CommentsRantZ and RaveZ - I would like to begin in Memory of the two El Monte Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty responding to a radio call last week.
Officer Michael Paredes, 42 and Officer Joseph Santana 31 were both shot and died from their injuries. May they Rest in Peace……
What is happening with the American Economy and our quality of life? As the dollar sinks deeper, our buying power falls lower.
Think about Rent, Utilities, Gas, Food, Water and all the other items we need and use daily…..Things are bad and getting worse! Who do we blame for this crisis? Our local, state or national elected leaders? I blame all of them!
Most of us have a limited amount of money to spend for expenses. There are the basic and essential needs. Home mortgage, apartment rent, car costs, food, clothing, insurance, taxes, and the small amount left for leisure activity including concerts, community events and if there is any money left after that….a possible family vacation with Gas prices in the $6.00 a gallon range.
An example of recent housing costs in West LA are listed below. This is for the first quarter of 2022. How does this compare to what you are spending to put a roof over your head?
A Studio is renting for $2,025 a month.
One Bedroom is renting for $2520 a month.
Two Bedroom is renting for $3590 a month.
Three Bedroom is renting for $5,597 a month.
Most of us know the National Economy is in the tank. The Federal Reserve recently increased the short-term interest rate by 0.50%, as part of an effort to tap down the inflationary pressures crushing American buying power. As the interest rates increase, fewer people can qualify for large purchases including homes and luxury items including expensive vehicles, if you can locate one you like. I tried an experiment and recently visited a Tesla showroom and found nice salespeople and not one car to examine. I then went to a Ford dealer to view the new Ford electric pickup. I was told they have truck orders for the next 3 years and are not accepting any new orders.
As the months pass and we find higher interest rates and an increased cost of living, many will fall onto public assistance programs and the situation will get worse in time. Who do we blame for this situation? Those in power that direct operations in our Nation, State, County and City.
Remember this in November when we have the opportunity to elect new leadership in California and the Los Angeles region of Southern California.
Mayor Eric Garcetti promised that L.A. would get back to basics following his 2013 election.
Since becoming Mayor, Eric Garcetti has FAILED at the following promises….. 1. Make Los Angeles Safer. 2. More Prosperous. 3. More innovative 4. Lovable city for all residents. 5. Improving basic city services. 6. Strengthening working families. 7. Opening pathways to the middle class. 8. Leading major initiatives to prepare Los Angeles for the future.
The FAILED activity in public safety is reflective of the most recent LAPD Crime Statistics.
The June 11, 2022, LAPD COMPSTAT Citywide report stats. 2020 vs 2022.
As of June, the LAPD is down to 9,335 police officers. From the recruit to the Chief of Police. On 3/2020 there were 10,010 LAPD Officers. This is a loss of 675 Officers.
Homicides.
+33.9%
Robbery.
+18.2%
GTA.
+32.1%
Shots Fired
+57%
Shooting Victims
+56.3%
Total All Arrests
-18.8%
While thinking about the California November Election, I have some information and suggestions for you.
Local L.A. City Elections…..The final count is not in yet. This info is based on results as of 6-17-2022
Mayor.
Take the time to examine the records of the two candidates Bass and Caruso. The future of Los Angeles for the next 4 years is in their hands. Homeless, Crime, Quality of Life and so many other issues that impact our daily lives. The Mayor appoints all Commissioners and General Managers. We need a Mayor who can select people to carry out the job and not just fill a seat at City Hall.
City Attorney
There will be a runoff for the City Attorney’s Office. The two candidates at this time are Gill and Torres. It is very important that we have a City Attorney who can protect Los Angeles and work with all city departments from A to Z. It is critical that the City Attorney work with the LAPD to maintain a quality of life in Los Angeles.
City Council
There will be runoffs in Districts 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15.
Watch for those candidates who want to win a council seat and DEFUND or ELIMINATE the police. Terrible idea when crime is increasing and we are all potential victims.
I will be making my endorsements prior to the November election.
Be Safe and enjoy the summer while we limit watering and power use. It was never like this when I was growing up back in the day like many of you who hung out at Bob’s on Van Nuys Blvd and cruised around for hours when gas was just a few cents a gallon! In Jan 1978, Gas was $0.66 a gallon in L.A. The Good Old Days for sure….
(Dennis P. Zine is the author of RantZ and RaveZ. The column is published twice a month to enlighten you on issues impacting Los Angeles and America. Dennis is a 54-year active member of law enforcement and a retired elected public official. )
