LOS ANGELES, CA – Councilwoman Traci Park announced a new public safety package on Monday aimed at combating rising crime across her district. Speaking at a press conference, Park was joined by residents and local officials to unveil measures designed to enhance neighborhood security, increase police presence, and deter criminal activity.
The initiative, spurred in part by personal stories of crime victims, includes a variety of proposals such as funding for increased LAPD patrols, automated license plate readers (ALPRs), enhanced lighting through tree trimming, and additional safety measures at libraries and public spaces.
“We are tired of excuses for criminal behavior and we demand action,” Park said, emphasizing the urgency of the reforms.
Among those who shared their experiences was Westchester resident Michelle Zoolalian, whose home was broken into in June while her teenage daughter was hiding on the roof. Security footage captured two suspects using a Wi-Fi jammer to disable her cameras and internet before entering the house.
“Nothing has shaken me like that moment,” Zoolalian said. “I’m here to fight back and protect my family.”
The package also includes measures to deploy weekly park ranger patrols at Venice Beach, a move applauded by community leaders such as John Logsdon, chair of the neighborhood council. “We need something to happen here, and I think this is the right thing,” he said.
Other residents, including home invasion survivor Theresa Torrance, voiced their support for the initiative. “I don’t feel as safe as I did five or ten years ago,” Torrance said. “These measures are critical. I don’t want to live in fear anymore.”
Business owners like Al Hernandez, who has experienced break-ins at his Hacienda Plaza Restaurants, also backed the plan. “It’s just a different world we live in,” Hernandez said, recounting how perpetrators entered his establishment by cutting through the roof.
The public safety package is set to be reviewed by the City Council this week. It proposes allocating $200,000 from discretionary district funds to support LAPD overtime and patrols. Additionally, Park is collaborating with newly appointed Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and LAPD Chief of Police to form a united front against crime.
“Enough is enough! We are tired,” Hochman said, emphasizing the collective commitment to improving safety.
For residents like Zoolalian, the proposed measures represent hope for meaningful change. “I truly believe things are about to change,” she said, expressing optimism about the council’s renewed focus on public safety.
The initiative underscores growing concerns over rising crime and reflects increasing demands from Los Angeles residents for swift and decisive action to protect their communities.
