header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
November 7
1940 - William S. Hart deeds land for theater at Spruce & 11th Street to American Legion [story]
American Theater


rave082713In recent weeks, Lancaster and Palmdale Sheriff’s Station deputies have ended two more illegal drug Rave parties, one before it even started.

Rave parties, which in many instances bring with them illegal drug use and underage drinking, potentially have an even darker side.

After receiving information from the Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau (SHB) eComm Unit, the Antelope Valley Sheriff’s Task Force, AVCFI, mobilized two teams, as well as additional resources, responding to the extreme northwest area of Lancaster Station’s patrol area in the Antelope Valley a few weeks ago (8/17/13).

Sergeant Kevin Pearcy said, “The area of this party was nearly in Kern County and the 5 freeway was only a few miles away. The music could be heard from nearly five miles away.”

During the past year, LASD SHB eComm has found over 1,000 illegal drug/nozz/alcohol for minors rave parties openly advertised on social media, prior to the rave party starting. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station or area policing agency is then notified so that violence, overdoses, and driving under the influence collisions can be prevented, by stopping the illegal drug raves before they start or soon thereafter.

AVCFI Coordinator, Lieutenant Larry Gregg, said receiving this information helps him assign resources and reduce the need to respond to rave party emergencies using even more deputies who could have been handling community calls for help.

“In this incident, we not only utilized the information being provided by SHB eComm, but also a Sheriff’s Aero Bureau helicopter to help us locate the party.” Lt. Gregg said over a dozen deputies on the ground were used in ending a rave. Two of the deputies actually entered the party, providing intelligence back to responding units several miles away. “Inside the party, the undercover deputies saw what they thought to be illegal drug sales by a suspect. That person eventually fled into the desert as radio cars approached, but it does show what occurs at these parties.”

The Sheriff’s Department said it will continue to utilize innovative methods to prevent these types of criminal and dangerous events.

Approximately 200 people were at the party when Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputies arrived, but more than 800 people had responded via social media that they would be attending. Closed down early by about 11:00 pm, the Rave was expected to continue to grow in size if left unchecked.

Lt. Gregg said, ”The problem is the mob mentality that seems to take place after these folks ingest enough alcohol and drugs. I have seen bonfires, tremendous amounts of nitrous oxide, methamphetamine, molly and bath salts being used by these young adults.” He added that even the name of the party, referring to a type of drug, projects the intention of the rave to use drugs. Given they are in the desert, they then drive under the influence and endanger everyone on the road. The unsafe bonfires could result in a wildfire.

Four partygoers were cited and released at the scene on various misdemeanor charges. The property owner was warned about large unpermitted parties and advised about potential civil litigation if someone was hurt on his property during an event such as this.

The promoters of this party are known, and Lieutenant Gregg said an investigation is continuing to determine what, if any, criminal charges can be filed against them. He said, “These promoters are soliciting money for illegal, unpermitted events. They are allowing illegal use of property and drugs at these events and keep their ticket sales whether the rave goes on as planned or is shut down.”

Last week, another drug Rave Party was found on the Internet by the LASD SHB eComm Unit. Again in the Antelope Valley, this Rave Party was promoted as a “lock down” event inside an industrial warehouse (8/23/13). Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and City of Lancaster Public Safety officials contacted both the warehouse owner and the promoter of the event and the event was cancelled before it started.

Captain Patrick Nelson of Lancaster Sheriff’s Station said, “Sometimes law enforcement needs to protect people from themselves. These two events, were promoted using the name of a drug and the other as a ‘Lock In’. Both have either connotations of illegal activity or are illegal based on the manner in which they are promoted. You cannot lock the doors to these events. You are asking for disasters of epic proportions such as a fatal fire. These events, because of what they bring with them, illegal drug use and underage drinking will not be permitted in the City of Lancaster or in the County areas. Without permits these event cannot be held legally.”

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

1 Comment

  1. Patrick says:

    I used to throw raves and promote… I agree with law enforcement. Even the legal scenes cause people to drive home drunk and endanger lives. It often feels like there’s nothing else to do in this area but to do bad things… but our education system is washed out, there are a lack of jobs, and a good amount of the population collect unemployment, SSI, and food stamps. They don’t pay enough, so there are a lot of people who sell drugs to pay their bills and use them as an antidepressant. Meanwhile, college students are going into debt and can’t find jobs when they graduate. It seems like something needs to change. There’s a big separation between lower class and middle/upper class, and most people don’t know what to do.

    These events used to be about love and unity. If it were just love and unity, we wouldn’t need law enforcement. I threw events for free. Yes there was underage drinking, which I agree was bad, but we enforced our own safety, brought drinking water, and encouraged people to bring tents so that they could be sober before driving home. We did not allow minors. Also, we never used online social networking. Further, we knew everybody who was there. Nobody ever got hurt, nothing was ever stolen, and not even any trash was left behind. It felt like great times! And those are important when you get out of high school.

    However, I look back on all those years and I don’t even have pictures of all these people. They are good people, but without any direction (which is common in LA county), the separation is just adding to the problem.

    We need to quit using scare tactics and give our community reasons to come together for a greater good. We need to serve the interests of the community, even if it involves entertaining the younger generations. Why never ideas like closing off the BLVD for electronic dance parties like done for the farmer’s market? Why not incentives for the community for supporting the safety of each other? We have a water park, why not consult with them? Wouldn’t ideas like this cost less and be a better resolution? Busting the parties is necessary, yes, but I think we need to think in the interest of the people causing the problem, rather than reprimanding them.

