Safety issues have plagued MacArthur Park. At an upcoming town hall, you can help with solutions

LAFD paramedics treat a man in MacArthur Park. The park is an important community space, but has long dealt with health and safety issues. (Jordan Rynning / LAist) Topline:

Following months of public safety issues and drug enforcement operations in MacArthur Park, business owners, faith leaders and community members will join a town hall meeting tonight on the future of the park. The event is open to the public.

Who's leading it? Hosted by the local nonprofit California Rising, the event aims to address safety and accessibility issues. L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and LAPD Rampart division leaders will also attend, according to spokespeople for their offices.

What will be discussed: Raul Claros from California Rising told LAist the town hall will be an opportunity for the community to weigh in. Claros ran for City Council to represent District 1, which includes the park, and was defeated in the June primary.

Topics will include:

Needle and pipe distribution programs

Perimeter fencing and gates around the park

Area law enforcement resources

Plans to close the section of Wilshire Boulevard that runs through MacArthur Park

Opening of the Westlake Theatre

Establishing safe street vending areas

Claros said California Rising will ask local officials to hear the community’s input and meet with stakeholders within 30 days after the town hall to discuss how they might put ideas into action.

When and where:

Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Iglesia Pentecostés Más Que Vencedores en Cristo, 2020 W 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057