Penryn’s outlaw barkeep ordered freed from Placer jail to widespread media buzz
Travis Kevie has charges reduced but faces misdemeanor illegal alcohol sales count
Outlaw barkeeper Travis Kevie was ordered released from jail today with the buzz of media attention spreading his exploits to a widespread audience. But in the eyes of the law, he’ll still have to belly up to a misdemeanor charge of illegal alcohol sales. Kevie, 29, was arrested Tuesday after four days of bamboozling about 30 customers a day into believing that he had re-opened the recently vacated Valencia Club in Penryn. The story of a homeless man entering a vacant bar and buying a six-pack from a convenience store to get business started soon turned from a local story into a regional one – and then a national one on the internet and TV. Sacramento TV stations set up shop in Penryn on Wednesday and that story was soon re-telecast in Southern California. The Los Angeles Times picked it up, as did the Seattle Weekly. The Drudge Report website was an early poster. The blogosphere sent the story into orbit, with praise for Placer County Sheriff’s Detective Jim Hudson sniffing out a rogue drinking establishment eclipsed by Kevie’s audacity – even if some of that kudos come with tongue firmly planted in cheek. “Can’t this guy get a little credit for his entrepreneurial spirit,” Rightcelebrity posted. Gawker.com concentrated on the bizarro humor in Kevie’s four-days of bartending. “A delightful, real-life Steve Guttenberg comedy,” Gawker stated. “Events that should form the basis for the plot of a 1980s comedy constantly on Cinemax.” The bar opening was a well-constructed ruse, with the homeless Kevie starting the pseudo-business up with a six-pack he bought at a convenience store across the street. The bizarre entrepreneurial hoax was bottled up after Hudson spotted Kevie in a photo Tuesday that ran with a Journal story on him running the Valencia Club. Hudson checked and found no liquor license had been issued to Kevie. Kevie, who told the Journal Monday that the bar reopening was “a dream come true,” was led away in handcuffs and the bar closed down Tuesday by a property manager representing its Southern California owner. Adding to the “wow” factor, Kevie did fairly well financially in a short time. The Sheriff’s Department said a large amount of alcohol and cash was confiscated at the Valencia Club after Kevie’s arrest. The oddball tale was too good for many media outlets to resist. Badattitudes.com called Kevie “an example for us all.” “His only capital – a mere six-pack of beer – was used to open a small business that was apparently off to a successful start,” Badattitudes.com posted, lauding Kevie for “vision, guts, initiative and determination.” The cable Fox Business Channel’s national telecast weighed in with a segment Thursday on the Valencia Club and Kevie, describing it as a “less-than-legal burst of entrepreneurial spirit.” Seattle Weekly’s website picked up on the humor of a four-day illegal bartending binge that is now playing out in court as a misdemeanor charge for Kevie. “Sometimes it takes a guy like Travis to go out and live his life as though it were a half-hour sitcom,” the Seattle writer said. But any attempts to drum up a “Free Travis Kevie!” campaign – as Badattitudes.com was pushing for – were premature. After two days of being held in the Placer County jail on allegations of felony burglary and illegal alcohol sales, Kevie was arraigned on a single misdemeanor charge of selling alcohol without a license. Superior Court Judge Colleen Nichols ordered that because of the misdemeanor charge and what was described as a minor criminal record, Kevie could be released from jail later in the day. He’s to return to court Aug. 19 in Roseville to enter a plea.
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You have to admit this is sort of amusing.
Look how clean and shiny he had the bar counter.
I wanna know why the people that came in after he sold all 6 beers and didn't have any more alcohol didn't think it was weird.
Seattle people seem weird...
I'm glad Placer County dropped the felony charges against him..
Kinda gotta admit this guy had an imagination..
Gotta love it.....
Great news for Travis. I think things are going to work out just fine for him. He's an inventive guy and seems to enjoy working for a living. I wish him the best of luck. He really does like tending bar and I think he could be a good way to get the Valencia Club kick started in a good way.
AJ - “I have fun with life,” Kevie said. “I live it up and take it for what’s it’s worth.”
