LOS ALAMITOS : Law Would Regulate Public Gatherings

The City Council has tentatively approved an ordinance that would regulate parades, events and assemblies on public property.

The ordinance approved by unanimous vote Monday will also provide for a procedure to obtain permits for such events and allow the city to impose traffic control and parking fees and require liability insurance.

The ordinance will not apply to political events such as marches and protests, which are protected by the First Amendment, or events held in parks and on private property, officials said.

City Atty. Thomas W. Allen said it’s necessary to have something on the books that will enable the city to deal with activities that might create traffic problems or the potential for violence.

“This allows the city to deal with events in an orderly and fair fashion,” Allen said.

Despite the unanimous vote, council members said they are concerned that the stringent requirements of the ordinance would discourage community organizations from holding cultural or athletic events.

“Some community events may not be doable because we’re piling up costs such as permits,” said Mayor Ronald Bates. “We can’t price (these events) out of the market.”

Councilwoman Alice Jempsa one of the organizers of the annual July 4 Suburbia parade, said there should also be a distinction between events held by community groups and those intended to make money.

The council directed city employees to check insurance costs for holding parades and athletic events and determine how the city could help carry the insurance costs.

City Manager Robert C. Dunek said organizers of community events may obtain insurance coverage from the city’s insurance carrier as long as the city becomes a participant in the event.

Dunek said the ordinance would provide for an orderly way of handling community events and ensure that the insurance liability is covered.

For First Amendment-related events, Allen said, insurance liability will not be required as are permit fees or police protection fees. Organizers can also go directly to court in case a permit is denied, he said.

If adopted by the council at its next meeting on Nov. 8, the ordinance will take effect in 30 days.