I want to go where everybody knows your name
He had a cold beer in his hand and smile on his face.
Now, that’s the Cass Spence people are used to seeing.
With crushed peanut shells underfoot and a swarm of well wishers
surrounding him, Cass tipped his glass and thanked the community for
yet another welcome home party at the Goathill Tavern Thursday night.
Newport Beach Mayor Steve Bromberg and other staffers were on hand
to welcome home one of their own. Bromberg presented Cass, who works
as a Newport Beach code enforcement officer, with a proclamation of
gratitude.
“Unless you’re here with him, he’s your worst nightmare,” Bromberg
said about Cass and his role as a code enforcement officer.
Unlike most city presentations, the mood was light and informal.
They were not at a podium, smiling and shaking hands for the cameras.
They were in a local bar, with good friends, sharing a drink and a
moment.
Of course, Thursday was not the official presentation of the
proclamation. Cass will have to go down to City Hall Tuesday and do
the shake-and-smile thing on the record but it was nice to attend a
city function outside the municipal setting.
It was all very personal, very friendly, very inclusive.
Good-natured ribbing was the order of the day. The aura was relaxed.
People joked around and mingled.
A cue stick and a beverage were always within reach. It was
actually a fun assignment. (I laid of the booze, though, because I
was on the clock.) But still, I had fun.
It got me thinking ....
With all the talk about renovating City Hall, why not add some of
the components that made this proclamation a smashing success? Can’t
you just see it?
Here’s my vision for council chambers: The top of the dais could
double as an air hockey table. Any time council members find
themselves at odds with each other, they could play for who’s right.
Sudden death, first goal wins.
With the exception of a few regulars -- and the reporters assigned
to cover the meetings -- most people are only there for a single
issue. Why not put pool tables in the lobby to pass the time? I’m
sure developers and residents would love to play a good game of nine
ball while waiting for Old Business Item 3A. Perhaps it would
dispense with some of the tension before the real competition begins.
Foosball anyone?
Now, I’m not sure if Newport wants to go with the rugged peanut
shell motif or a more upscale martini lounge, but either way, music
is a must. I can see it now, DJ Dr. Proctor tearing up the turn
tables with MC Ridgeway on the mic. Bromberg the human beat box
(known as simply Bro, to his fans), droppin’ the beats.
“The roof, the roof, the roof is too high-a!”
“We don’t need no variance let the bleep-bleep burn!”
To keep the vibe on a nice mellow tip: beer on tap and a slew of
well drinks. And what would a Tuesday night be without tacos. Taco
Tuesdays at Newport Beach City Hall, with $1 domestic beers and $2
mixed cocktails. Once a month, the city could host Meet-and-Greet
martini night, where constituents can get to know their council
members while sipping a shaken, not stirred, cocktail and puffing on
a fine cigar.
With $30 million to play with, this could be a really happening
joint.
There would be no problem with the ABC license. (No deliveries on
July 4, though.) Residents would not have to squabble over noise
ordinances here and dancing until 1 a.m. there because who would they
complain to if it was the City Council getting its party on?
The area needs a happening Tuesday night spot anyways. It is the
one night of the week that is devoid of a real “scene” activity.
Imagine the comments that could be uttered by council members if
there were free-flowing alcohol.
June Casagrande, get out your notepad.
Of course I am kidding. I’ve been told enough times that alcohol
and business don’t mix. It was fun to rub elbows with the mayor in a
bar and strain to hear a proclamation over the tunes of a juke box.
Now, that’s my kind of assignment.
Party on Newport.
* LOLITA HARPER writes columns Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and
covers culture and the arts. She may be reached at (949) 574-4275 or
by e-mail at lolita.harper@latimes.com.
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