The City Council this week discussed, but took no action, on a request from a party cruise company to extend Avalon’s noise ordinance to 2 a.m., for a land-based event that would be held Sept. 27-29 at the Casino.
Mayor Anni Marshall said the proposal would come back as a future agenda item.
Jason Beukema gave the presentation on behalf of his company, Whet Enterprises, Inc.
Residents, and officials all raised concerns about the proposed event. In addition to concerns about noise and drugs, concerns were raised that the event would conflict with the Catalina Film festival. There were also questions about who would pay for security.
Marshall asked Beukema why he wanted to do an event on land if he had been successful at sea.
“Just ready for the next step,” Beukema said.
In response to a question from Council Member Pam Albers, Beukema confirmed that he expected 1,000 to 2,000 people.
Beukema said the event would feature dance music and put the average age of the expected participants in their 30s.
Council Member Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy said the community was concerned about the fact the event would last three days. “We really are a family community,” she said.
According to Beukema, safety and security are a number one concern of his business.
“There’s a concern about drugs,” Marshall said. She pointed out that Avalon has a small medical facility with one doctor.
Beukema said he would work with the city to put security in place.
Marshall said it was just a little concerning when there was a flier out for the company that described the party as 24/7.
Beukema said they have “silent disco” where they have a venue where people listen to music on head phones.
As to the issue of paying for costs, City Attorney Scott Campbell said that the agreement for the Up For Whatever event included reimbursement for Avalon’s expenses.
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Capt. John Hocking, the commander of the Avalon Sheriff’s Station, said, “It’s still a party and we still are going to have deputies there and have paramedics there.”
Harbor Master JJ Poindester described the requested 2 a.m. extension as a “deal breaker.”
According to Poindexter, cruise ship passengers are screened and their bags searched. According to Poindexter, probably two dogs would be needed in Long Beach—apparently a reference to the Catalina Express Landing in that city.
Poindexter said the city would have to take a really hard look at who would pay for the event.
“There’s a lot of questions that need to be asked,” he said.
