Anti-Gang Rally Fetes Revival of Lost Park

CANOGA PARK — Seven years ago, Lanark Park was hardly a place to bring the family for a day of fun and relaxation.

Drug dealers brazenly plied their trade in the shadows of the playground equipment. Gang members treated its grounds as their own domain, using violence and intimidation to scare off local residents, including many children.

“It wasn’t what you and I would consider a public park,” said Val Paniccia, commander of the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Valley Division. “The park was simply controlled by the criminal element and it was one of the worst in the city.”

But heightened police presence and community support has transformed Lanark Park from one of the worst recreation spots in the San Fernando Valley to one of the best.

And that renaissance was evident Saturday as several hundred people turned out for an LAPD-sponsored anti-gang rally, despite the overcast weather.

While the turnout was lower than expected, it didn’t dampen the festive spirit.

Kids lined up four deep around a boxing ring and tried their hand at boxing, peered at a miniature Hovercraft and stood around a stage that featured entertainment from traditional Mexican dancing to rap.

Still, the purpose of the event was as unmistakable as the oft-repeated message: Stay away from gangs, stay off drugs, the community cares.

“We have to convince kids that membership in a gang is not the solution,” interim Los Angeles Police Chief Bayan Lewis said. “We have to help convince them that the power to resist these influences lies within them.”

Police say the changes at Lanark Park began to take place in 1991. Officers made narcotics arrests, targeting both drug dealers and buyers. They busted dealers, and then used undercover officers posing as dealers to nail those who came to the park to buy and use drugs.

Moreover, police and the city attorney’s office informed nearby landlords when tenants were arrested on narcotics or other charges, and persuaded the landlords to evict them, Paniccia said.

“We drove out the problem people and replaced them with people who cared,” Paniccia said. “We developed programs to keep kids out of trouble.”

One program is “Project Amigo Youth,” which takes kids on excursions they otherwise would be unable to afford.

“We take them fishing, to Magic Mountain and bowling,” Paniccia said. “We are trying to reach them before they go off the deep end.”

One tough-looking 19-year-old agreed that it is important to reach youths early.

“There’s a certain age when it won’t work,” said Steve Hale, a visitor who sported a “San Dimas” tattoo on the back of his neck. “After a while there are too many bad memories. A lot can go on.”

Sponsors of the event provided more than a dozen booths where young people could find information on health-related issues, community groups or career opportunities.

Kasandra Tristan, 12, of Canoga Park and her friend Traci Elzie, 11, of Panorama City spent their morning stopping by several of the stands and came away clearly impressed.

“This helps because all my life I’ve been surrounded by drugs and gangs,” Tristan said. “This teaches you to plan your life out, stay in school and choose something you like to do.”

The Lanark rally was an obvious draw for public officials Saturday. In addition to Chief Lewis and Deputy Chief Martin Pomeroy, attendees included Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) and County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

Everyone seemed to appreciate the efforts that made the day possible.

“It’s symbolic of the strides against gangs in the San Fernando Valley,” Pomeroy said. “This park is safe for families to come. But a lot of people have put a lot of hard work in over the past three years.”