Celebrating Normality

The recent parade of residents of one Santa Ana neighborhood, celebrating their freedom from fear, was a remarkable demonstration that too many people have been deprived of a normal way of life.

Men, women and children living near 3rd and Olive streets took to the streets to mark victory over drive-by shootings, drug dealing and robberies. Of course, they and others should be able to walk the streets without worry. Instead, until the cleanup, parents had to make sure their children were inside their houses by 3 p.m., when the drug dealers appeared. At night, the bullets flew.

It took three years of coordinated efforts by the Police Department, community activists and residents to get rid of one of Santa Ana’s most violent gangs. Now, dozens of residents meet periodically to ensure the situation does not backslide.

Police said their efforts to improve matters in the neighborhood have been helped greatly by the residents. The cooperation should send a message to those living elsewhere in Santa Ana and in other Orange County cities with similar problems that there are solutions.

A police crackdown on gang members nearly three years ago has helped reduce the crime rate dramatically around 3rd and Olive. Santa Ana’s Parks and Public Works Department also helped by removing trees that sheltered drug dealers, improving lighting and fixing sidewalks. The cooperation should continue, enabling residents to live in peace.