I believe the park district general manager failed to mention that Rancho Simi Park is a hangout for our local gang members ("Transient charged with assaulting teen near Duck Park," Acorn, March 27).

My suggestion would be a simple one. First, zero tolerance for any and all alcohol-related violations.

Next, since this is one of our prized jewels, or could be, I suggest a camera system be installed in the park with a live feed being sent back to the police department so we can monitor the park during hours of operation—especially when our schoolchildren are utilizing the facility and/or walking home from school.

This realtime video would enable the police department to work in concert with the officers patrolling the area to immediately make arrests for drug activity, gangrelated activity, as well as any and all alcohol-related incidents, thus sending a strong message out to the entire community that the park is intended for recreational use, not criminal activity.

This incident further substantiates the need for such a system. The cost isn't cheap, but I believe we could hold a major fundraiser for such a worthwhile project, so the city of Simi Valley wouldn't be burdened with the cost. Dan Mastro Simi Valley

Mastro is a retired Los Angeles police officer.