ANAHEIM : Store Gets Permit Despite Problems

Despite a history of problems with day laborers congregating at a Home Depot store in west Anaheim, the City Council has extended a special permit that allows outdoor storage and display of building materials at the store.

A majority of the council was convinced this week that Home Depot is doing its part to reduce the number of laborers who gather there in search of work. The store recently hired a uniformed security guard who is on duty every morning, and has taken other steps.

In the past, the store has attracted many day laborers who seek work from contractors and others who come to buy building materials at the store.

Mayor Tom Daly and Councilmen Lou Lopez and Frank Feldhaus approved extending the special permit for three years. Councilman Tom Tait abstained from voting.

Councilman Bob Zemel disagreed with the majority, saying he wanted to extend the permit for only a year, giving the city greater control over Home Depot. He also sought unsuccessfully to officially require that Home Depot hire a security guard.

“People who live on the west end should have a freedom from fear, and they don’t have that,” said Zemel, who has received complaints from residents and businesses about the presence of day laborers outside the store.

Store manager Greg Hunko said Wednesday that the store will keep a security guard until the problem with day laborers is solved.

He added that the store has also received complaints from customers, some of whom felt intimidated after being approached by the men seeking work.