As you have been informed by our City Attorney, the Hometown Fair Committee controls the Fair, not the City of Manhattan Beach. As such, they can set rules in place for the safety and enjoyment of their patrons, such as banning dogs and other pets, bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and this year, a specific ban on firearms, unless a peace officer.
As a police officer, I am allowed to be armed anywhere I go in this country, however, any private entity can deny my entrance to their event if I am armed, even to public lands, as I have a choice on whether to attend an event or not. I choose to leave my firearm in my car or at home when I attend these events as I am subject to arrest if those controlling the event wish me arrested for violating their rules.
Therefore, should anyone violate the Fair rules and the Board wants them arrested for failing to comply after requests to follow their rules, we shall honor what will likely be a private persons arrest for disturbing the peace. All such arrests will be audio, and possibly, video recorded. It is our hope that no arrests will be necessary.
Although I do not know the case off the top of my head, a similar recent case held that a "Fair" can ban what they consider "gang attire" from their Fair (which I believe was held on public land), even though those wearing the clothes felt it was a first amendment right.
I suspect that if Open Carry wishes to intentionally violate the Fair Boards rules at the Hometown Fair, it will not go over well with the community at large. We deeply respect Open Carry’s rights and really appreciate their willingness to work with communities to avoid conflict and for the safety of all those involved. I wish you well in your future endeavors.
BTW….I believe Captain Leaf is preparing an updated map of restricted areas. American Martyrs School is within 1000 feet of a significant part of Veterans Parkway, and Valley, north of 15th Street, which makes up part of the Fair grounds.
Rod Uyeda
Chief of Police