Arrests, traffic, shooting keep security busy

By JESSICA LOGAN
Valley Press Staff Writer

Fair patrons reported hearing shots fired at 12:10 a.m. across the street from the fairgrounds, said Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Michael Handley, who is stationed at the fairgrounds during the 11-day run.

The deputy said people were seen scurrying from where shots were heard, but no arrests were made and no witnesses came forward.

"Because it happened off the fairgrounds, I wasn't privy to any of that going on," said AV Fair manager Dan Jacobs

Deputies also nabbed nine people at the fair, mainly for probation or parole violations.

The fair has also played host to drunken arguments and toe-to-toes over parking spots, but nothing more than usual, Handley said.

Jacobs also confirmed that these type of incidents happen, but no more than last year.

"That's what the big boys are here for," Jacobs said.

The fair boasts plenty of parking to alleviate the "Hey, I had my blinker on" controversies, but a planning bungle with entrances and exits Friday night left people waiting in long lines to get in and out of the parking lots.

Some last minute changes in how traffic is routed helped alleviate the congestion "100%" on Saturday night, Handley said.

Jacobs noted the fair team will make some more major changes in traffic next year.

"The first time you do anything, you're going to have some problems," Jacobs said. "When you have 4,500 cars, you're going to have problems." Jacobs said a slow and steady flow of traffic also helped Saturday.

The safety issues are handled by 25 to 30 deputies patrolling the grounds on foot, horseback and in patrol cars at any given time, the deputy said.

They also have deputies riding ATVs, Handley added. "They get through crowds a lot faster than golf carts." Additionally, the fair is patrolled by 30 to 35 civilian security guards on staff, Jacobs said.

This is the first year on the new fairgrounds at 2551 West Ave. H, and Handley, a veteran of the fair patrol, said the new layout of the fairgrounds and the location make his job a lot easier.

The roomier conditions mean people are less crowded and less likely to get on each other's nerves, the deputy commented. Jacobs said the layout of the attractions also keeps people from congregating, which can cause trouble.

But, when deputies have to escort somebody off the premises, it's a lot more likely the person will go home because the surrounding neighborhood is not as built up.

"When they leave, they have no place else to go," Handley said. "They can either stand in the street or go home."

Also, the relatively few nearby business owners and homeowners are a lot less likely to groan about the traffic, because the new grounds are more remote.

Several temporary tents have cut down on heat-related problems, the deputy said.

Jacobs said he had no numbers about how many injuries and illnesses have been reported at the fair so far. A report on these statistics will be available at the end of the fair, he said.

jlogan@avpress.com