COLLEGE: PROMOTER TO BLAME FOR BLAH FOURTH.

Byline: Tyree Wieder Local View

I am extremely disappointed that a Daily News editorial (``Red, white and blah,'' July 1) would conclude that the college did not host the July 4 fireworks because of ``greed and bureaucracy.''

It is very unfortunate that the college could not host the celebration this year, but we feel concerns about adequate security and sanitation are paramount.

This is not about greed on the part of the campus. The college receives no revenue from this event. All profits go to the promoter. In addition, numerous faculty members, staffers and students have volunteered their time to work at the event.

This year, the promoter contacted the college in May. In the past, preparations were begun in February. The college told the promoter that it had received many complaints about last year's event - complaints from vendors that bills were not paid, complaints about cleanup and sanitation procedures and complaints about inadequate security.

The college administrators asked the promoter to produce the proper documentation to show that the above complaints were adequately addressed. However, we received no documented assurances from him.

In previous years, the event drew between 8,000 and 10,000 people. This year, the promoter told administrators that he expected a much larger crowd. The college reassessed the cost for a safe and secure event and provided the estimate to the promoter.

In addition, the Los Angeles Police Department informed us that since the promoter had waited until late May to discuss security, their police units were already assigned elsewhere and the college would not have adequate LAPD traffic control around the campus.

The promoter repeatedly told college administrators that he was worried about the costs and that ``he would not be able to make a profit.'' He was asked again to meet with administrators to resolve cost concerns; instead he went to KNX radio station and produced a public service announcement, even though he had no agreement with the college to stage an event.

It has been frustrating this year to work with the promoter because of his unwillingness to respond to our requests for information regarding the event.

We look forward to hosting the Fourth of July celebration in the future when we are confident that all possible efforts are taken to ensure that adequate security, sanitation and other health and safety measure are met.