On Saturday, June 1, 2024, Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills, California, hosted the 22nd Annual “Still Saving Lives” Car Show and Traffic Safety Fair, organized by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division (VTD) and the Valley Traffic Advisory Council (VTAC). Held at 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., this free, family-friendly event drew thousands to celebrate automotive culture, foster community ties, and promote traffic safety. With over 300 classic cars, food trucks, police exhibits, and kid-friendly activities, the show was a vibrant blend of fun and education. This article recaps the event’s highlights, purpose, and impact, drawing from local reports and VTAC announcements.
A Showcase of Automotive Passion
The 2024 LAPD VTA Car Show featured a stunning array of over 300 vehicles, ranging from vintage hot rods to modern exotics. Attendees marveled at restored classics like 1960s Ford Mustangs, custom lowriders, and rare movie vehicles, including a replica Batmobile. Many cars were owned by police officers, firefighters, and local enthusiasts, who shared stories of their restoration projects. The event, promoted via a YouTube teaser by VTAC, encouraged vehicle registration through vtac.vtd.org, allowing participants to compete for trophies in categories like Best Classic, Best Modified, and Best in Show.
Raffles and a silent auction added excitement, offering prizes like automotive gear, event merchandise, and local business donations. Proceeds supported VTAC’s traffic safety initiatives, including child car seat programs and collision prevention campaigns. The car display, spread across Warner Center Park’s grassy expanse, was a highlight, with families snapping photos and vendors selling car-themed memorabilia.
Traffic Safety and Community Engagement
The event’s core mission, encapsulated in its “Still Saving Lives” theme, was to raise awareness about traffic safety while strengthening ties between the LAPD and the Woodland Hills community. Led by LAPD Captain Jeff Hollis, Commanding Officer of Valley Traffic Division, and VTAC President Jeff Littman, the show combined entertainment with education. The Traffic Safety Fair featured interactive exhibits addressing real-world safety issues, as noted in VTAC’s outreach materials.
Key attractions included:
- LAPD Motorcycle Drill Team: Officers performed precision riding demonstrations, captivating crowds with choreographed maneuvers, as captured in past events by LA Daily News photographer Gene Blevins.
- Specialized Unit Displays: The LAPD showcased its Air Support Division, Bomb Squad, K-9 Unit, SWAT, and Mounted Unit, allowing kids to climb into police vehicles and meet officers.
- Safety Demonstrations: Child safety seat installation booths and a bicycle rodeo taught families about proper equipment use. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) conducted vehicle extraction demos, illustrating rescue techniques.
- Community Outreach: LAPD’s Community Traffic Services Unit distributed safety materials, emphasizing pedestrian awareness and collision prevention, aligning with VTAC’s goal to reduce traffic-related injuries.
These efforts underscored the event’s purpose: to educate the public on preventable risks. As VTAC highlighted, motor vehicle collisions globally cause significant harm, and community events like this promote safer roads.
A Family-Friendly Festival
Warner Center Park buzzed with energy as over 25 gourmet food trucks served everything from tacos to gourmet desserts. Live music, including performances by local bands, echoed across the park, creating a festive vibe reminiscent of past shows featuring acts like The Original Gum Ball Factory. Kids enjoyed a Video Games 2U bus, a climbing wall, and face painting, while parents browsed vendor booths offering local crafts and services.
The event’s accessibility—free admission and ample parking—made it a draw for San Fernando Valley residents. Social media posts on X praised the family-friendly atmosphere, with attendees sharing photos of gleaming cars and kids posing with officers.
Impact and Community Support
The 2024 car show was a success, raising funds for VTAC’s safety programs and fostering goodwill between the LAPD and residents. Sponsors like Vista Ford Dealership and Exotic Euro Cars, as noted in past Daily News coverage, played a key role, alongside community donations. The event’s focus on safety resonated in a region where traffic collisions remain a concern, with LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division investigating over 221 square miles of the San Fernando Valley.
Local leaders, including Councilmember Dennis P. Zine (a longtime supporter), praised the show’s role in building trust. Posts on Nextdoor and iDriveSoCal highlighted its community spirit, noting how it brought together diverse groups—from car enthusiasts to families—for a shared cause. The event also honored first responders, with LAFD’s presence reinforcing the collaborative spirit seen in prior joint shows.
Critical Perspective
While the car show was widely praised, some X users noted logistical challenges, like parking congestion near Topanga Canyon Blvd., a recurring issue at Warner Center Park events. Others called for more diverse food truck options or additional shaded areas, given Woodland Hills’ warm June weather. From a broader lens, the event’s focus on police-community relations occurs against a backdrop of scrutiny over LAPD’s history of misconduct, as documented in Wikipedia. While the show promotes positive engagement, critics argue such events must be paired with systemic reforms to fully rebuild trust.
Conclusion
The 22nd Annual LAPD VTA Car Show at Warner Center Park on June 1, 2024, was a triumphant blend of automotive spectacle, safety education, and community unity. With hundreds of cars, engaging exhibits, and a festive atmosphere, it reinforced the Valley Traffic Division’s commitment to saving lives on the road. As Woodland Hills continues to navigate challenges like wildfires and traffic safety, events like this strengthen the community’s resilience and spirit.
