Task Force to Study Rise in San Pedro Halfway Houses

Residents and business owners have complained so much about the number of halfway houses sprouting up in San Pedro that Los Angeles City Councilman Rudy Svorinich Jr. is putting together a task force to study the issue.

The task force will determine how many halfway houses are in the city, who runs them and what should be done about them. “Rather than speculate, we want to see what’s there,” said Barry Glickman, a spokesman for Svorinich’s office.

A recently formed group called Community Advocates for Responsible Environmental Safety is trying to stop the proliferation of halfway houses around downtown San Pedro. The group estimates there are at least 30 halfway houses in the area.

Svorinich’s office is taking applications for the 20-member task force. For an application, call (310) 548-7637 or write the council office at 461 W. 6th St., Suite 302, San Pedro, 90031. The deadline for applications is May 17.