MISSION HILLS : Alarcon to Press for More Street Lighting

With an eye toward reducing graffiti and other crimes in northeast San Fernando Valley, City Councilman Richard Alarcon plans as chairman of the city Public Works Commission to work to improve street lighting in the seventh council district.

“These communities are too dark,” Alarcon said. “And there is no doubt that a lighted street is safer.”

The councilman said he would push to expand utility lighting in the area, which can be installed with no assessment to area property owners, and urged residents to unite in support of his efforts.

Alarcon was joined by several officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Division at a town hall meeting attended by more than 75 people at the Mission Hills Christian Church on Wednesday night. The meeting was the second in a series to discuss combatting tagging, drug dealing and violent crime.

“I happen to live in Mission Hills and I am with you in terms of the kinds of issues that you’re concerned about,” Alarcon said.

The councilman said he was at home recently when he heard 14 rounds of gunfire ring out in nearby Brand Park and later learned that someone had been shot.

“This district has been neglected, but we have the opportunity to improve,” he said.

Solutions offered by Alarcon include: expanding the Pacoima enterprise zone, where incentives are offered to new businesses; finding a productive use for the former General Motors facility in Van Nuys; coordinating improvement projects with the MTA, which the councilman says has millions to invest in transportation and related projects, and redeveloping the San Fernando Road and Van Nuys Boulevard corridors.

On the topic of forming neighborhood watches, Alarcon said residents need to focus their efforts on attainable goals rather than having a nebulous approach such has “reducing crime.”

“Identify tangible projects and create enthusiasm,” Alarcon urged, suggesting as an example having restrooms installed in Devonwood Park, which several residents attending the meeting said were sorely lacking.