Thanks to the efforts of Carol Moore and Barry Shapiro, of Friends of Atwater Village (FAV), the evening picnic and gathering at Red Car River Park (at the corner of Glendale Boulevard and Ferncroft) was a success for all. Councilmember Eric Garcetti, of District Thirteen, was there along with local LAPD representatives (including Commanding Officer Northeast Community Division, Captain Morris Smith) and a local District Attorney.
Councilmember Eric Garcetti speaking to local residents about crime reduction.
The willingness to take action and the commitment to take back our neighborhood is strong in our community, as shown by the number of people who showed up. Willie Pogues, of LA Bridges/Aztec Rising, a Gang Intervention Specialist, was there as well, to show his dedication and support for our community.
Local team of LAPD members in attendance.
And as Councilmember Garcetti stated when he addressed the crowd, even though the local crime rate is the lowest it has been in years (since 1956) there is still work to do to continue to remove the on-going graffiti issue and to reduce the number of crimes committed in the Atwater Village neighborhoods. Among the spread of blankets, tiki torches and picnicking residents, Garcetti went around to individuals in the group and listened to what they had to say about their town.
We all want to continue maintaining the neighborhood watch and community safety programs. Keep up the great work Atwater and know the effort is paying off for all of our residents and local businesses!
The evening ended with a beautiful and peaceful drive across the bridge...
A safer bridge at night, thanks the local LAPD and Atwater residents reclaiming their town.