    Just my 2.5 cents.

Leave a Comment


LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEADLINES
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024
The County of Los Angeles is experiencing critical fire weather and is under a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag advisory from now until Friday evening. .
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024
The Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department and Office of Emergency Management are on high alert in anticipation of strong, high-speed winds and dangerous fire weather conditions that will impact the Santa Clarita Valley and Los Angeles County late Tuesday night through at least Thursday afternoon.
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024
The Castaic Animal Care Center will host a family-friendly Veterans Weekend Pet Adoption event on Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to honor veterans and encourage the community to learn more about the benefits of pet adoption.
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) Dean C. Logan announced Vote Centers are open for the last day of voting in the Nov.5, 2024 General Election.

Keep Up With Our Facebook
Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Parents and caregivers are invited to Empowered Families Workshops hosted by the Child & Family Center’s Prevention and Outreach team in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church of Newhall beginning 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 with a workshop on Social Media and mental health.
Nov. 10: Child & Family Center, First Presbyterian Church Collab for Workshops
Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. has announced that it was awarded a $1.1 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration to add new services that will include substance use disorder treatment programs.
Samuel Dixon Awarded 1.1 Million Grant for SUD Program
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley will host its annual holiday boutique fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church
Nov. 23: ACS Relay for Life SCV Holiday Boutique
The Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative has announced the "Bringing it Home" fundraiser, an exclusive wine and hors d'oeuvre event hosted by Salt Creek Grille, will be held Thursday, Nov. 21.
Nov. 21: Salt Creek Grille, Veteran Services Collaborative Host Fundraiser
The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages. The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25.
USPS Announces Holiday Mailing, Shipping Dates
1940 - William S. Hart deeds land for theater at Spruce & 11th Street to American Legion [story]
American Theater
The closest race of the election is for Santa Clarita City Council. Patsy Ayala was leading Tim Burkhart by 37 votes at the close of business Wednesday, 3,219 to 3,182. More absentee ballots remain to be counted.
Local Election Results as of Wednesday Evening
Due to projected power shutoffs related to the current wind advisory, the Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy location, will be closed for in-person services beginning 5 pm Wednesday
Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy Location Closes Due to Power Shutoffs
Beginning Wednesday, November 13, crews will begin the construction of median modifications, paving, grinding and overlay operations along portions of McBean Parkway at Newhall Ranch Road.
Upcoming Lane Closures on McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road
The California Highway Patrol is proud to announce it received a $350,000 grant to address the growing issue of distracted driving on California roads.  
CHP Receives Grant to Combat Adult Distracted Driving in California
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation has once again recognized the city of Santa Clarita as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 "Most Business-Friendly City" award in the category of large cities (population over 60,000).
City of Santa Clarita Named 2024 Most Business-Friendly City Finalist
The County of Los Angeles is experiencing critical fire weather and is under a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag advisory from now until Friday evening. .
Animal Care and Control Urges Emergency Pet Preparedness
The city of Santa Clarita is pleased to announce the release of the 2025-2026 Notice of Funding Availability and has scheduled informational meetings for organizations interested in applying for 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant funding.
Santa Clarita Non-Profits Invited to Apply for 2025-2026 Funding Cycle
California State University, Northridge’s CSUN-al Gardening series returns this month just in time to prepare for fall planting.
CSUN-al Garden Class to Get Ready for Fall Planting
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath
Supes Support Expansion of Tax Credit Program for Entertainment Sector
Local educational performing arts charity Mission Opera, together with Oksana Foundation and Bella Cucina Italian Restaurant, is excited to announce “Bella Notte,” a new monthly event starting this Fall that blends the worlds of Italian fine dining, live opera, and community support.
Nov. 23: “Bella Notte” Italian Night Comes to Santa Clarita
For the fourth year in a row, California State University, Northridge has been named a Fulbright HSI Leader by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
CSUN Named a Fulbright HSI Leader For a Fourth Year in a Row
Thompson Von Tungeln Trust and Estate Lawyers will host a free successor trustee training workshop on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia, Calif. 91355.
Nov. 9: Free Successor Trustee Training Workshop
No. 12 College of the Canyons football scored 24 points, highlighted by a 95-yard kickoff return from sophomore Da'Marrie Smith, in what turned out to be a decisive second quarter to outlast visiting Moorpark College 27-21 on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Cougar Stadium.
No. 12 Canyons Outlasts Moorpark College 27-21
Unofficial election results for the 2024 General Election as of Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 11:21 p.m.
2024 General Election Santa Clarita Races
1976 - Horse turds and peace pipes: Acton Turkey War with AM radio jock Dick Whittington ends in a draw [story]
Turkey war
The Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry has announced a newly-formed partnership with California Institute of the Arts and its Basic Needs Center.
SCV Food Pantry Partnership with CalArts to Feed Students
The Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department and Office of Emergency Management are on high alert in anticipation of strong, high-speed winds and dangerous fire weather conditions that will impact the Santa Clarita Valley and Los Angeles County late Tuesday night through at least Thursday afternoon.
County Urges SCV Residents to Prepare for High Winds, Fire Weather
For the fourth consecutive time, the College of the Canyons Contracts, Procurement and Risk Management department received a 2024 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award from the National Procurement Institute, Inc.
COC Purchasing Department Receives 2024 National Procurement Institute Award
SCVNews.com