One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Huntington Beach Trying To Shut Down Wet Electric Rave
(Photo by Huro Kitty via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
After this summer's wild riot in Huntington Beach, the last thing city officials want is more partygoers flocking to the beachside town.
Last week, the City Council authorized the city attorney to file suit to halt the Wet Electric Rave, which is scheduled for Sept. 14 at Huntington State Beach.
"It doesn't surprise me," Premiere Media Group President Steve Thacher told the L.A. Times. "They've been pretty irrational up until this point, so I wouldn't expect anything else to change." He said he hadn't received notice of any lawsuit.
According to the Times, City Atty. Jennifer McGrath sent Thacher a letter requesting that the promoter cancel the event because the company's permit did not abide by the city's zoning for temporary use and land-use control.
However, Kevin Pearsall, a peace officer with the California State Parks who has been involved in the planning of the event, told the Times that the event is taking place on the state beach, not city property.
City officials point out that ravers will still have to cross through city property to reach the beach and are concerned that the party will spill over, as it did in July after the U.S. Open of Surfing. Ten people were arrested and several local businesses vandalized.
Pearsall said he was surprised to find out that the city is trying to stop the rave. He said the promoter and state were doing everything possible to ensure the safety of those in and around the area.
Sponsored message
The rave, which promises DJs and water slides, is being promoted by Premiere Media Group, the state of California and the nonprofit Giving It Back to Kids.
Another concern could be the drug use (and overdoses) that often accompany raves.
Related:
Photos, Video: Riots Break Out In Huntington Beach After U.S. Open Of Surfing
Man Dies of Apparent Overdose at HARD Summer EDM Festival
Teen Dies After Drug Overdose at Electric Daisy Carnival
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
