It's no doubt the result of ongoing tensions - some of which resulted in litigation. Or has anyone forgotten the class-action lawsuit that accused security guards at the Valencia location of improperly searching visitors and engaging in racial profiling? Six Flags agreed to pay $5.6 million to settle the case. Now under new ownership (it's controlled by Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder), Six Flags is making shirts and shoes mandatory (sounds reasonable to me). The guidelines, which include rules on behavior, dress code, language and compliance with park policies, are an effort to be more family friendly. The company operates 30 theme, water and zoological parks in North America.

The new rules ban unruly and offensive behavior, including line-jumping and holding places. Clothes with rude or offensive language or graphics will also not be allowed -- and shirts cannot be turned inside out as a solution, the company said.