Public Comment Correspondence – Daniel Ciganovich
-----Original Message-----
From: Daniel Ciganovich <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2023 3:04 PM
To: CityClerk <[email protected]>; Council District 3 <[email protected]> Subject: Ensuring Usable and Safe Public Spaces.
-EXTERNAL-
Attention: City Clerk (Long Beach)
I'm writing as a concerned resident of Long Beach regarding the deteriorating safety in public spaces.
My family and I have personally experienced threats to our safety and personal property in recent months.
Last year my wife was walking our little dog in our neighborhood of Belmont Park, when a homeless man threatened her, and kicked at out dog. She got into a verbal confrontation with him in an attempt to defend herself and our dog.
A few months ago, one of our neighbors texted us, they saw a homeless person camped out on our front porch. We saw this text late in the morning, and upon investigation, found they were fortunately gone. However, we did find our porch furniture rearranged, and a lot of trash and cigarette buts left behind. Note: we have a fenced in front yard with a latched gate, so this persons entry was intentional.
We now leave our porch lights on every night for security, causing us to waste electricity.
One night I left my vehicle unlocked, which I never do knowing the risks. Sure enough, this one time and someone was inside my vehicle, and went through all my things. Fortunately, I do not leave any valuables in my vehicles.
About 6 months ago, we had a homeless woman walk by our house with just pants on and what appeared to be red paint smeared on herself. I called LBPD to report her, in hopes no other children in the area would have to encounter her. I also had to explain to my 8 year old why she might be acting that way.
I have lived in California for 60+ years, born in San Pedro, than moved to Huntington Beach for 10+ years, and now in Long Beach for 11 years. I am well aware of the homeless crisis pleaguing our city, as we see homeless in our neighborhood daily, and all over the city. I have never seen nor encountered so many issues like I have these recent months.
The city of Long beach has a legal obligation to protect the rights and safety of all residents in public spaces. Real action is needed now, its my hope our elected leaders start to represent the interest of the majority of citizens who work hard, pay taxes, and call Long Beach their home.
Sincerely,
Daniel Ciganovich
Belmont Park, LB.