West Division Leadership Forum 04/20/2016

Ribbon Cutting At MacArthur Park

There was a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning at MacArthur Park. The ceremony featured a speeches from the current Sixth District City Council Man Dee Andrews, the directors of Parks and Rec, local poets and performances from dancers at the Homeland Cultural Center. 

The new playground is cast in vibrant purples, greens and yellows. The varied color scheme was meant to show reverence to the different cultures within the neighborhood. In addition to the renovations to the playground, there were also about $500,000 in renovations to the cultural center where free classes in: Bokator, Hmong Arts Belly Dance, Graf Murals, Youth Writing & Improv, African Dance, Aztec Dance, Cambodian Dance, Hip-Hop Dance, Guitar/Bass and Micronesian Music are held. That list is not exhaustive of all classes held at the theatre.

A break down of exactly where the money came from for the renovations came from will be published around Monday. I have a request in to Parks and Rec for a detailed break down.

The poetry reminded those in attendance that through the theater graffiti has morphed into art. Gangs have morphed into street dance. And that in many cases, the alienated have been given a voice. 

The bad news: There is no money left for the badly needed renovations of the restrooms, which does contradict earlier reports on how far the money would go. 

MacArthur Park: Go Long Beach Tracker 02/21/2016

There was a Go Long Beach Run through all of the MacArthur Park Neighborhood this morning.It found ten incidence of tagging/ nine were gang related. It found 14 incidents of of illegal dumping.There was also one street sign that should be replaced as well as a recommendation for an additional stop sign at Gardenia and 15th Street.

Two businesses were coded for failure to remove gang tagging.

The most important clear trend is that gang tagging is way up. Report it as soon as you see it.

This included the east end of the neighborhood. Dumping still clusters on Gaviota north of 17th. There is also a trend of dumping along Stanton north of 15th. Tagging trends up Walnut/ and Gaviota. There is also a newer trend of tagging and dumping along 17th Street between Walnut and Rose.

Eyes should be kept on Walnut/ Gaviota/ Stanton/ 17th Street and Alamitos based on what is seen here.

Neighborhood Expansion Run: Through Wrigley/ Washington

Here's what we found: Heavy gang tagging between 14th and 15th on Cedar/ other side of Washington Middle. All reported for removal. Not much dumping in central Wrigley, but there was an alarming number of what looked like Blue Crosses or Cross Hairs at Chestnut and Hill. They were on a mailbox/ street sweeping sign and a tree. All reported for removal, as was a dumped fridge in Cedar Heights/ Wrigley.

Go Long Beach Run 02/08/2016

A Go Long Beach Run today found 14 separate incidents of tagging and 14 incidents of dumping. Of the 14 taggings, ten were gang related and four were probably not. The gang related tagging clusters north of Gaviota and 15th street. Look for the yellow circle on the map. The dumping in that same area is also very serve. There is also a trend of dumping/ minor tagging that begins at Gaviota and Anaheim and then travels North West to 17th and Orange. There is a similar trend following Alamitos and 17th Street South.

Keep an eye on Gaviota/ Rose/ Gardenia where most of the tagging starts. This time, keep your eyes peeled north of 15th Street. Also keep an eye on the encampment outside the CVS at Ester and Orange, it has grown ridiculously large. The furniture store there was reported to Go Long beach for pick up. You can view the Google Map that saves this information here:  

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en_US&app=mp&mid=z-3IaZ6r2iPM.k5__YcbLgrRE

The GO Long Beach app is designed to provide Long Beach, CA residents, businesses, and visitors the opportunity to access City Hall, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere. You will be able to quickly submit service requests for issues such as graffiti, potholes and sign damage. iPhone and Android device users can simply open the App, select an issue, take a picture, and tap submit - the App knows the exact location and sends the issue directly to city staff. You will also be able to track the status of your requests through your mobile device. So far our neighborhood has used this app, 876 times.

