11:12am | Filed away in the “I can’t believe we have to remind people of this” cabinet, the Long Beach Police Department advises residents today not to fire weapons into the air to celebrate the New Year when the ball drops this Friday night. So, please, don’t shoot guns as celebration.

“Some may consider this a tradition, however, I consider it reckless behavior and a violation of the law,” said Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “There are many ways to celebrate the New Year, but this shouldn’t be one of them.”

Discharging a firearm into the air is a felony and authorities “will take aggressive enforcement action against firearm violators,” they say. No wonder, since bullets shot into the air can stay in flight for more than one minute and return to the ground between 300-700 feet per second. That’s more than enough to seriously injure or kill someone, and that means Murder charges.

Instead of shooting your gun into the air, why not take in a lovely evening at one of Long Beach’s many fine dining establishments? The panoramic views of the Sky Room are calling to you with offerings of three- or five-course meals that include pan seared scallops, cured salmon and filet mignon. Call 562.983.2703 for info.