Highland Park Likely to Get More Police to Fight Gangs
The park that shares the name of the Highland Park community is among 20 in the city of Los Angeles that would receive increased police security this summer as an alternative to a proposed ban on gang members at recreational facilities.
The park, located at 6150 Piedmont Ave., serves Highland Park and surrounding communities, including Mt. Washington, Cypress and Eagle Rock.
On Monday, the Los Angeles City Council’s Public Safety Committee voted 2-1 not to adopt the gang ban proposal and instead accepted the police recommendation to beef up security at some of the busiest parks.
The full council is to discuss the new plan Tuesday.
Police officials said they think that increased security will reduce gang activity at the parks. They had opposed the blanket ban on gang members, saying it was unenforceable.
Committee Chairman Marvin Braude and Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas voted for the police recommendation; Councilman Ernani Bernardi voted against it.
Under the Summer Safe Parks Program, extra police units will be provided for planned activities at the parks.
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