Time to act

Dear Editor:In the past few weeks there have been multiple shootings at two bars and restaurants in the north Downey area. The first was a murder at Gloria's Restaurant. The second was a double murder outside George's Bar on Florence Avenue. Now I read that there was another shooting at Gloria's with someone being critically injured. ("Shooting Reported at Gloria's Restaurant," TheDowneyPatriot.com, 4/13/13) What is the city of Downey and the Downey Police Department doing to address these continuing violent occurrences in our community? Is the police department doing extra patrols at these businesses that attract criminals? Are undercover officers being sent in to suppress vice activities? Is the city looking at possibly revoking business licenses? Has the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control been contacted to address the abuse of alcohol at the locations? Has the city met with the owners of these businesses to address the issues? At what point does a business become to detrimental to the community that the city steps in on behalf of public safety? To the city council and police: this is the time to act. Your community demands your actions and demands better. Hugo Martinez Downey

********** Published: April 18, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 01