Santa Cruz PD Warns: 'Don't be a Clown' on Halloween

With thousands expected to celebrate Halloween in downtown Santa Cruz this weekend, police are warning the public of steep fines they can face during the festivities.

People will end up paying triple the fines for violations including littering, graffiti, drinking alcohol in public and improper vehicle parking, police said.

One of the highest fees is for discharging firearms, which will result in a $1,440 payment to the city.

The triple fines will be in effect from the end of Friday at midnight to 4 a.m. Sunday in a “safety enhancement zone” roughly bordered by North Pacific Avenue to the north; River Street South and Front Street to the east; Sycamore Street to the south and Center Street to the west.

More than 100 officers from Santa Cruz police and other area law enforcement agencies are expected to patrol the crowds.

The Police Department has also released a 30-second public service announcement video with the message of “Don’t Be A Clown Downtown.”

Last year, about 15,000 people were downtown on Halloween when there were 400 calls for service, 36 triple fine citations issued, and 32 arrests, police said.

The zone also includes areas where parking is prohibited and road closures at varying times between Saturday morning and Sunday morning.

A full list and map can be found online here.

--Bay City News Service