Westside : Security Plan for Parks
Seven parks on the Westside are among 20 that would receive increased police security this summer as an alternative to a proposal to ban gang members from city recreational facilities.
The seven parks are Hollywood, at 1122 Cole Ave.; Lemon Grove, 4959 Lemon Grove Ave.; Poinsettia, 7341 Willoughby Ave.; Queen Anne, 1240 West Blvd.; Jim Gilliam, 4000 S. La Brea Ave.; Stoner, 1835 Stoner Ave., and Westchester, 7000 Manchester Ave.
On Monday, the 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 on Tuesday.
Police officials said they think 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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