Heightened Security Planned For Public Events Across SoCal
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Security is being stepped up at public events throughout Southern California this weekend in the wake of Monday's deadly bombings in Boston but law enforcement officials say there is no imminent threat.
Bomb sniffing dogs waded through the crowd as more than 170,000 people descended upon Long Beach for the annual Toyota Grand Prix.
"This is a big event. We've been doing this now for 39 years and obviously there is a very robust security plan that's been in place for all of those years," Jim Michaelian, President, Long Beach Grand Prix, said.
"What we've done is we've sat down with the various local agencies – police, fire, and some of the other agencies around – and reviewed those plans in looking for ways in which we can implement and some new ideas that will only help to enhance the safety factor for all of our patrons," Michaelian said.
Leading up to this weekend, officials were clear that there was no specific threat to Los Angeles.
"There is no specific threat to the LA region. None. I would know. I would know. Trust me," Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said on Friday.
Other events slated for this weekend include the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California, CicLAvia, and the Clipper-Memphis game at STAPLES Center.
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