Hahn, Alarcon Discuss Gang at Valley Forum

Touting the success of wide-ranging injunctions against the 18th Street gang in the Pico-Union and southwest areas of Los Angeles, city officials told North Hills residents Thursday night that the same tool may help get rid of the Langdon Street gang, which has long plagued their neighborhood.

City Atty. James Hahn told a crowd of about 300 residents gathered at Our Lady of Peace church that the only people targeted by an injunction would be gang members.

“We’re talking about restoring people’s rights,” Hahn said.

In August, a Superior Court judge approved a preliminary injunction against 50 members of the 18th Street gang, making it illegal for two or more known members of the gang to stand, walk, sit, drive or appear anywhere together in the square-mile target area.

One resident at the North Hills meeting raised the concern that this type of injunction would give police the right to harass local youths just because they look like gang members.

Other residents liked the injunction idea, but added that programs to keep youths occupied and away from gangs and drugs are better solutions.

“The injunction, for the drug dealers, that will keep them off the streets,” said Robert Garfield, 48. “But what we really need is someone to stand up and take control, because [gang members) are in control of the community.”

But city officials said residents need to play a larger role in improving the quality of life on their streets.

“It’s time we work as a community . . . and make this a close community that appreciates the area and works hard against the bad elements in the community,” City Councilman Richard Alarcon said.

Before the meeting, Jonathan Aguilar, 9, talked about how bad the situation in the neighborhood has become. Jonathan said he and his friends see police helicopters circling overhead almost nightly, their spotlights searching for suspects.