Promoter outlines expanded medical and security plan for Regency Center ‘Imagine 2000’ event; commission to await police input

The promoter for the Imagine 2000 event at the Regency Center described a security plan on Tuesday that organizers say goes beyond standard measures for a 1,200-person ballroom event.

Jason Sperling outlined measures including an event guide for attendees, signage for exits and water stations, four EMTs plus a triage paramedic, two roaming EMT/security teams, and 25 contracted guards — double what is legally required for the event size. Medical teams will be trained with Regency security to identify and deny entry to intoxicated patrons, and roaming teams will be equipped to provide immediate first aid.

Commissioners and police asked whether promoter plans would incorporate Northern Station suggestions — increasing 10B officer presence from two to as many as seven, corner postings, a stationed sergeant, an on-site ambulance and the use of security wands at entry. Harold Johnson of Johnson Security said the contractor’s plan includes pat-downs, bag searches and staged containment procedures and is prepared to accommodate additional police direction.

Commissioners also asked whether scaled-up measures could have prevented the Cow Palace incident; the event’s medical lead said scaling and unified command could have had an impact but cautioned it is impossible to say definitively. The commission agreed to continue formal action on the security plan until a follow-up meeting between promoter and police yields a finalized plan to present at the next public meeting.

Next steps: promoter and Northern Station will meet and return the revised plan to the commission for action.