CommentsRANTZ AND RAVEZ-It was a Saturday night in August when I went to the Westfield Topanga Mall to eat at CPK with a friend. After dinner, we strolled around and ran into a mutual friend. I love to shop and shopping for a deal is very special for my two friends and me. The three of us checked around for sales at the various stores and noticed a number of vacant storefronts. The most common sign on blacked out windows included the words, “New Retailer Coming Soon” or “We love change.... exciting partner coming soon.”
I have been reading business reports about how brick and mortar stores are having a difficult time remaining in business due to many factors. Among them are the ever-expanding internet sales options, the increase in the minimum wage, increased rents and utility bills, increased insurance and work comp costs – just to name a few of the expenses a business owner must pay to operate and remain in business in California and the City of LA.
The vacant storefronts at Westfield Topanga could translate into fewer jobs and a shrinking economy for the region.
But, as they say, there are two sides to a story. In further examining the increase of vacant stores at Westfield, I learned by meeting with Westfield executives that many of these stores are coming up to the 10-year anniversary of their leases. Some are choosing to move while others are preparing to move in and occupy larger space. With that in mind, Westfield is negotiating with other retailers to join the Westfield team and occupy storefronts that are vacant or becoming vacant. Some big-name retailers are being considered for the complex. I have been assured that adding new stores will be a benefit for shoppers in our valley and that in short time, the Westfield Topanga will be at full capacity once again for your shopping convenience.
As we continued our walk in the shopping area, I noticed a man run out of the Burberry store holding two large bags, one in each hand. Knowing that Burberry handbags run between $895 and $2,295, I wondered if the man was a shoplifter or just late for a ride. It turned out he had just stolen both bags -- about $3,000 worth of Burberry merchandise. No one chased the suspect and I was surprised to see the crew at the store not shocked with the theft. I met with one of the sales personnel and was informed that they don’t run after suspects stealing from the store; they only file a police report. I later saw three unarmed uniformed security officers near the store. They did not appear to be doing anything regarding the theft.
Most retail store policies and shopping centers restrict employees and security personnel from engaging theft suspects to prevent injury or worse to employees or customers.
Examining the LAPD Crime Stats for the business area along Topanga Canyon Blvd in Canoga Park and Woodland Hills, I discovered that shoplifting and burglaries are occurring at many of the retail stores in the neighborhood.
I caution you to watch your purse, wallet and the goods you purchase. I urge you to keep yourself and your family safe when you shop at retail stores in the San Fernando Valley.
Latest LAPD Crime Statistics
The LAPD citywide Compstat crime report reveals the following information:
While the LAPD has been unable to reach the goal of 10,000 officers, they are currently at 9973 with all the mumbo jumbo personnel numbers they report on their public reports. When you take the number 9973 that is provided to the public, that does not take into account the associated factors like the number of officers on vacation, injured on duty, suspended, in training or a variety of other reasons that keep them from patrolling the streets and gang or homeless infested areas here in what many call LA LA Los Angeles Land.
The Crime Stat information compares 2017 to 2015.
VIOLENT CRIMES
Homicide -- 2.3%
Total Rape -- 6.9%
Robbery -- +21.8%
Aggravated Assaults -- +20.8%
TOTAL VIOLENT CRIME -- +18.8%
PROPERTY CRIMES
Burglary -- +0.3%
Motor Vehicle – Theft +23.2%
BTFV -- +14.3%
Personal/Other Theft -- -3.6%
Total Property -- +7.1%
Total Part 1 -- +9.6%
ARRESTS
Homicide -- +11.5%
Rape -- -10.5%
Robbery -- +11.5%
Aggravated Assault -- +5.7%
Burglary -- -8.3%
Larceny -- -22.2%
Motor Vehicle Theft -- +40.9%
Total All Arrests -- -15.4%
My Trip to Hawaii for the United States Army
I currently serve with the U.S. Army as the lead coordinator for the recruitment section in the Southern California region. The Battalion is called the Rough Riders and is housed in Van Nuys. This volunteer position provides me a unique opportunity to help recruit young men and women to join the Army. For many unable to afford the cost of college, the Army offers an opportunity to attend college with all expenses paid by the military.
