Several Orange County cities are ramping up police presence as unauthorized gatherings, often leading to damages and injuries, in an effort to prevent a repeat of the chaos seen in Newport Beach during the Fourth of July.
Huntington Beach is looking to prevent takeover “beach parties” from happening in the city after helping with enforcement during the Newport Beach takeover on July 4.
The unruly takeover in Newport Beach saw over 400 people arrested, fights breaking out in the street and a Pavilions store being looted. Council members there are expected to consider overhauls to local laws in an effort to crackdown on the takeovers.
[Read: Newport Beach Eyes Stricter Laws After 400 Arrested in Fourth of July Chaos]
On July 9, the Huntington Beach Police Department released a statement on Instagram that a proposed beach bash happening in the city was currently under investigation.
The Huntington Beach Police Department said in the post that they were aware of the social media planned end-of-summer takeover on local beaches, also known as a “beach bash,” and they intend on stopping it before it takes place.
An investigation has been opened by the Huntington Beach Special Investigations Bureau, and they have already identified the people alleged to be involved in organizing and promoting this event. The investigations remain ongoing.
On July 4, Huntington Beach sent police officers to help assist Newport Beach after officials there declared a police emergency when the large, rowdy social media-inspired gathering occurred.
“Huntington Beach is no stranger to large, social media-driven gatherings,” the Instagram post reads. “We have seen firsthand how quickly these events can grow, overwhelm public spaces, block emergency access and place community members and first responders at risk.”
According to Huntington Beach Public Information Officer Jessica Cuchilla, there hasn’t been any increase in these types of takeovers within the city. However, Huntington Beach PD is constantly monitoring any similar activity in order to prevent these kickbacks from happening.
“As we monitor activity, we staff accordingly and take other precautionary measures by deploying different units to handle situations as they arise,” Cuchilla said.
The last beach party that took place in the city was Adrian’s Kickback.
In 2021, a flyer about a birthday party on TikTok. The flyer became a viral sensation, leading to a rowdy kickback..
Similar to Newport Beach’s recent incident, over 2,000 people came to the party, setting off fireworks and jumping on police officers.
Over 175 people were arrested during the kickback and the city was littered with trash, graffiti and broken windows that were mostly cleaned up by residents the day after.
“Takeovers or bashes affect the city negatively because of the potential for criminal activity to include vandalism, theft, assault and battery, and other serious criminal activity,” Cuchilla said.
People committing crimes in the take overs could face vandalism, theft, assault, reckless driving, unlawful assembly and conspiracy charges, according to Cuchilla. They may also face a penal code charge relating to incitement to riot, along with other similar offenses.
In a statement provided by Cuchilla to the Voice of OC, Huntington Beach PD is coordinating with law enforcement in the region to be prepared to respond if the beach bash does occur.
“Our goal is simple: prevent criminal activity before it starts and keep Huntington Beach safe for our residents, visitors, and businesses,” said the police department in a post on Instagram.
Buena Park is also bracing for a similar takeover to occur, this time at the amusement park Knott’s Berry Farm.
The city’s police department issued a statement on their Instagram page, stating that they were aware of an “unsanctioned event” being organized at the park and upped police presence at Knott’s Berry Farm.
“We have worked with park officials and our public safety partners to identify those responsible for organizing this unauthorized gathering,” the department wrote in the post.
Knott’s Berry Farm currently has a chaperone policy in place to attempt to prevent teens from taking over the park.
The policy, which was first introduced in 2022, requires those 15 or younger to be accompanied by someone 21 or older, after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and after 1 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
“Over the past two years, there have been increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior across our industry and at other major entertainment venues,” Knott’s Berry Farm wrote in their official policy.
“We are committed to keeping Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City Waterpark a place where families and friends come together to enjoy a one-of-a-kind park full of fun experiences and immersive entertainment.”
Increased Airbnb and short-term rental restrictions have been popping up across the county as well, in an effort to reduce party houses.
Placentia recently introduced regulations, limiting the number of guests able to stay in a short-term rental, creating buffers between rentals and requiring additional permits.
[Read: More Orange County Cities Confront Airbnbs]
Brea also recently boosted fines for violations, with the first going from $100 to $1,500 and the second violation from $200 to $3,000.
