Local Government Officials Come Together in Joint Holiday Safety Press Conference

July 2, 2002

Who:
Los Angeles City Mayor James Hahn, Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, Los Angeles Police Department Chief of Police Martin H. Pomeroy, Los Angeles City Fire Department Deputy Chief and Commander of Operations John Callahan, Los Angeles Police Commissioner Silvia Saucedo, Los Angeles County Assistant District Attorney John Allen

What:
Press Conference to Promote Public Safety During the 4th of July Holiday Period
When:
Wednesday, July 3, 2002 at 10:30 a.m.
Where:
Los Angeles Police Department Academy, Elysian Park

Los Angeles: In past years, during the Independence Day celebrations, some in our communities have participated in activities that endanger public safety, such as the illegal possession and/or use of fireworks and the indiscriminant firing of guns. Additionally, since the events of September 11, 2001, there is heightened concern for public safety in general.
In an effort to increase public awareness, address the fears and concerns of the community and advise the community of local government’s commitment to public safety, the Los Angeles Police Department will host a press conference. Mayor James Hahn will address the overall issues of public safety during the long holiday weekend.
Fire Department officials will address those areas dealing with fire safety, while law enforcement officials will address enforcement and prosecution efforts as they pertain to illegal possession/use of fireworks and the unlawful discharge of firearms. The intent is to educate the public and highlight efforts underway to make this national holiday period a safe experience for the residents of the City and County of Los Angeles. A question and answer period will follow.
On photo display will be pictures of a large cache of illegal, and volatile, fireworks that was seized by the LAPD as a result of a community tip received on July 1, 2002.
This press release was prepared by Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.