[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 108 (Thursday, August 1, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECLAMATION OF LA SIERRA PARK

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise to share with the Senate a 
very special and important story about a few hometown heroes who 
changed the face of an entire neighborhood.
  La Sierra Park is in the heart of the La Sierra neighborhood in 
Riverside, CA. Two years ago, gangs came to frequent the park, 
transforming this small treasure into a place of crime and fear. 
Playful interaction among children was replaced with drug dealing. 
Residents were robbed and could not use the park unless they paid gang 
members an entrance fee. However, when a woman was raped in the park in 
late 2000, local residents decided to fight back.
  Marisol Ruiz and Araceli Moore, co-founders of Friends of Myra Linn, 
led a growing number of neighbors in the effort to take back the park. 
They passed out flyers, held Neighborhood Watch meetings and attended 
City Hall meetings. They did everything they could to gather support.
  This project turned into ``Operation Safe Park.'' City workers got 
volunteers to help transform the park back into the treasure it once 
was. Volunteers augmented police patrols at the park, increased 
lighting and trimmed the foliage so criminals had nowhere to hide. 
Soon, residents were enjoying a soccer game and school dance 
performance held at the park. It is clear that the park was back in the 
hands of the community.
  The story of ``Operation Safe Park'' shows what a neighborhood can do 
when it comes together for community improvement. I applaud Marisol 
Ruiz, Araceli Moore and all those who worked so hard to make a 
difference in this neighborhood. In taking back this park, these people 
made their neighborhood a safer and better place for now and for future 
generations. Their exemplary dedication and commitment serve as an 
inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________