Locking Out Condo Crime

PLACENTIA — The Cinnamon Tree Condominiums may be across the street from the Police Department, but that didn’t stop crime from invading the complex.

Over the last year and a half, residents of the 280-unit complex off Chapman Avenue and Kraemer Boulevard were physically and verbally harassed by loitering gang members. Buildings became targets of graffiti and other vandalism. Fights, car burglaries and other petty crimes became all too routine, with more than 200 calls for service logged at the Police Department.

“We were in denial,” said Mike Perez, president of the Cinnamon Tree Homeowners’ Assn. “When somebody says you have a gang problem, nobody wants to believe it.”

While some property owners walked away from their homes, others vowed to make changes and teamed up with city officials and their other neighbors--the police.

“This has always been my home, so when it started to go down around me, I felt it was worth fighting for,” resident Jenny Sadoski said.

“What we have is a partnership between the city and a community,” Police Sgt. Steve Toth said. “Law enforcement can’t solve every problem, but when a community gets involved, you can turn a community around.”

Residents of the complex, built in 1974 as apartments and later converted to condominiums, said they are already seeing improvements.

Police have increased patrols, and residents feel more comfortable reporting suspicious activity. Other efforts include a Neighborhood Watch program, two private security guards, and better enforcement of rules and regulations of the complex.

The residents are now pushing to make their complex a gated community.

Residents recently asked the city for financial help in building a fence around the units. Police say that creating a gated community could have a dramatic effect, increasing security and deterring trespassers.

The cost to enclose the nearly 14-acre complex would be about $140,000, Public Works Director Chris Becker said.

Chuck Neal, an association board member, said the homeowners group has already committed $30,000 toward the cost of the fencing.

Gating the complex “would be the best thing that could happen to us,” Neal said.

The City Council this week expressed support for contributing money for the gating project. Becker said the city will consider using redevelopment money set aside for affordable-housing projects.

A finance plan could be back to the council for review at its Oct. 21 or Nov. 4. meeting, Becker said.

Meanwhile, in further efforts to curb crime, the association has been making repairs. Residents have been busy planting flowers and shrubs in common areas and repainting exterior stairs and alcoves.

“There is a more of a community spirit and sense that the future is brighter,” Perez, the association president, said. “It’s cleaner, neater, greener, and it’s more safe and secure.”

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Cinnamon Tree Condominiums

Bounded by: Chapman Avenue on the north, Kraemer Boulevard on the west, Crowther Avenue on the south and single-family homes on the east

Population: About 1,200

Hot topic: Gating the condominium complex to enhance safety and deter crime and vandalism