Police Presence
I read the article “Uptick in Stolen Vehicles” in the March 14 edition. I find the article missing the entire point regarding stolen vehicles and crime in general.
As a resident of the Palisades for 13 years, I’ve had two vehicles stolen (one recovered 3 months later with nothing left but the chassis) and the other one still MIA. I have had 4 cars broken into, including the removal of the side mirrors twice—all cars were locked with nothing visible in the cars.
The bigger issue is that we do not have enough of a police presence in the Palisades. And while I appreciate Officer Moore’s availability to speak to the Post on this issue, he completely misses the point.
If I were a criminal looking for easy money, why not go to the Palisades for cars, jewelry, guns, stereo/TVs, etc.? We have almost no protection other than what we provide ourselves, which brings up the point that more and more people are going to “arm” themselves and create an even greater crisis for the police, neighbors and families.
It’s time for the police department to slow down the personnel who are constantly watching the parking meters and ticketing (and they are always available and vigilant for those infractions) and put the effort, time and personnel into policing this township with a real commitment.
We pay a lot of money in property taxes and sales taxes—it’s time for that money to be returned to where it comes from.
Steven Crosby
Trouble for USC
USC appears desperate and in denial. Is it because of greed, arrogance, incompetence, along with lack of humility? Is their focus in the wrong direction?
They seem to have a HUGE appetite to raise money. They appear obsessed with creating a “sports dynasty,” and do not hesitate to tout an elite roster of accepted applicants.
Personally, I believe USC has lost sight of its purpose: education, morals, value and HONOR.
Why would anyone want to be called a Trojan? In Greek mythology, the Trojan horse was a symbol of deceit, trickery and destruction.
The path USC has taken over the past 10-plus years has had the school involved with athletic scandals, the most famous is the Reggie Bush fiasco, then former president signing off “hush money” to a sexual predator and claimed no knowledge of the alleged abuses.
The athletic department, run by men who have no administrative experience, also ignored abhorrent behavior from certain coaches. This appears to be a school suffering from severe insecurity and “chasing an impossible dream.” How much bad press can this school absorb?
The latest scandal is an example of desperation, dishonesty and very poor parent mentoring. The daughters were never qualified to attend USC, and the parents could NOT accept the truth.
Our higher education institutions should instill integrity, responsibility and morals.
In my opinion, and of late, USC does not embrace diversity, is not exceptional and is lacking in excellence. Actions taken by particular individuals project greed, and show that prominence and position has been the main focus at ANY cost!
“Go for the gold, no matter!” Will this be the USC legacy?
Elle Feldman
The Highlands
Vintage Grocers
It is not surprising that Vintage Grocers has closed. Paige Laurie, the owner, is a granddaughter of the Waltons (Walmart) and has access to several billion dollars.
She also paid a roommate some $20,000 to do her homework, take her tests and write papers for her while she was supposedly a student at USC. When all of this came to light, the university rescinded her diploma.
Apparently, Vintage Grocers was something for her with which to play and she had someone else running the market for her. The market had many items that were too expensive, and the space was not large enough for a full-sized market and the rent was too much to allow the store to make ends meet.
Also, she simultaneously closed another store in Westlake but she kept the store open in the shopping center that she owns in Malibu near Zuma Beach.
Along with Vintage Grocers, it is more than possible that other smaller stores in the Palisades/Caruso Village will close sometime in the future. The retail stores located there have quite expensive items and seem to be geared to women between the ages of 25 to 50.
There is another aspect and that is that Pacific Palisades is not a destination shopping area. The Caruso development is very attractive and it remains to be seen if the development will be financially viable.
Robert Fox
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