Riots long gone

These days, residents awaiting the 104th Annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration expect fireworks, pancake breakfasts, family fun and lots of proudly marching community groups.

But little more than a decade ago, they also expected rowdiness, unrest — even riots.

The 1993 and ’94 holidays saw furniture burnt in the streets, bottles and rocks thrown at police and cars, and crowds of hundreds throwing fireworks, according to newspaper articles from the time.

In 1996, more than 500 people were arrested in an attempt to forestall unrest, but crowds complained at the next City Council meeting that police had been too aggressive, according to a Los Angeles Times article. It was the last year of such heavy confrontation.

These days, police say they only deal with isolated incidents of public drunkenness and the usual illegal fireworks, despite a parade watched in person by 250,000 people and an expected 1 million visitors over the weekend. They cite long preparations, traffic control and lots of public education on the issues as reasons the bad old days are long gone.

All 232 officers in the Huntington Beach Police Department work a 12-hour shift July 4, police Lt. Dave Bunetta said. In addition, the fire department and marine safety division field heavy contingents to keep everything from loud parties, drunk drivers and illegal fireworks covered.

“Everybody works on the Fourth of July,” Bunetta said. “In addition to the parade, we will, in the evening hours, have additional staff of tactical teams that will be assigned certain geographic areas of the city. Their responsibility is to address any parties that are out of hand.”

The stigma of the early ’90s was noticeable as late as 2003, when papers reported that the City Council narrowly voted down a massive fireworks show, citing fears that an extra 20,000 or 40,000 spectators might risk unrest.

But the more draconian measures, like ordinances banning visible drinking in front yards, are a thing of the past. The rule of thumb now is not to let your celebration spill off your property, Bunetta said.

“If it’s within your house or backyard or you’re having a barbecue or picnic, be respectful of everybody, and don’t let alcohol usage get out of hand,” he said. “On your property, within reason, we want you to have a good time and a safe time.”

 All kinds of fireworks, even “safe and sane” fireworks, are illegal to sell, own or use in Huntington Beach. Roving teams of police and fire department arson investigators will be out looking for those who do so.

 Drinking on your own property is legal, but don’t let parties get out of control, or police will shut them down.

 Watch out for water balloons; police say they have had problems with people throwing balloons out of cars.

 If you want to notify police about a problem that isn’t an emergency, call (714) 960-8811. For emergencies, call 911.

MICHAEL ALEXANDER may be reached at (714) 966-4618 or at michael.alexander@latimes. com.