Illegal fireworks make L.A. resemble a war zone

To the editor: I have lived in the San Fernando Valley for 70 years and have fond memories of Fourth of July parties over the years. I now shudder each year as the holiday approaches, as I know my home will be bombarded with percussive explosions. (“Half-dozen Angelenos suffer burns and limb injuries this Fourth of July, fire officials say,” July 5)

These are not beautiful glows in a night sky, but rather brutish explosions that serve no purpose but to shake homes and amuse loutish drunks who probably do not know what the holiday celebrates. Local law enforcement is useless in controlling this night of madness.

While I’m not there yet, I can begin to understand why some people move out of Los Angeles. I don’t want to live in a police state, but neither do I wish to live in a place where laws and regulations are winked at. Maybe I should move to Beverly Hills.

Milt Vallas, North Hollywood

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