Patrols boosted ahead of Mongols motorcycle club meeting in Cathedral City

CATHEDRAL CITY (CNS) - In an effort to prevent issues ahead of a Mongols Motorcycle Club meeting in Cathedral City later this week, the Cathedral City Police Department, in coordination with other local law enforcement agencies, will increase patrols throughout the city, officials said today.

``This is a documented outlaw motorcycle gang, and we are treating it that way,'' Cathedral City Police Chief Rick Sanchez said in a statement Monday. ``We have been planning for this alongside our regional partners, and residents will see an increased law enforcement presence.''

The club gathering will take place Friday through Sunday at the Double Tree by Hilton Golf Resort Palm Springs, 67967 Vista Chino.

The police department, in coordination with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the California Highway Patrol and other local agencies, have planned a multi-agency response to the gathering for weeks. The U.S. Department of Justice has identified the Mongols as an outlaw motorcycle gang.

Roughly 1,000 members attended the group's annual meeting at Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs last year, and 22 were arrested on various alleged weapons and drug offenses.

``The city of Cathedral City did not invite this group, did not welcome this gathering and was given no say in their decision to hold it here,'' city officials said of this year's meeting. ``The city is not a sponsor, host or participant, and played no role in arranging it.''