New security at CityWalk: Metal detectors for moviegoing, and maybe leave the weed pen at home

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Set us as preferred CityWalk, known for its nightlife, eclectic food choices, neon signs and entertainment options, was once a place where you could stroll right in.But new security measures are now in place for the promenade that leads into Universal Studios Hollywood.People who are planning to just access CityWalk, and not the theme park, do not need a ticket to enter but are subject to the same park security protocols — waiting in line to go through a metal detector and have your bag scanned.If you are going on to the theme park, you don’t need to go through security again.

But for those who just want to grab a bite or see a movie at the IMAX theater, the security protocol is an additional — possibly irritating — barrier.Users online remarked on the inconvenience for moviegoers and whether it could cause some people to skip their trip to CityWalk altogether.

But for visitors The Times spoke with on Thursday, the response was overwhelmingly positive.Ernesto Lopez, coming in from Stockton, was traveling to CityWalk for the second time with family and said the security measures “surprised” him, but he felt safer.Lopez’s relatives agreed.“I didn’t know we had to put our stuff in the baskets, but it’s actually a good safety measure,” Lopez said, referring to the bag check process.Lopez added that the security that was visible around the promenade felt like an extra layer of protection.

In addition to the extra security milling about, many of the areas that were formerly open to the public were closed off by fences and guarded exits.Park-goers and those heading to CityWalk were directed to the new security checkpoints.

“There’s no danger, there’s no nothing,” Lopez said.“It’s safer.”The policy was first implemented earlier this month and was not spurred by the World Cup, or the Olympics com...