the murky middle. Some people are comfortable with sexual topics, some people aren’t. Sex has always been used to control women. I thought we have moved past that but listening to the townhall meeting last summer told me that there were still some folks out there with some mighty Victorian attitudes about all things of a sexual nature.
Probably the most agreeable thing anyone can say is that people have different values and comfort levels. As long as a shop is tasteful and legal, I don’t care. In fact, I think KK’s offers a little spice to an otherwise ho hum city center. I expect the some of the town folks probably give 13 Magickal Moons over in Occaquan a hard time also. It’s a neat little shop and it adds a little variety to the antique shop and cutesy town gift shops.
If I don’t like stores, I don’t go in them rather than try to shut them down.
The only reason I would try to shut down a place is if something illegal were going on like cock fighting, smackdowns, kiddie porn, selling booze to kids or things like that.
I’m game, especially if you are buying 🙂
Drop any contributions for Week of Hope to Neighborhood Services, City of Manassas, Room 102, 9027 Center Street, Manassas 20110. Kisha’s still looking for volunteers to cook “Welcome to Manassas” meals on Sundays for the incoming crews.
This is slightly off-topic, but I think it’s interesting how the media frequently presents stories incorrectly. Surely the guy wasn’t in the closet with an old-fashioned “blow up doll”? Surely it was one of those disembodied torsos that sell for 2 or 3 hundred dollars?
@Rick
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2011/07/justin-dale-little-jim-arrested-found-in-back-of-adult-store-63264.html
yoube the judge
“What I might find a wonderful story might make someone else sick and vice versa.”
Moon,
You know to what I am referring to, and it’s not the torn-bodice novels with a painting of a Fabioesqe figure on the front. I am referring to videos and magazines showing all manner of penetration, etc. etc.
Yes Steve, and you and I both would agree that kind of film is porn. I don’t like it. However, everyone else reading didn’t know that we had agreed on that. So…its only fair that we be clear.
That kind of film has no value in my opinion. Now….would I prevent someone else from watching? Yes if it involved children or extreme violence. If it was just dog-disgusting, not sure. Magazines,, the same. Magazines at least are still.
I am very careful to always be specific on this topic, lest someone trick me into signing a petition to cloth the statue of David, like they once did.