Two parents in the affluent community of Rancho Santa Fe have been cited after their 16-year-old daughter hosted a party that drew hundreds of people and required a multi-agency police response to disperse, authorities said.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department in California was alerted to the gathering shortly after 8 p.m. March 14. According to a news release from the department, the resident who called for help advised that the party was “out of control” and requested assistance in removing the attendees.
Deputies found “several hundred people” both inside the property and crowded around the main gate, the release stated. The crowd consisted of adults and minors, police said.
Social media posts show crowds of young people swarming the streets in the neighborhood for the party. One Instagram video claims there were more than 1,000 teens present — in it, one partygoer is heard saying, “they’re trying to get us out,” as police arrive.
When a majority of the group initially refused to leave, deputies called for emergency reinforcement. Officers from the San Diego Police Department, the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station and the California Highway Patrol arrived within minutes to help in clearing the area.
During the dispersal, authorities temporarily shut down a section of the road to prevent traffic collisions. At one point during the night, fireworks were set off, though officials confirmed there were no reports of property damage or physical injuries. It took approximately two hours to fully clear the gathering.
Following an investigation, deputies determined that the parents had permitted their teenage daughter to host the event.
“There were minors consuming alcohol at home,” the Sheriff’s Department stated.
The two adults were arrested for violating San Diego County’s social host ordinance, a misdemeanor. They were issued citations and released.
“The case is being submitted to the San Diego District Attorney’s Office for prosecution,” Lt. Colin Hebeler told The Independent. “There are no further developments.”
Under local law, violators face fines of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, liability for the costs of law enforcement services and potential civil liability for any injuries caused by a minor who was served at the event.
The incident highlights a growing trend of “pay-to-enter” parties promoted via social media. A flyer for the event circulated online ahead of time, promising “hundreds expected” and “strict security,” according to a report from NBC 7 San Diego.
While online speculation and the promotional flyer suggested the party was being held at a nearby vacant luxury estate listed for $16 million, the property’s Realtor told NBC 7 San Diego that the gathering did not take place at the listing, but at a neighboring home.
The San Diego Police Department has noted that detectives are actively watching social media accounts for future gatherings.
Lt. Cesar Jimenez told NBC 7 San Diego that “detectives are monitoring social media, especially when we know that there’s one social media page that’s putting out all the parties,” though he noted that organizers frequently change their account handles to avoid detection.
The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with further information regarding the incident to contact the Poway Sheriff’s Station.
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