FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2016
CONTACT: Norma López, Community Organizer, (714) 480-6594, norma@ochumanrelations.org
West Anaheim Parents Organize “It’s Your Space, Use It” Rally and March to Promote a Healthier and Safer Community
(Anaheim, CA) “I have four children…I do not like to go outside with them where there’s crime. Not only my children, but all children have the right to grow up in healthy environments,” expressed a west Anaheim resident Rosario Rubio, who decided to get involved in her neighborhood and join the newly formed Parents in Action Group.
Similarly, when neighbor Deborah de la Cruz experienced, firsthand, property theft and aggression against her 13 year old, she did not flee their neighborhood. She shared, “my instinct was to stay, be brave. I cannot be running away from all the bad experiences. To the contrary, we must address them.” She added, “There is nothing better than taking the role of warrior, rather than victim.”
The Parents in Action Group, established through the Community Building Initiative (CBI) funded by the St. Joseph Health Community Partnership Fund, are people who have found their voice and have decided to use it. Staff at local nonprofit, OC Human Relations, help to facilitate the residents and their vision. These residents have given surveys, held community meetings, knocked on over 200 household doors, facilitated a Flashlight Walk, participated in a Community Clean-up and have donated more than 150 hours of their time. Their goal is to learn what their neighbors care about and develop a plan that will help improve the neighborhood’s quality of life.
The Parents in Action Group has organized a “It’s Your Space, Use It!” community rally, which is a call to action to bring together supporters and residents to bring down the fences that block access to communal spaces in their neighborhood, in order to enhance safety and build community within common spaces for neighbors and children. Residents believe taking down the fences will facilitate safer, communal spaces that can be used for positive activities including community fairs, exercise classes, areas for children to play and for families to spend time together. These are key elements needed to foster community safety and a strategy to combat crime in the area.
The Parents in Action Group extends an open armed invitation to residents, neighbors, stakeholders, landowners, and partners to join their efforts and help amplify their newfound voice. “Only together will we be able to accomplish our dream of creating a safer, cleaner community for our children,” states Deborah de la Cruz, a Parents in Action Group leader.
WHEN: Saturday, April 9, 2016
9:30 am to 12:00 noon
WHERE: Alameda-Brownwood-Catalina Neighborhood
316 N. Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92801
(Corner of N. Brookhurst & W. Alameda)
VISUAL: A large group of residents walking the perimeter of their neighborhood, including a rally with resident spokespersons addressing neighbors and supporters.
ACCESS: Street parking available along W. Alameda, W. Brownwood, or W. Catalina streets.
About OC Human Relations
OC Human Relations is a local nonprofit with the mission to foster mutual understanding among residents and eliminate prejudice, intolerance and discrimination in order to make Orange County a better place for ALL people to live, work and do business. OC Human Relations operates with the belief that ALL people should live free of violence and discrimination. The organization brings people together to create safe and inclusive schools and communities, develop diverse leaders and mediate conflict. www.ochumanrelations.org