La Verne : No Alcohol at Heritage Park

The City Council voted unanimously Monday to reverse a decision that would have allowed alcohol to be served at social events, including weddings, at Heritage Park.

Councilman Craig Walters requested the reconsideration after residents near the park called to object to the plan.

After reversing its alcohol decision, the council went even further, adopting Councilman Thomas Harvey’s suggestion not to allow scheduling of weddings at the park, which he said would encourage heavier use and commercialization of the park. The decision does not outlaw park weddings but means that city officials will not reserve space for them.

Councilman Craig Walters and Mayor Jon Blickenstaff voted against not allowing scheduling of weddings. Blickenstaff said it was “really stretching” to say weddings commercialize the park because the city allows parks to be used for far more commercial activities, such as flea markets and concerts.