Police enforce rules at Live at Lakeview
South Lake Tahoe police officers were clearly visible at the first Live at Lakeview concert on June 26.
“Last night, we issued several citations for mostly smoking and drinking offenses,” Police Chief Brian Uhler told Lake Tahoe News. “Our intent is to make clear the desire to keep the Live at Lakeview event family friendly. Last year, we were not as enforcement oriented as we could have been in hopes of voluntary compliance. It was clear that this was a mistake as people took advantage and harmed the event atmosphere.”
Cigarette and pot smoking have been a growing concern at the concerts, which are now in their third year. Smoking of any kind is not permitted at the city owned facility.
The City Council last year at the end of the concert season had directed the police department to have a greater presence at the venue.
“We will continue the pressure to keep people from breaking the law at this event throughout the summer,” Uhler added.
The free concerts are every Thursday from 4:30-8:30pm through Aug. 28.
— Lake Tahoe News staff report
We’re their any police doing anything else last night.
Heaven forbid an actual crime happened during the event somewhere else.
I’m sure EVERY officer on duty yesterday during that event was there.
Sorry, I just think it’s a shame.
A heavy police presence does not make a relaxing environment which I always thought was the idea?
A couple of police occasionally walking through I’m sure would be adequate to keep the peace.
Rooster says
It is a shame the police have to be there to enforce the laws. There are to many self centered people that could care less about any regulations and do as they please, and so the police have to enforce the rules. I’m sure the police don’t like it either.
Maybe half or even 75% of the police could dress in plain clothes, there by not making people uneasy.
The first year we went to the Thursday night concerts all the time. Then the smoke, the drunks, the loose dogs started taking all the fun out of it. We didn’t go at all last year. Maybe if things shape up we’ll start going back. Those were some really good fish tacos. . .
I was there last night.
the folk’s with their Dogs that’s the problem.
no tickets were written for Dogs that ordinance has been on the books for decades.
Put your drinks in a non-descript hydration recepticle of choice, and enjoy an edible.
Then everyone will be happy.
last year it got way out of hand, i would not recomend to any tourist that they go there nor would any most other hotels, inn by the lake im sure did not. with this show of force they are making a statement to those that were abusing it, stop doing the drugs beer, ect. Just enjoy the music. Ghis is better for everyones enjoyment
Oh, wow, drugs at a concert….unthinkable…..I’m sure glad that wasn’t happening when I was younger
“last year it got way out of hand”
Reloman, you’re kidding right? Please explain to us some of the “way out of hand” behavior.
i believe the police chief said it perfectly, walking thru a cloud of MJ smoke and getting a contact high is not a family friendly enviroment. Dogs running loose everywhere. this event was the main reason the city put in a no smoking ban in city parks, to stop the MJ smoking at it.
Let’s keep the police undercover. There were a few officers who wearing so much military paraphernalia that it really felt like the swat team was going to come in and shut the event down. This does not set the tone for a fun environment.
There will always be those idiots who are self entitled to ruin the experience for others. Family venue??? You MUST be joking. I would not tell anyone I know to go there, unless they want to have a bad time.
Too many Police? Apparently they are needed as evidenced by what goes on there.
I see this joke of an event coming to an end.
And for this opportunity the City Council has been, and is continuing to give away for free, the use of this venue for this concert series. As a taxpayer who doesn’t attend these events I don’t particularly appreciate paying for others peoples free entertainment, especially when it now requires a strong Police presence which I also get to help pay for.
I hope this taxpayer sponsored event comes to an end after this season. If the promoter wants to continue with this he should pay the City (i.e. the taxpayers) for the use of the venue and then hire his own security.
The dog problem is out of controll and I wont go for that reason alone.
I would guess the above commenters are above the age of 50. ” If the music is too loud you are too old”. Or if the smoke is too thick or too many dogs. Many people in this town love all those things. Don’t rain on our parade.
Arod:
I won’t rain on your parade as long as you’re willing to pick up the tab for the cost of the parade that you want to watch. Just like you wouldn’t want to pay for me to attend a concert that you wouldn’t go to, I should have that same option.
I don’t see this as a cause greater than self.
Arod says – Posted: June 28, 2014
I would guess the above commenters are above the age of 50. ” If the music is too loud you are too old”. Or if the smoke is too thick or too many dogs. Many people in this town love all those things. Don’t rain on our parade.
