Who:
Chief of Police Bernard C. Parks, Deputy Chief Margaret York and others.

What:
Stop the Violence Block Party and Black History Month Celebration

When:
Friday, February 22, 2002
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where:
On San Julian between 6^th and 7^th Street

Los Angeles: On Friday, February 22, 2002, between the hours of 12:00 and 5:00 P.M., Central Area Community Police Station will host a "Stop the Violence Community Block Party" on San Julian between 6^th and 7^th Streets in downtown Los Angeles. The LAPD will be working in conjunction with the Volunteers of America and SRO, who are hosting this event. The Block Party will also be a celebration of Black History Month.

Los Angeles Police Chief, Bernard C. Parks, Deputy Chief Margaret York, Central Community Police Station Captain Charles Beck, and Operation Support Division Captain James Rupert will attend the event and will be available to speak with community members regarding issues of concern in the area. Through these community block parties, the hard working, law-abiding residents within the selected areas can meet their local police officers and realize a sense of empowerment in our mutual efforts to help combat and reduce the fear and incidence of crime. It is also an excellent forum for the local support agencies to meet with community members of which they might be of service. City Councilwoman Jan Perry of the 9^th District will also be in attendance.

The event will feature live entertainers, police support groups, local area mission representatives, outreach groups, Central City East Association and Fashion District Security representatives. There will be plenty of food and drinks available.

Volunteers and community members interested in getting further information are urged to contact the Community Relations Office or Senior Lead Officer Katharina McAnany at the Central Community Police Station, 213-485-6586.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.