Wine Shop battle appears to be headed for court

SAN DIMAS - A battle over a canopy at the San Dimas Wine Shop is set to go to court, and the owner could face a $3,200 if she doesn't remove the structure, according to a letter from the city's prosecuting attorney.

"Obviously, (Mayor) Curt Morris, in an election year, wants to put good business people in jail and fine them," said Wine Shop owner Heidi Daniels. "Everyone is scratching their head over this. Even though (the city) has authority over this, it is frustrating to me that instead of going after actual criminals, they are going after a successful business owner that gives back to the community."

Daniels is due in court Feb.17 regarding the canopy, which city officials say is illegal since it was built without a permit.

Daniels said she is not removing the temporary structure, which keeps clients warm as they drink wine and eat outside the store.

But Daniels is expected to follow the law, just like everyone else in San Dimas, Morris said.

"The city has to either say OK, you can violate the law or it has to enforce it," Morris said. "She has made the choice to willfully ignore a legitimate order of the city. The only thing the city can do is proceed with normal enforcement."

Daniels wants to explore all her options with her attorney before she makes any decisions on the canopy, she said.

Putting up a shelter during the cold winter months is something any good business owner would do, she said.

"We are a good, decent business that is adding a level of class and sophistication to San Dimas," Daniels said. "We had it specifically designed so we had something that looked appropriate. And we only want it up during inclement weather."
Her contractor didn't tell her she needed permits, she said.

Daniels was first ordered to remove the canopy by Dec. 19.

She didn't.

She then received another letter Jan. 13 from the city's prosecuting attorney ordering her to take down the canopy in five days or meet the city in court.

On Monday, the canopy still stood.

The city won't issue any more extensions or warnings, according to the letter.

Daniels needs to respect city laws, Morris said.

"There is a pattern of Heidi Daniels doing things and not complying with various regulations," Morris said, referring to a past instance where Daniels didn't have the proper health permits for her establishment.

Ted Powl, the executive director of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce, called Daniels a good business owner who generally makes good decisions. Daniels sits on the board of the chamber.

The chamber made a statement on the Wine Shop's behalf at a previous meeting, but now say the ordeal is between the city and Daniels.

"We thought the city should make an exception based on the interest we have in looking at a variety of ways we can revitalize the downtown," Powl said. "The city has an obligation to enforce their regulations. She has an obligation to respond in a manner she feels is best for her business."