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[LA Times] Wesson turns against Koreatown karaoke bar he once favored

February 10, 2015

 

(Courtesy of La Defence)

(Courtesy of La Defence)

[THE LOS ANGELES TIMES]

The Koreatown karaoke bar known as La Defence is facing a heap of trouble.

A city zoning administrator has concluded the Wilshire Boulevard nightspot is such a drain on police resources, and frequent violator of city permitting rules, that it should no longer be allowed to sell alcohol. In a decision now being challenged, the official cited two rape reports involving women who’d been at the lounge, a drunk-driving arrest and a handful of assault cases.

For years, La Defence had a reliable ally in Council President Herb Wesson. But even Wesson, a longtime advocate for Koreatown’s bar and restaurant scene, has turned against the restaurant/bar, saying it shouldn’t receive another permit to serve alcohol.

How and when he arrived at that position is an issue in the March 3 election. Koreatown activist Grace Yoo, now running against Wesson, said her opponent should have spoken out much sooner against La Defence. Wesson, in response, said he decided months ago not to support the karaoke lounge.

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