That's not me: man at center of city investigation says he's unfairly targeted

The man accused of running a wild and unauthorized club on East Lake Street blames homophobia and misunderstanding for the unwanted attention from neighbors and the city.

David L. Tomlinson, who runs a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender drop-in center at 3318 E. Lake St., said Wednesday morning he's being targeted because of his affiliation with the GLBT community. He said he's also been tainted by an ongoing dispute between the building's previous tenant and the building owner.

"I think they're causing a problem because ... people in that area don't like gays," he said.

The city's complaints about Tomlinson (read about the city's view here) run from late hours to liquor law violations, and parties that have resulted in numerous police calls. The city has sent $1,600 worth of citations to him, according to city council member Gary Schiff, but Tomlinson said Wednesday that he's never received them. As far as the liquor law violations, Tomlinson said it's a misunderstanding.

"I'm 35 years old," he said. "I'm allowed to have a cocktail if I'd like."

Advertisements for parties at 3318 E. Lake St. have included drink prices, but Tomlinson said he hasn't been selling alcohol.

He also disputed city records that say police have been called to the property 29 times in the past six months for fights, loud music and weapons violations. The building has four tenants, he said, and perhaps they were responsible for some of those calls.

"Someone's lying and that needs to be noted," he said.

Finally, Tomlinson said he had nothing to do with a July event held at 3318 E. Lake St. that, according to advertisements for the party, appeared to be an alcohol-fueled orgy. "That has nothing to do with me," he said. The entertainment company that sponsored the party, The Big Takeover Ent., is run by Shawn Keaton of Roseville, according to several Facebook pages, but he could not be found for comment.

Tomlinson said his drop-in center is a safe haven for GLBT people, a place where they can come for friendship, counseling, AIDS tests, computers, and a place where "they don't have to feel that they are bullied," he said.