A park to play in
Re “Fun is permitted on Fridays,” Feb. 15
Since 2004, the city and the LAPD have balked at letting kids play at Gladys Park on skid row. The reason was that it was too expensive and not safe. Yet in 2005, City Controller Laura Chick audited the city’s Recreation and Parks Department and found a $21.5-million surplus. Three years after the audit, the park is open, but only on Fridays for less than three hours. It’s a start, but it’s far from equitable.
The city can remove the stigma from the children who are born into these ZIP Codes of shame. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is tackling many crucial issues, including education and crime. This same leadership must be directed immediately to improve the living conditions for the children of skid row. And, please, no more pledges or blue-ribbon committees.
Zelenne Cardenas
Los Angeles
The writer is director of prevention services with United Coalition East Prevention Project, a social service agency that works with the young people of skid row.
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