WESTMINSTER

The city spent almost $700,000 on the demonstrations in Little Saigon this year, according to figures released recently. Besides Westminster police overtime and support costs, the figure includes a bill from the county sheriff for $327,000; county supervisors are questioning that bill because the sheriff has an agreement with the city to provide emergency aid at no cost. The 53 days of demonstrations at a Bolsa Avenue store where a Communist flag and picture of Ho Chi Minh were displayed required, at times, hundreds of police officers from throughout the county to keep the peace and protect the store owner. Included in the tally is police time for the rallies and events on April 30, marking the anniversary of the fall of Saigon.