HEAD SHOP CLOSES BUT CONTROVERSY MAY WAFT ON

After three months of what owners contend was a campaign of harassment, the
Head Shop in Lompoc has closed.

The Head Shop, in the 100 block of South H Street, sold items such as
rolling papers and water pipes, or "bongs," which owners Becky and Dave Gage
said were to be used for tobacco consumption.

But city leaders said the store offered merchandise promoting a drug
culture. Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce officials took the unprecedented
step of denying the shop membership in their organization.

Despite voicing disappointment that the shop closed, Becky Gage would say
little about the situation, citing potential legal action. She would not
elaborate on what type of lawsuit might be filed, or against whom.

"There were vicious rumors being started," Becky Gage said. "People got
scared to come in there. We got tired of the harassment."

Although some city leaders contended the community was not willing to
support the shop economically, Becky Gage said the store "did very well"
financially. When the store opened in May, Dave Gage anticipated annual
sales of about $100,000. In addition to the pipes, the Gages also sold
black-light posters, candles, glow-in-the-dark stickers, ashtrays and lighters.

The couple still runs a Head Shop in Santa Maria's Stowell Center, where
similar items are sold.

Mary Lou Phillips, a Lompoc resident who frequently visits the Ceramic
Studio near the closed store, said she was "happy, happy" that the Head Shop
had left town.

"I think it will be better for everyone," she said. Phillips worried that
the store's presence would contribute to drug use in the community.

Although city officials are actively courting businesses to bolster the
town's economy, Becky Gage said she "would discourage anyone from doing
business in Lompoc."

Mayor Dick DeWees did not return calls for comment Tuesday. But when the
store opened in May, DeWees said, "I don't see it as something we need
downtown."

Denny Anderson, executive vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, would
not comment on the store's closure.

It is not against the law to sell drug paraphernalia in California, but
state ordinances limit the way items may be displayed.