LAPD Senior Lead Officer, Heather Mata and Neighborhood Prosecutor, Anthony King, were guest speakers at WHCA monthly board meeting last night. What we learned:

Crime is down 46% in SLO Mata's jurisdiction. 34% in Hollywood specifically.

Hollywood Mental Health Cooperative, run by the Department of Mental Health, will be dedicated to all who need care. They hope to hit the ground running within the next month. 54 personal hired. Also coming soon: Department of Mental Health Urgent Care.

Circle Program

Unarmed response for mental health crises (which will alleviate LAPD)

Any time there is a non-violent, non-criminal incident involving an individual experiencing homelessness, call 877-Ask-LAPD (877-275-5273). Urban Alchemy will be dispatched in 15 minutes or less! They have an office in Hollywood and it's a 24-hour program. (There is also a Decompression Zone on Cherokee north of Hollywood Boulevard, where a person can receive food, water, and care.

These three programs will free up law enforcement to focus on crime.

We are grateful to LAPD for keeping us safe.

Anthony King reported that a new irrigation system is being installed at the Wilcox triangle. Landscaping is scheduled for mid-March. Chainlink fence will remain in place until prickly ground-cover has a chance to establish.