EDITORIAL

It’s one of the most annoying things. Some people just don’t know

when they are not wanted.

The last person to leave a party. The persistent pursuer who won’t

take no for an answer. The pushy telemarketer. There are some who don’t

get the hint, and there are some who stick around just to be pests.

And then there is the Panther Palace in Costa Mesa. The mere mention

of the place can cause a person to blush -- or recoil. For more than a

decade, there has been a party raging in the house on Surf Lane.

The Friday night affairs are for those who want to share sex, swap

partners or just see others engaged in the aforementioned activities. The

weekly free-for-alls draw more than 100 attendees, each paying a $40

contribution to join in.

Most of Newport-Mesa has not been -- would not want to be -- invited.

The 10-bedroom home is an anomaly in the otherwise quiet residential

neighborhood. The street is like many others in the city: somewhat

sleepy, filled with families.

The story of the Panther Palace, its carnal characters and its

founder, the late “Wild” Bill Goodwin, went national five years ago,

becoming an embarrassment to city officials.

And, understandably, it’s also a sore spot for some neighbors.

The city has already tried get the Panther Palace to swing out of

town. It seems an obvious course of action. And it seems as if closing

down a notorious swingers’ club should not be too difficult.

Apparently, however, the police have consistently come up empty on

evidence that could shutter the place.

The Panther Palace and its patrons may not be breaking the law, but

they are not exactly examples of model behavior.

In its latest attempt, the city is asking the courts to determine

whether the Panther Palace is illegally conducting a business in a

residential area -- a violation of city code.

Perhaps the law will side with the city and give officials an easy way

to put an end to the nonstop party. Of course, there is the possibility

that the judge will decide that, without any indication of criminal

activity, consenting adults have a right to do what they choose behind

closed doors.

Either way, the message to the Panther Palace seems loud and clear:

The party is not wanted in Costa Mesa.