Volunteerism and Government

Re “Good Deeds and Derring-Do,” March 3.

Volunteerism cannot work if government does not. I am a very active [Neighborhood Watch] block captain. I paint out graffiti, clean up litter, report suspicious activity. But there is just so much any of us can do. Our neighborhood is plagued with slumlords who allow sidewalks outside their apartments to become garbage heaps. Neighborhood Watch does not have the time or authority to bring miscreant property owners in line. We leave that job to the city.

Wrestling with agencies that are badly managed or pass the buck is a constant reality for Neighborhood Watches and homeowner associations. We have listened to their “no money” or “no staff” excuses since before Proposition 13 passed. Even our City Council members seem unable to get city departments to do what they are supposed to do. Joining with a city that seems unable to accomplish even the simplest tasks on time, that is unable to prevent or solve problems, that turns a deaf ear to suggestions, makes volunteerism unrewarding.

For years Los Angeles has not enforced zoning and street use codes. It neglects quality of life issues indefinitely. Consequently, community problems have intensified to where city government cannot respond and volunteers are a necessity. The mayor would like to see Dodger Stadium filled with volunteers. I would like to see our mayor and the City Council finally take control of the “bureau craziness” that keeps Los Angeles from solving problems in a timely manner, and keeps those of us who give away our time needlessly hard at work.

NEAL BERKE

Van Nuys