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City braces for a party-hearty Fourth
by Robb Fulcher
Beer-barfing young people, throngs of party-hearty tourists, and out-of-town police reinforcements are all gearing up for the town’s traditionally boisterous, occasionally riotous and increasingly controversial Independence Day scene.
The very unofficial celebration will feature the 27th annual "Ironman" competition. Named after a serious trademarked athletic event, the local competition features about 100 mostly people, mostly young to middle-aged men, running on the beach, paddling in the ocean, then chugging a six-pack of beer and usually vomiting.
The Ironman, which began in Manhattan Beach before it was pushed south about four years later, has come under increasing fire from Hermosa residents as homeowners with families continue to replace more party-oriented renters. But the event’s shadowy organizers vow to keep the tradition alive in 2001, and police said they will watch over the Ironman as they have in years past, without attempting to interfere.
"It is the intent of the police department to monitor this event as it takes place with the aim of making sure that order is maintained and people are kept safe," Chief Mike Lavin wrote in a recent report to the city council. "This has been our strategy for the past several years and it has been found to be very successful."
Thicker blue line
Police have called in limited reinforcements to watch over The Strand area, the city’s Fourth of July party belt. Some residents complained of excessive noise and rowdiness last Independence Day, although police have said that no injuries were reported and only a handful of misdemeanor arrests were made.
As many as 15 Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies will be on hand, each one teamed with a Hermosa police officer. The California Highway Patrol also has been called upon to lend a hand with congested traffic on Pacific Coast Highway.
Lavin has said that officers will continue to use a light touch and seek cooperation from party hosts and their guests, and the larger police presence will not be "a militaristic occupation force."
The city council last fall beefed up Hermosa’s noise ordinance to allow fines of as much as $500 when police are called repeatedly to disruptive parties.
Recent court decisions will also allow officers to issue infraction citations to people possessing alcohol on the beach or open containers on the Strand.
Longtime residents recall Independence Day incidents characterized as small riots in the early ‘70s. Major injuries did not occur but police struggled with unruly, bottle throwing crowds.
This week police sent an open letter to the community (see page 6) reminding residents that private fireworks are illegal, alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the beach or Strand, and providing tips for throwing parties without bugging the neighbors. ER