FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Residents to Air Crime Concerns

Residents in the northern part of the city are invited to attend a Neighborhood Watch meeting Wednesday to discuss concerns about crime.

The meeting, with Mayor Laurann Cook as host, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Vista View School, 16250 Hickory St.

Cook, who lives in the neighborhood, agreed to hold the meeting after residents recently told city leaders of their concerns about criminal activity and violence. The concerns stemmed from a fatal shooting in October outside a Vietnamese coffeehouse on Edinger Avenue.

“I think we need to put the facts out and dispel some of the rumors,” Cook said. “I think it’s important that citizens feel secure in their neighborhood.”

Residents who live in the area attended recent City Council meetings and demanded that the city shut down the business. But with no legal grounds to close the coffeehouse, the city has increased police patrols in the area and encouraged programs such as Neighborhood Watch.

The meeting is directed at people who live in the area bordered by Edinger Avenue on the north, Heil Avenue on the south, Magnolia Avenue on the west and Bushard Street on the east.

Cook said that citizens who don’t live in the area are invited to attend the meeting as well.

Cook said plans are to circulate 600 flyers to residents encouraging them to attend.

Police Chief Elvin Miali will be on hand to answer residents’ questions. Neighborhood Watch representatives will also present crime prevention techniques.

To schedule a meeting or for more information about the Neighborhood Watch program, residents may call (714) 965-4488.