Hmong introduce themselves to their Latino counterparts at a Santa Ana block party. Food, handshakes, smiles pick up where language ends. : Welcome, Neighbor

Saturday’s Jackson Street block party, which brought together the Hmong and Latino residents who dominate the 300 block, was proof that goodwill can be conveyed without many words.

The Hmong, ethnic Chinese from Laos, and Latinos, mostly of Mexican descent, have lived side by side for three months--since seven Hmong families moved into an apartment complex--but they rarely mingled. Many of the Hmong stayed barricaded beyond the iron fence around the apartment complex, afraid to go outside because of crime.

The gate stood wide-open Saturday for the first time as the Hmong served glass noodles, barbecued chicken and fried rice to all comers. The Hmong who speak English translated for those who do not, and bilingual Spanish-speakers translated the English into Spanish when necessary.

“We wanted to go outside but were afraid, so we never opened this gate before,” said Mai Xiong one of the block party organizers. “We want the Hmong people to know the Mexican people, but there’s a language barrier and we cannot communicate well.”

About 75 attended the party, as did representatives from the Police Department, the Orange County Bar Foundation, the Santa Ana Library Book Mobile and the Orange County Transportation Authority, which provided a decorated bus.

Often a conversation did not extend much beyond “hello” in English, but friendly handshakes and smiles picked up where language fell off.

“This is very good. It’s a good place and I hope that in the future it will be the same,” said Ya Vang, president of the Jackson Street tenants association.

“I felt like they’re very isolated here--the Hmong--because before there were gang members here who took over and destroyed the property and it was only with city officials and the Police Department we were able to get it back and remodel it,” said America Bowen, resident coordinator of the Civic Center Barrio Housing Corp., which sponsored the party.

“But the Mexican people and the Hmong have so much in common,” Bowen said. “Both are foreigners and now must adjust to a different country. The language, the legal system, the educational system, the way of life are all different.

“We’re all going through the same thing in trying to adjust,” Bowen said.

At first, most of the children at the party stayed close to their parents or friends, but the shyness and communication barriers vanished as soon as a multicolored inflatable house was put up for them to jump on. The children bounced and laughed and giggled until it was someone else’s turn.

The advent of the Hmong tenants, who were attracted by the affordable rent, has dramatically changed the character of the block, some Latino residents said. And that change has been positive.

“Before they came, I was always afraid,” said Mary S. Villa, a 62-year resident of the street. “There was always much gunfire and gang members and now things are better.

“They are very good neighbors, very peaceful. They have invited me to visit them, and I’m going to go.”