ANAHEIM : Residents Request More Park Patrols

Pearson Park has long been the gem of Anaheim’s park system, with its winding stream, historic cactus garden and central location offering residents a peaceful place to relax.

But lately, according to nearby residents, the park has fallen prey to drug dealers who use the park to do business and is fast becoming a haven for the homeless.

The residents report that their children have seen drug transactions, addicts using heroin, and transients using public restrooms for sexual activity, among other problems.

Many of those concerned are parishioners at St. Boniface Catholic Church, whose children attend the parish school around the corner from the park. They have asked city officials for help.

“The parents just don’t feel their children can play in the park any more,” said Maria Alaniz, a member of the St. Boniface Parish Community Organization whose children attend the school.

In a meeting this week, more than 500 concerned residents told officials from the police and parks departments about problems they have seen at the park. They requested increased police and park ranger patrols immediately after school, rather than just during the regular 6 p.m.-to-midnight shift. They also want more structured recreational activities at the park.

“I was very pleased with the turnout and interest,” said Police Lt. Ray Welch, who attended Monday’s meeting. “I want to help these people, but they need to choose--do they want to solve these problems, or do they want to continue voicing concerns?”

Welch said a recent nine-month study of crime in Pearson Park concluded that only 49 of 39,764 police reports citywide during that period were from the park. Of those 49, there were 28 arrests for crimes such as drug possession, public drunkenness, robbery and malicious mischief to public property, which includes graffiti.

“Their perception of a severe crime--though valid in their concern--is not a severe crime. Drinking beer in a public park is not a severe crime,” Welch said.

Both Welch and Chris Jarvi, director of parks, recreation and community services, believe a “park watch” modeled after Neighborhood Watch programs would help reduce crime.

“Part of the solution isn’t in government itself, but in getting the community involved,” Jarvi said.

Jarvi said his department does not have the resources to add more park ranger patrols, but his staff is looking into ways to provide more recreational services to the park.

Welch also said that while residents may not feel comfortable when homeless people use the park, there is no law prohibiting them from resting or sleeping there during park hours.