SANTA ANA : City Receives Grant for Anti-Crime Project
Santa Ana has received an additional $500,000 for its participation in the federal Weed and Seed program designed to fight crime and revitalize victimized neighborhoods.
The Justice Department in 1992 chose that city and 19 others for the pilot project and granted Santa Ana more than $1 million for youth programs and increased police patrols.
Santa Ana police and the district attorney have said that Weed and Seed money contributed to numerous arrests. But some community members say crime has simply gone to other parts of the city, and not enough money has been spent to seed, or revitalize, areas once the criminal element is rooted out.
The new money will be distributed to programs aimed at keeping children out of gangs. The Youth and Education Services will receive $140,000 to teach at-risk youths construction skills, which are then put to use in designated Weed and Seed areas.
Safe Haven will receive $112,500 to pay for outdoor, cultural and other activities for at-risk youths and their families.
The area targeted by the program is bounded by 1st Street on the north, McFadden Avenue on the south, Sullivan Street on the west and Raitt Street on the east.
With the new money the city plans to expand the southern boundary of the area about a half-dozen blocks to Edinger Avenue.
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