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[QUOTE=Klondike;550777]that really sucks. I had no idea because there are so many nice pics and no hint of trouble.

Actually, it more than sucks. its really kind of disturbing. Maybe the town was tolerant until the bikers started arriving or something....

Oh well -

Klondike[/QUOTE

The 2009 version of Mooning Amtrak was very subdued.

The mayor of Laguna Nigel said publicly during this week that he wanted to stop the event. All public parking was changed to 'No Parking'; so the only parking available was in the area of the lot that was assigned to the Mugs Away saloon. There were no tarps set up for jello or tequila shots, in fact, there was no activity at all outside of the saloon except the actual mooning which was still permitted. In previous years there were motor homes that set-up along the side of the road and the residents hosted all day parties; these were also not permitted. The sherriffs department was in full force monitoring parking and behavior; so they effectively shut down the carnival atmosphere of the event. There was much anger and frustration at the police state type control of what was a fun activity. The bikers were still there and as usual, they mixed perfectly well with non-bikers. The bar is a biker and beach bar, so bikers have never been the problem, in fact they started this tradition.

Having said all of this though, I decided to stick it out and go inside the bar to have a few drinks and to listen to the band; that turned out to be a good decision. The band was great, the patrons and staff were friendly and fun, and there were more than a few great looking girls wearing typical small summer clothes.

Maybe this is a return to the roots of the event. I will go back next year. Even if it is the same limited scope as this year, it will be fun and a welcome diversion on a hot summer July day. The only downside is that it is on exactly the same day as the opening of the Over The Line tournament in San Diego. As far as I know, that event has not been tamed yet.

Here are a few pictures from the event.