Gays, Lesbians Get Reduction on Parade Fees
A march sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Community Service Center of Orange County will go forward Aug. 17 in Costa Mesa, the organization said Friday after agreeing on financial terms with the city.
It’s the first time the center will hold a march in Orange County. The event--”The Orange County Dyke March”--will include a parade, rally and party. Plans, however, were threatened because the city and the group could not agree on fees.
March organizers initially asked for a waiver or discount from the $4,700 the city sought. The organizers cited such groups as the Lions Club that received discounts for similar events.
But officials discovered that the Lion’s Club received only a partial discount. The agreement reached Friday has the gay and lesbian group paying $3,800.
“We want to make sure that everybody should be able to exercise their rights as citizens and have a forum,” said Bonnie Saryan, a member of the Costa Mesa Human Relations Committee.
March coordinators decided to pay the fees but chose not to contract for 10 extra officers for two hours for the rally at Lions Park before the parade. Eleven officers will direct traffic.
The parade begins at Lions Park and ends near the Triangle Square mall on Newport Boulevard.
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