Thousands to converge at Stateline

An annual ritual Tahoe residents call the riots occurs New Year's Eve.

About 60,000 people, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office reported, come to the Stateline casino corridor to celebrate the new year. While the night of revelry falls on a Friday, some projected nasty weather might prevent a larger-than-usual crowd.

Motorists should expect delays crossing the Highway 50 state line at South Shore. While law enforcement agencies keep the corridor open as long as possible, the mass of bodies makes it impossible as the night continues. There are loop roads - upper and lower Lake Parkway Drive - but they will be congested.

The young crowd should be advised law enforcement and their horses mean business on New Year's Eve. Most of those arrested each year are minors.

On patrol will be Nevada Highway Patrol, Carson City Sheriff's Office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, Nevada Department of Prisons, Placer County Sheriff's Office and the FBI. Supporting agencies include the Douglas County Communications Center, Tahoe-Douglas Fire Department, Douglas County Road Department, Cal-Trans and Nevada Department of Transportation.

Here's who will be subject to arrest:

• Underage drinkers.

• Anyone drinking alcohol from anything but a plastic or paper cup.

• Anyone drunk in public.

• Anyone who throws an object or is fighting.

Also, citations can be given to anyone under the age of 18 who is out after midnight.

The DCSO issued this press statement: "Sheriff Ron Pierini has directed all officers to adopt a non-confrontational approach in their contacts with the celebrants. This method of enforcement has been extremely effective in past years. The celebrants appreciate the balance of protecting life and property while at the same time allowing them to enthusiastically ring in the new year.

"In addition to the augmented law enforcement staffing in the Stateline casino core area during New Year's Eve, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office will have a full complement of patrol personnel on duty in both the Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe areas to handle calls for service and traffic enforcement, particularly targeting intoxicated drivers. All persons who consume alcohol during their New Year's Eve celebration are encouraged to catch a ride with a sober driver, or utilize a local taxi service."