Steel Barricades OKd to Curb Drug Traffic

The Los Angeles Board of Public Works on Monday approved the installation of steel pipe barricades at five intersections around a Sepulveda neighborhood to curtail drug traffic.

The approval comes nearly three months after police set up temporary sawhorse barricades in an emergency effort to stop severe drug trafficking, which had become such a scourge that most residents were afraid to leave their apartments.

“We are very, very happy about this,” said Mila Casper, one of about 12 apartment owners in the area who will share the $5,000 cost of installing the barriers. “The barricades have been a positive thing, and I have not heard one complaint. Residents feel more secure, and children are playing out on the street again.”

Police have reported a 36% decrease in crime since the erection of the sawhorse barricades. But the wooden barriers are too easily vandalized, and officials have been searching for permanent street fixtures.

Last week, the public works board delayed approval of pipe barriers, proposed by Councilman Joel Wachs, after city engineers said that the posts could be unsafe in the event of traffic accidents and that they wanted to study two other alternatives.

But Deputy City Engineer Bruce H. Rollo said Monday that one suggestion, to suspend a chain across the street, was too dangerous and would be costly to replace if vandalized. Richard Kunz, a Wachs aide, said the councilman and neighborhood residents said the other alternative, the use of guardrails similar to those along freeways, was unsightly.

The steel posts will be 3 1/2 feet high and 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Although the design is not final, officials said the pipes probably will not be filled with concrete so they will be more flexible if struck by a car.

The enclosed 12-block area is bounded by Nordoff Street, Burnett Avenue, Parthenia Place and Sepulveda Boulevard. Residents will be have one entrance and exit at Sepulveda Boulevard and Rayen Street. Police and fire officials will be given keys to remove the posts in the event of an emergency.