South El Monte : Anti-Crime Plan Offered
The City Council last week discussed how best to fight the city’s drug and gang problems.
Councilman Raul Pardo introduced a proposal to establish a Committee on Drugs and Gangs. He proposed that the committee consist of 15 city residents, saying he wants to tap the current “passionate concern” in the community.
But Connie McFall, director of the city’s Human Services Department, said Pardo was “buying into the media,” which she said overstated the gang activities in Southern California.
“I grew up in South El Monte, I know what goes on,” Pardo shot back.
Lt. Tony Torres of the Sheriff’s Department said that although a number of gang members live in South El Monte, the city does not experience the drive-by shootings and frequent gang-related crime found in some areas.
The council unanimously accepted the concept of a committee and sent the proposal to Human Services for review.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
