LOS ALAMITOS : Law Regulating Public Events Passes

The City Council voted 4 to 1 Monday to adopt an ordinance regulating parades, events, assemblies and other activities on public property despite fears that the law might discourage people from holding events in the future.

A key provision of the ordinance requires organizers to buy liability insurance and pay for city services, such as erecting street barricades, before permits are issued for the event.

Mayor Ronald Bates, who voted against the ordinance, said the cost of liability insurance would have a “chilling effect” on events intended to foster community spirit.

He said the ordinance is not necessary because the city assumes liability anyway for public events and the permit process is adequate to control those sponsored by private groups and community organizations.

But a majority of council members said that the ordinance is necessary to recover cost for police protection, to protect the city from liability, and to provide an orderly manner in which community events are conducted.

“It’s wise to protect ourselves,” said Councilman Anthony R. Selvaggi.

City Atty. Thomas W. Allen said the ordinance will not apply to political marches and First Amendment activities, or those held in parks and on private property.

Allen said the ordinance may affect block parties and the annual July 4 parade in the Suburbia neighborhood.

City Manager Robert C. Dunek said that insurance premiums vary depending on the number of people attending an event.

He said Diversified Risk Insurance Brokers of Emeryville, which provides insurance coverage for city events at the community center, charges $60 for block parties with up to 50 people. Parades and walkathons cost $90 for up to 500 attending and $160 for up to 1,500 people participating.

Dunek said that for bicycle and running events, the insurance premium ranges from $200 for 50 people attending to $410 for 1,500 participating.

The same rates would be available to community groups, Dunek said.

The ordinance will take effect in 30 days.