California Sept. 11 observances to be emotion packed, low key

Observances begin Wednesday at 5:46 a.m. PDT, the time the first jetliner struck the World Trade Center, and continue through the evening. In the background, will be increased security at airports, amusement parks, bridges and other landmarks.

California will remain on the same elevated level of alert as it has since February, though extra Highway Patrol officers will be on call and contingency plans are in place, Gov. Gray Davis said.

About 5,400 of the California Highway Patrol's 6,000 officers will be working this week, said CHP Commissioner D.O. "Spike" Helmick.

Days off have been canceled, court dates postponed, and uniformed officers who otherwise would be teaching or involved in administration will be on the highways, and truck weigh stations will be open around the clock as the state beefs up its monitoring of large trucks, Helmick said. Local police departments also are on alert, he said.

State officials said they know of no credible threat to California or the nation, but, Davis said, "It's just common sense to provide optimal protection during this week."

"We are, as always, preparing for the worst but hoping for the best," he said.

But the anniversary's focus will remain on the lives lost a year ago.

The governor declared Sept. 11 as "Day of Remembrance" and asked all Californians to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m.

In San Francisco, officials will raise 2,980 American flags and 57 flags from other countries to mark the 3,037 killed in the terrorist attacks. Farther south, San Bernardino officials ordered the flag at City Hall lowered to half-staff for the day.

From Sacramento to San Diego, candlelight vigils and fire engine processions will honor the firefighters and police officers killed in the attacks.

In Los Angeles, a procession of firetrucks and other emergency vehicles will begin at in the San Fernando Valley and end at sunset at the Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro. In Pasadena, a silent procession of firefighters and police officers, accompanied by a riderless horse and bagpipe player, will make its way through the city.

In advance of the anniversary, elementary school students planted a tree Monday at a Los Angeles fire station in honor of New York firefighter David Weiss, of Manhattan Rescue 1, who died at the World Trade Center.

"It means we're respecting all the firemen and police officers for what they've done for us," said 10year-old Spencer Freer, who participated in the tree planting.

A Navy officer killed at the Pentagon and a man who died aboard United Flight 93, which crashed after passengers apparently attempted to gain control of the plane from hijackers, will be remembered at Fresno State's Peace Garden.

Two pine trees will be planted in honor of Lt. Cmdr. Otis Vincent Tolbert and Todd Beamer, who was heard by phone saying the words that have since become a rallying cry "Let's roll!" Both men attended Fresno State.

In Malibu, Pepperdine University will honor Thomas Burnett, another passenger on Flight 93, with a sunrise service and convocation. A memorial service also was planned for Capt. Jason Dahl, the pilot of United Flight 93, at San Jose International Airport.

The anniversary also will offer people a chance to come together at churches, mosques and synagogues where many will participate in unity prayers and multi-denominational services.

Observances also were planned at some of the state's tourist attractions. At Disneyland, flags will be flown at half-staff, and employees will observe a moment of silence and wear a special commemorative pin.

About 20 tall ships were scheduled to participate in a memorial that included laying three wreaths off Newport Beach. Inland, memorial balloons were scheduled to be released at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

At Camp Pendleton, Marines were to participate in a 25-mile march and memorial service.

Uploaded September 11, 2002