The councilwoman representing Los Angeles’ Westside neighborhoods is introducing a new public safety package which aims to protect public safety and prevent crime. 

Break-ins, thefts and other crimes have affected private residences and small businesses alike, including Ronnie’s Diner on Culver Boulevard in Del Rey, which is part of L.A. City Councilwoman Traci Park’s District 11.  

Ron Garcia and his wife, who have owned the diner for over two decades, say they have been broken into twice in the past year. 

“They didn’t steal much [because] there’s not much to take, since everything is credit card based and there’s no cash,” Garcia said. “But the real damage is the cost to repair…our insurance company has limits on what they’ll cover, so there’s a lot of out-of-pocket [expenses] for each time they break in.” 

Garcia told KTLA 5’s Annie Rose Ramos that, as restaurant owners, he and his wife “feel alone” and feel as if they are “policing” themselves. 

“We’ve [had to] chase people away, and there used to be a lot of encampments right across the street,” he said. “And we’re the first bathroom, the first spot to drink water…we have to protect our place when people come in and steal off the tables.” 

“There’s no help,” Garcia added. “If you call the police department, there’s only so much they can do.” 

Thus, he believes the new public safety package being introduced by Councilwoman Park is “absolutely necessary.” 

Included in the initiative are plans to set aside funding for Automated License Plate Readers, LAPD overtime and new squad cars as well as provide additional resources for urban forestry services like tree trimming. 

“With LAPD facing unprecedented staffing challenges, Councilmember Traci Park is responding with innovative solutions to address public safety and crime prevention,” Park’s office said in a media statement. “This strategic initiative will position Council District 11 as a leader in crime-preventative innovation by leveraging technology and essential services, making it one of the safest council districts in Los Angeles.”

Park is set to hold a press conference to introduce the new package alongside Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell, newly sworn-in L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and community leaders in Council District 11, among others. 

The conference is expected to start around 8:30 a.m.