Comment of the Week: "Safe? Hollywood safe? Ha!"

We take pride in our work here at Patch and always strive to bring our readers interesting news. However, we must admit, sometimes the most interesting part of a great Patch story is the comments from readers that it sparks. 

Here are some of the best, funniest, strangest and most informative comments from Patch stories around the Northeast L.A. and Hollywood Patch sites this past week: 

Hollywood

UPDATE: Police Hold News Conference After Street Robbery Spree in Hollywood

Do you feel safe in Hollywood? A burglary spree last week prompted the discussion after law enforcement and elected officials assured the public the area is a safe place to visit. 

Hollywood Patch reader Scott Zwartz wrote "Safe? Hollywood safe? Ha!" while reader Fran commented: "I compare these marauding hooligans to the mayor, city council and Chamber. Hollywood is their victim. Each added development is like a rolling robbery, taking while leaving the neighborhood broken."

Some strong opinions here. Chime in the article to share your thoughts. 

Eagle Rock

Why Vons Stopped its Shopping Center Construction

Here's a great example of a previous edition of "Comments of the Week" helping to inform the community.

In a previous edition of this article, reader Ed posted on the Patch Boards a question about the status of Vons construction in his neighborhood. Patch Editor Ajay Singh sought answers and reported that Vons on Figueroa ran out of time on an “alleyway vacation.” Sounds complicated, and he breaks it down in the article.

Ed noticed the article and provided a note of thanks. This is one of the things we do best. Have a question about something in your neighborhood? Hit the boards and post a question.

Ed July 18, 2013 at 07:53 pm Thanks Ajay for the update on what's going on (or more accurately, what's NOT going on) with the Vons construction project. It's too bad the construction has been stopped and will now be delayed, as it only serves to continue the eye sore this particular location has been for way too long now. 
However, unlike many of the people who read and write comments on this site, I welcome the gentrification and all the new changes and development that come with it. I have lived in this area since 1965, and I've watched it change from a nice middle class neighborhood to something not so nice as schools began to falter, crime began to rise, and many families picked up and left in search of a better place to live and raise a family. I have been more than pleased with the revitalization of an area that had become blighted in many parts, as well as seeing so many run down homes repaired and brought back to their former glory. Whether it's the variety of new business establishments on York, or the same thing happening on Colorado Boulevard, I say bring it on.

Opinion Boards

The Opinion Board is a place that readers can sound off on, well, just about anything they like. We also have an Announcement Board, Buy/Sell/Trade and Business Updates. If you see a topic of interest hit the boards and share your thoughts! Here are some interesting Board posts:

Eagle Rock

Zimmerman Case

"Do Something" was curious about the George Zimmerman ruling making national news. He posted: "What are your opinions on this case?"

Highland Park - Mount Washington

Crash into Maria's Clothing
Davis DeBard posted a photo of a car crash on July 17. It appears the vehicle drove straight through the wall of a retail store.

Echo Park - Silver Lake 

Knife sharpening 
Heads up Silver Lake Farmer's Market goers. Reader Carolyn posts a tip about Mark Fleischman who brings his knife sharpening skills to the market each week. Straight or serrated, he has equipment to handle both.