Crime: Cleaning Up the Pico Neighborhood

So the Los Angeles Times has finally discovered Santa Monica’s dirty little secret. That there is a neighborhood, just one block north of Santa Monica College, that has gangs, graffiti, drug dealers and now violent crime.

As the police and City Council were able to clean up Palisades Park by the pier and the Promenade, the next step should be to concentrate on the Pico neighborhood. This area needs to be cleaned up now. The efforts of the police have improved the area somewhat, but the chief of police and the college and our politicians need to take an active role in creating a safe environment for students and residents.

JODY GRANT-GRAY, Santa Monica