Commission to consider banning raves

August 06, 2009

In response to repeated requests by Valencia County residents for someone to put an end to raves, the county commission committed last night to consider options for stopping future raves.

Several weeks ago the commission heard from residents and others about raves, or high-intensity dance parties. At least three raves took place on vacant land near Rio Communities and Tierra Grande.

Last night, another resident expressed concern, calling it an environmental and safety issue.

“When these partygoers, most youth in their late teens and twenties, go to and from the party at all hours of the evening and early morning hours, drivers, possibly seriously impaired, travel through our towns and neighborhoods,” said Shelly Shaw, a concerned resident.

This time the commission committed to finding a solution to the issue at a future meeting.

Commissioners Georgia Otero-Kirkham and Ron Gentry instructed county staff to research ways of stopping future raves, either using existing law or creating a new law.

“It may be illegal already,” said David Pato, a county attorney.

The commission didn’t determine how soon they would make a decision on how to proceed.

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