Southside group oppose new adult business...

Web posted: 03/7/2009
4:00 PM CDT

Pastor Conrado Palacios led a protest on Saturday in front of the Secrets Executive Club, an adult business, which opened recently at 118 New Laredo Highway, located in the Southside of San Antonio. He was emphatic that his opposition was not a religious led effort but that he decided to organize the demonstration because it was the right thing to do and many others felt strongly about the negative effect such establishment would have on the Southside community.

Palacios stated that while he understood that this types of adult businesses were permitted, he would preferred that they not be located in residential areas or places where children are exposed to such activity.

District candidate Elena Guarjardo also participated in Saturday’s protest and added that no family would like to have a strip joint in their neighborhood and that perhaps the city attorney could do something about strengthening city regulations to keep such businesses from opening in these areas.

"I'm from Castroville and I heard about this place and I don't like it because it’s a danger to our children", said Sylvia who did not want to give her last name. "It doesn't surprise me that when you drive by at 3pm the parking lot is full.” she added.

Pastor Palacios also voiced his dissatisfaction that the city councilperson from this district had failed to join them in opposing such business.

The demonstration drew approximately forty people including children.