UPDATED LIBERTY BONDS BACKED $500 MILLION TO GO FOR HOMELAND DEFENSE WITH 4.7% RETURN.

Byline: Helen Gao Staff Writer

BURBANK - Just as Californians opened their wallets and bought $2.9 billion in Liberty Bonds to support World War II, Assemblyman Dario Frommer hopes they will do the same for today's war against terrorism.

Flanked by Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and local fire and police chiefs, the Glendale Democrat proposed legislation Wednesday to authorize the state to issue up to $500 million in Homeland Defense Bonds to help local agencies pay for counterterrorism training and equipment.

``How do we help the front line in the war against domestic terror? Get them funds and equipment they need,'' he said at a news conference in front of the Burbank Fire Training Center.

``Today we are calling on this generation to do their part to help their local firefighters, emergency room doctors fight against terror.''

The proposal calls for bonds to be issued in relatively small denominations that would mature in six years. They would pay interest of about 4.7 percent.

If the Legislature approves the proposal, it would go on the November ballot and, if voted in, bonds would be issued in 2003.

While the bond plan would not be enough to cover all the needs, Baca sees it as a first step in providing an infusion of much-needed resources to local emergency personnel.

``All of us are equipped to deal with a singular incident. If there is more than one incident, our equipment is quickly dissipated on one incident,'' he said. ``The strategies of terrorists are multiple in their attack.

``We have to widen our base of expertise and widen our equipment resources as we plan for any attacks,'' he said, noting that creating a standardized radio communication system for Los Angeles County emergency personnel alone would cost $500 million.

Lew Stone, a Burbank fire captain and an officer with California Professional Firefighters, said advanced chemical and biological detection devices could cost as much as $80,000 to $120,000 each and special protection suits $4,000 each.

``The latest technology is much more sensitive, much more reliable and is unfortunately extremely expensive,'' he said.

According to Frommer, state and local governments have already spent a combined $142 million in increased security measures last year and are expected to spend up to $420 million this year.

Burbank Police Chief Tom Hoefel said the increased expenditures have put tremendous strain on local government.

``These bonds present another opportunity: that is, for everyone to get involved. Everywhere I go, people have expressed a patriotic need to get involved.''

Hoefel, who is the vice president of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association, said 46 chiefs are behind Frommer's proposal.

``I think we would love to be the first to stand in line to buy (the bonds),'' he said.

Many present praised the bonds as a clever idea because it does not involve raising taxes and would not impact the state's budget in a time when steep shortfalls are expected.

``This is an innovative way to raise funds necessary to fight terrorism in California,'' said Glendale Police Chief Russell Siverling.