By GWEN MURANAKA
RAFU SENIOR EDITOR

Safety and security issues were front and center when LAPD officials gathered to brief leaders of Little Tokyo nonprofit and business sectors on May 14 at the Japanese American National Museum.

It was the second such meeting to convene local business owners and leaders from Little Tokyo’s nonprofit organizations and local law enforcement, among them Go For Broke National Education Center, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Little Tokyo Service Center, Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple, Union Church of Los Angeles, Little Tokyo Business Improvement District, Keiro, 320 Building, Geffen Contemporary Museum at MOCA and Little Tokyo Community Council.

LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow, Deputy Chief Michael Oreb, and Central Division Captain Raul Jovel were joined by officers working in the areas of community relations, public transit, and district safety.

Jovel reported that additional foot patrols have been added in the area and overall crime is down, particularly in vehicle theft. The police also stressed that there is a dire need to hire more officers and other staff, adding that the loss of personnel has led to longer response times.

It was also reported that more patrolling has been added to Third Street along with street cleanup to protect children attending the Lumbini Child Development Center at Higashi Honganji.

According to Oreb, people say they are feeling less safe than they did five or 10 years ago. He noted that among recent changes is the passage of Proposition 47, which lowered penalties for many drug possession and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.

Chow said the biggest issue impacting Little Tokyo is the homelessness crisis and the underlying problem of drug addiction and mental illness. He urged the public to push officials at all levels of government to find long-term solutions and treatment. He said Mayor Karen Bass’ Inside Safe program is doing well but is a “bandaid” for larger societal issues.

The police also warned that they anticipate protests against the Israeli war in Palestine to continue and urged those present to have a plan within their organizations for any disruptions.

Don Tahara, owner of Far Bar, said his employees often walk out late at night in groups out of concerns for safety, adding that there have been incidents of vandalism.

LAPD recommended installing cameras with lights, organizing a neighborhood watch or group chat to report unusual activity, and license plate readers that can be data-linked to police systems.

They also said that while the police should be held accountable, all departments within the city must also do the same. Many asked that a representative from the L.A. Fire Department attend the next meeting.

JANM President and CEO Ann Burroughs closed the meeting, saying such gatherings were important to strengthen the relationship between Little Tokyo stakeholders and the police.
“Looking forward to the next time, safety and security are going to continue to be an issue,” Burroughs said.

This publication was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

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