Police remind community about laws over Labor Day weekend

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) estimates that 500,000 people will visit local beaches over the three-day, Labor Day weekend. SDPD has committed extra personnel to the beach areas for the holiday. Northern and Western Division officers in uniform and plainclothes will be out on patrol, along with motorcycle officers and Special Event Traffic Controllers (SETCs) to address a variety of issues.

The SDPD primary command post will be in the south parking lot of Belmont Park, located along the west side of 3000 Mission Blvd. SDPD has coordinated its preparation for the weekend with the city’s Park & Recreation Department, and SD Fire-Rescue and Lifeguards to ensure that people who visit the beaches during the three-day weekend have a safe, enjoyable experience.

Visitors and residents should keep in mind that the beaches are under a one-year, trial alcohol ban which was put into place by the San Diego City Council in January 2008. The ban prohibits the consumption of alcohol on most of San Diego’s beaches and public parks. The law also applies to possessing an open alcoholic beverage container.

SDPD Traffic officers will conduct saturation patrols in the beach and downtown areas over the weekend.

BICYCLES

Bicyclists must follow the rules of the road. That means obeying all signs and traffic control signals that apply to motorized vehicles. Bike riders who violate the law will be cited. A reminder: it is unlawful to operate a bicycle while impaired by alcohol or drugs; violators may be arrested.

PEDESTRIANS

It is illegal to cross against traffic signals, to jaywalk or to interfere with traffic. Pedestrians will be cited for hazardous violations.

AT THE BEACH

• Smoking on the sand, boardwalk or in park areas is prohibited.
• Alcohol may not be consumed at most beaches and most public parks. For a detailed list of where alcohol is and is not allowed visithereand click on “Beach and Park Alcohol Ban Information. Glass is not allowed.
• Dogs are not allowed on the beach between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dogs must be on a leash, and owners must pick up after their dogs.
• Fencing of areas to be saved is prohibited.
• Tents may be erected, but the side flaps must be up. Tents may not be left on the beach overnight to secure a spot for the next day; all unattended property will be collected by Park & Recreation Department employees and taken to Fiesta Island, where it can be reclaimed by its owner.
• Fire rings may not be used after midnight. Use clean wood only (no pallets which are held together with nails).
• Furniture other than lawn chairs on the beach or in a park is prohibited.
• Rowdy behavior will be dealt with swiftly.

MISSION BAY

It is illegal to operate watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The SDPD Harbor Unit will be on duty throughout the weekend along with Lifeguards.

ALL WATERWAYS (BEACHES AND BAY AREAS)

The SDPD Harbor Unit, the Lifeguards, and the US Coast Guard will be enforcing all applicable vessel and waterway laws to ensure the safety of those using these areas.