August rally cost Laguna Beach $67,000
It cost the city of Laguna Beach $67,000 to staff and prepare for an August demonstration that drew thousands to Main Beach, according to police.
Much of the cost covered staffing the Aug. 20 event, which organizers America First! billed as a way to honor victims of crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants.
For example, the city spent $29,000 in overtime and another $27,500 at regular pay rates to sworn and non-sworn staff, Capt. Jason Kravetz said.
The city spent $5,800 to rent protective barriers known as “K-rails,” which police used to line the side of South Coast Highway closest to Main Beach to deter motorists from driving onto the beach.
Another $1,400 paid for the rental of a private lot to keep horses for mounted police officers, and $3,300 covered miscellaneous costs for water, plastic handcuffs and other supplies.
As part of a mutual aid pact, Laguna Beach did not have to pay other law enforcement agencies that sent officers to the event, Kravetz said.
Official costs for Sunday’s demonstration organized by Onward America, the new name of the group, were not available, but Kravetz estimated it was between $30,000 and $40,000.
Estimated costs are lower because Sunday’s event required fewer officers, and the demonstration was shorter than August’s, Kravetz said.
More than 300 officers worked August’s demonstration, while about 100 staffed Sunday’s, Kravetz added.
Four people were arrested, including one man who allegedly carried a knife, during the August demonstration, police said.
No one was arrested Sunday.
Twitter: @AldertonBryce
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