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RANTZ & RAVEZ - A neighbor recently asked me to try and do a “RaveZ” column since so many of my previous columns have been “RantZ.” For clarification, RaveZ are about the good activities and people while the RantZ are about the negative, hostile and evil that runs free in Los Angeles.
After giving the request some careful thought, I admit I cannot find much positive about the City of Los Angeles or State of California at this time. While Mayor Bass and the other elected and appointed city officials report both Crime and the Homeless population down in Los Angeles, I don’t see any sizeable reduction in either category. In fact, I find many Crime victims are not reporting Crimes, and the Homeless population is visible in most areas and neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles City and beyond. With reality before us, what do we do about it? Do we run and hide or engage with our neighbors and push the elected officials for change. Change in the priorities set by our mayor and members of the City Council. Change in establishing priorities and providing personnel and resources for the LAPD, LAFD and all city departments. Remember city departments run from A to Z. They start with the Airport and end with the Zoo. There are many major city departments in Los Angeles. Each with a special function and personnel to carry out the established and funded agendas and goals. Everything about change is responding to the individual community concerns. Change is working with and not against the local Elected Neighborhood Councils that were established to connect all city neighborhoods to the multiple Los Angeles City community programs.
When the residents and business community work with the city departments and council offices, concerns can be addressed and issues resolved. It only happens if you take the time to engage. Remember the elected officials are elected by the voters. You have a say in what type of representation you receive in your community and the city. Don’t just vote (D) or (R). Vote for the best person for the job. Municipal elections are non-partisan and that is a benefit to us as voters.
While I don’t agree with some of the current members of the Los Angeles City Council on various matters and issues, I openly disagree with them from time to time. For example, public safety and the financial strength of the city are major concern for me along with many residents and business owners. When the city appropriates funds and the city is struggling for financial survival, I disagree and argue the points. We all need to speak up when we are concerned about city issues, policies and programs.
The recent action by the Mayor and Council on the Convention Center expansion and renovation to the tune of $2.6 billion with interest, a cost in excess of $5 billion dollars with the current financial situation troubles me and many observes. Has the city gambled too much on this project? If they did and it does not work out, we will all pay the price down the road if we continue to live in L.A. If it fails, some of the councilmembers may be looking for employment during the Olympic Games.
The LAPD is continuing to try and increase the number of officers with poor results. As of Sept 27, the LAPD full strength is at 9667. This number reflects every sworn member of the Department. The recruit in the police academy to the Chief of Police. The mayor has directed that the background investigations be modified to move applicants along the process faster. Time will tell if this modification proves effective.
That’s it for this edition of RantZ and RaveZ. As we enter the holiday season I caution you to keep your eyes open for those individuals who may try and steal from you while you are shopping. Be alert and shop with a friend.
(Dennis P. Zine is the author of RantZ and RaveZ. Dennis is retired from law enforcement and the L.A. City Council. Dennis remains an active reserve police officer with 57 years of service. Dennis is the police specialist for Fox 11 TV, KTLA Channel 5 and KABC Radio 790 am.)