LOL
MAngel - "Would the AJ do a story on some random guy who was in the bar who pretended to be the new owner? Who knows, "
Double LAWLS!!!!
This is what bad TV movies are made of. Penryn has it's own "reality" show going on. "Drunk and Disorderly in Penryn, CA".
Or, maybe "The Real Last Chance Saloon".
He ran it much better than the previous owners did.
Now is the time to reopen the VC, it has gotten millions of dollars, well at least tens of thousands, in free publicity.
Pathetic. His next crime will probably be scamming an elderly couple of their life savings.
Considering he is gaining his fame through breaking in to a establishment and setting up a business. I would hope that Placer County can slap a sentance on him that includes all income earned as the result of his "look at me" stunt (a popular new trend) like the balloon boys parents..should be turned to the county and used for a worthy cause...
Look at the photo - he even had dice cups for his customers! I'm still laughing at this!
The new owners should offer him a job.
Travis and his former customers might find acting work on the Canadian comedy show "Trailer Park Boys."
this guy was having a great time living the life (for a few days) that he wished he always had. yes what he did was illegal, but was anybody harmed? No, people were having fun and he actually took care of the place. Not saying I condone it, I just think this could have been way worse. Plus... I haven't been so amused about a sorry in a long time!
NorCalMom61: How do you make the logical progression from selling alcohol without a license.....to elder abuse??
LL, my thoughts exactly.
I don't know this guy but I sure admire his entrepreneurship.
My only regret was that I missed the fun. I knew I should have gone the moment I read the original story. I would have been part of history. Dang.
loomisresident...that would have been hilarious to see one of our own sitting at the bar!
Sorry guys, this guy sounds like a sociopath.
This guy cost the tax payers of Placer County a lot of money. Think about it! If he shows up at my business again I will call the sheriff. Who is he living off of now? The last time he got out of jail the sheriff's department dropped him off at my business.
When does he ink the book deal? A Kramer style (Peterman) reality book tour?
I like how the customers' hand positions "mirror" each other.
You people are all flipping crazy. I've know this kid is since he was 5 yrs.old and he's just turned into a real piece of crap that has the wool pulled over all your eyes. If he wasn't so busy TWEAKING on CRANK he would have a place to go, but he'd rather do drugs,This lazy piece of shit need to spend a couple of months in jail if hes not going to go rehab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin Federlein for the movie role? Lol! A day in the sun for Penryn! YAY!! It's all good!
Hand positions lol Furtado orders his subjects to pose and people usually obey. I remember the groundbreaking for the Streetscape. Ben said shovel and they did. The dust cloud settled and I heard someone say; "We're only supposed to look like we are shoveling."
I hope Kevie gets a book and movie deal.
Well said Auburnbullman. His own family kicked him out of their house to help him see the light. Don't enable this guy!
ChuxxR, LOL about Furtado taking pictures & the way people react.
that picture just screams Penryn's finest! Now those are the kinds of people I expect so see in a bar in the middle of the day. Two males wearing wifebeaters and a female in a tube topped something or another that well... I'll stop here. Still laughing though!
Here is my take on this. Maybe this guy is not a candidate for Citizen of the Year but.... When comapared to the Kirk Uhlers, Rocky Rockholms and Tom Miller of this world, all of the sudden he becomes a Boy Scout.
He made us all laugh, follow a story that didn't include loss of life, tragedy and all those uplifting stories we find in the Auburn Journal every so often.
When it comes to wasting taxpayer's dollars, my preferred place to start saving is at the Domes on Fulweiler.
This guy had fun, had a few people enjoying the new and improved VC and made a lot of us laugh out loud.
Hell, he deserves a statue in the Streetscape plaza. Four days fooling a whole lot of people, that's some sort of endurance record.
Yeesh. Everyone in that photo looks like a "winner."
Analyst...look up "sociopath".
Auburnbullman....There is NO mention of drugs involved with this story...if he was that into it now, some evidence would have been found on the premises.
Loomis- I could not have said any of it better.
Hopefully this hastens the opening of the place. How about wifebeater shirts that read ' I was a winner at the Valencia Club.
