The Ripple Effect

The backstory of Ripples at Belmont Shore in Long Beach, has a history that dates back to the 1950s.

The space was an "under the radar" bar called Oceania and was a haven for the repressed gay scene in those days. Closed in 1968, the location was next purchased by actor John Agar, Shirley Temple's first husband, who transformed it into the "straight" bar/restaurant under the name, John Agar's Celebrity House. It was next purchased by Mary Azar, who added her moniker to the title, renaming it Mary's Celebrity House.

Several other owners followed before it was transformed into the gay bar currently know as Ripples in early 1973. Ripples is the longest-running gay dance club in the region, and has been a staple for the LGBT community ever since it hit the scene in Long Beach. Owners Larry Hebert and John Garcia, a couple for over 40 years, have been involved at the legendary property beginning in 1974, after buying out Ripples' former owners, and have been charitable advocates for change and acceptance ever since.

Like many others, the club overcame adversity, both financial and professional, and managed to have a long, incredible run. But like they often say, "All good things must come to an end," and according to Hebert and Garcia, "It's time to retire!"

The Rage Monthly spoke with John Garcia to get his story and to reminisce, as the end of an era approaches.

I remember Ripples throughout the'80s and'90s. It was packed with customers enjoying cocktails, disco and new wave. How has the club scene changed since those days?

The club world has changed dramatically since then because of the internet, coffee houses and gyms, which all have made a tremendous impact and totally changed the scene as we once knew it. Drinking and driving laws have had another major impact as well.

Gay bars were very popular back in the '70s, '80s and '90s because they were safe havens for LGBT people. But that has totally changed with
all the new laws allowing same sex couples the right to marry and numerous other laws. Gay people are now welcomed everywhere and mainstream businesses are loving it, because of the surge in business they have now realized.

When you pass the baton and sell the building, what do you hope happens?

We would hope that someone would carry on the LGBT tradition and legacy we're leaving behind. Perhaps adding a restaurant and a deli in the liquor store, making it a unique, new business opportunity for the next owner.

How long do you expect to remain open once the sale of Ripples is final?

We hope to be around for at least 90 days with several major parties for all our customers, neighbors, family and friends and then one final huge blow-out party.

Can you tell me a little bit about your Friday, Saturday and Sunday Barbecue Parties?

We are currently in the midst of changing our theme nights over, for the Spring, Summer and Fall. We currently have Syrens on Fridays, our Lesbian promotion; the first Saturday is Retro Night; the second is BearBar; the third Saturday is Dance Night and 4th is Latin Saturday. Sundays remain our Beer Bust and T-Dance with 32oz Bud Lights for $5, 32 oz. Ice Teas for $11, and our Barbecue goes from 4 to 9 p.m., all with no cover.

What other events should readers check out before Ripples bids farewell?

Before we leave, you should definitely check us out for Gay Pride Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July and Labor Day Weekends! We promise all of them to be very special before we exit.

You have provided a safe haven in the LGBT community for 42 years. How does it feel looking back at the ups and downs, knowing that you've had such a big impact on the LGBT community?

We have been here since 1974, and there were originally 12 owners who took us six years to buy out, by working hard. We feel humbled, honored and blessed with gratitude to have been a part of the Long Beach Gay Community. We have encountered haters and those who have tried to copy, but they were never able to hold a candle to us. Club Ripples will go down in history as the number one Gay Bar in Long Beach.

What will you two do next?

We plan to buy a vacation property in the desert and travel after Ripples. First, across country to see family, friends and old customers,then travel abroad to meet Larry's family in Italy.

Like so many other bars and clubs in LGBT neighborhoods, Ripples may be another to pass and along with it a deep, rich history in the area. Make sure to visit this historic LGBT property before the sale is complete!

For those who may be interested, the $4.2 million asking price includes the 5,000-square-foot bar and 1,500-square-foot adjoining liquor store located at Ocean Boulevard and Granada Avenue, along with all permits and licenses.

Club Ripples
5101 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach
562.433.0357
clubripples.com