UNATTENDED PROPERTY / VAN NUYS GOVERNMENT CENTER

Motion - With the opening of the Van Nuys Municipal Building and the increased pedestrian traffic in the government center area, a problem has arisen in the area regarding unattended property. This unattended property has created potential security issues. On numerous occasions, the bomb squad has been called out to the area. According to the Neighborhood Prosecutor, it does not appear that the City has a coordinated response system to address these potential security needs. We cannot afford to ignore the situation in this area. Due to the concentration of government buildings, all unattended property should be assumed to carry the potential threat of a bomb unless otherwise proven. For the safety of the constituents, visitors and government employees, the City should adopt an ordinance prohibiting unattended property within the Van Nuys Government Center. THEREFORE MOVE that the City Attorney be requested to draft an ordinance or amendment to the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) that would make it illegal to leave property in and around the Van Nuys Government Center. FURTHER MOVE that the Office of Public Safety and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) work with the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance that would address the specific needs of the Van Nuys Government Center. FURTHER MOVE that General Services be directed to post signs prohibiting unattended property within the Erwin Street Mall and the general Van Nuys Government Center.

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