Recently in Highland Park Category

There was a car crash on May 17th, 2009, Sunday. My fiance was behind the car when it got hit by an suv, the car flipped over and landed in Joe's Crab Shack. My fiance saw the car flipped upside down and he saw the passenger with their eyes open and blood everywhere. He was sure they had passed away, and has been pretty tramatized about it. I've been looking everywhere on the internet to see if it was reported and I havent found anything. I was wondering if you will be reporting it? or is there anywhere that they might where I can find it. I just would like to give him some peace of mind and me as well. Thank you so much :) It happened in Rowland heights by the Puente Hills Mall. 

There was a stabbing in Garvanza Park near the corner of Avenue 64 and Meridian last night (Sunday, the 17th) at approximately 6 pm.  The small park was full of families at that time and I believe the stabbing victim has since succumbed (based on the memorial that now stands in the park). There was a heavy LAPD presence in the park just after the slaying.
As I have seen no mention of this incident in the media anywhere, I thought I'd bring it to your attention.

I've recently become aware that they're making a film about William Queen's book, "Under and Alone."
After reading the book, I began to wonder how The Mongols got to be what they are today. I knew one of them, very briefly, 30 years ago, and he and his friends were not like the book described at all.
I read the article in the SGV Tribune and, although they weren't boy scouts, Tony Vodnik's description was more what I remember. 
He may be able to answer some questions for me.
If you have a way I can contact him via email, and can share that info with me - or forward this to him, I'd appreciate it.

I was told by a friend that there was a drive by shooting in Rowland Heights last week.
I wanted to make sure of those facts. I saw a deputy sheriff so I asked him if there was
in fact a drive by shooting in Rowland Heights. He said yes there was one.
Why isn't there any mention of it on your site or in the Newspaper?

This letter was written by Valerie Shaw, a concerned mom. It's addressed to an LAPD assistant chief and describes the fear she feels after her son got on the wrong side of the Avenues gang in Highland Park. Copies of the letter were sent to several members of the media as well as Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo.

Here's the letter:

Dear Asst. Chief Paysinger,
On Monday I spoke with your assistant, Natalie, regarding my son's situation with the Avenues in Highland Park. She was very kind to listen to me and I felt her compassion. Thanks to her intervention we were immediately contacted by Det. Ortiz and the entire Northeast Gang Unit.
 
With the guidance of Aztecs Rising, we decided to give statements which so far have resulted in the arrest of two members of the Avenues, both in violation of parole. Now my son has been greenlighted and the police want him to relocate immediately!  We are all scared to death. 
 
Although he's been offered $2,000 under the Witness Assistance Program, we understand that now they want him/us to raise the money and they'll reimburse. 
 
Doesn't the LAPD realize that if I had $2,000 my son, my only child, would have already been out of town!!!  Surely you must know that your office's suggested remedy is unsatisfactory. If your office cannot protect its witnesses, why should anyone ever get involved? This, surely, is a deep step into anarchy, with gangs ruling our communities and the police helpless to do anything but take a crime report.  
 
My son and I have been congratulated on our courage, and with the intervention of Aztecs Rising, I am grateful for the assurance that there will be extra patrols assigned to our neighborhood. Thus I am sure that I and other household members will be safe in the home we've owned for 21 years. But my son is entirely a different matter, and he's just beginning to live his life. He deserves more than a purchase order to be processed according to protocol. He deserves your immediate and undivided attention. Right now he's feeling abandoned and confused, and to be honest, so am I. 
 
I just wrote this blog which begins to explore and express my feelings in regard to this unfortunate matter. I am comforted to know that I am not alone; for there are thousands of parents like me--all seeking help, reaching out to save their children. If we can't work in cooperation with the police, who are we to turn to?  Furthermore, if your goal is gang prevention and intervention, shouldn't your objective be to protect those citizens who assist in those efforts? 
 
I called your office three times yesterday, but so far Natalie has not called me back. It is my prayer that you or Natalie reads your e-mail, as this is an extremely urgent matter.
Most sincerely,
Valerie Shaw

As for Shaw's blog, tit2 late 4 time out, the latest entry is titled: "Bad Behavior Shouldn't Be a Death Sentence" 

Excerpt after the jump.