Honoring Eddie Lopez

March 8, 2006

Dear Editor:

The Mayor, City Council and I join the community in mourning the death of a fine young man on February 28. Eddie Lopez, a popular student athlete at Samohi, was killed by gang violence while innocently going about his business with friends in the Pico neighborhood of Santa Monica last Tuesday night. Our hearts go out to the Lopez family.

This tragedy strengthens our resolve to continue efforts already underway in the areas of jobs, neighborhood appearance, community programs, public safety and neighborhood involvement. But holding a job fair, wiping out graffiti, creating programs for older youth, increasing police presence and better communication among neighbors -- while all vitally important -- cannot do the job alone.

To stop the loss of innocent young lives and to have a meaningful and lasting impact on gang violence within our city limits, we must focus regionally with police departments and other agencies and officials outside our borders. We will be working with Senator Sheila Kuehl and her staff on regional approaches to address gang violence, beginning with the dialog on March 18 at John Adams Middle School. We encourage community members to attend. The forum begins at 10 a.m.

In honoring Eddie Lopez and all others whose lives have been taken from us, the City Council remains committed to doing its part, and we as a community and as individuals must remain vigilant in our efforts as well.

P. Lamont Ewell
City Manager