'Foul language' could cost town's residents perks

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A Southern California city is considering a new policy that would punish residents who repeatedly use "foul language" or exhibit "disrespectful behavior" toward city officials.

The City Council in Indian Wells, a city of 5,000 people in the Coachella Valley, will vote Thursday on a sweeping civility mandate. If passed, this policy would punish residents who exhibit "disrespectful behavior" by revoking perks — such as free tickets at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and hefty golf and spa discounts — offered to all Indian Wells property owners.

But some residents, and at least one councilman, said such a stringent policy is overkill. Councilman Doug Hanson said the policy would grant the city manager "dictatorial powers."

"The proposed policy goes far beyond what is reasonable or necessary," Hanson said. "It literally creates something one might expect to see in a police state."

The proposed policy gives City Manager Wade McKinney sole discretion to temporarily revoke a resident's perks. City residents could also lose their perks if they violate city municipal codes, including the ones that govern council elections. And residents could see a lifetime ban from the perks if they are repeat offenders.

McKinney said the proposed policy is a response to problems the city has seen in recent years. The policy was drafted, at his request, by the city's community activities committee.

McKinney insisted his authority is not as encompassing as some believe. Most offenses are "black and white" and not open to interpretation.

"If you scammed your way into the tennis suite and you didn't actually have suite tickets, that is an obvious violation," McKinney said. "I would be the person to implement it. Someone has to notify you that an offense has occurred."

Earlier this year, a man from neighboring Palm Desert was arrested on allegations that he falsified a deed so he could pretend to live in Indian Wells to get free tennis tickets. He was sentenced to three years probation.

Ed Doran, an Indian Wells resident, said he felt the civility policy gives the city manager too much power.

"He will be the judge and jury in determining whether you assisted in any violation … and he can , if he chooses, take your (perks)," Doran said in an e-mail. "No complaint, no defense counsel, no trial, no rights, just Wade!"