If an individual wants to engage in any aspect of the medical profession such as a Doctor, Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Dentist, Veterinarian or any number of other professions it can all be accomplished in connection with the Army. Students who want to attend USC, UCLA, CSUN, Cal State Long Beach, Cal Poly Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Pepperdine or a host of other local colleges that participate in the Army’s program can take the opportunity to attend college and receive a degree in the subject they desire. All costs are borne by the military and individuals will receive their degrees and do a stint in the military before returning to the civilian population. In today’s economy, many who join the military remain active and enjoy a life with great opportunities, benefits and worldwide travel.
This is a great program for those who desire to attend college but can’t afford the thousands of dollars it takes in today’s economy to survive with rent, utilities and all the other bills that strap you down for years to come.
If you know anyone who might be interested in attending college and joining the military, let me know and I will be happy to assist with the process. The Army is currently offering a $40,000 signing bonus to those who meet the stringent qualifications. Gang association, drugs or certain arrests are immediate disqualifiers.
God Bless America and the military personnel that protect our Land, Sea and Air from individuals and organizations that seek to destroy our land of America.
So, my trip to Hawaii for my training session was to begin on the morning of August 21 with a 2:00 p.m. flight out of LAX on United Airlines Flight 1431, non-stop from LA to Honolulu. I arrived at LAX at 11:30 a.m. with plenty of time to check in and meet the others who were also going on the training mission. When I checked in, I was informed that I needed to go to the Special Services desk.
Thinking that I had won a prize for choosing United Airlines, I went to the counter and checked in with a nice lady who informed me that my flight was going to be delayed. This was not good news since I had an early evening meeting at the hotel where we would be staying. I was then told that my 2:00 p.m. flight was pushed to 6:00 p.m. -- something about the lack of airplanes. I was left stranded with no place to go and nothing to do for six hours. Fellow Army personnel soon arrived and joined me in the long and longer wait. It was around 6:30 p.m. when we finally boarded the plane and headed for Hawaii.
I’m not one who enjoys flying in the first place, I was so bored and frustrated. I began to prepare my column at the airport waiting for a plane to arrive so we can take off. While it is fresh in my mind, I am expressing my frustration as only those who have been delayed on flights can know. I asked the ticket agent if we could have access to the VIP Lounge, which is reserved for select rich and famous people, due to the extensive delay. I was informed that it would cost over $50 a person for any of us to use it. I passed on that idea.
I remembered how United Airlines treated a doctor a while back when he refused to give up his seat for a United Airlines employee who needed his seat to fly on that plane. The doctor was injured when they dragged him from his seat after he refused to cooperate -- all caught on tape. It hit the news hard and heavy. Since I was on an Army detail, I waited and waited…over six hours for a plane to arrive to transport us to Hawaii.
When you have options to fly, I would think that United Airlines has not learned its lesson on how to treat passengers. You should select an airline that truly cares about their passengers and not just the money they make off your ticket. Never again will I fly United Airlines. I will fly Alaska, the number one airline in customer satisfaction, before I ever fly on United Airlines again.
Remembering our fellow Americans
The rains and floods in Texas and other southern states have impacted thousands of people. If you want to help, here are some of the legit organizations that can use your financial support:
Red Cross. www.redcross.org.
Salvation Army. www.helpsalvationarmy.
United Way. www.uwtexas.org/hurricane-harvey.
Please keep the victims of the floods in your prayers.
Well, that’s it for another edition of RantZ and RaveZ. If you have a comment or suggestion, please contact me at [email protected].
(Dennis P. Zine is a former and retired LAPD Supervisor, former and retired 12-year Los Angeles City Councilman and current General Manager at Bell Canyon in Ventura County.) Edited for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.
-cw
