Evelyn Rogers
evelynrogers@samobile.net

March 14, 2013

Heights Tavern
3377 Adams Ave.
San Diego, CA 92116

To: Mr. Bill McHugh,

   My name is Evelyn Rogers and I.ve lived in Normal Heights for almost 20
years. As a resident of this community, I.ve had the pleasure of patronizing
the establishments along Adams Avenue. Similar to many in the neighborhood,
I eagerly awaited the opening of the Heights Tavern and was excited to check
out the space. Unfortunately, my experience was not quite what I had
anticipated nor am I pleased with the reaction received from your employee.

   As a preliminary matter and to provide you with some context, I am
completely and legally blind. I have a Seeing Eye dog, Vanda, who helps me
navigate and provides me with the assistance I require as incidental to my
lack of sight. Vanda wears a guide dog harness with handle, and has the
goverment issued tag on her collar which identifies her as a California
Assistance Dog. In short, she is readily and easily identifiable as a
service dog.

   On March 4. 2013, a friend and I went to your restaurant for food and
drinks. As always, Vanda was with me. We were there for almost an hour and
enjoyed some drinks and fries. As we were about to leave, an employee, Nino
Nunzian, approached us to inquire about Vanda. He requested documents and/or
registration information for Vanda. I told Mr. Nunzian she was a service dog
and that he was legally barred from insisting on documentation. He insisted
the dog was not allowed in the restaurant, that we would have to move to the
patio.

   Because of his persistence, I told Mr. Nunzian to do some research and
familiarize himself with laws concerning disabilities and service animals.
He left for approximately fifteen minutes then returned and asked the only
two questions that are legally allowed. Unfortunately, Mr. Nunzian was yet
again uninformed. The Department of Justice allows asking if the animal is
required because of a disability and what work or task does this dog
perform; however, the ADA specifically bars such questions when the dog is
readily identifiable as a service dog, such as a guide dog.

   I appreciate and understand the interests Mr. Nunzian was seeking to
protect. A restaurant has to protect the cleanliness of the establishment
and I understand why an employee would be suspect of a dog in a place that
does not embrace the presence of pets. Unfortunately, while I love her
dearly, Vanda is not a pet. She is a necessity and critically important to
my life. We have frequented the establishments on this street and in this
neighborhood for the last two decades and never have I been so poorly
treated. I asked Mr. Nunzian for a written apology- a request he quickly
brushed off.

   Again, I understand his lack of information but do not feel like I should
be the one to bear the brunt of it. The issue is sensitive to me and to have
someone be so glaringly in the wrong and then refuse a request for a brief
written apology is not only rude, it is terrible customer service. I would
like a written apology acknowledging the insensitivity of the situation and
the lack of information on behalf of Mr. Nunzian sent to my email address
(evelynrogers@samobile.net). While legal recourse is available, it is not a
course I wish to pursue. One of the things I.ve always loved about this
neighborhood is the sense of community it exudes and the care we take in our
relationships with one another. I hope Heights Tavern won.t disappoint me in
this expectation.

                               Sincerely,