Those residents who live on the rim of Palisades Recreation Center off Alma Real, Patterson Place and Frontera, have been subjected to illegal fireworks and drag racing on weekend nights for the past few months.
Those activities are not harmless youthful activities, but dangerous and illegal.
On June 16, the first set of fireworks explosions were set off at 7:15 p.m. Another round followed about an hour later and at 10:15 p.m., the sound of an explosion was captured on video. In the video, one kid is shouting, as if he was hurt.
One resident told CTN in a Saturday email, “we heard that there was a kid seriously injured at the park last night, who was hospitalized.”
In addition to fireworks, residents have said drag racing in that area has been ongoing. There have been requests to increase patrols to the Rec Center, but if the police are not there when the incident happens, then nothing happens.
The Los Angeles Police Department were alerted about the Friday night explosions, and on Saturday night, CTN was told that there were two officers at the Rec Center.
“Once the police left (around 11 p.m.), the kids returned,” a resident said. Another explosion followed.”
At a Park Advisory Board meeting, it had been suggested that a gate be installed at the entrance to the Rec Center at Alma Real and Toyopa, and closed at night when the park is closed. It was pointed out that the Rustic Canyon Park has a gate that is closed at night.
At another PAB meeting, it had been suggested that cameras be installed to deter graffiti and vandalism.
Residents just want something done, so that no one is injured or killed.
As a reminder, it is illegal to set off fireworks in L.A. County.
According L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger: “possession or use of illegal fireworks can range from a fine of up to $1,000 to one year in county jail. Certain products like M80s and M100s are considered explosives and are a felony to possess with penalties as high as 16 months in state prison. Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.”
According to Wholesale Fireworks, M80, M100 Silver Salutes, M250 and M1000 are considered federally illegal and cannot be purchased within the U.S.A. and “Anyone caught with these devices can face time in prison and costly fines.” A black market in M80s does exist.
Illegal M80s are dangerous explosives and can dismember and kill people who use them. If you are the parents of these teens/young adults, please educate them and let them know the legal consequences of firing them. There are documented cases of users losing fingers or hands.
It sounds like a really bad injury. Upsetting to listen to. I pray he’s okay soon.
Its time for a gate. And how much would an attendant cost to ensure those parking in the Rec Center are actually using the Rec Center.
Maybe it’s time for the Police and the corresponding school to hold the parents accountable for the actions of their “children”. And maybe it’s time for the Pacific Palisades community to demand it. If parents are fined, then the “child” should be too and have to work it off by doing lots of community service like cleaning sidewalks, trash pick up in the town, helping seniors with yard work, washing windows etc.