Pubdate: Wed, 05 Mar 2003 Source: San Francisco Examiner (CA) Copyright: 2003 San Francisco Examiner Contact: http://www.examiner.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/389 Author: William W. Chiang, Special to The Examiner Note: Kathy Schrenk contributed to this article. Cited: California Narcotics Officers' Association http://www.cnoa.org/ Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raves.htm (Raves) COP GROUP TARGETS 'RAVE' DRUGS REDWOOD CITY -- As a direct response to the giant New Year's Eve party at Daly City's Cow Palace, where drugs were suspected in the deaths of two men, the California Narcotics Officers' Association is encouraging cities and counties to tighten permit processes and oversight of raves. The group has announced a list of guidelines meant to help local agencies curtail or eliminate the presence of "illegal and deadly drugs" at such events. The six-point strategy is designed to keep rave organizers from claiming ignorance of drug paraphernalia and the presence of drugs at their events, said Rick Oules, the association's president. "I want to stress very much that this has nothing to do with dance, music or free expression," he said. "This has everything to do with drugs, drug dealing and young people dying." Traditionally, a rave was an all-night, underground event, said John Lovell, the CNOA's legislative counsel. Raves are marked by loud dance music and often by the presence of illegal drugs. Mood-altering ecstasy is one of the most common rave drugs, according to Dave Tresmontan, assistant chief for the California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement. Long-term ecstasy use can cause severe depression, anxiety, insomnia or even organ failure. "Raves have become big business," Lovell said. "We would encourage the use of existing authority to put a permit process in place to get more of a handle on the events themselves." Based in Southern California, the CNOA represents some 7,500 local, state and federal officers mainly focused on drug enforcement. The concern is the drugs, Lovell said, adding that the association's "working definition" of a rave is, "an electronic music event attended by at least 500 persons ... commonly referred to as rave parties." In addition to suggesting a 1 a.m. curfew, the six points primarily revolve around the conditions event promoters must meet before gaining a permit. As put forth in the points, a promoter must prove it is "sufficiently knowledgeable about illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia and can recognize their presence at a rave event." Another suggests that promoters must sign a document promising they will not "permit, condone, or ignore local laws regarding the presence, possession, sale, or use of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia at their event." Existing San Mateo County law regulating "public dances" on county property already contains a series of requirements before a permit is granted. In addition to submitting event time, date and location, promoters must provide fingerprints of anyone involved in operating the dance. Those under the influence of "intoxicating liquor or narcotics" are prohibited. The regulations even stipulate the size and location of the dance floor, and that the dance's premises must be "well lighted." The sheriff and county fire and health officials also must approve the permit. As of press time, Coolworld, which promoted the annual Planet New Year event, did not respond to The Independent's repeated requests for comment on the CNOA's initiative. As with most Cow Palace events, a private security company contracted with the arena provided security at the Dec. 31 Coolworld celebration, with some 15 Daly City police officers patrolling the exterior. Regarding the association's six points, Michael Wegher, CEO of the Cow Palace, would only say, "Anything law enforcement does to crack down on drug use is a plus. Everybody should do the best they can." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake