August 1, 1962: Church Sues City Over Ordinance

An Oakland city ordinance, requiring a city manager's permit for operation of a church, is attacked as unconstitutional in. a suit on file in Superior Court today. The complaint asserts that the ordinance denies freedom of religion, assembly, and speech. City Manager Wayne E. Thompson said it is designed to prevent noise and parking problems, and to assure church buildings are safe for gatherings. The Metropolitan Church of God seeks to compel the City Council to allow it to conduct services at 1700 84th Ave. The council on July 3 upheld Thompson's denial of a permit. James H. Quinn, city hearing officer and assistant to Thompson, told the council the property does not have adequate parking space and said electrical and health departments reported deficiencies in the building. In addition, he said, neighbors complained about excessive noise during services, which the church had started to hold before obtaining a permit. The suit contends there is adequate parking, and says requirements of electrical and health departments have been met. It maintains there were no complaints of noise from) services the church formerly held at 815 Myrtle St. Oakland Tribune, Wednesday, August 1, 1962

March 3, 1972: New Hearing Scheduled in Church Row

The Oakland City Council yesterday agreed to reconsider a use permit for a church on Myrtle Street two days after reversing the planning commission's earlier approval. Councilmen called for another hearing on March 28 after Bishop Eva Nero of the Landmark Spiritual Temple said be was unaware of the council's hearing on an appeal last Tuesday. Councilmen unanimously revoked the use permit after a neighbor, Mrs. Jimmie Miller, 1726 Myrtle St., said noise created by the church at 2509 Myrtle St. has "just about made a wreck of everybody." At that hearing Planning Director Norman Lind said the church was notified of the appeal hearing by registered mail. Yesterday Bishop Nero said the letter came by regular mail to his residence at San Francisco but be did not receive it because he was involved in a fast at the church. Oakland Tribune, Friday, March 3, 1972