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Hollywood-Gower Neighborhood
Association Meeting Report May 27, 2003 Special guests: Hollywood Police Captain Michael Downing Susan Wagner & Jan Reyes, City Attorney’s
Officer Fran introduced Susan and Jan – she told Susan
and Jan how energized this neighborhood has become meeting every week
around issues that are important to them. This meeting was one of the
most well attended meeting yet! Susan & Jan gave an overview of what the
Citywide Nuisance Abatement Program does. They bring together city
services from the City Attorney’s officer, L.A.P.D., Building &
Safety, and Housing. They address quality of life problems that stem
from problem properties where squatters, drug dealers and prostitutes
hang out. Their goal is to make property owners accountable and
responsible for the part they play in the neighborhood. They currently have two “Block Projects” in
place; One covering the western part of Hollywood and the other covering
the eastern part. Captain Downing later explained why we’re not
included in either of these two “boxes”. For these two areas they
have created a Community Impact Team, comprised of representatives from
each of the city services mentioned above to address every aspect of
making the neighborhood cleaner and safer. They assured us that every part of the city
deserves to have those city services and suggests that we go to cityofla.org
click on Services Online and e-requests. This is where one can order a
new trashcan, report a pothole or bulky items and much more. Problem Properties: The group identified two problem properties. The NE Corner of Hollywood and Gower:
Vagrants/Homeless panhandle and intimidate shoppers. People don’t feel
safe there. Hollywood Free Clinic: Homeless encamp there
every night after the place closes – intimidating people who pass and
sometimes fighting amongst themselves. It doesn’t feel safe walking
from Q-Topia to the corner at any time of day or night. These properties should be brought to the attention
of the CNAP – Citywide Nuisance Abatement Program – via the senior
lead officer. Steve said that we should call Hollywood Mental Health on Vine when we have a problem homeless person. They have an outreach group that will come out and talk to the person and give them resources with the goal of getting them off the street that day. Charles Ellis is the Director: 323-653-1677. Captain Downing gave a brief report on
crimes in Hollywood. He explained that the purpose of the boxes was to
address the problem with MS Gang and 18th Street Gang.
Evidently there isn’t any crimes connected or attributed to these two
gangs in the three block area between the two boxes. He told of the rise in crime in the hills and how
the massive e-mail network has helped to inform officers and make
arrests. Much law enforcement resources are at work to remedy this
problem. Car thefts were up 80% in January with Toyota Camry
being the most commonly stolen vehicle. He suggested getting a
kill-switch for the car and parking in a well-lit area. Street Robbery: Money/property taken through force or fear. Home invasion: Using weapon inside home – taking
victim to ATM to force the collection of money. Steve mentioned the increase in street racing on
Western Ave at Hollywood. Captain Downing suggested he communicate that
to his Senior Lead Officer Arman Sevdalian. 213-509-4369. Prostitution: June 14th there will be a
sweep but it will be the last one for some time because the ACLU argues
against the law that allows for the arrest of Johns and the confiscation
of their vehicles. The City Attorney may be able to step in if the
prostitution is taking place in a hotel. Gavin says to call 911 if you
see prostitution taking place and then call Vice (Vice:
213-485-2811 (Call if you witness girls “at work” in the
neighborhood). Police then open up a Vice Complaint and
investigate. Captain Downing suggests that we go one step
further: Send letters to the city attorney, Rocky Delgadillo rdelgadillo@atty.lacity.org
Phone: (213) 978-8100
Fax: (213) 978-8312
write snail mail to: ROCKY DELGADILLO Tell him
that you want him to allow the enforcement of the law that is already in
place where Johns lose their autos and are prosecuted when found to be
hiring prostitutes. This would discourage the open prostitution that we
are seeing in this neighborhood allowing the police to enforce the laws
that exist. Maripat
says that the Narcotics officers go home at 10pm and the drug dealing
goes on through the night. Captain Downing agrees and admits there are
not enough officers but that dope cops are not the only cops that can
help us. He says to keep taking notes and report to the We Tip line. (We
Tip Hotline – 213-485-9168 – call and give information anonymously
24 hours.) Also, gang crimes that occur within 1000 feet of an apartment building get the attention of Sgt. Allen Hamilton. He is involved in criminal evictions. There must be a crime and arrest to qualify for an automatic and mandatory eviction of a drug user/dealer from an apartment. Captain Downing told us of his Strategic Communications Plan that needs around $1,500 to get up and running. It’s an internet tool/website that will link neighborhood watch captains and neighbors together to share information to and from the police. People could talk to the Chamber, get donations and send them to the chamber and let the Chamber house the project from their office. In the meantime, he stresses the need to stay linked together using the e-mail groups. Meeting Date Chosen The people decided that the last Wednesday of the month at 7PM would be the perfect time for regular meetings of the Hollywood-Gower Neighborhood Association. Fran announced that Eric Garcetti has
committed to attending the next regular meeting of the Hollywood-Gower
Neighborhood Association. Don't miss our next meeting on Wednesday, June
25th at 7PM. Meeting Adjourned Report respectfully prepared by Fran Reichenbach |