TV News Crews Show Up for Community Forum Dominated by E-bike Concerns

A Community Forum with Councilmember Dean Francois took on additional significance on Monday evening (1st December) as residents competed for space in City Hall chambers with TV news cameras from both Fox 11 and KTLA.

The meeting had been scheduled before the assault on a 56 year old man by a gang of juveniles on 11th Court on the evening of 21st November. In anticipation of a barrage of questions from the community regarding the incident, Francois was flanked by both City Manager Steve Napolitano and Police Chief Landon Phillips. Phillips did most of the talking as questions ranged from the progress of the investigation to future enforcement measures to curb antisocial behavior in the City.

No significant new details regarding the incident were released during the meeting. Police confirmed that all parties have been identified, and have previously announced that two juveniles have been arrested for assault, booked into custody at HbPD jail and transported to juvenile hall. Chief Phillips did not confirm whether charges would be brought against other juveniles, saying that 'investigations are continuing'.

Chief Landon Phillips addressing community questions on Monday evening

Residents spoke and listened for almost 90 minutes, including discussion of other incidents they had personally witnessed. Phillips reiterated his previous advice to the community to always report incidents of public nuisance and antisocial behavior, and not to be worried about calling 911 if in any doubt.

A number of residents questioned the possibility of instigating some sort of license plate requirement for e-bikes in order to make them easier to identify. Both Napolitano and Phillips stated that a law change of this type would likely require state approval.

Following up from the recent Public Safety Forum held last month, questions were raised regarding the potential use of additional contract enforcement officers. Responding, Francois stated 'this was just a suggestion at the last meeting. I'm not sure that the public is ready for the cost of these additional officers'

The impact of speeding e-bikes on The Strand was raised by several attendees. Michelle Hampton spoke emotionally as she described no longer feeling safe walking on The Strand, and of neighbors who no longer walk their dogs there because of the potential dangers of speeding e-bikes. Strand resident Robert Aronoff accused riders of turning The Strand from 'a walking path into a freeway'.

Press Release 'fell short'

Local social media forums continue to be dominated by chatter and concerns over the assault incident. Phillips and Napolitano both referenced the difficulties caused by the potential spread of misinformation, and the constraints caused by an ongoing investigation that involves juvenile suspects.

Napolitano did however acknowledge that a press statement made by the Police Department last Tuesday 'fell short' of expected standards. That press release was perceived by some to apportion blame on the victim for initiating contact with the suspects, while failing to acknowledge the severity of the subsequent assault. The statement made reference to the victim being attacked with 'a cardboard pizza box' without also mentioning the kicks and punches that were seen in a widely circulated video of the incident.