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Bass: Community programs help reduce violent crime in Los Angeles
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Insurance commissioner 'provisionally' OKs State Farm's 22% hike By Joe Taglieri
By Jose Herrera, City News Service
joet@beaconmedianews.com
A
day after the Los Angeles Police Department reported an overall reduction in violent crimes in 2024, city officials Tuesday highlighted what they called the vital role community programs and intervention played in that milestone. LAPD data showed there was a 45% decrease in gang-related homicides in so-called Gang Reduction and Youth Development zones in the city last year compared to 2023. These zones also saw a 48% reduction in the number of victims shot in gang-related conflicts. During a Tuesday morning news conference, Mayor Karen Bass recognized the Office of Community Safety, Urban Peace Institute, the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Coalition and the City Council for their work in violence prevention. "The reduction in citywide violence is a testament to the dedication of our community violence interventionalists, law enforcement, and community members and leaders working together to create a safer city," Bass said. "This is dangerous work -and to everyone who does it
VOL. 13,
A State Farm mobile team sets up in a wildfire-affected area in January. | Photo courtesy of State Farm
C | Photo courtesy of Chris Yarzab/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
day in and day out, we thank you." In 2007, city officials established the Mayor's Office of Gang Reduction in Youth Development to address gang violence by providing intervention, juvenile reentry and prevention services. They also organize community events such as Fall Friday Nights, Gun Guy Back, and Summer Night Lights. GRYD currently provides these initiatives in 23 zones in the city. Fernando Rejón, executive director of Urban Peace Institute, said people who provide community violence
intervention can become trusted voices in communities and help break the cycle of violence. "We must continue to invest in these proven professionals to ensure an even safer city for all," he added. City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez joined Bass for the announcement. They hailed the results of what they characterized as "community-driven solutions" to public safety. Harris-Dawson advoSee Crime Page 35
cated for more funding for these measures because it can "prevent harm before it occurs," he said. "The work of community peacemakers goes beyond responding to violence -- it prevents harm, transforms lives and rebuilds trust," Hernandez added. On Monday, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell and Bass announced homicides dropped 14% and shooting victims decreased by 19% in 2024. "While we recognize this progress, we remain committed to sustaining these
alifornia Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Friday "provisionally" approved a 22% emergency increase for State Farm homeowners policies that the company must justify with data at a public hearing set for next month. Lara rejected State Farm's request for rate hike in February after finding that California's largest insurer had failed to provide enough evidence that it needed the increase immediately. The company also asked for rate increases totaling 38% for rental dwellings and 15% for renters and condominium owners. State Farm representatives will have a chance to submit additional evidence to support the emergency request following the Eaton
and Palisades fires that erupted Jan. 7 amid fierce winds. The wildfires scorched nearly 60,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures and caused 29 deaths. "The role of insurance commissioner involves balancing a stable and sustainable insurance market that serves consumers with effective oversight," Lara said in a statement. "To ensure long-term choices for Californians, I had to make an unprecedented decision in the short term. "State Farm claims it is committed to its California customers and aims to restore financial stability," Lara said. "I expect both State Farm and its parent company to meet their responsibilities and not shift the burden entirely
See State Farm Page 36
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