OFFICIAL MOVIE WEBSITE FOR TRAVIS KEVIE http://www.traviskevie.com
My favorite picture was the one of him cleaning the Corona sign.
Just curious it was a very hot weekend did he have the ac on?
Go Team Auburnbullman! Well said!
And for all you Kevie Fans, the reason why he was doing "such a good job" was that he wasn't paying any business licenses, taxes, insurance or rent with that money. And he didn't have the stress of knowing he would have to. It's no wonder he had so much cash in his coffers! He wasn't playing by the rules! It's called California regulation of business. And like it or hate it, that's the rules: follow the law.
Tinabobina: The only reason we need "licenses, taxes and insurance" for small business is the bureaucrats that have caused this to happen. They're really not necessary to sell a beer although most are convinced they are. Imagine if kids selling Kool Aide had to do the same?
uright--that pic does make the place look totally redneck. What a hoot this whole thing turned out to be; haven't had this much fun reading the daily paper since I don't know how long. I hope Hollywood has their ears on; this would make a great "stupid but funny" movie. I too, reminisced back to Kramer--the time he had the office job, carried his briefcase and dressed in a suit every day only for the boss to realize he can't fire Kramer because he doesn't really work there! Too funny. What a great series of an article, along with the posts. Keep em coming!
Nothing gets as good a cleaning as when the cleaner is tweaking. Bet the grout got scrubbed.
LL and loomis, my opinion came from the interview on KOVR Ch 13 with Kris Pickel. It was on last night around 10:30. loomis, he seems to be real good at cleaning. Why not invite him over and help with the animals. Get to know him. Then get back with me on how it works out.
LL, not that I wanted to spend this much time with you, but here goes. I looked this up in the DSM IV (diagnostic and statistcal manual of mental disorders) so I wouldn't miss anything for you. The symptoms of a sociopath are: pathological lying, blames others for anything that goes wrong, habitual dishonesty, superficial charm, manipulative and conning, grandiose sense of self, lack of remorse, shame or guilt, need for stimulation, (getting his picture and story in the AJ), impulsive nature, parasitic lifestyle, criminal or entrepreneurial versitility, contemptuous of those who seek to understand him (his parents), constant turmoil in the family, seeks approval of his victims, incapable of real human attachment to another (homeless), cannot hold a job and will probably commit crimes (theft, fraud, forgery), and will spend time in jail or prison. (remember, he's only 29 yrs old, prison is in his future).
Now, not knowing his history, it's possible he could have ASPD (antisocial personality disorder). Some of these people can be diagnosed as sociopathic. People with ASPD have many of the traits of sociopathy, but people with ASPD tend to have more aggresiveness and reckless disregard for others. (fighting, stealing cars, breaking into homes) the typical impulse control issues.....just a thought.
Analyst, I've know Travis since he was 14. You have described him perfectly.
Thanks Jon, by the way loung, is that you in the red tube top at the bar?
Here's a quote from the interview, "I listened to my heart, I thought I was doing the best for everybody." Everybody would be? Seriously, who is everybody? Then I can imagine him "listening to his heart" and wanting to help grandma out, or the lonely single lady with some extra cash or investments. Classic case of stories we hear or read about of people being taken for everything they have. Another quote, "I want that job back." Listen buddy, I want a lot of things back due to this economy, but I'm not going to pull a stunt like this. Really, what was he going to do with the money if he wouldn't have gotten caught so soon? Once again, pathetic.
Analyst, you also described politicians.
Analyst...you were sure to cover all basis with your grandiose definition...parts of which could cover about everyone who posts on this forum..."entrepreneurial versatility"??
How about keeping it simple....Someone with a sociopathic personality; a person with an antisocial personality disorder (`psychopath' was once widely used but has now been superseded by `sociopath')
Yeah, he seems really anti-social...that was facetious in case you couldn't tell.
NorCalMom61...I wouldn't put much stock in the report that alleged Kevie collected a deposit from someone who wanted to rent the banquet room...Firstly, they also reported that the place had been closed for a year when in fact it had been closed only since early June
Secondly, that would have a been a felony & no mention of that being among the charges...which have been dropped except for misdemeanor.
