UDLA organizes march to halt crime, drugs(2)

Yonah Hong, who works with the CRA/LA, said it’s important to keep youth at risk at school. Equally keen is to keep them busy with productive and recreational activities to steer them away from crime and drug dealing.

“In ethnically diverse communities such as Koreatown, where we have Mexican Americans, Guatemalans, Salvadoreans, Korean Americans, African Americans and Caucasians, marches like this bring mutual respect and understanding among our communities,” Hong said. “We as citizens sometimes go to church, and we think the police will take care of all the graffiti problems, gangs, etc. We have to be partners with the police and be the eyes of the community.”

Hong said disabled residents are easier targets of crime from gang bangers, and others who want to damage the weakest in these communities. She said it’s important to be persistent to keep these neighborhoods accessible in lieu of the American with Disabilities Act, or ADA.

“I understand parking and traffic bureau officers are in charge to enforce ADA laws. Safety, access and availability of spaces for accessible cars are key.”

For his part, Jorge Salgado, who is blind, said this march helps to promote better communities, and sends a message of hope to many residents that crime and gangs are not welcomed in highly populated communities in metropolitan Los Angeles. Salgado lives in Pasadena, but said some of his friends are involved in gangs in south Los Angeles.

“This event is good to try to avert and finish violence, drug dealing and consumption, and all related activities. I believe jobs creation for youth would help to improve things, along with these events,” Salgado said.

The Los Angeles Daily News reported on Feb. 17. 2010 that crime in Los Angeles has fallen 10% in comparison to last year. The figures only include the period from Jan 1 to Feb. 12, 2010. The reported drop in crime follow a 50% historic reduction in the same field under the helmet of former police chief Bill Bratton.