Just an observation from my trip through San Pedro today
I realize Los Angeles has no money and I realize there's no cash to pave even the city's major roadways.
But I was on a ridealong this morning with Los Angeles police officers conducting a truancy sweep in San Pedro. They patrolled streets and drove through plenty of alleys looking for kids who belonged in school.
Some of the the alleys are in terrible shape, full of craters. We were bouncing around so much it was like being on dirt roads. And I'm talking west of Gaffey in the Vista Del Oro neighborhoods. It must cause damage to the residents' cars.
Some of the alleys also were full of overgrown weeds that needed to be cut down and cleaned up.
I realize these were alleys, but it would seem such conditions would make them that much more attractive places for criminals to deal drugs and hang out. I think that's called the "Broken Windows Theory," where allowing small crimes to occur leads to bigger problems. It probably applies to blight too.
I have little doubt residents have complained. I also have little doubt it's something that's at the bottom of the list for repairs.
But I throw this out there as an observation.
By the way, I live on an alley in another South Bay city. It's kept pretty clean and got a slurry seal recently.
But I was on a ridealong this morning with Los Angeles police officers conducting a truancy sweep in San Pedro. They patrolled streets and drove through plenty of alleys looking for kids who belonged in school.
Some of the the alleys are in terrible shape, full of craters. We were bouncing around so much it was like being on dirt roads. And I'm talking west of Gaffey in the Vista Del Oro neighborhoods. It must cause damage to the residents' cars.
Some of the alleys also were full of overgrown weeds that needed to be cut down and cleaned up.
I realize these were alleys, but it would seem such conditions would make them that much more attractive places for criminals to deal drugs and hang out. I think that's called the "Broken Windows Theory," where allowing small crimes to occur leads to bigger problems. It probably applies to blight too.
I have little doubt residents have complained. I also have little doubt it's something that's at the bottom of the list for repairs.
But I throw this out there as an observation.
By the way, I live on an alley in another South Bay city. It's kept pretty clean and got a slurry seal recently.
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About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
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Larry is more than right. This is happening all over San Pedro streets ...plus graffiti. There are also front yards and sidewalks that are a real eye-sore..Homeowners don't seem to care...and City Hall is of no help...Is sad, very sad!
Why does San Pedro get kicked everytime there is something positive happening to make it better? Thanks Larry for spreading more negativity.
Don't you think that comment should be addressed to Janice Hahn? I think it would actually do some good there, since you are so concerned and all.