This morning at 10 AM I was chatting with Estan who was trimming

the palms with his crew at the top of Whitley Avenue. Kawika Barrett

ambled up Whitley Avenue and down Grace Avenue. He was wearing

a long-sleeved brown shirt with colored bands across the chest and

gray pants. I noticed him holding his left shoulder, an absent-minded

habit he has that helps us identify him.

Kawika was in his own worId and paid no attention to the workmen or falling palm fronds. I dispatched a Post Patrol car and I watched him

weave down Grace and open the gate that leads to Holly Hill. This

public gate has a lock which today was left ajar. Gate code: 2018.

Post officer Victor drove up Whitley within minutes. I provided him with Kawika’s description and direction headed. Later Victor reported that the suspect went into Kind Center Recreational Marijuana Dispensary at 1944 Cahuenga. The security guard made him leave.

I called LAPD non-emergency number after hanging up with Post. The operator said that since Mr. Barrett was not breaking the law, she

could not send a patrol car. At least there’s a recorded call.

This poor man has serious mental health issues. SLO Parker with LAPD's Mental Evaluation Unit wishes to speak Kawika Barrett. LAHSA

and PATH service workers are aware of this person and want to help

him. The City Attorney is building a case. Sadly, it’s next to impossible

to predict his whereabouts. But we keep trying.