AROD: How about showing respect for others at the event. There is a LAW about your mutt being off leash. All your pot smoking medical needing friends are supposed to puff at home. Those cards are no good outside your home. Look it up. and GROW UP. The world doesn’t revolve around you and your selfish pack. PS: I happen to like the music there but dislike the bunches of idiots ruining it for the rest.
‘We’re their any police doing anything else last night.’
Amazing.
If this sitiaution is so “out of hand” then why did the police the last two years and last Thursday only end up writing multiple citations as opposed to arresting people? There have been no fights, no nudity, and generally a well behaved crowd.
Never in my 30+ years in this town have I seen a community event put on on a regular basis garner so much local participation. Is it a party atmosphere? You bet! But please enlighten me to other contemporary music events that aren’t.
Some of these folks complaining are the same type of folks that yell at kids in their neighborhood to stay off their unkempt dirt yard yelling, “You kids stay off my prop-er-t!”
Jeesh-
what a bunch of losers, complaining about a few rules.
The free concerts are definitely a good thing.
But free does not extend to the right to get in the majority of attendees faces by abusing tobacco, pot alcohol or the concept of “love me love my dog”.
I do not think a smoking ban (of anything, at a city venue is a bad thing. I have never enjoyed second hand smoke, from my own family or anyone else.
I do enjoy alcohol, and once in a while some good grass, but believe removing alcohol and dope from a public venue is not a bad thing, since there are a very few of us who will not enjoy it responsibly, and will become loud, abrasive, abusive and out of control, yes even dangerous to innocents around them.
Like most laws, controls on alcohol, drugs and smoking, and yes, even dogs are placed on the books to control the very few of us who are out of control from the get-go.
Part of being human…some of us are broken in various ways which endanger anyone who is close to them. These people need to be controlled.
Why the “F” can’t you idiots complaining because you can’t have your way 100 percent of the time, for free, just shut up or pay your way?
Before I go, let me say that I totally agree with the fact that the police go overboard with the paramilitary get ups, (wrap around glasses, shaved heads, 50 pounds of defensive and offensive electronis and other hardware squeeking on their belts. Overkill? So obviously intended to intimidate.
This needs to be re-evaluated in our little mountain village.
100 percent ,no 101 percent to Observer ,Free be thankful,Enjoy ,and be Positive for a change ,
Observer you seem to view the comments on this forum backwards. The complainers are the ones making up stories of disorderly debauchery that basically happened only in the minds of this events detractors. The crowd has exuded a friendly positive vibe at every one of these concerts. Is there an occasional knucklehead? Yes, but I’ve seen worse behavior, such as cussing, yelling, AND even fights (a couple of years ago at the Babe Ruth field between two parents, on of which was an off duty SLTPD member) at youth sprorting events here in town.
And also, do a few negative comments about an issue speak to the overall reality of a situation? I think not!
SWAT teams, paramilitary officers, police dogs and the like hardly make any event “family friendly”. A little simple courtesy towards your fellow citizens would go a long way in this type of situation, IMHO. Peace.
i was at the standup paddle races today not a whif of MJ, nor was anyone openly drinking outside of the beer garden.
No one really cares if people get high as long as they are not force to get high also and their kids are also forced to get high. Eat a edible please, just be able to handle yourselves. These concerts are not free to On Course productions, if you like them support them by not bringing your own beer go to the beer garden.
Put your dogs on leashes people!
Im not complaining, im mearly stating that because I dislike some of the situations that occur at this event I choose to not attend. Its not a complaint, its a fact, and its my choice. Im not there getting in anyones face about it, or stepping in it, I mearly am stating the fact.
The concerts are a very good community event and a neat addition to our town! And you do need some form of security with a crowd like that. But how is the cost of those SWAT Team dressed cops covered?
And there are complaints about the police enforcement at the concerts? While it is silly how they’re dressed, my experience is that they are friendly while there. My complaint is how selective they are about enforcement.
I guess the SLTPD goes back & forth on how closely they want to enforce the rules? I’ve been standing right there when one of the paramilitary dressed officers was standing just 2 or 3 rows up from someone who was ‘lighting up’ shall we say. And he did nothing.
Parker says:
“But how is the cost of those SWAT Team dressed cops covered?”
