Stepped up police patrols, trimmed-back bushes and increased efforts to clean up graffiti around Strawberry Creek Park are among a slew of recent steps by the city following two troubling incidents in March, including a drive-by shooting nearby and the violent robbery of a Berkeley middle school student. Community members around the West Berkeley park have been asking for help from the city to make changes. They cite frequent problems in the area related in part to its use as a hang-out by youth — including many who reportedly have gang ties. Drug sales and the smoking of marijuana at all hours are said to be regular sights. Police have been called to the park, which runs from Addison Street to south of Bancroft Way just west of Bonar Street, numerous times since November. A variety of incidents have been reported: from drive-by shootings and robberies to ongoing problems with gang graffiti on buildings in the vicinity. And it’s not the first time the area has been a source of concern. In 2012, neighbors rallied after two shootings nearby — which both involved multiple victims — that led to community meetings and grassroots attempts to get organized to combat the violence. Recently, Councilman Darryl […]
Stepped up police patrols, trimmed-back bushes and increased efforts to clean up graffiti around Strawberry Creek Park are among a slew of recent steps by the city following two troubling incidents in March, including a drive-by shooting nearby and the violent robbery of a Berkeley middle school student. Community members around the West Berkeley park have been asking for help from the city to make changes. They cite frequent problems in the area related in part to its use as a hang-out by youth — including many who reportedly have gang ties. Drug sales and the smoking of marijuana at all hours are said to be regular sights. Police have been called to the park, which runs from Addison Street to south of Bancroft Way just west of Bonar Street, numerous times since November. A variety of incidents have been reported: from drive-by shootings and robberies to ongoing problems with gang graffiti on buildings in the vicinity. And it’s not the first time the area has been a source of concern. In 2012, neighbors rallied after two shootings nearby — which both involved multiple victims — that led to community meetings and grassroots attempts to get organized to combat the violence. Recently, Councilman Darryl […]