Lemon Grove, CA - Lemon Grove Oks race-spectator ban
Lemon Grove's City Council unanimously adopted a law making it a misdemeanor to attend an illegal drag race in the city limits. The ordinance follows one adopted by the city of San Diego last month.
Spectators could be arrested and jailed for up to six months or fined up to $1,000. It takes effect Dec. 19.
The council took the step this week in case street racing moves into Lemon Grove to avoid San Diego's crackdown.
The council also asked city staff to inquire about sponsoring an "East County Cities Race Night" on Dec. 20 at Qualcomm Stadium. Lemon Grove will ask La Mesa, Santee and El Cajon to share the costs of renting the facility and paying fees for residents.
San Diego State University sponsors about 40 races a year at the stadium on Friday nights. It costs $850 to rent the facility, along with $450 for the lighting. Drivers pay a $15 fee, with a cap of 200 racers a night.
The entire tab, including the maximum in racers fees, is about $4,300, said sheriff's Capt. Jim Cooke. Each East County city would pay about $1,000.
Councilman Tom Clabby opposed the proposal.
"I'm somewhat reluctant to have taxpayer dollars pay for kids to drag race," he said.
Other council members supported the plan, saying it would educate street racers about alternatives.
"I don't look at it like spending $15," Councilman Jerry Jones said. "I think its more the message we send than the money we pay."
The council expects to vote on a formal plan at its Dec. 3 meeting.
