Polishing City Image Is Focus for New Year

The continued rehabilitation of the city and its image is the top priority of most city leaders.

Councilman Al Ethans had image-polishing in mind last August when he proposed changing the city’s name. His council colleagues opposed a change, but they agreed the city’s image is unfairly hindered by past problems.

Once rampant gang activity and prostitution has largely disappeared from city streets; overall crime rates continue to fall while sales tax revenue is rising.

City leaders say they will focus efforts on the struggling Stanton Plaza Shopping Center by inviting development of the area. They say they may consider condemnation proceedings as a last resort.