The Pico Rivera City Council has declined to reconsider its zoning ordinance to allow the International Club to be converted to a Christian activities center.
Paul and Frances Flores, who own a controlling interest in the Washington Boulevard building, asked city officials for an exemption to allow church activities in the commercially zoned area. City zoning laws permit churches only in residential neighborhoods.
But the council decided to take no action on the request, preferring to maintain the restrictions in existing commercial zoning, city spokesman John Donlevy said.
Frances Flores said she would consult with an attorney to determine her course of action, which could include a lawsuit against Pico Rivera. "We're not going to give up," she said. "We feel very strong about this. It's not over with."