Ventura Relieved by Hells Angels’ Arrests

VENTURA —  The arrest of nine Hells Angels and 15 associates on drug charges over the weekend has some local officials and merchants hoping that the case against them may help the city shed its image as a magnet for the notorious motorcycle gang.

“I can’t say we’ve been particularly enamored with the fact that Ventura has been considered a haven for Hells Angels,” said Mayor Sandy Smith, who said City Hall frequently fields complaints about the motorcycle club.

Hells Angels leader George Gus Christie Jr., his two adult children and 21 others were arrested Friday night in Ventura and Orange counties on charges that include the sale of drugs to high school students. Nine Angels were arrested. Christie and his lawyer have declined to comment.

The arrests followed a four-year investigation of the biker club culminating in grand jury indictments on charges of theft, fraud, tax evasion, firearms possession, drug sales to minors and the use of a street gang in a criminal conspiracy.

In downtown Ventura, where Christie’s tattoo and piercing parlor the Ink House is located and where Hells Angels sometimes cruise the Main Street strip, some shop owners said they hope the arrests might help change the area’s reputation.

“We don’t want any drug dealing. We want it clean, safe and great for tourists,” said gift shop owner Dena Barskin, who added that she personally has not had problems with Christie or the Angels. “I don’t think the motorcycles are necessarily at fault for that, but if he’s really doing it, he should be put away.”

One merchant, who declined to give his name, was more blunt about Christie’s arrest. “I wouldn’t be sad to see him go,” the man said. “He’s bad news.”

Although some say Christie’s influence on downtown may be exaggerated, the Angels’ growing presence and their reputation as a rough biker gang may be enough to keep some people away.

Margaret Merryman, president of the city’s Westside Community Council, said she recently met a woman who had moved here from Orange County and had been warned away from downtown because it was full of Hells Angels.

“If people feel their safety is an issue, they’re not going to go where they feel unsafe,” Merryman said.

Ventura City Council member Donna DePaola said she hopes the arrests will change all that.

“Hopefully, it will curtail a lot of the drug trafficking in Ventura,” she said. “The D.A.’s been working hard on this, and we have to put some faith in what they’re doing. They’re the experts.”

But some downtown merchants said they believe Christie has cleaned up his act and that law enforcement is more concerned about looking good than serving justice.

Frank Parong, owner of California 66 restaurant, described Christie as “a good guy” who is being singled out for harassment by law enforcement officials.