Keith Byrd brought up an interesting point around the party that’s been going around Facebook. If a Cal Poly student initiated it and a radio station is doing the music who’s responsible for the cleanup and moderation of the party? The Cal Poly Student? The Radio Station? I’d like to suggest that number one it’s the job of the police to serve the community and whether we throw a party or not it’s their job to help moderate it. We, the citizens, pay their salaries through taxes and it’s their job to protect and serve us.
On the ground of clean up, I would hope that the community would clean up the beach afterwords. And if not, I’ll go down and help out.
Who’s ultimately responsible? I’m not entirely sure… I’d contend that you (Keith Byrd) and myself (Jesse Bilsten) are now also to blame because we’ve help spread the word on the party. What I’m really curious about is why do we have to blame someone for this event before it has even happened? I believe it’s this line of thinking that has brought an end to both Poly Royal and Mardi Gras. Can’t we just have fun and be responsible? And if something does get out of hand, would it be too much to ask for the police to do their job and take care of it? We don’t have to cancel fun activities just because they’re difficult to manage and clean up after. I’m willing to get my hands dirty and clean up after everyone if it means we get to have more fun events in this community and help drive tourists to the economy.
Imagine how great it would be for the Shell Beach economy to have all the hotels full and tourists purchasing food. I think it’s worth it from an economic stand point and I think our local police officers can more than handle the situation. We have an awesome police force, let’s let them do their job and keep the peace. Instead of looking for blame and trying to shut down these great events that help drive our small economy.
That’s my 2 cents.