Newport Beach Police To Crack Down On Fourth Of July Partiers
NEWPORT BEACH (CBS) — Newport Beach is a very popular spot for Fourth of July revelers, but this year, police have taken extra measures to curb unruly crowds.
They've hired six other agencies, along with the California Highway Patrol, to make sure house parties along the Balboa Peninsula don't get out of hand.
CBS2's Rachel Kim spoke to residents who braced for the crowds Monday.
"It gets absolutely crazy," Steve Sargent said. "There's a lot of people come from out of town. A lot of people on bikes, a lot of people on skateboards, running around, a lot of drink going on."
Although alcoholic beverages aren't allowed in public areas, Sargent says that's not what happens.
"If you put six, seven, 10 thousand people in an area where there's no restrooms and no where for them to party, obviously it's problematic."
Police say property owners are responsible for the conduct of their guests and if officers have to show up, citations, arrests or fines could be given to the partygoers and party throwers.
"We barricaded our homes 'cause you have people that are drunk trying to come in," Valeria Controneo, another resident, said. "It just worries me because I don't want to get any fines."
On the Fourth, all fines for everything – from jaywalking to drinking in public – will be tripled along Balboa Boulevard between 32nd and 54th street and the area will be blocked off.
