By Daily Press staff
Residents in an eastside neighborhood that has been the site of recent violence are organizing this weekend to discuss the area’s issues.
A free picnic, a chance to meet neighbors and the opportunity to help shape the future of the neighborhood await those that attend the Pico Neighborhood Association’s annual assembly on Saturday at Edison Elementary School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The assembly also will feature the election of the board of directors for the group, now in its 24th year of voicing the collective concerns of the residents of the Pico neighborhood.
“This year, in particular, we’ve seen a lot of new people move into the neighborhood,” said Cece Bradley, secretary of the organization. “This will give old-timers and new neighbors a chance to meet and eat, as well as help shape our priorities for the coming year and beyond.”
Recent events have put the Pico neighborhood in the center of several contentious issues, including the OPCC homeless shelter proposed for Cloverfield Boulevard, a sobering center slated for Pico Boulevard, charges of “dumping” social services in the largely minority, low-income neighborhood, as well as youth violence.
“But taking care of important business doesn’t mean we can’t have a good time,” said board member Wes Terry. “All our residents have to bring is their family and their opinions, especially what they think will help make this neighborhood a better place to live.”
This year marks a change from the usual location. Virginia Avenue Park, the site of the last several annual assemblies, is closed for renovations. Edison School is located at 2425 Kansas Ave., just a block east of the park.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 16, 2003. Read the original PDF.