How often do TV stations get to send their nightside crime-and-mayhem crews to a community meeting of angry, frightened citizens at the Hotel Bel-Air? Never! On Thursday night, the rich and scared will come down from the canyons for an official briefing on the hillside burglary wave. Refreshments will be served.

Community Members and Leaders,

This Thursday, August 9th at the Hotel Bel-Air from 7:00pm­ - 9:30pm you are invited to a community meeting to discuss the Hillside Burglaries, be sure to convey this to all interested parties. This meeting is for the area served by The WLA Community Police Station. There will be a separate meeting for the area serving Hollywood Division.

Sincerely Yours,

Robert A. Ringler
Vice President
Bel-Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council

Ringler promises an LAPD deputy chief, captain, lieutenant, three senior lead officers and two investigating officers will be on hand to soothe the populace — just like when the poor of, say, Wilmington or Pacoima become victims. With so much LAPD firepower there instead of on patrol — and the burglars alerted that everybody will be off at the town meetin' — you gotta wonder what the crime stats will be that night. I picture every light above Sunset left on, all security guards on overtime and the good folk arriving at the safest place in the hills — the beautiful Bel-Air — with their Ferraris and Mercedeses stuffed full of jewelery and idle cash.