"bases"
LL, you clearly do not know what you're talking about. Maybe you should give him a place to stay when he gets out, since those bad bad cops might hurt him, and he's so misunderstood. Trust me, he's dangerous.
I had a relative who did similar things as Travis. He would get clothes from thrift stores and military surplus stores to pretend to be all kinds of different "important" people (kind of like in that movie Catch Me It You Can). He was very believable to people who didn't know him, therefore he usually stayed very far away from us who knew him. But he would come back around once in a while when he needed something and, of course, all his "bad luck" was never his fault. He died many years ago from drug addiction problems. It was easy to tell even as a very young child that he was headed in this direction, but in those days there was not much parents and the schools would do to try to intervene. But one thing was for sure, he was probably very highly intelligent...and maybe that was part of the problem.
LL is the one with the red tube top? Now that paints a picture for me... Arg.
Funny story, but Analyst has him nailed, and I would not give him a dollar.
There are many deserving people in our community, including real families in need.
Pop culture does not much for them, does it?
Analyst: I'm afraid you're the one not very informed...Tell me why all those serious charges fell by the wayside? Why was he quickly released without even posting bail...seems like our so-called harsh Placer County judicial system didn't deem him as much of a threat as you & some others would make him out to be.
Lounge, Why don't you believe the people who personally know Travis and have had problems with him?
JonGreen, on you 7/23/10 at 9:18 post, you said the sheriff's department dropped him off at your business after he got out of jail. So the sheriff's department is providing rides to criminals now?
LL, to clarify my comment about what he was going to do with the money, I could have left that comment out. My concern is his behavior, what "his heart" tells him and his definition of right and wrong. People that scam others can ruin lives so easily. The effects can be devastating. I find no humor in this story. My concern is also for his next victims.
Doesn't he know that if you are homeless you are supposed to stand on the street corner with a sign saying something witty like, "why lie? I need a beer" ... and bathe in the canal with a good heater going? DUH!
LL. I wasn't talking about the charges, I was talking about Kevie's odd behavior. The judge probably dropped the burglary charge because it was not a burglary, he had permission to be there. He was probably released on what they call an OR (own recognizance) because it was a minor offense. It's similar to a PTA (promise to appear) only it's ordered by a judge. He still has to answer to the selling alcohol without a license charge.
Thought I'd weigh in...
LR is right about the publicity. Although I've never been to the VC, I'd go now, at least once.
If this exact thing had happened during the Gold Rush, Travis Kevie would be part of the local lore and he'd be admired for his pioneering spirit. There might even be a Travis Saloon in Auburn.
Based on first hand knowledge of some posters here it's pretty clear that Kevie is a very troubled guy. But we've made a choice in this society that some troubled people will not get helped, for whatever reason. He will be shunned and on his own forever, committing crimes (hopefully petty) along the way.
My guess Kevie is probably destined to die on the street, which is not the sort of thing America should be about.
Nash, First he has to decide that he wants to get better before anyone can help him. So far being arrested, having a DUI, a series of minor criminal arrests and being kicked out of his friends and parent's houses has not convinced him that he has a problem. If he doesn't decide he has a problem he will die on the street. In an previous post I asked people not to enable him. Any positive post that gets back to Travis just postpones him getting well.
Jon, I believe you, but I'm just talking about the context of this whole VC episode & according to that, he doesn't appear harmful. Usually in a story like this, past criminal history is mentioned, but I don't recall any...including any probation. Some are jumping on him purely because of the high profile nature of the story. Everyday we see at least one story in the AJ of criminal activity much more deserving of our revulsion than this one. I also think you're the only one here that knows him & sounds like his worst offense is that of being a flake.
LL: I don't know the guy personally but I do know enough about "psychology" and criminal behavior to buy Analyst's take 100%. Also I've known, worked with, and been very close with people like this....they leave a path of destruction wherever they go and end up with an early death.
