MID-WILSHIRE : Group to Tackle Security Concerns

Building on a successful reception for Police Chief Willie L. Williams in October, organizers of the Wilshire Area Community Coalition say they are now shifting their focus to address community problems.

The coalition will have an open meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to talk about issues of concern to senior citizens, youths, schools and residents, said Marie Gaines, one of the organizers.

“We want a voice in city affairs,” Gaines said.

With the support of more than 30 Mid-Wilshire neighborhood watch groups, homeowner associations, local businesses and other community groups, the coalition drew nearly 2,000 people for the Williams reception, which was meant to demonstrate the community’s desire to open lines of communication with the Police Department, said Libby Sterling, an organizer.

The next step is to discuss plans to improve neighborhood security, compile a community resource directory, and organize a youth council and a support network for senior citizens, Sterling said.

Thursday’s meeting will be at Bethel Lutheran Church, 5750 W. Olympic Blvd. Residents within the coalition’s boundaries--Beverly to Adams boulevards and La Cienega Boulevard to Normandie Avenue--may participate, organizers said.

Information: (213) 934-4015.