 We will get the East end of the MacArthur Park Neighborhood and make a run through AOC7 next. #SupportJosephine

Sunday Safety Watch 01/03/2016 to 01/16/2016

So, here's what's new. A Go Long Beach Run found increased tagging on 01/17/2016 in the west end of the neighborhood. There was very little to the east. Dumped items are also up. The blue line represents where that tagging emanates from. Keep an eye on the alleyway between Rose and Gaviota south of 15th. There was also a cluster of crime including drug possession and robberies. They start around Cherry and Anaheim and then trend east and north east. This is a cluster more than a trend, as the trend is week. There were also thefts just outside our neighborhood along Old Zaferiia Way that trend back into the neighborhood. Thefts from cars are on the rise, so please keep them locked in that area.

This is the map from this week. You will notice a cluster of assaults just inside our neighborhood along Old Zaceria Way. While nothing is happening in that Blue Circle, it's where virtually everything emanates from. You will also notice a trend of property damage along Walnut and Anaheim heading north towards Rose and 14th. That crosses the blue line in the previous map, which is where all the unreported tagging originates. There is also a trend of property crime just outside our neighborhood heading north west. Both maps show clusters along Old Zaferia Way, inside Rotary Centennial Park and along the South East corner of the neighborhood.

The latest Go Long Beach Run did see two cars exchanging drugs at around 12pm just outside of Rotary Centennial Park. Plates 6F58237/ 6HZU68B. Since a lot of new acticity in the area is drug related, and that leads to car theft, please keep an extra eye open in the area.

Neighborhood Expansion: There have also been shootings since the last update, but since these are outside the borders of our neighborhood, I will handle them in a separate update. However, below I am including a map of gang related tagging, so you see where the unreported tagging starts and which direction it trends.

This information comes from a new map which tracks dumping, tagging and encampments. You can find that map here. The graphics are weeks at a time, the map should show where things are clustering and overlay with the Crime Reports Map nicely. I am still working out the kinks now.

I will be working with Josephine Villaseñor to bring this kind of Map to the Wrigley area as well, while we expand the Community Watch for all of the Sixth District in the time to come.

#SupportJosephine

A Month Ago We Hosted A Clean Up

A month ago we hosted a clean up that brought out more than twenty four volunteers. Here are the very delayed pictures. Litter Free Long Beach also helped by bringing in a large crusher so we could empty the alleyways. 

My neighbors, who have said they didn't feel comfortable doing a clean up, all came out and helped clean up the alley behind the U-Haul Station. In all, we moved more than nine tons of trash, we filled the dumpster in about two hours and Litter Free Long Beach got a lot of old electronics out of our way, the stuff the dumpster couldn't take.

Since April we hosted more than fifty five clean ups. We submitted more than 800 Go Long Beach Requests. We helped over six neighborhood associations. We had more than 62 safety updates and participated in the Anaheim Re visioning Study. 

This year we're focusing on more community building, bringing better leadership to the Sixth District and  and shining an intense light on community safety by bringing Safe Passage to more neighborhood schools.

The trees have also been trimmed in virtually the entire neighborhood including MacArthur Park itself.  Updates will come to this site every day from this point on.  

Neighborhood Expansion returns tomorrow.

Sunday Safety Update: 12/06/2015 to 12/12/2015

Disclaimer: Please note these maps are meant to show which direction crime is trending, areas to keep an extra eye on and places to remain vigilant in order for Central Long Beach residents to remain safe. That said, previous trends don't guarantee future trends will repeat in the same direction and patterns. Also, an absence of crime in one area, does not guarantee an absence in the future.
The darker the arrow, the stronger the trend.

Trends within the MacArthur Park Neighborhood are scattered and week. There is a weak trend of breaking and enterings beginning at 15th and Lemon and trending north east towards 16th an Alamitos. Times vary from noon to 9pm. Just below that, in Cambodia Town West and Cerritos Village, there is a stronger trend of thefts from cars trending north west. At the same time a tend of assaults is trending east along 11th Street. 

Be reminded there was a homicide in this area a few months ago; no neighborhood association exists there yet, and a spike like this proceeded that shooting.