Unfortunately, this isn't a victimless crime. We the taxpayers are victims of the resources this cost us. However, we are also victims of the everyday white collar crime that goes on at the domes as many have said here. So these are tough time all the way around for those of us that pay taxes. The less global but also sad part of this is that there is a family involved that really doesn't deserve to have their wayward son's stunts cause them any more grief than they have already endured. This positive reinforcement of all the "fun" attention will only encourage Travis' already warped sense of right and wrong. If he doesn't move on, he'll surely show up somewhere else soon with an even more outlandish stunt that will cause someone pain. I'm all for a good laugh and did find it amusing that the initial media attention this guy sought (and AJ, was freely given) was also his downfall.
momof11, there are times that I like a good laugh, this story provided me with many. I am not defending Travis and neither am I trying to eviscerate him. No, I don't want him as a friend but I think that had I walked into the VC when all this was happening that I would have had a good time and probably would have bought some of his story. Now, I know that the license story was bogus, I know the ABC rules and also the law but that would not have precluded me from a good laugh.
The VC will always be known for this caper and there will be people that will go there if it ever reopens just to see what it's like inside. He put the VC on the national and State maps.
LL, it's not realy the act that you should be concerned with, it's the reason for the act. What part of that don't you get?
Analyst, I realize that his underlying mindset of why he did this is not good & that it could POSSIBLY lead to other criminal activity...or not. Remember, Kevie made it to 37 without amassing any criminal record...at least according to what I've read. Perhaps his stint as a rodeo cowboy had kept him out of trouble, I don't know.
It seems like all this animosity toward him is resentment of all the attention & light-hearted attitude many have toward him as a result of this stunt.
As much as you may disagree with this being a victimless crime, you'll have to do better than claim that Placer County residents are the victims as a result of paying for LE resources for this....we are paying them anyway whether or not this happened...his crime didn't result in a loss for anyone whatsoever.
Even Detective Hudson couldn't help but have a smile on his face while being interviewed about the case. LE is usually stoic when discussing cases with which they're involved.
Save it for a more deserving criminal Analyst.
LL, He is not 37. He is 29. And at the rate he is going he will not make it to 37. Ask the clerks at the Flyer's station in Newcastle what they think of him. I suggest you contact Travis and offer him a place to live.
What do I look like, an orphanage Jon?? Motel 6? My defense of him doesn't translate into providing room & board. You & some others keep making vague accusations by referring to what others THINK of him. That doesn't make your case.
Your defense of him is without any factual date.
??
sorry, "data"
My defense of him comes from his lack of criminal background. An habitual criminal doesn't get far in this County without eventually accumulating a rap sheet fairly quickly.
All the conjecture only points to what COULD happen with this guy in the future....it's all anecdotal.
he has a criminal record.
Where is it referred to in any of these articles?..maybe I missed it...If so, what do his convictions consist of? He certainly wasn't on probation at the time of this incident.
Wildfire 13 - I believe the money he earned by selling the beer was reinvested in more liquor from the convenience store where he bought the beer.
Although what he did was illegal, he definitely shows some entrepeneureal skills. Maybe now someone will give him the break he needs. Maybe Oprah or Ellen will have him on and he'll become an overnight sensation. Now that would be a story.
Auburnbullman - You say you've known him since he was 5, however, he doesn't look like a TWEAKER from the pictures posted. Also, would a TWEAKER still have $1300 on him?
In all the years that I have read the Auburn Journal, this is the one story that really made me laugh. I can't believe that I'm getting calls from Southern California where the story broke on a couple of TV stations but also from my son in Fort Wayne, Indiana, so far the son in Okinawa hasn't mentioned it.
The VC has appreciated in value by virtue of the free publicity it has received.
I don't know Kevie, I'm not going to seek him and introduce myself to him, I will not hire him since I don't need help but I thank him for having made me laugh, especially after seeing the number of people shaking their heads in disbelief.
catman123: It all goes back to Prohibition when politicians jumped on a popular bandwagon (Temperance?Tea Party) and sold their souls for a few votes, forgetting that alcohol sales taxes made up one of the largest chunks of government income. Now we have income taxes AND alcohol sales taxes.
LL; I'm afraid that, if you plan on using the Journal's writing to support your opinions, you are headed for disappointment.
A friend saw this story reported on the BBC! The VC was a great-sounding room, though. Hope it comes back.
Torrie, you crack me up!