Mardi Gras 2005 and "Polygras"
Some students attempted to circumvent the new ordinances during Mardi Gras by creating an underground event, "Polygras", which was discussed online throughout the winter of 2004-2005. Polygras was planned to take place immediately after the traditional Mardi Gras period, so as to avoid "triple fines" and the large police presence planned for Mardi Gras. (8). In response, the city of San Luis Obispo designated a city-wide safety enhancement zone effective through March 2, 2005. (9) PDF
In February 2005, sobriety checkpoints were set up throughout San Luis Obispo, and police officers sought to disperse medium-sized gatherings during the Mardi Gras period. (10) Arrests were cut by 58% from the previous year. (11) The additional cost to city and county taxpayers for keeping the 2005 celebration under control was $1 million, including $385,200 in police department staffing and control costs. Sixteen other law enforcement organizations, such as the California Highway Patrol, billed an approximate $700,000 in additional staffing and crowd control costs. (12) City councilwoman Christine Mulholland told a New Times reporter in February 2004 that the cost for law enforcement was approximately $100,000 in 2003. (13) Some students congregated at traditional crowd spots during "Polygras," but it did not succeed as an ongoing concern.
Read more about this topic: San Luis Obispo Mardi Gras Controversy