Los Angeles County task force pushes for drug education, nixes rave ban idea

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  • The group made 55 recommendations following deaths at recent HARD events.
  • Los Angeles County task force pushes for drug education, nixes rave ban idea image
  • An electronic music task force commissioned by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has submitted its recommendations for safer festivals on public land. The task force was established back in September, following the MDMA-related deaths of two teenagers at August's HARD Summer, held in Pomona, California. Prior to last week's report, increased scrutiny led to a crackdown at October's HARD's Day Of The Dead festival, which imposed a 21-plus entry policy and limited attendance to 40,000. Despite those concessions, nearly 500 were arrested at Day Of The Dead. The Board of Supervisors has been weighing a full-on ban of rave-like events held on county land, but the task force recommends against this measure, urging increased on-site drug education and safety precautions instead. The Pasadena Star-News reports the group's "55 recommendations include a minimum age of 18 for attendees; more access to water; a requirement for four police officers per 1,000 guests; amnesty boxes before security checkpoints; and the development of 'evidence-based educational and informational materials on alcohol and drug use.'" At HARD Day Of The Dead, Pomona Police distributed an "ecstasy handout" very similar to a pamphlet drafted up in the wake of 2010 deaths at the Electric Daisy Carnival, formerly based in Downtown LA. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune discussed the flyer with Missi Wooldridge, the director of DanceSafe, who praised the literature but said she fears "the message might fall short," as the flyer says those experiencing potential overdoses can seek help without fear of arrest while possession of illicit substances is an arrestable offense.
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