LOCAL : Bernardi Gives $50,000 to Drug War
Los Angeles City Councilman Ernani Bernardi dug $50,000 out of his office budget today to fund police overtime hours to fight gang-related drug sales in the northeast San Fernando Valley.
Bernardi, who faces six challengers in Tuesday’s election, chose what authorities have described as one of the Valley’s 22 drug hot spots to announce his donation. Police said that area, Blythe Street in Panorama City, has improved considerably in the past two years after Bernardi urged the city to erect a roadblock and police increased patrols in the area.
“There’s been marked improvement, but it is still falling short of what we want to achieve: no drug sales,” said Lt. Gary Rogness.
The 1,600 additional overtime hours will be awarded to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley narcotics division, for use solely in the 7th District.
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