Panther Palace operator disputes city lawsuit

Jennifer Kho

COSTA MESA -- The Panther Palace, a swingers’ club that opened in a

residential neighborhood in the 1980s, has issued a formal denial to City

Hall charges that the club is a public nuisance.

The city is suing the club, run by Gordon Oliver, for allegedly

operating a business in a residential area -- a violation of city codes.

Oliver’s denial, filed this month, claims the city’s lawsuit has

exceeded the statute of limitations for filing legal complaints.

The document also states that the city’s complaint “fails to state a

cause of action against [Gordon Oliver, the club’s 72-year-old

operator.]”

Attorney Joseph Forbath, who is representing the city in the case,

said officials are awaiting a court date to evaluate the lawsuit.

The Panther Palace -- a 10-bedroom, single-story house -- was opened

by “Wild” Bill Goodwin, who died a year ago at age 75.

Oliver has continued his late friend’s tradition of throwing

partner-swapping sex parties on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The club is well-known in the swinging community as the subject of

“The Lifestyle,” a documentary movie.

Men pay a $40 “donation” to get into the parties, which often attract

about 100 attendants. Women’s admission is free.

Charging an entry fee violates Costa Mesa regulations. However, in

previous interviews, Oliver said the fee is optional.

Police have investigated the club on several occasions, but found no

criminal activity.

Oliver’s attorney, Sidney Mickell, was unavailable for comment

Wednesday.