4th of July in West Oakland: "the entire city was a war zone"

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WARNING BEFORE:

Fireworks violations to spark large fines (6/29/05)

Oakland police and firefighters are taking a zero-tolerance approach to fireworks leading up to the Fourth of July and are warning that violations could lead to $1,000 fines.

The city's annual campaign led to a drop in fireworks use last year on the evenings leading up to Independence Day, although residents complained that there seemed to be a jump in fireworks use on the night of the Fourth of July, said City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente.

This year, police assigned to handle fireworks violations plan to visit households that were the subject of complaints last year and warn them, according to police Capt. Cyril Vierra. Officers also will try to determine who is selling fireworks.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/06/29/BAEBDIGEST3.DTL&hw=fireworks&sn=010&sc=457

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REPORT AFTER:

Widespread Illegal Fireworks (7/6/05)

Police in Oakland had a tough time controlling hundreds of revelers who set off fireworks at dozens of locations.

Authorities reported that illegal fireworks were set off all over the Bay Area. In Oakland, authorities and residents reported hundreds of incidents on Monday night, with dozens of amateur displays visible in the sky above East Oakland.

Oakland police, who toughened up city ordinances against fireworks last year, were expected to release a report on the incidents and arrests later this week. Numerous residents reported loud explosions that rattled windows.

Lt. Kevin Wiley said in an e-mail message sent to community groups that officers worked all night and many times found themselves outnumbered by rowdy crowds.

"By 10 p.m., it appeared the entire city was a war zone," wrote Wiley, who commanded a team of 18 officers. "It was not unusual for officers to confront groups of 20-30 people setting off fireworks. We were clearly outmanned and did not have the resources necessary to effectively deal with the worst areas."

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/06/BAGBVDJIRU1.DTL&hw=fireworks&sn=007&sc=520

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