On the other side of Junipero you will see a huge spike in Car Thefts and thefts from cars. These all seem to start from an unreasonable noise complaint that happened around midnight at the 1100 block of Ohio and then radiate out NW, NE, and SE. Keep your cars locked and safe. There is a clue in the patterns here: all the thefts from cars seem to be happening during the day, all the car thefts seem to be occurring at night.

Within the circle, on the south side of our neighborhood, there are some petty thefts along Anaheim. They all occurred on Wednesday and they all occurred during the day. In other words, everything happening in Central Long Beach, at least all the clear pattens are just to the South East or South West of our neighborhood. 

The patterns inside, are pretty weak and scattered.

Arrests Made in the Shooting on Gundry

After making one arrest last month, Long Beach police arrested three more in connection with a fatal gang shooting November, police announced Tuesday. Jeffrey Keo, a 26-year-old Long Beach resident was gunned down around 9 p.m. Nov. 10 in the area of 14th Street and Gundry Avenue. The killing prompted an hours-long search that included SWAT officers.- Full Story

Suspects arrested:

1. Unnamed 17-Year Old
2. Angel Campo - 18
3. Esteban Panchi - 19

Shootings Outside Our Neighborhood:

Fortunately, the one shooting that has occurred is way outside of our borders. 

Police are investigating what they believe could be a gang-related shooting in North Long Beach Thursday afternoon.

Officers were dispatched around 12:20 p.m. to an assault with a deadly weapon call in the area of Orange Avenue and East Washington Street, said Nancy Pratt, a police spokeswoman, in an email. They found a man who had been struck in the upper body at the scene. - Full Story

While I did miss the Wed update this week, the map at the time showed very little happening in the neighborhood. Though it doesn't show up on the Crime Reports Map there is also a lot of activity on Orange and 17th Street. There was a Go Long Beach Run this morning which showed a significant decrease in both dumped items and tagging, however some of those dumped items may have been picked up in yesterday's clean up.

Community Safety Meeting
Today 12/13/2015: Fox Coffee House
Willow & Eucalypts 
From 4pm to 5pm
RSVP Through Face Book

Our goals include a better coalition of neighborhoods, a more educated community watch and bringing safe passage to more Long Beach Neighborhoods.

Announced Cleaning: Gaviota from PCH to 15th Finished

Thank you to the over twenty two volunteers that came out to clean up Gaviota from PCH to 15th Street. The dumpster was full by 11pm. Will post the pics when they're emailed to me. Thank you to Carmen from Litter Free Long Beach and Bryan Ben and the Neighborhood Resource Center for providing the dumpster.

There Will Likely Be Four Candidates Running For 6th District

This Site Will Be Supporting: Josephine Bañuelos Villaseñor

A friend of mine, Josephine Bañuelos Villaseñorr has announced she is running for council against Dee Andrews for the Sixth District City Council Seat. Over the last few months I've witnessed Josiephine's commitment to her community through forming the Wrigley Community Neighborhood Group, her involvement in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Ready Long Beach as she held onto a kindness and respect for all residents, not just those who may vote for her. That's a very incomplete list of everything I respect about Josie's attitude and accomplishments. Since being involved with the community since April and having the privilege of supporting organizations that have brought amazing change to Central Long Beach, the MacArthur Park Neighborhood and Long Beach in general such as CERT, AOC7, WESCA and Litter Free Long Beach I have seen the good that can come out of a positive force, so without hesitation or the slightest reservation, I am endorsing Josephine.

Like Josephine for Long Beach 6th District City Council on Facebook. And please use the hash tag: #SupportJosephine when you do.

Sunday Safety Update: 10/25/2015 - 11/07/2015

Disclaimer: Please note these maps are meant to show which direction crime is trending, areas to keep an extra eye on and places to remain vigilant in order for Central Long Beach residents to remain safe. That said, previous trends don't guarantee future trends will repeat in the same direction and patterns. Also, an absence of crime in one area, does not guarantee an absence in that same area later on. as well.

The map of last week is on the bottom; this week is on the top.

