Chicago's North Avenue Beach was closed by order of the Chicago Police Department at 6:00 p.m. on Memorial Day.  In fairness it was unusually warm for this time of the year in Chicago, however with temps in the high 80's it was far from the sort of scorching heat that normally would trigger a heat-related emergency.  The official explanation:

"The Chicago Police Department encourages Chicago's residents and visitors to take advantage of the city's world-class lakefront, beautiful parks and countless other attractions. However, public safety must always remain our number one priority.  Thousands of beach-goers travelled to North Avenue beach yesterday, to enjoy the holiday and the onset of warmer temperatures in Chicago.  The Office of Emergency Management and Communications received several calls in the early evening regarding heat-related illnesses at the beach. The Chicago Fire Department initiated an EMS Plan 1, requiring the response of multiple ambulances.  Access to individuals calling for emergency medical services was hampered because of the crowded conditions at the beach.  In addition, several individuals who did not call 911 for emergency medical services requested assistance on the scene from responding EMS personnel.  After consultation with CFD personnel, the Chicago Police Department made the decision to close the beach.  The Chicago Police Department has the authority and responsibility to take such action in the interest of public safety, and has done so in the past.  We thank our public safety partners for their service and cooperation, and the public for their understanding as we worked together to provide safe conditions for everyone."

On Tuesday Mayor Rahm Emanuel backed the decision to close the beach stating "They shut the beach down to deal with what they had to deal with."  Emanuel then added "Think about the opposite, if they didn't take those steps.  There would be a different set of questions here, a whole set of other questions." 

The mayor's comments seemed a little fishy, perhaps begging "a whole other set of questions."  Monica DeSantis of WLS Radio in Chicago asked "Was it a flash mob that forced closure of North Avenue beach on Memorial Day?"  Callers to Don Wade and Roma during the Tuesday morning drive time show reported that there was a "large gangbanger element" stirring up trouble at the beach.

Listeners report being at the beach, and seeing dozens of gangbangers pushing people off their bikes.  Another listener says those causing havoc were not dressed for the beach and looked like "bad elements."

This past weekend saw gang violence at Carson Beach in South Boston, disturbances which forced the closure of Wave Country in Nashville, a riot on Long Island beach, fights which closed down Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, NY, widespread violence in Miami and an 8 hour crime spree in Myrtle Beach which featured five armed robberies, a stabbing and a shooting.  Society seems to be crumbling all around us during the age of Obama, but in his adopted home town of Chicago everything is cool...make that hot, very hot