Pasadena Municipal Code Ch. 3.22 Interference with Special Event

For purposes of this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases shall have the meaning given herein.

A. "Bulky item" shall have the definition set forth in section 8.60.020(A) of this code. However, bulky item, as used in this chapter, shall not mean any of the following: a wheelchair, a mobility aid or seating aid for any person with a disability, necessary medical equipment or any structure for which a valid license or permit has been issued by the city.

B. "City" means the city of Pasadena.

C. "Special event" shall mean any of the following: (1) any event, parade, exposition, fair or procession staged in or upon public places or sidewalks for which city services are required because of interference with normal vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic or which will reasonably be expected to generate an extraordinary need for sanitation or other city services; (2) any event which has received a permit pursuant to Chapter 3.20 of the Pasadena Municipal Code; or (3) any sporting contest, any theatrical or musical performance or any exhibition held in any stadium, auditorium, sports area, playing field, theater, amphitheater, race track, skating rink or similar place pursuant to a valid license agreement, contract or permit which reserves said place for the event.

D. "Public place" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.64.020(F) of the Pasadena Municipal Code.

E. "Staging or security area" shall mean any area in any public place which has all of the following features: (1) is related to a special event; (2) is designated as to time and place in a written, event staging plan approved by the city manager or his designee; (3) is set apart by fencing, by uniformed personnel posted to maintain a security line or by other tangible barrier; (4) requires a ticket for entry; and (5) is posted with signs indicating the staging designation and the prohibition of unlawful access.

F. "Sidewalk" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.64.020(1) of the Pasadena Municipal Code.

G. "Ticket" shall mean the mechanism which provides an individual with permission to enter into a special event, a portion of a special event, or a staging or security area. It includes, but is not limited to, paper tickets, electronic tickets, ribbons, working credentials, passes, pins and any item, in any form, designated and issued by the event sponsor or persons with authority and control over the special event, staging or security area, or their agents, and whether it is provided for a charge, in exchange for services, as a condition of work, or complimentary.

(Ord. 6494 § 1(part), 1992)

(Ord. No. 7181, § 2, 11-16-2009)

It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with, disrupt or impede a permitted special event as specified herein. The following acts are prohibited by this section when done for the purpose of or with knowledge that an effect thereof is to interfere with or disrupt the ability of the permittee to carry on the special event:

A. To block, obstruct or impede the passage of participants, vehicles or animals in the special event along the special event route;

B. When not participating in the special event with the permission of the permit holder, to walk, run, operate a skateboard, ride any wheeled vehicle or rollerskate through, between, with or among the participants, vehicles or animals in the special event, except in cases of bona fide emergency;

C. To drop, roll, throw, toss, squirt or propel any gaseous, liquid, semisolid or solid substance or object toward or among the participants, vehicles or animals in the special event;

D. To grab, take hold of, strike, hit, pull or push any participant, vehicle or animal in the special event, or to mount any vehicle in the special event, except with the permission of the permittee or in cases of bona fide emergency;

E. To generate, amplify or broadcast any noises or sounds using any loudspeaker, amplifier, instrument or device other than sounds generated solely by the human voice or body unaided by any such amplifier, device or instrument upon any sidewalk or public place. This restriction shall apply only along the special event route while the special event is in progress at that location, and shall not apply to any participant in the special event acting with the permission of the permittee;

F. To enter upon the grounds, playing field, stage, floor, or any other area set apart for the participants, performers, officials, attendants or service personnel, unless authorized so to do by an usher, by public safety personnel, or by an authorized representative of the sponsor of the special event; or

G. To commit any willful act which delays the event or interferes with the participants, performers, officials, attendants, service personnel or spectators at any such special event.

(Ord. 6494 § 1(part), 1992)

(Ord. No. 7181, § 4, 11-16-2009)

It shall be unlawful for any person to enter into or remain at any special event, or within any staging or security area without having in his possession a ticket, or without presenting same to an usher, public safety personnel, or an authorized representative of the sponsor of the event when requested so to do. No person other than the holder of a ticket designating the seat or space reserved or assigned, shall occupy any resewed or assigned seat or space. No person shall refuse to leave a special event, staging or security area or to vacate a seat or space, not permitted, assigned or reserved by the ticket held, when requested to do so by the holder of the ticket for said seat or space, by an usher, by security or safety personnel, or by an authorized representative of the sponsor of the event.

(Ord. No. 7181, § 4, 11-16-2009)

It shall be unlawful for any person to place, maintain or use any of the following in a public place while reserving space for a special event or while observing a special event, after being requested by public safety personnel or an authorized representative of the sponsor of the event to cease doing so, except pursuant to a valid permit or license issued by the city: any bulky item; chairs or furniture tied or fastened together in a manner which would impede pedestrian ingress or egress in the event of an emergency.

(Ord. No. 7181, § 5, 11-16-2009)

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in an amount not exceeding $1,000 or imprisoned in the county jail for a period not to exceed 6 months, or by both such fine and imprisonment or may be deemed guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $250. Each person may be deemed guilty of a separate offense for every day during any portion of which any violation is committed or permitted.

(Ord. 6494 § 1(part), 1992)

(Ord. No. 7181, § 6, 11-16-2009)