There was a a trend of residential burglaries on the streets just north of 15th last week. They begin around Sherman and 15th on Sunday and trend both east and west into this week. 

Afterwards, they trended west and north. Also note there is a pattern of burglaries on the other side of Rotary Centennial Park this week and last week there was a trend of auto thefts trending up, in about the same place. 

Please read up on preventing burglaries, since they are clearly up. 

This week assaults are up beginning at Cherry and trending towards MacArthur Park. From there, they end as auto thefts pick up and begin trending north towards PCH. From PCH, those  crimes trends back to it's starting place. In other words, keep your eye open everywhere. 

In case you would like to help put an end to this there are some upcoming Community Watch Meetings.

Community Watch Workshops 
Beginning Next Week

Washington Neighborhood
Wednesday, November 11th
6 – 8 pm 
The Guidance Center
1301 Pine Ave

Willmore Neighborhood
Thursday, November 19th
7 – 9 pm
Drake Park Community Room
951 Maine Ave

Linden-Roosevelt Neighborhood
Monday, December 7th
7 – 9 pm
Location To Be Determined

Shootings Outside Our Neighborhood: 

An early Saturday morning shooting in central Long Beach left one man dead.
Officers were called at 3:26 a.m. Saturday to the 1000 block of Olive Avenue on reports of a shooting, according to the Long Beach Police Department. When officers arrived, they found a man who had been struck by gunfire. Long Beach Fire Department paramedics responded and transported to a local hospital. - Full Story

There will soon be a page here to collect information on all shootings, make victims into names instead of numbers and make it incredibly difficult for anyone who does something so cowardly to count on their actions being forgotten.

* Within MacArthur Park: There have been less shootings, but crime is still up. Please keep an eye out for your neighbors. The MacArthur Park Community Association will be paroling at the least twice during the week and once during the weekend. Any suspicious activity will immediately be reported to police. Also until 15th street clears up, there will be morning patrols to look after the pathways to school.

There was a West Division forum on Human Trafficking and a Public Safety meeting by the first district. A separate write up is coming soon. I will have links to the write ups soon. Sorry for the delay.

Sunday Safety Update: 10/18/2015 to 10/24/2015

Disclaimer: Please note these maps are meant to show which direction crime is trending, areas to keep an extra eye on and places to remain vigilant in order for Central Long Beach residents to remain safe. That said, previous trends don't guarantee future trends will repeat in the same direction and patterns. Also, an absence of crime in one area, does not guarantee an absence in that same area later on. as well.  

We are beginning a series of community walks through the MacArthur Park Neighborhood. They will take place after 10pm and focus on those areas that currently need the most attention. There will be at least three community walks a week, two during the weekdays and one on the weekend.Tonight's walk saw reduced loitering in the alley behind Anaheim, but the plaza at Walnut and Anaheim is still an issue.

First, neighborhood crime has tapered down, but not far enough. The pattern this week was varied and unpredictable. It does seem robberies, thefts and property crime are trending down the streets of Gaviota and Walbut. Please be extra careful in this area, especially since the police saw fit to put cameras at 14th and Gaviota; clearly something is happening in that area. 

Moreover, police are also investigating a non-injury shooting that happened on Long Beach’s Eastside neighborhood Wednesday night.

Officers were dispatched to Walnut Avenue and Anaheim Street at about 9:45PM on Wednesday, October 21 in regards to a shots heard call, Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) spokeswoman Marlene Arrona said. Read the full story

Also notice assaults are trending down Cherry. Be especially careful on Cherry after 8pm and in both mentioned areas around 5am.

There is crime cluster south east of the MacArthur Park Neighborhood. Everything happening there is not trending in any particular direction, so be very cautious around Junipero and Anaheim where it leads into our neighborhood. A lot of the marks on the board above took place on a Sunday, especially the ones close to Rotary Centenial Park, so keep an extra eye open on Sundays.

Finally there were two other shootings out of our neighborhood. One was at MLK and 20th. The other was a fatal shooting at 20th and Magnolia. 

