L.A. Now Live: After Newtown, trying to keep L.A. schools safe

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The deadly mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. has left schools and parents on edge -- wondering how they can keep children safe.

Police and school districts across Southern California on Friday stepped up patrols. And on Sunday, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said he would begin daily dedicated patrols of L.A. schools to protect against potential shooters. The increased security will begin when students return to classes in January from winter break, he said.

Times reporter Andrew Blankstein will join L.A. Now Live at 9 a.m. to discuss the school safety efforts.

FULL COVERAGE: Connecticut school shooting

Beck’s announcement of the increased patrols came on Sunday, the same day that an L.A. man was arrested in connection with a Facebook post that threatened to conduct shootings at multiple area elementary schools, people familiar with the investigation said.

Numerous weapons were seized at the home of the man, whose name, age and address were not released by authorities.

School officials and experts said they expect — and understand — that a deluge of concerns and questions from parents lies ahead. They also remained firm that despite episodes of extreme violence such as the incident in Connecticut, campuses are generally safe and remain a haven for students.

PHOTOS: Massacre at elementary school in Newtown, Conn.

‘School remains one of the safest places for children to be,’ said Long Beach Unified Supt. Christopher J. Steinhauser.