MacArthur Park: Is a Fence the Answer to Homelessness and Crime?

MacArthur Park has been a hotspot for crime and homelessness for a long time. The idea of putting up a $2. 3 million fence around it has sparked a lot of debate. Some people think it's a good idea, while others are not so sure. The park is in a rough area. There are a lot of homeless people, drugs, and crime. The city of L. A. is mainly responsible for fixing these problems, but the county also has a role to play. There have been some improvements, like a rebuilt children's playground, but there's still a lot of work to be done. Some people think the fence will just push the problems elsewhere. They say the money would be better spent on services for the homeless and people struggling with addiction. Others think the fence will make the park more welcoming and safer for families. One person, Raul Claros, who is running for office, said he supports the fence but only if it's part of a bigger plan to address the community's needs. He wants to know what the plan is, when it will happen, and who is in charge. The park has some nice features, like a soccer field and a bandstand. But many parents are afraid to take their kids there because of safety concerns. If the fence helps bring families back, that would be a good thing. But the fence is just one part of the solution. The neighborhood needs much more than that. It's been a long time since the city acknowledged the crisis in this area. The people who live here need more help than a fence can provide.