City of Los Angeles Ramona Gardens Safer Cities Initiative

Due to the fact that the Big Hazard Gang (Hazard) claims the Ramona Gardens Public Housing Project as it base of operations, Ramona Gardens is a dangerous place to live in which violent crime and drug dealing is commonplace and disorder reigns. Hazard's influence permeates throughout the Project and creates an environment that undermines the welfare of the families and youth who live there. Often residents are intimidated by Hazard to the extent that they refrain from calling the Los Angeles Police Department when crime occurs. To improve the quality of life for residents in Ramona Gardens and deter its youth from joining the Hazard Gang, the City of Los Angeles proposes to implement a 'Broken Windows' or order maintenance crime reduction strategy. This strategy relies on the enforcement of minor crimes and the abatement of quality of life issues to prevent more serious crime from occurring. This strategy contains enforcement, enhancement and community outreach components. Its goals will be to reduce crime, make physical improvements to the area and increase cooperation between law enforcement and residents. Ultimately, this initiative will allow residents to reclaim public spaces and become active stakeholders in the future of their community. NCA/NCF