Update

Follow-up on the news

FULLERTON

Crime Declines Significantly

Issue: Crime in Fullerton

Background: The Police Department’s Crime Analysis Unit has completed a study of crime in the city.

Development: The recently released study found that violent crime dropped nearly 18% in the past three years while the incidence of other crimes has fallen about 24%.

The statistics also indicate that gang-related crime is declining. Other crimes also are decreasing, including vandalism, drug violations, fraud, prostitution, larceny, burglary, robberies and auto thefts. Police attribute the decline to the increasing willingness of people to report crimes and help police catch criminals.

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TUSTIN

Residents Riled by Noise Law

Issue: Noise law

Background: Residents are angry about the city’s noise ordinance, which some say is not being obeyed or enforced. Angry residents have complained that home builders in the Tustin Ranch area are not complying with regulations, which bar building on Saturdays. Tustin Ranch resident Elain Nermon said she has heard noise from construction crews on weekends and on national holidays. “They have disregarded our concerns, they have abused the hours,” she told council members recently.

Update: City officials are reworking the noise law to make it clearer and easier to enforce. It hasn’t been updated since 1982. The revised ordinance should be before the City Council at its Monday meeting.

Council members say they want to fix the noise law before considering a request from the Irvine Co. to start construction work from 9 a.m. to dusk on Saturdays. Such work is now permitted from 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays.

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CYPRESS

Resident Organizes Anti-Recall Group

Issue: Recall movement against two council members

Background: The recall drive was launched last month by residents angry at the City Council’s Sept. 26 vote that allows construction of a large carpet distribution warehouse at 11400 Valley View. Residents say trucks would enter and leave the facility 24 hours a day. Some residents claimed the new warehouse and trucking operation would ruin their neighborhoods and harm the environment in Cypress. The recall effort is aimed at Mayor Cecilia L. Age and Councilwoman Gail H. Kerry, who were among the majority on the previous City Council that voted to approve the warehouse.

Development: Resident Reynold Elkin announced he is organizing an anti-recall organization. He said the group has about 200 members and invited others to join. Elkin, said he strongly supports the carpet warehouse because it would generate tax dollars for the city and would be less harmful than other possible projects. Elkin urged residents not to recall Age and Kerry.

--COMPLIED BY BILL BILLITER, MIMI KO AND ALAN EYERLY