Looking Back on Independence Day

Santa Monica officials proclaimed in The Times (July 5) the success of the pre-dawn fireworks show on July 4th. Although one might question whether the 20,000 viewers represent success when compared to last year’s 500,000, the purpose of this letter is different. The evening of July 4, I stood on the Santa Monica Pier and watched a massive police-directed action unfold to control the few thousand people (mostly families) who had come out for an enjoyable evening.

Hordes of uniformed men (some armed) spread out across the beach, some in vehicles; they scattered crowds, issued orders over loudspeakers, shined searchlights, searched people, confiscated bags (presumably containing fireworks), gave orders. Sirens blared. An aircraft with searchlight was omnipresent. A blond policeman wearing shorts, short-sleeved shirt and black gloves took a bag from an older woman who was standing by me, and she asked (in Spanish) what was going on.

This same scene was replayed often on the beach below, with heavy, concerted actions involving Santa Monica police, lifeguard squads, harbor patrol, and auxiliary forces. At 10 p.m., official police vehicles, trucks, and three-wheeled vehicles (all with bright lights) weaved through the sand once again: “The beach is closed; pack it in and go home.” And then, “La playa esta cerrada.” Most people slowly and obediently left--hardly in a celebratory mood. Laws should be followed, but I question whether totalitarian, heavy-handed and insensitive police tactics may be the greater wrong.

MARY ANN KEEVE

Santa Monica