The underage party place: Wildomar hot spot targets teens

By: NICOLE SACK - Staff Writer | Thursday, November 8, 2007 10:30 PM PST ∞

WILDOMAR ---- The booming music on Friday and Saturday nights is the same as most night clubs. There is a VIP section and streaming video and a light show is projected above the dance floor.

Club Aftershock is a lot like any other night spot ---- except for the clientele. Whereas most night clubs turn away the underaged, Aftershock caters only to those 18 and younger.

The venue, which opened in Wildomar last week, is attempting to establish itself as the place to be ---- if you're in high school. That is the intention of owners Phoebe and Robert Simkims of Murrieta. The couple purchased the Desert Rose Cafe, 34846 Monte Vista Drive, in an effort to solve the modern-day and nearly universal teen conundrum that there's nothing to do.

Phoebe Simkims, a mother of two boys, opened the 18 and under club because, as she puts it, "There is nothing for kids to do around here besides drink and do drugs. There needs to be something positive for them."

To fill the void, Club Aftershock operates from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.

There is no alcohol ---- instead water, energy drinks and energy Jell-o shots are available for purchase. Unlike other venues, there are no in-and-out privileges.

"Once they are in, they are in," Phoebe said. "We can't regulate them in the parking lot, but when they are inside, they are safe. Plus, there is an attached patio, so it's not like they are stuck in the building."

In addition, the club has a number of security guards and cameras to discourage bad behavior. Patrons are patted down and purses are checked for weapons or drugs.

While the Simkims are still getting the word out about Club Aftershock, Phoebe Simkims said she is committed to making the venue work.

The Desert Rose still operates during the week as a cafe.

The effort was appreciated by a trio of Murrieta Valley High School students who came to the opening night of Club Aftershock on Friday night.

"There is really nothing for us to do, except the movies, going to the mall," said Alyssa Vasquez, 17.

"Or go toilet papering," Dallas Moon, 16, interjected with a laugh. "The cover, $10, isn't bad. I could have bought a couple of packs of toilet paper with that, though."

Amanda Leseberg, 17, said that even though the club is located off Baxter Road in Wildomar, it is still convenient for Murrieta residents.

"It's not a bad drive at all," she said. "It took us like five minutes to get here."

On a more serious note, Dallas Moon said the club was a nice change from other organized events for students his age.

"It's good to get away from our parents, compared to the dances where they are always at," he said.

Dorian Traube, an assistant professor at the University of Southern California's School of Social Work, specializes in adolescent development. She said that while underage clubs mimic adult venues, they offer a positive environment for teens.

"I don't think that these clubs teach kids to emulate adult behavior; it's natural for kids to want to act like adults," Traube said. "The more of a controlled ... environment, the better. Clubs like this, that are absent of alcohol, are a much better alternative to makeshift, underground parties like raves."

She has observed a troubling spike in crystal meth use among teens, as it is an inexpensive, readily available and incredibly addictive drug. She said that, on a whole, the stakes are getting higher for teens as drug and alcohol use are becoming more and more prevalent.

Traube, who grew up in Escondido said that teen activities are limited for young people in the region.

"When you are a kid, you're limited by transportation, money and if you are accepted in a particular setting," she said. "The opportunities are fewer in a suburban setting, where these kids have grown up and have been there, done that. I grew up in that area, I felt the doldrums when I was young."

For more information visit www.club-aftershock.com or call (951) 678-1333.

Contact staff writer Nicole Sack at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2616, or nsack@californian.com.