Woo Urges Earlier, 9 p.m. Elysian Park Closing
In an attempt to crack down on “cruising,” Los Angeles City Councilman Michael Woo has proposed that Elysian Park be closed at 9 p.m., 90 minutes earlier than the current closing time.
As many as 500 cars sometimes cruise the park on Wednesday nights and weekends in a longtime ritual of hot rodders and low-riders. Neighbors complain of noise, litter, traffic, drinking and drug use. And police have conducted massive raids in the park, on some nights arresting more than 100 on various charges.
Woo’s proposal to amend the Municipal Code would give police strong backing in their attempts to clear out the park, said Woo aide Eric Schockman. “This will benefit everybody except the cruisers, and I don’t care about them,” Schockman said.
Neighbors of the park said they welcome the time change.
“We would be even happier if it were earlier than 9 o’clock,” said Alicia Brown, president of the Solano Community Improvement Organization, which represents the neighborhood on the southeast border of the park.
The code amendment is expected to pass the full council within several weeks, Schockman said.
Elysian Park is in the 1st Council District, which is now without council representation. Woo’s 13th District is nearby, as is the 14th District of Richard Alatorre, who seconded the motion last week.
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