The taxpayers of SLT pay for the cost of the cops and the security they provide at these events.
There were militarized police at this event? The regular old multiple weapon sporting variety of 5-0 wasn’t enough?
Any pictures?
Bunch of savages in this town…
Couldn’t agree with you more fish. The entire region is becoming a police state.
with less parking meter money, other types of tickets will be issued.
Jay Walking, Bicycling are on the radar now.
my observation was that about $5,000.00 in tickets at the show.
So in other words, the concessionaires at the Commons, who are profiting from the Commons, are not covering the costs of the Commons?!
Parker, I am not sure where in this line of comments it says anything about cosy of the commons. However it is rare that any concession covers the entire cost of maintaining any park they are in. You would also have to remember that the concessions only make any money in just a 8 week period, the commons are pretty much cleaned and operated year round, though not ghe bathrooms. So my guess is it is unlikely that the concessions dont come close to cover the costs and certainly not the cost of the extra police put on for these concerts.
An earlier poster commented how they didn’t like their tax dollars subsidizing the Commons and its police presence. Hence my comments.
And my experience is that concessions do net a profit for the lease holder, at least in their time of operation.
If the cost of the police presence for the Commons concerts is not covered, I feel our City did a poor job in its lease efforts. Actually I know they did, but this is another example.
Parking meters would have covered these costs. That is prime parking and its free? We the citizens pay the price for bigger business like CEFALU INC.
parker, i am sure they do net a profit during their time of operation but the operation is not year round, and the police at the concerts are not an expense that can be attributed to the concessions. When most concerts are put on the promoters are responsible for paying for extra expense. Since the city is a sponsor of the event i think they took on the police issue
Then reloman,
The City should offer a full accounting of police time for the concerts, all other costs they pay for the concerts and the Commons, what the deal is with each concessionare and why/how they picked each concessionare.
The City works for us, they should be open to us! Maybe you’re right. Or maybe (in fact I know there is) a more financially sound way to manage the Commons and the concerts?
You’ve said things like you ‘guess’ or ‘think’. Well, let’s see the numbers!
Steve, I had a very similar thought.
Especially after seeing the parking situation this weekend during the SUP races.
You think the dogs are a problem, wait ’till some of the creature lovers on LTN bring their pet bears.
“Cefalu Inc”. Hahahahaha another hater, I love it. How about the majority vote joker. The Cefalu Family is one that donates time, money and energy to the community for over 75 years. Has done business and worked hard to make a living in a very difficult business environment while at the same time giving back countless hours. Continue to hate fool! You could step out and do something other than bash. Don’t know who you are, truly don’t care. What have you done for this community? As for the police force and the gear they wear. Standard issue law enforcement. The blabber on this site and the ability for people to take shots with no accountability is disgusting. No news is good news…..no unaccountable blog is horrible. Go ahead and keep bashing. Educate yourself first so you don’t sound so foolish.
Joby,
Agreed with you on the Parking. But I’ve gone to games & concerts at such venues as both the LA & Oakland Coliseum. Again, LA & Oakland! Places I think everyone can agree has a significant number of ‘unsavory individuals’ roaming with the potential to, and that at times do, cause trouble!
And the cops at those venues are present merely in standard uniforms. Not all suited up like they’re about to break thru some crack house!
If that’s SLTPD’s standard uni., it needs to be revamped! Again, they’re quite affable & nice at the concerts, but they look silly!
“As for the police force and the gear they wear. Standard issue law enforcement.”
I would agree with Mr. Cefalu’s comment and add that when you have only 2-3 Police Officers for enforcement at a party-type atmosphere event of 500-1,000 people then they must make their presence obvious. This City doesn’t have a Police Force of a size that they can accommodate a greater cop to attendee ratio at these concerts and having the City’s cops providing security at a cost to the taxpayers (likely at overtime rates) should not be taking place. The event promoter should provide security and not the City, but the situation is that the City gave the use of the venue to the promoter for free and apparently now the City is stuck with providing and picking up the tab for the event security.
I do note some irony in hearing a certain City Council Member continually say that the City needs to operate like a business but then he turns around and advocates that the City be the subsidizer for free events and other public freebies. Businesses don’t usually give away what they have of value but instead they sell it to generate revenue.
