Central Coast law enforcement prepping for New Year’s Eve

Preparations are underway for the 23rd annual First Night Monterey which is expected to bring out thousands of people.

“In one place it’s really, really unique,” First Night Monterey artistic director Kira Carillo-Corser said.

The celebration will shut down downtown Monterey streets for nine hours of family, non-alcoholic and artistic fun.

“It’s a way to experience the arts on New Year’s that’s incredible,” said Corser.

While there will not be any drinking at First Night Monterey, many others plan on bringing in the New Year with a toast.

“That is something that’s a major concern,” said Monterey police Officer Shasta Vanetti. “We always have a lot of night life and so that’s something that we always have as one of our concerns that we really focus on.”

The Monterey Police Department say not only will they be on the lookout for misbehaving at First Night, but they’ll have extra officers in their cars, on foot and bicycles working the entire city.

“When people see police officers out there hopefully that stops them from getting into the vehicle they shouldn’t be driving,” said Corser. “It causes them to hopefully make wiser decisions.”

On New Year’s Eve starting at 6 p.m. the California Highway Patrol will have maximum enforcement to track down impaired and distracted drivers.

At 5 p.m. the Santa Cruz Police are enacting a safety enhancement zone in downtown Santa Cruz.

Anyone caught on Knight, Front and Pacific avenues drinking in public, littering, urinating or defecating will face triple fines.

Officers say if you do decide to drink make sure you have a safe ride home.

“Whether it be taxi or Uber or a sober driver,” said Vanetti.

Law enforcement also recommends staying in groups and calling police if you see suspicious activity.