By Kevin Clerici
kclerici@VenturaCountyStar.com
Ventura County Star; December 20, 2005

The red-and-white steel shack originally built around 1947 would be uprooted and planted at a city-controlled parking lot facing Oak Street between Main and Santa Clara streets. The relocation plan was approved 6-1 with Councilman Neal Andrews opposed.

Owners of the Top Hat -- a fixture at Palm and Main streets -- lost their lease in June to make way for an upscale, 30-unit retail-condominium complex. They are being allowed to stay on a month-to-month lease.

City staff now will work with the developer and Top Hat owners to finalize a design, prepare a lease for the Oak Street property, and develop a plan to pay for the improvements and their maintenance. The developer, James Mesa, agreed to pay the relocation cost.