HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-06-2016 Public Comment, MourenzaCOUNCIL MEC:7'1N(,r: 1 �.
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9/6/16 CITY COUNCIL. PUBLIC COMMENT
RECEIVED
SEP 06 2016
SLO CITY CLERK
We are writing to express our dissatisfaction with the response to the large party at 71 Palomar on the
night of August 19 early August 20. The event was most likely noticed by social media as the attendees
suddenly swarmed on the location from all directions (perhaps the police can investigate with the tenant
at 71 Palomar as to how this was achieved for future monitoring of events as they occur). There were
significantly more than 100 partiers, cars illegally blocking the Luneta fire lane, violating the parking
district, urinating, screaming, vomiting and many inebriated individuals when we contacted the non-
emergency police number to advise them of the escalating situation.
The initial response appeared to be one unit with two officers. While a small number of the attendees ran
away when they saw the police car, the majority appeared unphased and simply moved off the property
into the street. The police car left after a short time and the party grew, many who had moved off the
property returned, more people came and the drinking and yelling continued. An hour later, and after
additional calls to the police by neighbors, officers returned. On the second occasion they stayed on site
and partiers departed some carried by their compatriots. Many got into cars and drove away, likely
inebriated. Some actually sat in their cars until the police left before trying to drive, their impaired skills
observed.
This event clearly met the definition of UNRULY GATHERING and should have been handled under the
City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Chapter 9.13. The party took place on the first Friday /
Saturday of the fall semester of Cuesta College and the attendees appeared in the 18-22 year old age
range. This was an opportunity for the City to demonstrate that the law will be upheld. At $350. per
participant a significant sum could have been collected to support additional officers on weekends.
Knowledge of the issuance of citations with the associated fine would have been rapidly spread
throughout the community and to the new/ returning Cal Poly students upon arrival, hopefully deterring
repetition of such behavior.
The lax handling of this large party gives credence to the "rumor" that the City doesn't enforce actions
against students, and the Police have been instructed to NOT enforce noise or gathering regulations to
avoid aggravating students. The residents deserve to be informed of the instructions given to the Police
relative to enforcement of unruly gatherings and noise regulations, and by whom, so that the citizens
may pursue appropriate actions in reference to the members of the City a Council, Mayor, City Manager,
City Attorney and Police Chief if dissatisfied with the apparent coddling of students with the
corresponding disregard of tax paying permanent residents.
LYDIA & BOB MOURENZA
PETER & DIANE CROUGH
LUNETA DR, SLO