Wachs to Propose Senior Safety Project

Responding to the fear of seniors in the San Fernando Valley following the murder of two elderly women, Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs will today propose the creation of a senior safety program.

If approved by the City Council, Wachs’ proposal would instruct the Police Department and other city departments dealing with senior citizens to establish a program to stem the fear of crime among the elderly.

Wachs aide Greg Nelson said the program would teach the elderly ways to increase security at their homes. But he said other elements of the program have yet to be decided.

The announcement comes about two weeks after two elderly Van Nuys women were killed in their homes, apparently by burglars. Berneda McMackin, 77, was found beaten to death Oct. 9. Two days later, Aliza Levi, 72, was slain when she apparently startled a burglar shortly after her husband left their home to run errands.

Nelson said Wachs decided to propose a safety program after reading a Los Angeles Times article on fear that the slayings have generated among Valley seniors. “He was extremely moved by it,” Nelson said.

At a press conference scheduled for today, Wachs will be joined by 75-year-old Grace Salerno, who is so fearful of intruders that she sleeps with a pistol under her pillow.