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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAB 494 letterFebruary 22, 2011 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ADMINISTRATION CENTER 25 COUNTY CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 240 - OROVILLE, CALIFORNIA 95965 TELEPHONE: (534) 538-7639 The Honorable Dan Logue California State Assembly State Capitol, Room 4158 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: AB 494 -Alcoholic Beverages: Possession: Sacramento River Dear Assemblyman Logue: BILL CONNELLY First District LARRY WAHL Second District MAUREEN KIRK Third District STEVE LAMBERT, Chair Fourttt District KlM K. YAMAGUCHI Fifth District On behalf of Butte County thank you for sponsoring AB 494 to ban possession of alcohol on a specific stretch of the Sacramento River over the Labor Day weekend. The bill has strong support from the Chico Chamber of Commerce, law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions, and emergency rescue agencies. As stated very clearly by Butte County Sheriff Jerry Smith, we are just lucky that we have not seen deaths or serious injuries as a result of tens of thousands of people floating down the Sacramento River on inner tubes and other makeshift rafts while consuming large amounts of alcohol over the Labor Day weekend. The fighting, unruly behavior, medical emergencies and rescues that result from this event require a massive response by law enforcement, medical, and fire and rescue personnel each year. The financial and resource strain placed on public safety agencies to protect the participants of the unsanctioned Labor Day float and the significant environmental impact caused by the excessive amount of garbage left behind after this event justify a restriction over the Labor Day weekend. Butte County appreciates your support and sponsorship of AB 494 as one step towards protecting public safety. If AB 494 passes, the County commits to enacting an ordinance that will prohibit possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages along the banks of the specific stretch of the Sacramento River during the Labor Day weekend. Sincerely, teve L ert, Chair Butte ounty Board of Supervisors CC: ~nator Doug LaMalfa As mblyman Jim Nielsen embers, Butte County Board of Supervisors