SAN CLEMENTE : Council OKs Funds to Improve Streets

Applications for more than $250,000 in federal housing funds to improve streets in the northern residential area of the city were recently approved by the City Council.

The council also approved a request by the Police Department for funding to improve gang-prevention activities.

As part of the Neighborhood Pride Program, federal Community Development Block Grants were requested for upgrades on Avenida del Poniente from Calle Puente to Buena Vista; West Canada from Buena Vista to Calle Puente, and West Escalones from El Camino Real to Buena Vista.

The city is also asking for $430,000 in a separate grant to put in sidewalks, street lights and trees in this area.

In conjunction with street improvements, police are asking for $15,000 to provide a gang-prevention program in this neighborhood, which has been targeted as the territory of San Clemente’s fledging gang, the Varrio Chico. The proposal includes counseling at the elementary and junior high school levels for potential gang members.

Last year on Christmas Eve, a 4-year-old girl was shot in the city’s first-ever drive-by shooting, as she played in front of an apartment building in this area.

Other funding requests include: $12,500 for an after-school recreation and day-care program for low-income families with children attending Concordia and Las Palmas Elementary schools, $15,000 for the San Clemente Seniors shared-housing program, and $25,000 for the Episcopal Service Alliance, which aids the homeless.