Young Revelers Head Home; Palm Springs Claims Control

Throngs of vacationing students ended their annual spring break with a final spate of revelry, but police, who have made it “very unattractive to get rowdy,” reported no serious problems.

Two years ago, the desert resort community was rocked by hundreds of young men who went on a rampage on Good Friday, drinking beer in the streets, ripping the clothes off women and throwing bottles at police.

More than 100,000 students have flocked to Palm Springs since last weekend. But thanks in part to a massive police presence, the boisterous students remained under control.

With Sunday “basically a get-out-of-town day,” Lt. John Clem said it was “a good Easter week . . . We had a better crowd and our posture made it very unattractive to get rowdy.”

Clem said officers were “very, very busy” both Friday and Saturday nights, but there were no serious problems, even though “the crowds were equal to or greater than anything we’ve seen before.”

He said police tactics have sent the message that “you’re welcome to come and welcome to party, but don’t get out of line.”

Police arrested 74 people Saturday night and issued 553 citations for traffic violations, Clem said. The weeklong totals rose to 2,425 citations and 509 arrests, mostly for being drunk in public and for brawling in the streets.

Clem said the number of citations will rise when figures are added from California Highway Patrol officers and Riverside County sheriff’s deputies reinforcing Palm Springs police.