More Furor in East Venice
By C.V.
Beck
On February 27, a meeting
organized by the Venice Neighborhood Coalition, a new group in East Venice was
held at Penmar Park Recreation Center. Neighbors attending were about 50 people,
including DeDe Audet and Richard Meyers of the Venice Neighborhood Council, Jan
Book and Barbara Eisenberg of Lincoln Place, David Ewing, Venice Community
Coalition; and Chris Williams, Penmar Neighborhood Association.
Mark Grant, representative of the council
office, Senior Lead Officer Craig White of Pacific Division, LAPD and Chuck
Sewell of the Neighborhood Prosecutor’s Office nuisance abatement were
there to answer questions regarding reported open, blatant drug trafficking and
prostitution taking place in a residential area east of Lincoln Boulevard
bounded by Lake, Indiana and Valita Streets. There have also been 7 robberies.
People wanted to know if this activity
was an “overflow” from the Oakwood section of Venice. This was
denied by Officer White and Mr. Grant. Other persons wanted to know if certain
constitutional rights could be suspended in order to expedite matters. Senior
Lead Officer White said they could not be.
Chuck Sewell from the Neighborhood
Prosecutor’s office said he is gathering evidence and encouraging
submissions of complaints. A woman said she was outraged and was going to
install bars on her windows and double the security locks on her doors. This
situation has been going on since the winter holidays. According to Officer
White, the LAPD is now aware of the situation and are working on a resolution.
Posted: Thu - March 1, 2007 at 05:12 PM