March 1, 1999
Web posted at: 9:58 a.m. EDT (0958 GMT)

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- A popular Southern California oceanfront area was closed and at least six people were arrested amid a barrage of rock-and bottle-throwing, as police attempted to quell an unruly crowd at the Venice Beach boardwalk. No injuries were reported.

Several hundred hip-hop dancers had gathered on Sunday afternoon in an area of the boardwalk called the Graffiti Pit to have a music festival and dance contest, but police said the group didn't have a permit for the event.

Police said they were called after rival dancers began fighting and that officers in riot gear, attempting to disperse the crowd and make arrests, found themselves dodging rocks and bottles.

Some patrol cars were vandalized as well. Police, who said they suspect many of the young people were intoxicated, decided to close the entire Venice boardwalk, about 10 miles west of downtown Los Angeles.

The area, which also is popular for walking, biking, roller skating and street artisans, was reported quiet by nightfall.

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