Local News in Brief : ‘Safe Harbors’ Program

Saying that Los Angeles public schools and parks have become centers of gang activity, local officials and three community organizations announced Wednesday that they will unite to make the facilities safe for children.

Mayor Tom Bradley, Dist. Atty. Ira Reiner, Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks director James Haddaway, Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Leonard Britton and other officials pledged their support to “Safe Harbors,” a program described by a leader of the South Central Organizing Committee as a partnership between government and neighborhood groups.

Although still in the planning stages, the program will probably include increasing the number of police and rangers at certain parks, said Frances James, SCOC co-chair, at a news conference on the steps of Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles. The United Neighborhoods Organization and the East Valleys Organization also will help develop the terms of the “Safe Harbors” program, leaders of those organizations said.

“We want all parks to have a wholesome environment and be a positive alternative to drugs and gangs,” Haddaway said.