Palos Verdes Estates Puts Price Tag on Party-Pooping

Police in Palos Verdes Estates have been breaking up big and noisy parties for free. But soon they are going to charge party-givers for the service.

Citing the drain such parties make on police resources, the City Council unanimously passed an ordinance allowing police to charge the host 60 cents per minute per officer to restore order after an initial warning. The measure, patterned after laws in La Palma and Orange, takes effect next month.

“We have very little in the way of police resources,” said Councilman James Kinney, explaining that subduing a party of hundreds of people can require every officer on duty. “What we’ve got is 100% of the Police Department at one house and 99% of the city uncovered.”

According to police, there are a couple of problem parties per weekend that clog streets, disturb neighbors and require officers to disperse revelers. The parties usually involve youths or young adults.

“It’s not the 30-guest party that’s causing the problem, it’s the 300-guest party that’s causing the problem,” said police Capt. Mike Tracy.

Officials say the intent of the ordinance is not to put money into city coffers but to encourage people to control their own parties so that police do not have to be called.

At a public hearing, the only resident to oppose the ordinance--former police officer Allan Panitch--called it an open door to requiring payment for other city services.