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Huntington Beach Trying To Shut Down Wet Electric Rave
(Photo by Huro Kitty via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
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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.
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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.
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
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