Long Beach : Parks Chief Denies Permit for Gang Peace Picnic
A gang peace picnic planned for Saturday cannot be held at El Dorado Park, a city official said this week.
Parks Director Ralph S. Cryder denied a permit sought by a nonprofit organization, South Central Love, saying problems cropped up at a picnic and car club rally the group held on New Year’s Day in the park.
Sheriff’s deputies and park rangers confiscated a pistol and alcoholic beverages at that event, officials said. In addition, park workers had to clean up trash left by more than 1,000 picnickers.
City officials estimated it would cost more the $10,000 in law enforcement and cleanup costs if the picnic were held.
A spokesman for the group could not be reached for comment.
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