Off-Road Enthusiasts Descend on Sand Dunes

Off-road enthusiasts crowded into California's largest sand dunes area Friday, but officials reported there had been no repeat of the mayhem of past Thanksgiving weekends.

The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area was expected to attract up to 200,000 visitors, which would more than double the population of Imperial County.

By Friday, authorities had arrested eight people and issued 261 citations, mostly for safety-related issues. Gone were the wild mobs that once pelted rangers with cans and bottles.