REBUTTAL

While we normally don’t respond to such editorials, we felt it important

to add some perspective to your editorial, (‘Why does Newport want to

ruin the party?” Dec. 16). In the first place, the Police Department has

not “banned gathering on public streets this year.” We have no such

authority with regard to the issuance of special event permits or

temporary street closures (which are issued by the city manager). We only

make recommendations, which can be set aside by the city manager or the

City Council.

We also have not taken a position which has recommended against all

street closures. As a matter of fact, we have recommended approval of a

street closure on Balboa Island for Dec. 31 in conjunction with a special

event permit, which has been issued. What we have said is that to

recommend approval of street closures on major thoroughfares or other

streets which have the potential (based upon the character of the event

and the location involved), to add to the anticipated police problems on

New Year’s Eve, would be against our better judgment.

As always, we will be objective in our assessment and look at each

request individually, which is our obligation. While it’s true that we

have “experience with big-time celebrations anyway,” it is based upon

that experience that we make well thought-out recommendations. We hope

our residents and visitors always have a good time when celebrating;

however, not at the expense of others who may be impacted by their

adverse behavior, or as a result of your encouragement to “get a little

crazy.”

BOB MCDONNELL

Newport Beach chief of police