After two years of hard work the Rose Bowl Community Prevention Council (RBCPC) has released a 2014-15 Progress and Recommendations Reports detailing its efforts to date and next steps.

In March 2013 the RBCPC was convened to improve public health and safety at large community events in the City of Pasadena. Composed of representatives of neighborhood associations (e.g., East Arroyo, Linda Vista-Annandale, West Pasadena), community groups (Day One, Flintridge Center), and city agencies (Pasadena Police Department, Pasadena Public Health Department), the RBCPC has spent the past two years observing large events, reviewing existing practices and procedures, and recommending improvements based on identified conditions and data collected.

In 2014, representatives of the aforementioned groups met on a regular basis to discuss manners of reducing alcohol-related harm and improving public health and safety at large events at the Rose Bowl. After reviewing findings from 10 major events in 2013-14, the group identified the following recommendations based upon their efficacy at other venues and potential ability to positively impact public health and safety during large events:

Prevention Coalition Reminds UCLA-USC Fans “Drinking is NOT a Game”     

The BIG GAME is almost upon us. After a two year hiatus from the Rose Bowl, the USC football team returns to the Arroyo Seco for the annual showdown against the UCLA Bruins. For those who will be joining the festivities, the RAD-SGV prevention team would like to encourage you to rethink your drink!

Studies have found that "high-profile football game days are among the heaviest for alcohol consumption, comparable to other well-known drinking days such as New Year’s Eve and Halloween." (Neal, D., Fromme, K. “Hook ‘em horns and heavy drinking: Alcohol use and collegiate sports.” Kent State University and University of Texas at Austin.)  

Game day traditions fuel the misuse of alcohol, including binge and underage drinking, and pose significant risks to individuals and the broader community. For example, binge drinking --  defined as consuming 5 or more drinks in about 2 hours for men, and 4 or more drinks for women -- has serious health implications for individuals, including brain damage, alcohol poisoning, high blood pressure, and increased risk of stroke, injury, and cancer (breast and oral). On a community level, binge drinking is associated with higher violence, crime and injury rates (e.g., alcohol-involved auto collisions). 

Even more dangerous is Extreme Ritualistic Alcohol Consumption (ERAC) - defined as consuming 10 or more drinks on game day for a male, and 8 or more drinks for a female - by researchers. The consequences of such behavior can be severe, ranging from accidental injury to physical or sexual assault. 

Given the serious health and safety impacts associated with events where social and cultural norms fuel high rates of binge drinking, the City of Pasadena and Rose Bowl Stadium have the following tailgating rules to promote responsible alcohol use. Specific tailgating policies include:

• No beer funnels or other rapid-alcohol consumption devices
• No drinking games (e.g., beer pong, flip cup)
• No alcohol use in tailgating areas after kick-off/event start
• No underage drinking
• No amplified sound
• No glass

To help you, friends and family have a great game day experience, RAD has also put together the following tips for a healthier, safer tailgate! 

Alcohol is the most widely misused drug by youth in our community, with serious, potentially lifelong negative consequences. However, many youth and parents underestimate the dangers of alcohol use.

To better inform the community about the risks of underage alcohol use, RAD Coalition members, Day One, Jewish Family Services, Pasadena Public Health Department and Pacific Clinics - Asian Pacific Family Center, in collaboration with Straight Up and other community partners, staged two "reality parties" in September 2014 to give parents an eye-opening opportunity to learn more about the current realities of underage drinking parties and how to help change these dangerous social norms.

The South Pasadena party was the subject of a lengthy report by local CBS News affiliate KCal 9. Coverage can still be viewed online by here or on the photo below.

Parents were able to take 30 minute tours through a staged party in a local residence and then participate in a 30 minute debrief discussion and resource fair. Local youth and teen actors depicted drug and alcohol use, as well as dangerous behavior, typically present at a teen party.  

A few photos of the 9/13/2014 Pasadena event can be viewed below, and photos of the South Pasadena event can be viewed here.

Local coalition Healthy South Pasadena is hosting a  special "Reality Party" for parents Saturday, September 27, 2014.

Designed to raise awareness about the realities of underage drinking, binge drinking and drug culture prevalent at teen house parties, the event will educate parents about existing trends and risks that affect the safety and well being of youth.

Participants will take a thirty-minute tour through a “house party” in a local residence and then participate in a community discussion and resource fair. Youth actors along with local teens will illustrate drug and alcohol use among youth. Following the tour parents are invited to stay and participate in a 30 minute debrief and facilitated discussion.

To register visit: http://www.straightupvc.org/register

This event is free and open to the public. 

Rethinking Alcohol and other Drugs (RAD-SGV) prevention coalition members have launched an effort to promote responsible alcohol use at large events in the City of Pasadena.

With fall right around the corner, the football season and game day tailgating is set to kick-off again. Often lost amid the fanfare are dangerous drinking norms that accompany some large events; studies on tailgating underline that over-consumption of alcohol is endemic at football tailgates.

“Alcohol is the most widely misused drug by youth and adults in our community, with serious, potentially lifelong consequences,” noted Christy Zamani, Day One Executive Director. “However, many underestimate the dangers of alcohol use, especially underage use.”

The stakes are high. In Los Angeles County excessive alcohol consumption is the 2nd leading cause of premature death and disability, costing about 2,500 people in the region their lives every year. An estimated 16% of LA County residents, over 1.1 million, are binge drinkers.

To support healthier habits, RAD has developed a series of PSAs on the dangers of misuse, as well as the following 7 tips for adults who wish to consume alcohol at a large event:
                                                                   

1. Food. Don't drink on an empty stomach. Eat a full, healthy meal before you drink.
2. Mix it up. Make every other drink a non-alcoholic one, such as water or juice.
3. Pace Yourself. Have no more than one alcoholic drink per hour. Sip slowly.
4. Pass on the hard alcohol. If possible, drink beer or wine.
5. Avoid alcohol games. Chugging drinks as part of a “game” makes it difficult to moderate consumption.
6. Set limits in advance. And do your best to stick to them.
7. Keep busy.  Don’t just sit/stand and drink, do something!

To promote a safe game day experience for everyone, the Rose Bowl Stadium also has the following key rules in place regarding alcohol use:

• No beer funnels or other rapid-alcohol consumption devices
• No drinking games (e.g., beer pong, flip cup)
• No consumption of alcohol in tailgating areas after kick-off/event start
• No underage drinking
• No glass containers

According to stadium and local law enforcement officials, Failure to comply with these and other fan guidelines, as well as applicable City, State and Federal laws may result in citation or arrest, as well as loss of tailgating privileges and/or game tickets.

The rules are aimed at reducing binge and underage drinking. Defined as consuming 5 or more drinks in about 2 hours for men and 4 or more drinks for women, binge drinking has serious health implications for individuals, including brain damage, alcohol poisoning, high blood pressure, and increased risk of stroke, injury, and cancer (breast and oral). 

On a community level binge drinking is also associated with higher rates of violence, crime and injury (e.g., alcohol-involved auto collisions).

The RAD-SGV coalition wishes fans a safe and enjoyable game day experience, and urges everyone to Say Something to event security, law enforcement or guest services (or call 911) if you See Something dangerous.