Tighter control planned for Christmas Walk

Deepa Bharath

CORONA DEL MAR -- Four uniformed police officers will patrol this

year’s Christmas Walk, a community tradition for 22 years.

City officials issued the permit for the Dec. 3 event on the condition

that the organizers, the Chamber of Commerce, provide a police presence

during the event.

That condition was imposed by the city following complaints from

residents and a few alcohol-related incidents that marred last year’s

walk, said Newport Beach Police Sgt. Steve Shulman.

“We’ve had some alcohol violations in the past,” he said. “We want to

control that situation as well as prevent other crimes, like petty thefts

and robberies, from happening.”

A police report filed after last year’s walk reported calls from

residents complaining about “drinking, picking fights and mass

urination.”

A neighbor “reported that urine was running down the alley” near his

home, the report said.

Based on the incidents, police recommended that the chamber this year

deploy additional officers, chart a comprehensive operation plan for the

event with clear rules and regulations, and provide portable toilets to

deal with the problem of public urination.

The chamber will try hard to make the event a safe one for the entire

community, said executive director Bill Sinclair.

“This event is geared for families and children,” he said, adding that

safety is a primary concern.

The walk traditionally has also been an open house for local

businesses. But at least one business is pulling out this year.

Lynne Campbell, owner of The Quiet Woman restaurant on East Coast

Highway who has participated in the event for 10 years, said she does not

want patrons on her property to get tickets and citations.

“I don’t want to jeopardize my customers,” she said. “It’s

unfortunate, but I wanted this to be a positive event for our patrons.”

The restaurant in the past featured a rock ‘n’ roll band in its rear

parking lot, where food would be sold. Money from sales was donated to

charity, said Campbell.

Shulman said officers will issue warnings and citations to curb

alcohol-related violations.

“We believe,” he said, “that having uniformed officers will encourage

people not to commit such violations.”

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