New Rules for OC Amtrak Mooners

Laguna Niguel (myFOXla.com) - Come July 11, revelers flocking to Laguna Niguel to bare their bottoms during the annual "mooning" along the Amtrak tracks will have to toe the line on some new rules designed to clamp down on rowdiness.

The City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved two new ordinances making it unlawful to consume alcoholic beverages and urinate in public within the city's boundaries -- in response to last year's event that drew some 10,000 people.

"Thousands of rowdy partiers from out of town have forced us to take this action. This event happened for many years without problems, but it has now gotten out of control," Laguna Niguel Mayor Robert Ming said.

"We cannot allow a situation where public safety and our local businesses are threatened," he said. "That kind of environment is simply unacceptable."

Last year's 29th annual event began about 7:30 a.m., when individuals lined up along the train tracks and bared their behinds to passing Amtrak trains in what legend says began as a dare in the nearby Mugs Away Saloon at 27324 Camino Capistrano.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department, with assistance from law enforcement officers from neighboring cities, were called to disperse the crowd by mid-afternoon, after complaints were received regarding public nudity, intoxication and general unruliness.

Pedestrian and vehicular traffic was so dense in the area along Camino Capistrano that deputies could not safely patrol and emergency vehicles could not safely enter or exit the area, said city spokeswoman Meg Waters.

Surrounding businesses were negatively affected by the large crowd and many said their customers could not reach their place of business the day prior to and day of the event, she said.

Other existing laws that will be strictly enforced including prohibitions on:

• public intoxication;
• public nudity;
• controlled substances;
• drunk driving;
• street vendors;
• and RV parking.

"If you've come to the event in the past, and are thinking about attending again this year, you will want to think twice," said Linda Solorza, chief of Police Services for the city. "The Orange County Sheriff's Department will be out in force, enforcing all laws and ordinances to ensure our citizens, the general public and our officers remain safe."

The council also approved a temporary parking restriction on Camino Capistrano, from the north to south city limits, effective July 9-12, Waters said.

Motorists will still have access to Laguna Niguel-based businesses located along Camino Capistrano, but vehicles in violation of parking restrictions on Camino Capistrano will be towed.