After months of meetings with neighbors, major operational changes and still no agreeable resolution in sight, the owner of Candlelight Kitchen & Bar is now turning to the Simi Valley City Council.

At the beginning of the month, attorney Hunt Braly, on behalf of Candlelight owner and operator Glen Gerson, appealed a decision made by the city's planning commission in June to deny the popular late-night venue in East Simi a conditional use permit for amplified music and dancing.

Before the meeting, Gerson decided to shut down the nightclub component of the venue—which also includes a banquet facility called The Vineyards—in an effort to lessen the impacts on upset neighbors who live near the business at 2525 Stow Street.

Taking the hit did not win points with the commissioners, who said they wanted to protect the rights of homeowners who were fed up with the noise, traffic and safety issues caused by the bar.

But in a letter attached to the appeal, Braly stated that denial of the permit would "result in the failure to have the type of conditions requested by the community, staff and the Applicant to ensure the facility can operate economically and mitigate its impact."

He went on to say that the elimination of the nightclub and the change to a more lowkey lounge environment had significantly reduced issues within the residential community.

The council will hear the matter at 6:30 p.m. Mon., Aug. 17 in their chambers at City Hall.

—Carissa Marsh