Skid Row is visited by new US Attorney before being sworn in Today

  New US Attorney Andre Birotte Jr speaking before the walk , with Estela Lopez and Carmen Turtanich look on.

 Don Garza Downtown Los Angeles

Estela Lopez and Carmen Trutanich were consistent in highlighting the efforts to keep skid row  crime under control while  the new US Attorney Andre Birotte Jr , being sworn in today ,from Southern California looked on. The  Los Angeles City Attorneys office was also there in full force giving support to their efforts at the initiatives that have made an impact in reducing crime in the area. On hand was Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph who was very articulate in detailing the effects of the initiatives such as Safer Cities Initiative  and the Streets or Services Program  that have led to people being able to walk day and night more safely in the area. Carmen Trutanich also made it clear that he would fight to keep both programs intact.
Deon Joseph continued to explain how the skid row community, after 10 years of hard work, is now able to communicate with the LAPD , whereas in the past no one spoke to each other on the issues that plagued the community.Songhai Miguda -Armstead was also very imformative , where many in local city government can't tell you where anything in skid row is , Songhai has developed the street cred with the community to have also been able to speak on the issues succinctly that have plagued the area as well as how the initiatives of the City Attorneys office have helped in the making of skid row a safer place while being mindful of the special issues and needs of the skid row community.

 Songhai Miguda-Armstead and Senior Lead officer Deon Joseph explain the issues which plague skid row while the new US Attorney looks on and listens in

Estela Lopez  of the CCEA, the LAPD , and the Midnight Mission have been consistent in the mission of the monthly skid row walk. While there is still more work to be done, Carmen Trutanich emphasized before the walk that he is committed to making it even more safe at night to walk the streets of skid row. He says he will fight to keep the 50 officers of SCI and City Attorney initiatives in skid row intact.