Highland Park: March 2008 Archives

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.