A man was shot to death early Monday morning in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue, authorities said.

Long Beach police said the victim, identified as 25-year-old William Tyshoen Davis, was wounded in the upper body.

Long Beach Fire Department paramedics responded and took Davis, who was in critical condition, to a local hospital where he later died, police said in a press release.Read the full story

MacArthur Park will be supporting the community of Wrigley in every manner possible. We will be reporting all tagging and dumped items a long 20th Street in response in an extra Go Long Beach run this weekend.

Community Meetings
  
There will be a community meeting for District Six on Tuesday October 27th at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library. 6pm. The topic will center on public safety including gang activity.

Robert Smith and his staff will host the West Division Leadership Forum Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 6:00pm. The new location will be 1129 Alamitos, at the Grant AME Church There will be a presentation on human trafficking and a Code Enforcement overview. 

There Was AOC7 Clean Up This Weekend on 11th Street

This Saturday we didn't clean up MacArthur Park so we could help the AOC7 in their monthly neighborhood clean up. That clean up got 11th, Cerritos, Licoln Elementary, Norman Court and probably two additional tons of trash. Thanks to the AOC7 and all the neighbors who came out to support the clean up. It was a great event that probably took at least three dumpsters worth of trash off the street. 

I still intend to get Ester, Werner and the remainder of Orange this week. Next Saturday, there will also be a clean up on Sherman and 16th street at 8am..

Sunday Safety Update: 10/11/2015 - 10/17/2015

Disclaimer: Please note these maps are meant to show which direction crime is trending, areas to keep an extra eye on and places to remain vigilant in order for Central Long Beach residents to remain safe. That said, previous trends don't guarantee future trends will repeat in the same direction and patterns. Also, an absence of crime in one area, does not guarantee an absence in that same area later on. as well.  

First, crime is not only up, but it is up significantly for the MacArthur Park Neighborhood. The line up Cherry is partially the result of two shooting that happened in our neighborhood and appear to be gang related. 

Two men were wounded in a shooting at about 5:35 a.m. Wednesday that may have been gang-related, police said.

The unidentified men were sent to a hospital for treatment of wounds described by police as not life-threatening. 

“The preliminary investigation indicated the victims were walking down the street when they were approached by three suspects and shot,” according to a statement from police spokeswoman Nancy Pratt.- Full Story.

The shootings took place around 15th and Cherry. There will be an intense graffiti/ dumped item/ a neighborhood patrol for the next two weeks. There was a lot of graffiti that popped up just prior to this and that seems to be a reliable indication some type of violence is about to occur.

Also notice the patterns of car thefts just outside our neighborhood. It is clearly heading north west. Please keep all cars locked in that area. Reread preventing car theft, especially if you live in that area.

There is renewed loitering in the plaza at Walnut and Anaheim. It had died down, but seems to have picked up. Be very careful in the area because drug activity appears to be happening there as well.

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Use the Go Long Beach App to remove graffiti, even if you don't live where you see it

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Also notice along Alamitos there is a trend north east towards 17th street. Because a lot is happening around 17th street, really remain vigilant and keep your eyes out for your neighbors on that street.

As we approach the holiday season, here are some safety tips.

1.  Ship items to a location where they will be personally received, and/or ask a trusted neighbor to collect and hold the item rather than leaving it in a common area.
2.  Request carriers to ship items to their local store or distribution center to be held for pick up.
3. Advise your local post office when you will be out of town so they can hold your deliveries until your return.
4. Track the progress of your anticipated delivery and if you don’t receive it as expected, contact the issuing company, and when possible request proof of delivery.
5. Remove valuables and holiday packages from your vehicle, and don’t use it as a storage area - More tips from the LAPD

Upcoming Safety Meetings: 

Long Beach residents are invited to the MacArthur Park/Whittier School Neighborhood monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library located at 1401 E. Anaheim St. in the Community Room.  Free parking is available at the library parking lot.  - UPDATED

There will be a community meeting for District Six on Tuesday October 27th at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library!  6pm. I am not sure what the topic will be, last time it was starting a community watch.

