WHAT:
News Conference

WHEN:
Thursday, April 8, 2004
11:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Nickerson Gardens Recreation Center (In the Gym)
11251 Compton Avenue
Los Angeles

WHO:
Los Angeles City Mayor James K. Hahn, 15^th District Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, HACLA Commission Chair Elenore Williams, Deputy Chief Earl Paysinger

Los Angeles: Mayor James Hahn joined by Chief William Bratton and Commissioner Williams, will announce that the City has dedicated more than $2 million to pay for almost 40,000 hours of LAPD time devoted to Housing Authority communities. The money is coming from Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT or "pilot") funds from the federal government. The City is working on ways to come up with as much as $1 million additional dollars, which would pay for 18,000 police hours for Housing Authority communities.

Mayor Hahn and Chief Bratton will also announce more vigorous enforcement of the Housing Authority’s Zero-Tolerance Policy, which could lead to eviction for people committing crimes that effect the quality of life.

This event will also provide a venue to announce that Housing Authority Commission Chair Williams will lead an inter-agency working group composed of HACLA, Mayor’s Office, LAPD, LA Council, LAHD, LA City Attorney’s Office, community organizations and community members. This group will address security issues, Housing Authority policies, dispute/conflict resolution and resident services and empowerment.

This news advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.