By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The parents of a minor who hosted a house party last week in Rancho Santa Fe were arrested for violating San Diego County Social Host Ordinance, authorities said.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the ordinance classifies such violations as a misdemeanor. The adults were cited and released, and the case will be forwarded to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for review.
On March 14, just after 8 pm, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a call from a resident at a home in the 6300 block of El Apajo in Rancho Santa Fe. The resident advised that a house party was out of control and they needed assistance with removing attendees.
Deputies from the Poway Sheriff’s Station and 4S Ranch Sheriff’s Substation responded to the home and observed several hundred people within the property and just outside the main gate. The group was made up of adults and minors.
Initially, a majority of the group refused to leave. As a result, deputies made radio calls for additional law enforcement assistance.
Deputies from the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station, along with officers from the San Diego Police Department and California Highway Patrol arrived at the house and helped disperse the crowd.
A section of El Apajo was temporarily closed down to prevent traffic collisions while the large group of partygoers was leaving the area. There were no reports of damage or injuries.
During the investigation, deputies learned the parents of a 16-year-old girl allowed her to host the house party. There were minors consuming alcohol at the home. The two adults were arrested for violating San Diego County’s social host ordinance, which is a misdemeanor. The adults were issued citations and released. The arrest will be submitted to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for review.
“Those who violate the social host ordinance can face a fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in a county jail up to six months. They shall also be held liable to the County for any law enforcement services incurred as a result of the violation. An offender can also be held civilly liable if a minor is injured or causes injury to a third party,” the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office stated in a release.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is encouraged to contact the Poway Sheriff’s Station at (858) 513-2800.