Join Commander Robert Smith and his staff for this informative meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 6:00pm. The new location will be 1129 Alamitos, at the Grant AME Church  We will be having a presentation on Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation; Also a Code Enforcement overview. 

Dee Andrews to Host Town Hall on Public Safety 10/27/2015

Councilman Dee Andrews will host a 6^th District Town Hall meeting, at 6:00 pm, on Tuesday, October 27^th, at Mark Twain Library, 1401 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA.

The topic of the Town Hall meeting will focus on public safety. The guest speakers will include Commander Robert Smith, Long Beach Police Department, West Division and Homeless Services. The commander will be reporting crime updates and giving tips on crime prevention.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call (562) 570-6816.

September to Agust: MacArthur Park Crime Comparrison

September Stats (MacArthur Park Neighborhood Only):

1. Theft from Vehicles (7 Total): Down 12%. Equally scattered.Still a disturbing trend on the east end of Old Zaferia Way outside the neighborhood.
2. Theft (7 total): No real pattern. Up 14%. Caution on Anaheim east of Cherry. PCH by Chittick field and Alamitos and PCH.
3. Theft of Vehicles (7 Total):be careful PCH from Gardenia to Orange and anywhere along Anaheim. Up 175%.
4. Assaults (5 Total): Down 17%. Most cluster 14th Street Gundry to Gaviota.
5. Vehicle Recovery (4 Total): 100% increase/  Look for missing cars around MacArthur Park/ 15th or Gardenia.
   
6. Quality of Life (3 Total): 300% increase, SW end of the neighborhood close to MacArthur Park; all ecstasy possession.
7. Robbery (2 total): Down 33%. Caution at MacArthur Park close to Anaheim.
8. Breaking & Entering (1 Total): 100% increase. Quite a few incidents just south of us along 11th in AOC7 and Cambodia Town East.
9. Property Crime (0 Total): 100% improvement.Tagging is way down in September.
10. Homicide (0 Total):No change; no nearby shootings.
11. Sexual Offense, Fire, Emergency, Proactive Policing Other (0 Total): No Change

 August Stats (MacArthur Park Neighborhood Only):

1. Property Crime (9 Total): All west of Gardenia. Otherwise, no pattern/ up 30%.
2. Theft from Vehicles (8 Total): No obvious pattern. On other side of Old Zaferia Way this more than doubles. Down about 30%.
3. Assaults (6 Total): No pattern; even spread. Up 16%.
4. Theft (6 total): No real pattern. Up 33%.
5. Theft of Vehicles (4 Total): No obvious pattern. On other side of Old Zaferia Way this more than doubles. Down 42%.
6. Robbery (3 total): Be careful in the alley between Walnut and Gaviota. Down 25%.
7. Vehicle Recovery (2 Total): Anaheim and Walnut/ Stanton and 15th. Not recorded last month, but up 50%. 
8. Quality of Life (1 Total): Meth/ PCP at Cherry and PCH. Down 80%.
9. Breaking & Entering (0 Total): 100% improvement
10. Homicide (0 Total):Down 100%. There was an attempted shooting at Gaviota and 14th. Drive by/ suspected as gang related.
11. Sexual Offense, Fire, Emergency, Proactive Policing Other (0 Total): No Change

Summary: In September there were 36 total incidents; a modest 8 percent decrease in crime. Theft/ car theft and drug related crimes are all up. Vehicle theft and stolen car recovery was up significantly. While only property crime, theft, assaults and robbery are down. most other increases in crime were minor. vandalism was way down averaging the other modest crime increases out. 

Neighborhood Clean Up 10/10/2015: 9pm

This Saturday, another MacArthur Park Neighborhood resident is hosting a clean up. This one is taking place in the eastern end of the neighborhood as defined by Next Door. A dumpster will be available and high school service hours are available for this one. See the flyer for more details.

17th Street Clean Up: Gardenia to Walnut

There was an announced clean up of 17th Street. This clean up was supposed to run from Gardenia to Orange. Unfortunately, it was a little hot out, so we pack up at Walnut. We will get the rest of 17th Street before the week is out. 

