When you step into the Avalon Arts and Cultural Alliance’s Creative Center in Wilmington, you’re instantly captivated by art in visual, auditory and digital forms.
Every corner of the center emphasizes beauty, culture and learning, with numerous arts and STEM programs, mostly aimed at children.
But to get to the arts center, visitors must first confront the reality of Avalon Boulevard outside.
Volunteers like Louise Pacella are often afraid to open their doors to the street because they don’t know what’s outside: excrement, trash or bulky items like mattresses.
“How do you get people into this really cool space if they have to travel such a long way?” Pacella asked.
The center’s security cameras frequently capture illegal dumping of garbage.
In June, a man suffered a drug-related seizure and appeared to overdose just outside the center.
Fortunately, the City of Los Angeles has awarded a new private security contract to Avalon Boulevard between Water and Opp Streets.
City Councilman Tim McCosker, who represents the area, said the decision was based on numerous complaints of vandalism, illegal dumping and other minor crimes.
Congressional District 15 funds, state redevelopment funds and Avalon Business Improvement District dues will cover the roughly half-million-dollar cost of the two-year contract with Peak Security.
“Think of this as an unarmed response to public safety,” McCosker said, “which will keep our eyes on the streets from early morning through late nights and even the early hours of the next morning.”
Arts center officials hope the changes will help reflect the safety and vitality within the community on the streets outside.
“We are very hopeful that some regular attention to this area will bring the support that is needed,” Pacella said.
This is not the first time the area has paid for private security – the previous contract expired a year ago.
There has been a significant increase in petty crime, so once troopers are back on the streets, they are hopeful that there will be a significant decrease in petty crime, McCosker said.