Neighbors Want Court Order Against Forster Mansion Parties

A petition filed recently in Orange County Superior Court may put an end to what neighbors say are intolerable, late-night events at the historic

For three years now, the grounds have served as a wedding venue operated by San Juan Capistrano resident Arpi Evans. Earlier this year, Evans sued the property's former owners, accusing them of fraud, and filed for bankruptcy.

Now another obstacle is headed in Evans' direction. On Aug. 8, the mansion's neighbors filed a petition for a court order requiring the city to strip the mansion of its special-events permit.

Awarded in December 2009 at the objection of the same neighbors who filed the petition—Cameron and Pierre Grenier—the permit dictates specific rules for events held at the mansion, including hours of operation.

The Greniers say they've been subjected to "ongoing nuisances" since the city granted the permit. "Loud and disruptive conduct has caused the community residents considerable harm and annoyance," their petition states.

The mansion was constructed for $10,000 in 1910 by the grandson of prominent landowner . Known for at one time being a place for extravagant barbecues and piano recitals, it is registered as a National Historic Landmark.

In 1990, Phillip and Maryanne Charis purchased the property, where Phillip reportedly intended to house his photography business.

In 2008, according to the mansion's website, the Charises sold the property to Arpi Evans. That's when the permitting saga began.

In summer 2008, the San Juan Capistrano code enforcement staff sent notices of violation to the Charises and Evans for holding events at the Forster Mansion without city approval.

In court documents, the Greniers say that "circus-style tents" big enough for 400 guests were erected on the mansion's yard and that food and alcohol were catered until midnight, all within "a stone's throw" of their residence and of the 150-unit Seasons Senior Apartments.

Nearly a year later, after some wrangling on the part of the city to get the proper applications turned in, a public hearing process began that ultimately led to the City Council awarding the conditional-use permit—first on a temporary basis. It eventually became permanent.

In her suit against the Charises, Evans says she was never told by the former owners that they didn't have the proper permits for special events. The Charises, she alleges, "promised to deliver [to her] property suited for the specific purpose of holding events. This was not done."

She contends she has spent more than $100,000 in attempting to rectify all of the licensing and permitting issues.

In their petition, the Grenier take issue with the fact that the city knew the Charises and Evans were "operating illegally" for several months before it issued the conditional-use permit.

Two weeks after suing the Charises—a jury trial is expected to begin soon—Evans filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, naming somewhere between one and 49 creditors to whom she owes as much as $1 million.

On Aug. 23, city staffers will ask the Planning Commission how it would like to proceed in either revoking, changing or keeping the conditional-use permit for the Forster Mansion, according to San Juan Capistrano's community development director, Grant Taylor.