Thanks to Carmen for the water and Bryan for the extra trash bags.

Next Saturday, we will be tackling 15th Street from Cherry to Junipero. Also, we are going to try to get more of Junipero based on what is showing up on the Crime Report's Map. Our 50th clean up in the MacArthur Park Neighborhood is approaching soon.

Sunday Safety Update 09/20/2015 - 09/27/2015

Disclaimer: Please note these maps are meant to show which direction crime is trending, areas to keep an extra eye on and places to remain vigilant in order for Central Long Beach residents to remain safe. That said, previous trends don't guarantee future trends will repeat in the same direction and patterns. Also, an absence of crime in one area, does not guarantee an absence in that same area later on. as well. 

09/20/2015 - 09/27/2015: Inside the MacArthur Park Neighborhood the map looks good. I am most concerned with what I see inside the AOC7, Cambodia Town East and the Zaferia Neighborhood to the east of Old Zaferia Way. First off, here's what the map shows. Within out neighborhood, the most concerning robbery trend starts at Anaheim and Junipero and seems to trend northeast and out of the neighborhood. What concerns me even more is the trend of car thefts, and thefts from vehicles heading southeast, right where that trend ends.

Normally, I would declare neighborhood expansion and start attacking the graffiti in Cambodia Town East where that activity is the worst, but the online version of Go Long Beach is broken since the last city website update. So far, every single district and the Mayor of Long Beach has not responded to the information that is website doesn't work. 

I have contacted every city agency I can think of, the website developer and posted on the Long Beach City Facebook Page.

Within the AOC7 there are some thefts and assaults clearly trending south west. There are a few burglaries to the west of that that seem to be trending the opposite direction. Keep a very close eye on the west end of the AOC7 and the Craftsman Historic District. This is right about where Lincoln Elementary is. There is no neighborhood association in this area. Also there was a fatal shooting in exactly this area about a month ago.

Within our neighborhood, there is no clear pattern and nothing is really clustering together. The "Q" was for a drug bust on the outskirts of MacArthur Park. There was also an isolated car theft at Anaheim and Alamitos. There is also one isolated robbery just north of Cherry and 15th. The map doesn't show this but there was tagging along Orange and Cherry Ave, after a long tagging hiatus. That tagging is a little harder to remove with Go Long Beach broken. 

The most obvious activity is along Junipero at the east end of the neighborhood. That said, it seems mostly to be trending away from the MacArthur Park Neighborhood. Finally, where you see that blue arrow, keep your bikes locked up. I will go into detail later, after passing the information on to law enforcement.

Rennovation Begins at MacArthur Park

The following post was from Jim Ruggirello at the Cultural Center of MacArthur Park on Next Door: "The long-awaited and much-needed renovation of the main building at MacArthur Park, the home of Homeland Cultural Center, will begin Monday, September 28. The entire building will be shut down for a week for asbestos abatement. During that time some classes will be held in the Manazar Gamboa Theater, others will be cancelled. After that, work will begin on the room that used to house the Mark Twain Library and most of our regular schedule will resume. The entire project, including work on the rest of the building, the playground, and the restrooms, should be complete by the end of the year."

At the 6th and 7th District Budget meeting earlier this year Andrews stated that there should be enough money left over to renovate the restrooms. Bare in mind, the entire budget for this project was provided by the state of California. The City of Long Beach is not contributing to the restoration of MacArthur Park. I would encourage all neighborhood residents to visit all nearby parks. It is very eye-opening to see how much money the city will invest in the neighborhoods where Central Long Beach residents do not live. Compare the civic center at Drake Park to the one at MacArthur Park. Compare the condition of the streets in Bellmont Heights to the conditions anywhere in Central Long Beach. What you will quickly learn, is for Central Long Beach it's a battle to get a pothole filled, a tree trimmed or a mattress picked up. In Bellmont Heights, the city will build what is nearly a billion dollar pool.