Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce officials turned down one of the City's
newest businesses for membership in the group Wednesday, saying the business
doesn't fit into the chamber's mission.

The chamber's executive board voted 7-2 with two abstentions and six others
out of town, against adding The Head Shop to the chamber, said Denny
Anderson, chamber executive vice president.

Head Shop has attracted attention and controversy since before it opened its
doors May 1 because it sells products that Chamber President Robert Hudson
wrote "does not keep with the purpose of the chamber and our mission
statement to promote a strong local economy and quality of life."

Hudson wrote the letter to The Head Shop Wednesday, as the chamber is in the
middle of a long push trying to promote a strong downtown.

David Gage, the owner of the store in the 100 block of South H Street, said
the decision was wrong because his store brings taxes to the community as
well as paying rent for space in downtown.

"There is a small group of people in Lompoc that control people's freedom,"
said Gage. "It's sad. It really is. It's a shame."

Critics of the business say it promotes the drug culture by selling water
pipes, often known as bongs to marijuana users.

Gage noted his business and the sale of those pipes is totally legal. He
says the pipes he sells are for tobacco use only.

To become a member of the chamber of commerce a business must submit an
application with the chamber board.

According to Anderson, every application is taken on a case-by-case basis.
No other applications have been denied recently and the board's word is
final, said Anderson.

Gage said he was surprised by the board's decision because his store follows
the law and does not allow the sale of tobacco products to minors. He
alleged that a member business of the chamber has been in trouble with the
law for selling tobacco products to minors and so he cannot understand why
he would be denied membership, said Gage.

Anderson denied having knowledge of any member businesses being in trouble
with the law for any reason.

The board's decision will not affect The Head Shop in any way, said Gage. He
said the community has been very supportive of his business in the first
month of operation.

According to Gage the store has done very well this month and has gotten
little negative comments from community members.

"The vast majority (of the community) come in and say 'This is a neat store.
I'm really glad you're here,'" said Gage.