I'm a 43-year resident of Simi Valley, and as long as I can remember there have been problems at Rancho Simi Community Park, aka Duck Park.

We were always warned to walk in groups while our kids were playing sports in the park and never to be there after dark.

Why is it so dangerous? It's in the middle of Simi Valley's gang neighborhoods and the Arroyo, which the homeless and gang bangers use as easy escape routes.

What would I do to make it safe for the majority of residents? Here are a few thoughts:

•Increase the number of park rangers and give them the authority to enforce rules that make it safe for the law-abiding residents of the community. The public and the agencies that represent them need to be determined to remove those that commit crimes or violent acts against others from a public venue.

•Add Simi police patrols to the mix, preferably with their dogs. Their gang unit is very much aware of what is going on in and around the park. Park officials would do well to work closely with them.

•Get persistent, violent homeless people like Ms. Piasecki off the streets. Mental health confinement? Released to responsible relatives? Jail? All possibilities.

Thanks for asking. Judy McLaughlin Simi Valley