Another Loss to Violence

* Re “Security Head of Valley Apartments Is Slain,” Feb. 22

The shooting death of Pedro Banegas [Feb. 20] as he and his wife were leaving Reseda High School must serve as a wake-up call to all the members of the Los Angeles City Council.

A concerned citizen, Banegas took the initiative to combat gang violence in his own neighborhood and paid with his life.

This was not an isolated incident. The day before Banegas’ murder, the Los Angeles City Council offered an indifferent reception to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who appeared before [a joint hearing of two council committees] seeking their support for her Federal Gang Violence Act. Several council members severely criticized this important legislative proposal that could have, if implemented, assured that murderers like those who took the life of Banegas would face severe and just penalties for their senseless and vicious act.

When will these few extreme council members wake up to the fact that the people of Los Angeles are under siege? How many more murders like that of 17-year-old Corie Williams must occur before our elected officials take notice? As a father of a son murdered in 1993, my sympathy goes out to the families of other victims, like Banegas’ widow and Williams’ mother. It deeply saddens me that, four years after my son’s murder, people continue to experience the indescribable pain of losing a loved one to senseless gang violence.

Perhaps the council members who thoughtlessly disregarded Feinstein’s vital attempts to curb the plague of gang violence should take another look at her proposal, through the eyes of the victims.

RALPH L. MYERS

West Hills

* It is often asked, “Where are our heroes?” One of mine was a student in my English-as-a-second-language class. Pedro Banegas was a committed student, a hard worker and a caring father and husband.

He had the courage to stand up against our serious gang problem in the San Fernando Valley. He volunteered to help the Police Department protect our community against drug dealers and other criminals. He attended Neighborhood Watch meetings and was involved in other community service groups.

Although many people talk about ridding their community of crime, Banegas did much more than talk. He was proud to be able to help the police catch the criminals.

Pedro Banegas was shot and killed after attending his ESL class. He was a true hero. He will be missed.

DONNA KIHARA

North Hills

Kihara teaches English as a second language at Reseda Community Adult School.