March 2007: Hawaiian Gardens Gangmember Convicted Of Murdering Lakewood Stn. Sheriff's Deputy Jerry Ortiz + Multiple Special Circumstances + Add'l Horrific Charges; D.A. Will Now Seek Death Penalty

Dec. 2006: Lakewood Armed Take-Over Robbery @ Video Game Store, 5500 block Woodruff

Oct. 2006: Proposed Lakewood Fireworks Ban Begets Big Ballot Battle

Aug. 29: Lakewood "Fireworks-House" Man Sentenced To Five Years In State PrisonOn August 29, a Superior Court judge in Norwalk sentenced Brian Alan Miller of Lakewood to five years in prison following the March 6 explosion -- attributed to illegal pyrotechnic materials -- at the residence he rented on Dunrobin Ave. The blast (literally) raised the roof on the house, damaged nearby homes and vehicles and was heard/felt as far away as LBCC and western El Dorado Park. In the aftermath, a number of Lakewood residents, who formed the "Lakewood Accountability Action Group"...which has established a website at www.laag.us. The website includes comments on the sentencing proceedings...at which Mr. Hansen and other community members addressed the court.

March 2006 [front page advisory]: At a March 21 specially convened meeting, the Lakewood City Council voted 5-0 to put a measure on the November ballot to let Lakewood voters decide whether to ban "safe and sane" fireworks in their city. The action effectively lets the status quo remain through this year's 4th of July period. Representatives of several childrens' sports teams and civic group spoke in favor of permitting the sale of state-allowed fireworks to continue.

March 2006: Lakewood Mayor Esquivel Calls Special Council Meeting To Consider June Special Election On Fireworks Moratorium

March 2006: Lakewood Council To Get Status Report On "Fireworks House" Explosion; Mayoral Statement Appears On Lakewood City Hall Website As Grassroots Residents Organize Using Internet

March 2006: "Lakewood Accountability Action Group" Appears; Blasts Fireworks Excuses, Seeks Action

March 2006: Lakewood Explosion Involving Alleged Illegal Fireworks Prompts Some Lakewood Residents To Call For Banning Sale Of State-Allowed Fireworks In Their City...As LB Does

March 2006: D.A. Brings Nine Charges Against Defendant In Lakewood "Fireworks House" Explosion

March 2006: Lakewood House Explodes, Suspected Illegal Fireworks; Area Resident Says Lakewood City Hall & Sheriffs Were Told About Fireworks Last Year