Crime Fighter Refuses to Quit

* After being a victim of violent crime in my neighborhood, I chose to start Townkeepers Action Group, a much-needed and extremely effective organization. It is recognized by international, national, state and local media, and I have recently received a national award for the hard work and dedication put into the community to make it a better place to live.

I want to clarify one thing: I do not just “sit at donut shops” as The Times suggests. This program goes much deeper, involving five long years of patrolling the streets, being politically active, holding monthly meetings on community issues, being a counselor and an educator for communities throughout Los Angeles and speaking at schools and functions.

I can’t imagine that anyone would want to stop someone who has made a difference and has helped so many people and helped save lives, a lady who doesn’t have her health on her side but is still determined to work practically around the clock without pay working with the police and the community.

Besides patrolling, I work with numerous organizations regarding crime, crime victims, illegal immigration and watchdog groups regarding numerous issues, to name a few.

Twenty-one conditions have been placed on a convenience store with the help of Townkeepers Action Group and others. Five motels have had 27 conditions imposed due to their lack of cooperation with the community.

These types of businesses have only themselves to blame. I declared this two-block area of Sepulveda Boulevard as a “war zone” due to out-of-control crime. Criminals don’t keep returning to the same area unless there is a supply and a demand. The community and police have had enough.

I will continue this work. Crime does not pay when we all get involved together.

MARY LOU HOLTE

Van Nuys