Residents of Anaheim demand action against street racing and rising crime near Disneyland

Concerns over safety and rising crime rates dominated the Anaheim City Council meeting on December 17, 2024, as residents voiced their fears about living in neighborhoods plagued by violence and disruptive street racing.

One resident shared a harrowing account of her grandmother, a recent widow, who feels unsafe in her own home due to frequent incidents in the area, including a recent homicide and gunfire coinciding with Disneyland fireworks. "After dark, they cannot leave their house," she stated, highlighting the anxiety felt by many elderly residents who have lived in the community for decades. She urged the council to consider safety measures, such as speed bumps at the intersection of Orange Wood and Ninth Street, to deter dangerous gatherings and racing.

Another resident echoed these sentiments, noting a lack of police presence in their neighborhood. "We don't see police cars in our area," she lamented, contrasting the current situation with a time when a mayor lived nearby and police were more visible. She described the streets being overrun with spectators during street racing events, creating a hazardous environment for families and children.

The residents' testimonies painted a picture of a community in distress, grappling with fear and a sense of helplessness. As the meeting progressed, the urgency for action was palpable, with calls for increased police patrols and community safety initiatives. The council's response to these pressing concerns will be crucial in determining the future safety and well-being of Anaheim's neighborhoods.