Anaheim’s Urban Crisis : Problems in Jeffrey-Lynne Area Can Be Solved

Anaheim’s troubled Jeffrey-Lynne neighborhood stands in the shadow of Disneyland as a discouraging counterpoint to “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Its persistent crime and drug dealing have challenged even the most progressive law enforcement strategies. While community policing efforts paid off in reduced crime rates in the middle part of the decade, police report that crimes have rebounded.

This area of about 700 apartments has provided the work force for low-wage labor at Disneyland and nearby hotels, restaurants and other businesses. But substandard housing, absentee landlords and a culture of crime that goes back generations have conspired to prevent lasting improvements.

For starters, the participation of building owners is critical to getting at drug dealing. Such cooperation has been wanting in Jeffrey-Lynne. Sustained code enforcement efforts are good but more is needed.

Some of the old Rust Belt cities of the Northeast may have a lesson to offer. They have found that there is nothing to get the attention of recalcitrant landlords like the threat of jail time. Prosecutors and judges can help back up local code enforcement officers in efforts to penetrate the veil of ownership.

The problems in this neighborhood run ever deeper. The notion that crime is part of the fabric of neighborhood life makes breaking the pattern of neglect difficult. But to combat a negative spirit that has taken root, Anaheim stands on some solid ground because it has its own tradition of neighborhood reform.

For more than a decade, the city has been a county leader in lining up various interest groups--in City Hall, in the religious community and in the neighborhoods. Core civic and religious values have been a rallying point. While enthusiasm may wax and wane, and key players change, there are institutions in place that have a track record in mobilizing for community revitalization.

In 1992, for example, Anaheim geared up for its war on gangs and drugs. The city’s clergy helped create an office of community services within the city manager’s office.

As far back as 1986, the Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO) worked with the city to develop alternative routes when traffic endangered seniors and schoolchildren. In 1989, 200 leaders of the group met with the county and had a hand in adopting a plan to coordinate anti-drug strategy. The city was alerted to the problems in the Jeffrey-Lynne neighborhood. A new community center and playground were built.

The 1992 riots in Los Angeles were an incentive to head off urban unrest. Since that time, the persistence of the drug and gang problems has been apparent. At one point, the city found some 35 gangs operating within its limits. This led to forums to set priorities, and to encourage better use of police and courts.

The Anaheim Gang/Drug Citizens Task Force Report of June 1992 committed the city to a full partnership with these groups. If crime is a deep-seated problem, the participation of the faith community is important for two reasons. First, it is geared to address not only people’s hopes but their disappointments. Second, its institutions are long-term players in the life of the city.

A recent headline said, “Lasting Peace Is Elusive in Jeffrey-Lynne.” What better institutions to bring to the fray than those already committed by their very mission to this eternal quest?

None of the history will guarantee the eradication of crime and drug dealing. But the city should take encouragement from two quarters. First, its efforts have kept a bad situation from getting worse. Second, it has the demonstrated resolve.

The recent political successes of Latino leaders in congressional and state Assembly races potentially add new clout, resources and a will to win. Businesses large and small that benefit from having this labor pool should be asking what they can do.

The problems underlying the battle to turn Jeffrey-Lynne around may seem intractable. Nevertheless, the city should be proud of its past efforts and hopeful as it looks forward.