Closing the door to gate crashers

Los Angeles Times / latimes.com ^ | August 14, 2010 | By Chris Lee, Los Angeles Times

[thecodont]

A proposed law set to go before California's Legislature this month would make one of Hollywood's cherished utterances — "You're not on the list" — carry grave new consequences. It's a measure aimed at making the act of party crashing a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine or both.

The author of the legislation, Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge), said crashers at high-profile events like the Academy Awards and other awards shows pose a threat to public safety that warrants a law in addition to the 25 sections of trespassing code already on California's books. Portantino acted at the request of the Screen Actors Guild after some crashers breached security at the SAG Awards in January but were released because of legal loopholes.

"At some awards shows, folks were there without a ticket or credentials; they were asked to leave, and they didn't," Portantino said. "The question was raised whether current trespassing laws were written in a way that covers that sort of situation. We're trying to bring clarity to the whole issue so law enforcement knows how to and has the discretion to handle it."

[thecodont]

SAG requested legislation after an awards-show incident. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Now, just imagine that velvet rope is a BORDER.

[highlander_UW]

It's a measure aimed at making the act of party crashing a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine or both.

It's a harsher crime to liberals for someone to crash a party than someone to invade another nation and rob money from children (with the help of liberals).

[NoGrayZone]

So, let’s see if I understand this correctly. There will be severe punishment for anyone crashing an elitist party; however, any illegal alien who dare break our federal law gets an award?

[Darkwolf377]

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge), said crashers at high-profile events like the Academy Awards and other awards shows pose a threat to public safety that warrants a law in addition to the 25 sections of trespassing code already on California's books

All I need to know about Democrats:

Supporting existing laws against the influx of illegal immigrants is racism.

Bulding a victory mosque on the site of a successful Muslim attack is freedom of religion.

The killing of unborn babies should be paid by the taxes of those who oppose it.

The war against Al Qaeda is fiction driven by Haliburton.

People who crash parties pose a public threat that requires new legislation and 6-month jail terms.

[Borax Queen]

Wow, so the leftist ruling elites separate themselves from the peasants even more.

[purplelobster]

If this ridiculous Dem drafted bill is enacted it will lead to a hilarious, huge number of unintended consequences. So, when irritating work associates invite themselves to my birthday party I will call the authorities and have them imprisoned. What happens when high school keggers are busted? The California government will have to construct huge new prison complexes to house all of the convicted gate crashers.

[pnh102]

Wow... the penalty for crashing a party is more than the penalty for entering the country illegally.

What I don't get is this. Why does California attach any jail time to criminal offenses? Most criminals seem to get out in short order because of overcrowding issues.

[Paladin2]

Why don’t we get it over at once and criminalize all stupid behavior, like being a conservative.

[PAR35]

they were asked to leave, and they didn't

Just hire the folks who provided the security at Altamont. $500 worth of beer and some pool cues.

[thecodont]

Cross-posted:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2571030/posts

and

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2571046/posts

[jonno]

Very succinct. If you don’t mind, I’d like to borrow it...

[Darkwolf377]

Feel free.

[libertarian27]

Would love to use this law on the In-laws... ;)

[thecodont]

One of my favorite comments following the article:

http://discussions.latimes.com/20/lanews/la-et-crasher-20100814/10

“One more thought...
“If this law passes, why couldn’t California declare then itself a party and arrest and charge illegal immigrants for party-crashing?
“I mean, at $1,000 a pop, we could be looking at some serious $$$ here.”

All our state budget problems are solved!

[packrat35]

Wouldn’t this include illegal aliens? How very Arizona of them! /sarcasm

[CORedneck]

You peasants better know your place and stay there ! < /sarc >

[Right Wing Assault]

Now all the border states can proclaim a state of perpetual “party!” for citizens and legal visitors and arrest all the illegal gate crashers.