A Plan For Life

April 1st

Good Evening,

I don't want to break the mood here [because] the website seems to be very upbeat and informative, which is good. I think that this website will become a valuable tool for us/we Angelinos to get together for a common cause.

I would like some information if possible on preventative measures our young people can take to save their lives. Not just the usual ones (not hanging out, going to parties with known problems, etc.). What I am talking about is when your kid is on the bus going to school or walking to the store or his friends house. I would like to know if there is something that we can give our young men [and women] by way of "A Plan," so that they do not get shot.

My own son was killed a year ago and I am thinking that someone probably just walked up to him with a question and he probably did not even suspect that someone would kill him. I think this happens a lot, [and] people are just not prepared to have someone shoot them down without a reason.

I would appreciate any suggestions or if someone could point me in the right direction. We need to have our young people prepared for a very real part (unfortunately) of living here in Los Angeles.

Thanks in advance,

Ms. We Need A Plan

Here's how I replied:

Response to: A Plan For Life

Dear Ms. We Need A Plan:

Unfortunately I have heard from several parents who have lost children recently. I have a 12 year old daughter myself, so every time I hear of this my heart breaks a little more ... I can only imagine your grief ...

Captain Sharyn Buck, who now is the Commanding Officer at Juvenile Division, made a couple of pertinent presentations at today's Police Commission meeting about young people (4/02/02).

Seems there's a big need for "safe houses" where kids know they can duck inside whenever worried. An involved resident or store owner agrees to be a safe haven, and places a card in their window that kids know to look for if they feel threatened.

Also mentioned was beefing up the perception of a police / security presence in the parks. David Cunningham III, one of the Police Commissioners, has a meeting scheduled mid-month with the head of LA's Recreation and Parks Department to discuss how to achieve this.

Finally, Captain Buck indicated they're being tougher with both curfew laws, which state that kids cannot be out after 10pm, and truancy laws, where now the parent or guardian may be held responsible.

Nothing will bring back your son ... and nothing will bring back the sons and daughters of anyone else, nor of the victims of any violence for that matter.

We all feel saddened for your loss ...

Yours in service,

Bill Murray

And here's a portion of a reply from another e-group member:

Response to: A Plan For Life

... raised in the gangs in NY we ... always knew who was watching us and we were always watching someone else. I don't mean this to be assertive, but everyone, small children, teens, women and men, have to walk heads up and always be aware of what's going on around them.

Its the only way to survive.