Just came down.
Some background: Super Arcade was an arcade in the city of Walnut who used to house Fighting Game Community tournaments including Wednesday Night Fights (Street Fighter IV, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, etc) and Super Smash Sunday featuring Super Smash Brothers Melee, among other FGC tournaments.
Last year, they had to shut down as they could not negoiate a new lease. After looking for a new location in Walnut, Mike Watson, the owner of Super Arcade found a location in Azusa. Today was the decision for the permit to allow running an arcade in the city.
The council voted 3-1 against the arcade listing several reasons included but not limited to:
- Would rather have retail vs. an arcade.
- Previous issues with the owner of the mall where the arcade would be located.
- Argued that fighting games such as Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat were not in fact, 'high quality'.
- Potential public urination issues.
- People who already hang out in the mostly deserted Mall area causing problems late at night (after midnight).
People are currently blowing up the City of Azusa twitter account for the decision.
https://twitter.com/cityofazusa
https://twitter.com/search?q=City of azusa&src=typd&vertical=default&f=tweets
Suffice to say, people are angry at the decision.
Edit: The city of Azusa did approve Scrabble night.
For those want watch the archive of the city council meeting.
http://www.twitch.tv/iebattlegrounds/v/6560029?t=0h32m00s
Edit: Looks like Watson will have another chance in 3 weeks.
Edit: Youtube link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roch7fbWJYo
Edit: Watson and Super Arcade was formally denied a permit by the City Planning commission. This was their reasons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5RsJ0drH14
Full archive of the 2nd appeal:
http://www.twitch.tv/iebattlegrounds/v/7729317
And here's commentary by Mondo, who used to be an employee of Super Arcade.
http://www.twitch.tv/iebattlegrounds/v/7742108
EDIT:
BLUE SHIRT HERO PASSIONATE SPEECH:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwPvAoK5XyY&feature=youtu.be