In the Neighborhood : Whitley Heights: Fighting to Live Behind Bars

Fear of crime is among the reasons about 4 million Americans nationwide live in gated communities. Homeowners in Whitley Heights, a hilltop neighborhood just east of the Hollywood Bowl where Marlene Dietrich and Rudolph Valentino once lived, put up money to gate their enclave of about 200 Mediterrean-style homes. However, some of their neighbors who live near crime-plagued areas below the hills objected, citing a state law which prohibits gating public streets to deny access to some while permitting others unrestricted access. The courts have agreed with those who dwell in the flatlands. As Los Angeles City Councilwoman Rita Walters put it: “Instead of gating, we need to involve communities more in block clubs and community policing. There is no wall or gate high enough to keep out criminals. It’s up to the total community.”

A RESIDENT’S VIEW

“I have witnessed drug deals in front of my house, not reported for fear of retaliation.”

--Steven J. Wolfe, quoted in court documents in support of efforts to gate Whitley Heights

A NEIGHBORS VIEW

“If crime is the problem, then I have a problem with why they deserve more protection than we do.”

--Trelaine Lewis, co-founder of Citizens Against Gated Enclaves

THE COURT’S VIEW

“Although we understand the deep and abiding concern with crime prevention and historic preservation, we doubt the Legislature wants to permit a return to feudal times with each suburb being a fiefdom to which other citizens of the State are denied their fundamental right to access to use public streets within those areas.”

--Harold J. (Fred) Woods, Judge, California State Court of Appeals

TIMELINE

March, 1983

After repeated complaints from residents and the Whitley Heights Civic Assn about crime, Councilwoman Peggy Stevenson asks city engineers to investigate closing off some Whitley Heights streets.

May 31, 1985

The Los Angeles City Council approves a plan to permit Whitley Heights’ streets to be made private.

February, 1987

After raising money to pay for materials, the association begins to gate neighborhood.

March, 1991

Led by Jon Jay and Trelaine Lewis, residents outside area opposed to the gating circulate petitions and appeal to elected representatives to stop construction. City officials direct association to stop work, citing fire safety concerns.

November, 1991

Construction on gates resumes.

April, 1992

Gating nears completion at a cost to neighborhood homeowners of $355,000.

May 1992

Jay and Lewis and their organization, Citizens Against Gated Enclaves, file complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court to remove gates.

May 31, 1993

Court rules in favor of anti-gating group.

March 23, 1994

Appellate court affirms anti-gating decision.

June 2, 1994

California State Supreme Court lets stand anti-gating decision by appellate court