What:
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California

WHEN:
Saturday, September 29, 2001
2:00 p.m.

Irwindale: On Saturday, September 29, 2001, at 2:00 p.m., the Automobile Club of Southern California along with the Los Angeles Police Department presents "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day," at Irwindale Speedway. Twenty other Southern California law enforcement agencies will also be participating. The festivities will begin at 2 p.m. with drag races on the 1/8-mile track, which will include celebrities versus police officers. Celebrities scheduled to participate include Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Chris McDonald, Don Diamont, Michael Dudikoff, Joey Lawrence, Chris Titus, Zack Ward, Melissa Reeves, Judson Mills, Erik Palladino, Paula Trickey, Willie Gault, John Salley, Scott Reeves, Matt Lawrence, Kelly Perine, Jose Solano, Esai Morales, George Lopez, and Shawn Parr. Law Enforcement Command Officers scheduled to participate include Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard C. Parks, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, California Highway Patrol Assistant Chief Skip Carter and many more. At 6:00 p.m. pre-race ceremonies will begin for the oval NASCAR races, with races beginning at 7:00 p.m. Throughout the day there will be static displays from the participating agencies. There will be department racecars, recruitment booths, police helicopter, DARE booths, food and much more.

The "Celebrities vs. Police Officers" drag races are free to the public. The price for the NASCAR races are Adults $15, Children 6-12 yrs $5, and Children Five and under free. Irwindale Speedway is located at 13300 East Live Oak Avenue in the City of Irwindale. A portion of the proceeds form this event will be donated to the "LAPD Disaster Support Fund" to support the fallen Police Officers and Firefighters from New York City.

For further information on "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day," please call Officer John Long or Ms. Debbey Vernaci, Public Affairs Unit, 213-485-3281.

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