City Councilwoman: Jarvis Plaza is safe
By
Ray Gomez
Story Created:
Nov 20, 2009
Story Updated:
Nov 24, 2009
Yesterday's shooting is also drawing the attention of City officials who have something different to say about crime in Jarvis plaza.
Our Annette Garcia spoke with City Council member Cindy Liendo Espinoza who says the problems haven't gone unnoticed.
Espinoza says crime is seen almost anywhere, every city and every part of town.
And while it’s not good, it doesn't mean police aren't already keeping a close watch on the area.
One day after a man is gunned down in broad daylight, all eyes are on Jarvis plaza.
The incident, some say, was bound to happen all because the City hasn't done enough to keep crime out of downtown.
“When something like this happens, you’re going to get that reaction because it's so fresh and it's so unfortunate.”
Espinosa says in recent months more patrols on bikes and segways have been added to district five.
“The protection is there.”
According to police records, there have been at least one hundred reports made in the Jarvis area so far this year but most are minor. In fact only two are for assault.
Authorities say the majority of calls are self-initiated meaning one of the 15 officers in the district is the one who sees the suspicious activity and decides to investigate.
The calls, police say are usually not serious.
So could have Thursday's murder been prevented?
Councilwoman Espinoza says they're doing everything they can to prevent future incidents.
“We hate to see crime happening in our community but unfortunately it's something that is occurring. I do feel the police dept is doing the best they can and are trying to have as much presence there as they can.”
Laredo police say besides the 15 officers on rotation assigned for district 5, officers from neighboring downtown districts are also on the lookout for suspicious activity.
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para la vieja liendo said on Tuesday, Dec 1 at 11:14 PM
cree porque tiene apedillo liendo quiere hacer y desacer vieja bomba
32944054UnitedLonghorn said on Wednesday, Nov 25 at 10:01 AM
You just don't get it right Mr. Mayor and Councilwoman? THE POLICE IS THERE ALREADY!!!!! The problem is that after they are arrested they are let go by someone which is why the Cops have given up on downtown.
32658476Bellystomper said on Wednesday, Nov 25 at 8:41 AM
Police presence is a farce - this week i saw no less than 4 police cars at Eduardo's on Zapata Hwy at around 8:30am - then a couple of police cars at Loop 20/Century city entrance across from Advance at the corner and later more than 5 cops eating at Dannys-5900 san bernardo. OK CINDY OF LAREDO WHO IS TAKING CARE OF LAREDO!!!!!!!!!!!
32653724Brave councilwoman said on Tuesday, Nov 24 at 11:16 AM
Go get a sleeping bag and spend the night.Who would go near you though,you're right,you are safe.
32600346T-REKZ said on Monday, Nov 23 at 5:01 PM
I was born and raised in El Cuatro/El Tonto neighborhood. Unforutnately it has always been infested with concubines and derelicts as PROMETHEUS stated earlier. Downtown was the birth-place of Laredo; it should be thriving with shops, family pubs, and major restaraunts. But instead we have, Popeye's Chicken...whooopi! Cindy, you're doing a great job! Just keep at it!!
32562279mona said on Monday, Nov 23 at 10:00 AM
No problem carry your own gun and shoot back.
32535939UnitedLonghorn said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 7:58 PM
That guy had gotten arrested at least 20 times... always getting released three days later. This was bound to happen the cops had given up on catching him... and now downtown is a little safer I don't condone the way he left downtown but we all knew something like this was bound to happen Councilwoman why don't you meet up with me on Saturday at downtown you should know who I am by now I can show you first hand all the problems
32516161Insane Statement said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 4:29 PM
Safe for who Taco Belle?
32508781PROMETHEUS said on Saturday, Nov 21 at 9:04 PM
While I beleive Ms. Espinoza to have the community's best interests at heart, I moved from the area around Jarvis Park because my family and I couldn't walk downtown without being harrassed by all the homeless/derelicts that gravitate toward such public areas. I stopped making trips to the convenient store on Victoria and Santa Maria because I had to fight my way from the door to my car through a sea of homeless bums wanting change. I'm surprised it took this long for a murder to take place.
32481586My people said on Saturday, Nov 21 at 4:59 PM
I must agree with the councilwoman however if the city had a recommendation that we needed more police force out there why not adding more. The city did the exact opposite not adding a police class for a whole year. Why then waste our money in stupid studies from private consultants!!??
32474491Gary said on Saturday, Nov 21 at 4:51 PM
Why not get the taxis away from the Plazas? Taxi companies should operate on private property.Taxis should not use public property as a base of operations.Open up parking spaces for shoppers and tourists.
32474236City Management Not Taking Councilwonam Seriously said on Saturday, Nov 21 at 2:18 PM
It is clear that Councilwoman L. Espinoza keeps trying to do what is right for the community, on top always saying conciliatory remarks for the City. The problem she is facing is that City management does not take her interests,attempts, and words seriously. She needs to make City management accountable and start asking what the City management staffers and departments heads are doing. Espinoza -Make those City Managers and Department heads publicly accountable; you'll get high marks for that!
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