State of California--Business, Transportation and Housing Agency ------ GRAY DAVIS, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL
Santa Rosa Area
6100 Labath Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-2045
(707) 588-1400
(800) 735-2929 (TT/TDD)
(800) 735-2922 (Voice)

March 27, 2002

File No.: 360.8764.8764

County of Sonoma
Permit and Resource Management Department
2550 Ventura Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1103

RE: Lafferty Park Walk

Dear Mr. Cossey:

Thank you for your letter of March 15, 2002, concerning cancellation of Special Event Permit (SPE020002). On March 19, 2002, Mr. Modell contacted Lieutenant Moore on this very issue. At that time Lieutenant Moore informed Mr. Modell that the CHP would again provide traffic management services for the "Walk" on Sunday, March 24, 2002, but on a reduced scale.

Since the monthly "Lafferty Park Walk" has proven to be a significant drain on CHP resources, future events will require a Reimbursable Services Contract, when a permit for the event is required. As stipulated in the permit dated March 1, 2002, "The applicant shall secure the services of the CHP for advance and rear security of the walkers." Mr. Modell was recently informed of this fact.

As a point of clarification, it is not up to the CHP to determine if the "Lafferty Park Walk" will go on as scheduled. I believe this decision is a matter for the Permit and Resource Management Department and County Counsel's forthcoming interpretation of County Ordinance Section 15 - 24. We should also not lose sight of the fact that the CHP has no legal authority to prevent pedestrians from walking along a road - as long as those pedestrians lawfully comply with applicable California Vehicle Code Sections.

As always, tile CHP is available for assistance and guidance on matters related to public safety on our highways or the conditions we feel are necessary in granting a permit. Please feel free to call or write if you have additional questions or concems.

Sincerely,

L. C. O'Shea

L. C. O'SHEA, Captain
Commander
Santa Rosa Area

CC: Supervisor Mike Kerns
Mr. Larry Modell

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