This is Detective Ray Bercini and I am a 20 year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, I was a part of Coach Pete Carroll’s original vision and one of the original co-founder of A Better LA. My heart and commitment goes out to this entire effort, as I used to patrol and investigate these gang infested and violent areas of the county. I would like for people to know that the area of West Athens hosted the target gangs I used to combat daily, as I witnessed some of the most disturbing crime scenes and watched as children lay dead in the streets. Helen Keller Park was a dark and sinister recruiting ground for one of the most notorious street gangs and had the reputation of a grave yard.
It is beyond words to now see the incredible transformation of this community and park and with great respect for all who have given to this community, thank you! The guys I used to target for arrest have stepped up and joined the hard working leaders from this community to again allow children to thrive and play without fear. Thank you Pete Carroll for inspiring all of us who have suffered much loss! The future is filled with hope!
Comments (2) Feb 6, 2009 - 4:06 pm
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This is Detective Ray Bercini and I am a 20 year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, I was a part of Coach Pete Carroll’s original vision and one of the original co-founder of A Better LA. My heart and commitment goes out to this entire effort, as I used to patrol and investigate these gang infested and violent areas of the county. I would like for people to know that the area of West Athens hosted the target gangs I used to combat daily, as I witnessed some of the most disturbing crime scenes and watched as children lay dead in the streets. Helen Keller Park was a dark and sinister recruiting ground for one of the most notorious street gangs and had the reputation of a grave yard.
It is beyond words to now see the incredible transformation of this community and park and with great respect for all who have given to this community, thank you! The guys I used to target for arrest have stepped up and joined the hard working leaders from this community to again allow children to thrive and play without fear. Thank you Pete Carroll for inspiring all of us who have suffered much loss! The future is filled with hope!