New ordinance tackles drinking at teen parties

New ordinance tackles drinking at teen parties

Donna Jones - Sentinel Staff Writer
Article Launched: 06/11/2008 01:32:18 AM PDT

Police have a new tool to shut down out-of-control parties.

The City Council on a 5-1 vote Tuesday approvaed an ordinance that will hold parents and other adults liable for fines and damages if they serve underage drinkers at gatherings in homes or rental halls.

The county Board of Supervisors passed a similar ordinance Tuesday.

After hearing that teen parties create havoc in neighborhoods, the only question the majority on the council had was whether fines suggested by police were stiff enough. Some said the fines, which escalate from $100 for a first-time offense to $250 and $500 for repeat violations within a year, were lower than those imposed in similar ordinances around Santa Cruz County and the state.

"I really want this to be a deterrent," said Councilman Edward Din.

Deborah Elston, president of the Westlake Neighbors Association in Santa Cruz, told the council a similar ordinance, passed in 2005 in her city, is working to bring peace to neighborhoods that were plagued by unruly parties. She said the neighbors fought a proposal to reduce the fees in Santa Cruz.

"We didn't want to make it affordable to have out-of-control parties," she said.

But Mayor Kimberly Petersen said a higher fine could pose a hardship for lower-income residents. She recommended approving the rules as proposed and reviewing it in a year.

"If they have the money to buy beer, they have the money to pay the fine," responded Vice Mayor Antonio Rivas, who wanted heftier fines but ultimately agreed to Petersen's proposal.

Councilman Manuel Bersamin wasn't present for the vote. Councilman Greg Caput voted no, saying laws against underage drinking, vandalism and noise -- all cited as reasons for the ordinance -- are on the books and should be enforced rather than trying to blame others.

"I'm a big believer in personal responsibility," he said. "If you break the law, you are personally responsible."

Police said one exception to the ordinance will be when party hosts call for help, whether because they realize they can't control the gathering or some other emergency occurs.

In other action, the council approved an $817,101 contract with the Pavex Division of Granite Rock Co. to reconstruct Walker Street between West Beach Street and Riverside Drive and install sidewalks and gutters.

The council also gave permission Rolf's Airport Auto Body to install a mural featuring a seaside scene on a metal building on Freedom Boulevard.
Contact Donna Jones at 763-4505 or djones [at] santacruzsentinel.com