ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : Gang Control: An Honest Effort

Sometimes a community must be shaken at its roots before it summons the common resolve to attack a problem. In April, the fatal shooting of a father of three on an outdoor basketball court in downtown Santa Ana was just such a motivational event.

Community meetings on the city’s gang-related problems of violence followed, and politicians sparred in assigning blame for previous failures of understanding. But now, several months later, Santa Ana really does seem to have put rhetoric aside and set itself on a course of action.

The City Council agreed Monday to a series of reforms aimed at curbing gang violence. The plan, offered by Miguel A. Pulido Jr., one of two Latinos on the council, contains proposals for education and crime suppression and prevention, as well as creating new jobs.

The final cost of the program, unfortunately, is what has been described as a moving target. But while acknowledging current budgetary uncertainties, the city is refusing to wait around for potential solutions that might turn out to be cheaper. At the same time, it will make sure that the money spent goes to proven programs.

For example, the city will add six non-salaried positions to the Human Relations Commission, with the goal of addressing issues related to youth. It has also provided an incentive to neighborhoods by promising that volunteer efforts to remove graffiti will free up money for other community projects. And it will take a known winner, the after-school recreation program called Project PRIDE, and double its allocation, to $150,000.

One notable aspect of this plan is its aim to build consensus. And even though one community group advanced its own somewhat different program, it seems likely now that the official city approach is inclusive enough to unite community interests.

The city has come a long way from the inflated rhetoric heard recently from different quarters. Now it has a plan. Whether or not Santa Ana has a final dollar figure, its commendable intention is to make tragedy a catalyst to improve community life.