EDITORIAL

With all the hype surrounding this particular New Year’s Eve and the

potential danger of traveling in and out of the country, many

Newport-Mesa residents may be opting to stay close to home and ring in

2000 with friends and neighbors.

But if you live in Newport Beach, don’t plan a block party. The Police

Department, fearful of the craziness that may ensue if sections of

neighborhoods are closed off, has banned gatherings on public streets

this year.

“When there are parties like this, there are always larger crowds than

what is estimated,” said Sgt. Mike McDermott.

The Police Department is missing the point.

Sure, as some purists note, it may not be the “real” start of a new

millennium. But for most people, Dec. 31 is going to be the only

millennium celebration they will ever have.

Is getting a little crazy once every thousand years really too much to

ask?

It is understandable that public safety agencies are concerned about New

Year’s Eve celebrations -- particularly this year. And the apprehension

is compounded among Newport Beach police because of a bad experience with

a Halloween block party, McDermott said.

But why simply ban all block parties because a certain area of town got

out of hand one year on Halloween, or because there may be too many

reasons to celebrate this year?

Further, it’s not as if this town and its authorities don’t have

experience with big-time celebrations anyway. Each year, out-of-towners

and residents alike manage to clog up city streets and celebrate the

Fourth of July here.

And while there have been problems in the past, city officials have

learned how to manage crowds and now close off streets in West Newport to

cars on that holiday as a way to keep the peace.

Why should New Year’s be any different?

Assume the worst and don’t allow anything out of the ordinary -- this

appears to be the Police Department’s mentality.

But the end of the year, the century and the millennium is out of the

ordinary. And out-of-the-ordinary celebrations should follow suit.

So it is hoped the department changes its mind and makes an exception for

those who want to celebrate the millennium with friends and neighbors,

especially if the request comes from normally quiet neighborhoods.

Please consider our plea. Give us a chance to get a little crazy every

thousand years.