Just found this story at the SD Union-Tribune site ... <i>no</i> mention of knives, though the sheeple tone is enough to make you cry.
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Few theme park vistors mind searches
By J. Harry Jones
STAFF WRITER
October 28, 2001
About 11:30 yesterday morning, the lines to enter SeaWorld stretched 75 people deep in front of each of the 10 metal detectors installed Friday.
The latest in the "life has changed forever since Sept. 11" story: Security is way up at San Diego County's amusement and theme parks.
And virtually nobody cares.
"I don't mind at all," Pam Honda of El Cajon said while waiting in a swiftly moving line at the San Diego Zoo yesterday morning, where her bag was to be checked by flashlight-wielding security guards. "Check it all. Check it all."
Jett Walker of Tiburon, also waiting in line at the zoo, said, "I think it's good. I don't want them taking anthrax in here or hoof and mouth disease, either."
All of the parks -- the zoo, the Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld and Legoland -- now inspect the belongings of all their guests as they enter. Backpacks, purses, fanny packs and strollers are examined for contraband.
SeaWorld is the only park so far to install metal detectors like the ones people must pass through in courthouses. Also, each park has added security personnel and made them more visible.
"It's sad that you have to see it at a place like this," Steve Decker of Chicago said while he stood in line for about 10 minutes at SeaWorld yesterday morning with his 3-year-old son. "I guess it's a necessary evil these days."
Almost all interviewed yesterday understood the need for greater security. Most welcomed it. A few were annoyed.
"I think it's stupid," Richard Kendall of Los Angeles said in line at SeaWorld. "I'm not thinking about killing any whales."
Randi Frish, who came with Kendall, had a dramatically different view.
"I think it's wonderful," Frish said. "The more security the better."
Charles and Rita Snow, who recently flew into town from Louisiana, hardly minded their 15-minute wait at the park on Mission Bay.
"It's part of what you have to do," Charles Snow said.
Added Rita Snow: "We've been through a lot of airport security already. It's for our own good."
One man from Santee, who would not give his name because he said he knew he sounded like a racist, said he did not like the added security one bit.
"Look around," he said. "Most people here don't meet the idea of the terrorist. I mean, you saw the pictures of what they looked like. The terrorists are Middle Eastern. It's kind of easy to tell who they are. People here are normal. I think (SeaWorld) is doing this because they want to make people feel safe."
SeaWorld spokesman Bob Turner said the metal detectors were installed last week. Before that, and only after the terrorist attacks, metal detecting wands were used by guards.
"People have reacted well," Turner said. "They are willing to wait and be delayed. They understand."
At Legoland in Carlsbad, spokeswoman Courtney Simmons said that during the busiest times at the theme park, guests may have to wait up to 30 minutes to enter as belongings are checked for anything illegal or dangerous.
"Even prior to 9-11, safety and security was the No. 1 priority," Simmons said. "We're not getting complaints. Our guests want to make sure they have a safe visit."
Several Legoland visitors agreed.
"With everything that's happened, I feel safer this way," one said.
"I don't mind at all," said Gary Marx of San Diego. "We don't have anything to hide."
