from www.simivalleyacorn.com – Give Simi Valley Mayor Bob Huber [pictured] credit.
When he sees something he believes is dangerous for Simi Valley starting to make inroads into our little hamlet, he talks tough and tries to take action.
His target du jour for the past two months? Sex.
Last December, Huber took aim at Simi Valley’s massage parlors and, more specifically, acts of prostitution that were reportedly taking place in some of the establishments. Such reports now appear accurate, with two female employees arrested as a result of an undercover sting by the Simi Valley Police Department
Perhaps emboldened by the success of that battle, Huber has now trained his eye on the porn industry.
With the City of Los Angeles’ adoption earlier this month of an ordinance requiring condom use by performers in pornographic films, there has been much speculation that the companies responsible for producing said movies will pull up stakes and look for new locales near their current San Fernando Valley stronghold in which to ply their trade.
No city is nearer to the Valley, yet outside of Los Angeles County, than our valley. Thus Huber’s concerns.
It’s admirable that Huber wants to take a stand and protect Simi Valley’s image. There is no escaping the reality that most people— whether a connoisseur of such materials or not—recognize the San Fernando Valley’s reputation in the porn game. It’s obviously not a label that we are eager to see attached to Simi Valley as well.
The problem with Huber’s quest is the same as the problem we have with the City of Los Angeles ordinance that started this entire brouhaha in the first place: Why does any level of government feel it has the right to legislate how consenting adults behave in the bedroom?
If two such adults want to engage in sexual activity and do so without a condom, it is their right. If they want to film it with a video camera, it is still their right. And if they find a willing market for that film, that right yet again has not been stripped away.
Should Simi erect a billboard along the 118 Freeway begging porn producers to come to town? No.
But until there is an actual criminal element involved, Huber and others in Simi Valley government would be wise to stay out of the issue altogether.