Public Safety Issues Force Changes at Villa Parke

Local residents are upset about a decision to fence off part of a local park in a neighborhood that has experienced several shootings, including one on Sunday that left a 10-year old boy with multiple wounds.

The fencing has been placed in the Northeast section of Villa Parke in Northwest Pasadena. Six people have been shot in the area since September.

“This only restricts access to parks, restricts a passage to the community center, and restricts family members and community members who wish to honor their loved ones,” wrote one user on Instagram.

Residents of District 5 will have an opportunity to discuss the issue during a virtual meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Mayor Victor Gordo and District 5 Councilmember Jessica Rivias will attend the meeting, along with City Manager Steve Mermell and Dr. Ying-Ying Goh of the city’s Health Department. Members of the Pasadena Police Department will also be in attendance.

“I’ve heard from several constituents regarding the fencing and I am looking into it,” Rivas told Pasadena Now.

According to city spokesperson Lisa Derderian, city officials met with neighbors who wanted the fence. There is no indication that its presence creates a problem.

“This is a gun violence problem, not a fence issue,” Derderian said. “We need to focus on the bigger issue and resolution.”

On Sunday, a 10-year old boy was caught in a crossfire while playing in front of his home near the park. The boy was seriously wounded and taken to Huntington Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.

On Dec. 1, Cristino Medellin Avila, 51, and Aaron Perez Flores, 40, were shot and killed by an unknown assailant at the park. A third victim was left critically wounded, according to Pasadena police.

The three victims were sitting on a park bench when they came under fire, police said in a written statement. The shooter fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan.

In September, a drive-by shooting left an 18-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl critically wounded, authorities said.

Recently, the city moved programs held at the nearby community center to Victory Park.

“We moved our modified winter programming out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of our participants and staff,” Derderian said.

Due to COVID-19, all programs are being held outside and currently weekday classes end after 6 p.m. when it is dark.

The city plans to return soccer and boxing programs back to Villa Parke for the spring session, which will begin in March and coincide with longer daylight hours due to daylight savings time.

“The senseless acts of violence that have occurred over the past three months in the area of Villa Parke, impact not only the individuals and families of those struck by the gunfire, but it also impacts the entire community,” said Lt. Bill Grisafe. “The actions of these few, do not accurately reflect the true character of Pasadenans. Our detectives are working tirelessly to solve all of these crimes and bring those responsible to justice. We encourage anyone who may have information about these shootings, to contact the police department at 744-4241 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”