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Metro

L.A. City Council
Bans Piñatas in City Parks, Streets

Busting a birthday piñata may seem innocent, but the city says the bashing nature of the act combined with a herd-like frenzy can become "a flashpoint for violence."

By George Wolfe

HOLLYWOOD — Nationally, piñatas are catching on as a standard birthday rite, just as the song "Happy Birthday" spread internationally; but in Los Angeles, hitting the old piñata may be a thing of the past.
Under pressure from neighborhood residents and police, the city council voted to ban the tradition of hitting piñatas, alleging that the act frequently becomes a flashpoint for violence. This comes on the heels of a separate proposal to ban silly string on city property.

"At first I was, like: what's the big deal? Then I was, like: these kids really do go crazy when the candy falls out — as if they're on crack or something."

— Police Capt. Donald Wainwright, on the piñata ban

Councilmembers Tom LaBonge and Greig Smith led the ban, claiming that the violent nature of bashing a piñata is not something the city wants to support. "There's a herd-like frenzy which occurs, too," said LaBonge, "I've seen that look in the eyes of my own kid. It's absolutely crazed. The act also carries with it all sorts of negative connotations from the days of lynching. All in all, it's simply a deplorable, reckless tradition that's unfriendly to the environment — the dyes in the piñatas find their way to the ocean and kill jellyfish."

"I once nearly tripped over a busted piñata in the park," said neighborhood resident Donna Fichette, "If I got hurt, I could've sued the city. Besides, those people just take over the parks and don't clean up after themselves. It's better that we nip this thing in the bud before somebody really gets hurt."
Policemen voiced their concerns to the council, saying that police dogs were particularly nervous around piñata-laden celebrations. "At first I was, like: what's the big deal?" said Police Capt. Donald Wainwright. "Then I was, like: these kids really do go nuts when the candy falls out — as if they're on crack or something."

Latino residents were up in arms, saying that the city is acting with prejudice against the largely Latino way of celebrating. "Please, everyone, donate old toys and games to the city council to keep them busy!" said Leticia Gasconita, "Obviously, they have too much time on their hands. We must keep them from making trouble!"

SUGAR HIGH: In recent years, kids such as this boy have taken a liking to piñatas, but the city council may have the last word.

THE EYES HAVE IT: Studies are inconclusive about the connection between pinata parties and violence in children.