- Video: Jovana Lara at Hansen Dam
- Video: Leo Stallworth at Hansen Dam
- Interactive Map: Local July 4th events
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- List: Fireworks displays in Riverside County
- List: Fireworks displays in San Bernardino County
- List: Fireworks displays in Ventura County
The theme of this year's celebration is "Unity of the Communities." There was lots of things for families to do, including a carnival with rides, a petting zoo, food booths, live music and other forms of entertainment.
However, folks did not see the usual fireworks when the clock striked 9 p.m. The San Fernando Valley Neighborhood councils decided to "go green." Though there were several public fireworks displays across L.A. County, this year organizers of the Hansen Dam celebration decided to provide a laser light show in lieu of fireworks. Officials say the laser light show was a creative, safe, and eco-friendly alternative to fireworks.
Meantime, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other local leaders urged people to use extreme caution with fireworks this holiday for their own safety and for the safety of the community. Fireworks can spark fires especially during extremely dry weather conditions.
"I know that the people that are selling all this stuff are going to go crazy now when I say this, but don't buy any of the fireworks," said Gov. Schwarzenegger.
"We're really encouraging people not to get involved in the illegal fireworks, where in this city every July 5th we hear all the tragedies," said Bernard Parks from the L.A. City Council. "People have lost their finger, their thumb, their eye, because of these types of activities. We're basically saying come to a safe and sane environment, bring the family, enjoy it."
Some 15,000 people were expected to attend the Independence Day celebration at the Hansen Dam. Admission was free, however parking was $5. The laser light show started at 9 p.m.
Hansen Dam
11770 Foothill Boulevard
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
