Huntington Beach to Crack Down July 4

Police will seal off the entire downtown business district to cars this Fourth of July and increase the number of officers by 30% in an effort to prevent the violence that has erupted the past three years.

“We believe the only way we’re going to break the cycle is to barricade the whole downtown,” Chief Ronald E. Lowenberg said Monday as he presented his department’s plan to a supportive City Council.

Lowenberg said police will keep motorists out of a 20-block grid, including the downtown business district and residential areas. Last year, police barricaded a four-block area, primarily in the heart of downtown around Main Street.

The boundaries of the area to be closed to traffic are Pacific Coast Highway, Golden West Street, Palm Avenue and 3rd Street. Lt. Jon Arnold said neighbors requested the residential areas be cordoned.

Main Street will be closed to cars beginning at 2 p.m. July 4. The rest of the barricades will be up from 3 p.m. until 2 a.m. Police will give residents passes for access to the area.

A total of 123 police officers will be assigned to tactical teams, with as many as 10 officers and a sergeant each, to work in the downtown area as needed. Last year, 86 officers worked on those teams. The department’s entire force, about 220 officers, will be on duty citywide.

In addition, about 40 sheriff’s deputies and supervisors and 33 California Highway Patrol officers and sergeants will be on duty in the downtown area, several more than last year.

Because July 4 is a Thursday this year, extra police patrols will be on duty throughout the holiday weekend, Arnold said.

Unlike last year, Main Street businesses won’t be asked to close early. Police hope that by closing the streets to cars and leaving the stores open, they will encourage a “family oriented” atmosphere, Arnold said.

For the first time, vans will be on hand to transport arrestees, a firetruck with a police officer on board will patrol the streets, and police will videotape any incidents and arrests, Arnold said. Police will close the pier and beach at 8 p.m.

The cost to the city is estimated at $122,000, including police overtime and contract costs for deputies and CHP officers, Arnold said.

Last year, one man was shot to death and more than 100 people were arrested when riots and street fires broke out for the third year in a row.

After the riots of July 4, 1994, 10 people filed claims against the city alleging police brutality. Five people whose claims were rejected by the city have since filed lawsuits alleging civil-rights violations.

Community volunteers are needed to help as block captains and watch for signs of trouble. Volunteers and others interested in hearing about the Police Department’s plan are invited to a meeting of the Downtown Residents’ Assn. at 7 p.m. June 13 in the City Council Chambers, 2000 Main St.