Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON OPTIONS TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY CONCERNS ABOUT ILLEGAL OR UNSAFE ACTIVITY AT THE CARSON PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER ON UNIVERSITY AND AVALON (CITY COUNCIL)
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I. SUMMARY
Over the past several years, the City of Carson has experienced its lowest crime statistics in history. This reflects the City Council’s collective interest in making the safety of our community one of its top priorities and its commitment to respond to concerns from our residents using all the tools the City has available.
To fulfill this vision, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has partnered with the community to proactively prevent crime, enforce the law fairly and enhance the public’s trust through transparency and accountability. Carson Station staff takes personal pride and ownership in keeping the community clean, beautiful, and safe; and responding to visitors and residents in a professional, timely and courteous manner.
Council member Jawane Hilton requested this item to be before the City Council to identify what additional steps can be taken to address community concerns regarding illegal or unsafe activity at the Carson Plaza shopping center on University and Avalon.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
DISCUSS and PROVIDE direction.
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III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action or actions that Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), Carson Station has provided law enforcement service to the citizens of Carson and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County since 1974. Over the years there have been many Station leaders who have continuously strived to make a positive impact in the community, reduce crime and earn the public’s trust. It is the mission of the Carson Station to continue its tradition of service and make the City of Carson a safer place to work and live in.
Despite record lows in crime over the past several years, there continue to be reports of illegal or unsafe activity taking place at the Carson Plaza shopping center located on University and Avalon. The LASD Carson Station has been notified of all reports of illegal drug use, pandering, loitering and increased homelessness. Sheriffs have been deployed and are engaged in addressing concerns at this shopping center as a priority. Community policing is being utilized as one of the components of addressing the issues.
Other possible options will be discussed and direction provided to address the continued concerns expressed by the community.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact at this time. In the event that the City Council directs staff to implement actions which require appropriations, staff will bring back those requests for Council consideration.
VI. EXHIBITS
N/A
Prepared by: David C. Roberts, Jr., Assistant City Manager