COUNCIL VOTE BURIES PLAN FOR PRIVATE AUTOPSY LAB.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

SUNLAND - A proposal for a private firm to conduct autopsies in Sunland was given its final rites on Wednesday when the Los Angeles City Council refused to allow its opening.

The 11-0 vote against allowing Vidal Herrera to open Autopsy/Post Services at 7245 Foothill Blvd. came after a nearly six-month dispute with neighboring businesses and residents who protested his sign, plans to paint a building black and red, and other storefront displays.

``I think what you're doing is showing disrespect to the dead,'' Councilman Nate Holden said before the council's vote. ``Why can't you tone down what you're doing? I can't imagine people walking past your store or driving past and saying, That's where I want my autopsy to be done.''

Herrera, an autopsy technician who purchased the property in 1998, said he had invested more than $225,000 in the operation and had cleared all other permits required by the city except the one for his sign.

``I am not poking fun at death,'' Herrera said. ``I take this work very seriously.''

Councilman Joel Wachs, who represents the area, said Herrera was told earlier that his business violated the specific plan for the area.

``He is trying to change what is allowed,'' Wachs said. ``This is not planning after the fact.''

Wachs also said the facility was inappropriate since it did not have any parking and the only entry was through the front door.

However, Herrera and his attorney, Fred Gaines, argued the facility was a medical lab and appropriate for the area.