Sarge 10 of the City’s finest all dressed for battle.
there was private Security there.
you should come to the show you might have a good time
Slow:
10 of the City’s finest all dressed for battle? Then they must have been on overtime. Using your words that you’ve posted before on this blog – the taxpayers are getting “porked” again.
This is the first time I’ve heard there was any private security. If there is then the City’s cops shouldn’t even be there.
I prefer to pay for the events I attend so I can select the type of crowd with which I associate. Free entry isn’t enough for me to be around loose dogs or loose cannon attendees. I’ve dealt with enough unruly crowds in my life and don’t need anymore.
With all due respect, Parker. Law enforcement has no idea what they may encounter. I would rather have them prepared and wearing armor than attend a funeral for one of Lake Tahoe’s Finest. All of the policeman I have encountered these days are respectful and diligent. I would rather have them dressed for the worst with great and helpful disposition than dressed in khakis and a polo with an attitude.
I’m glad the cops were dressed in their regular uniform. If I need one, I want to be able to identify one.
We’ll just respectfully disagree Joby. But are the cops at the Commons concerts being paid overtime?
Parker how, how much, and why they pick the concessions are all online at the councils portion of the city website under agendas when they chose those concessions. You can even view the videos of that meeting. They have the bids of each concession in the agenda attachement. For myself i believe that they picked the right bidder for the beach concession as south tahoe sup brings lots of people to tahoe to paddle board. its not just about paying the highest persentage its also about promoting to get the most people to come down. by bringing more people to the beach you get more income for the city.
Well reloman,
At least you concede they did not pick the highest bidders, you know those that guaranteed the most money to the City. The fact is, the best operators are the ones that can generate the most income. Plain & Simple.
And clearly the businesses that are profiting from the Commons are getting subsidized by the taxpayer. That’s not denied either. No, a successful concession should make money, not cost money for the City!
And let me make it clear, I am not someone who bid or hopes to bid on any concession down there! No self-interest at all, except as a taxpayer who feels shortchanged!
Yes, the City was and is being careless with our tax dollars. And they were not open about the bidding process. Public input was not welcome, and my questions went unanswered. They maybe informed the Public what was decided, but they did so after it was a fait accompli!
The Commons is a good addition to our community! But if it was run properly, and decisions were made in an open and honest fashion, its operation would not require, because it should not require, a taxpayer subsidy.
I did not concede that they did not pick the highest bidders. My understanding was that all bids did not include a min. guaranteed income by the city, rather a % of gross income. In the case of the Standup paddle rentals I would guess that they had the best chance of having the highest gross income based upon their experiences with doing events and their extremely high yelp reviews.
I do agree that the city does not operate some of their assets like you would a business an example would be the campground.
For all those complaining about the police in tactical vests: The reason we/they wear those is purely functionality. It gets the 25 lbs of gear off your lower back, AND they’re much more comfortable. I challenge any of you to wear a 25lb duty belt and a bullet proof vest on a hot day in a dark blue uniform for 12+ hours. Only then will I respect your opinion.
On the subject of how the police are wasting your tax dollars: I never hear anyone complain about the multitude of registered sex offenders and parolees that live here who owe their entire livelihood to YOUR tax dollars. And I’m talking rent, food, free medical care…everything. Or, how about all the illegal weed growers making 200k per year tax free that have EBT cards? But, you’d rather complain about the police wearing tactical vests…
I think some of you need a strong dose of perspective.
Actually, the police were in their regular unis. this last Thurs. Made for a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
And reloman, so you know and are properly informed, they did not pick the highest bidders, both from whom offered the highest %, or whom offered the highest guarantee. That’s a fact that our City left $ on the table!
Really??!! says:
“On the subject of how the police are wasting your tax dollars…”
I won’t speculate on what anyone else may think about tax dollars being used to pay for the cost of the Police and the security they provide at these Live at Lakeview events, but speaking for myself my problem is not with the Police but with certain City Council Members who talk out of both sides of their mouth and say “the City needs to conduct itself like a business” and then they turn around and insist that the use of a very valuable City owned asset is given away for free to an event promoter along with all the associated costs of the City’s Police for enforcement.
If the City Council is going to say “run things like a business” then they should do so consistently and without exception. Otherwise it just looks like they’re playing favorites with their crony friends.