Did you read the November 27th issue of The San Diego Reader? If you haven't, get your hands on a copy!!

While reading the article I saw many instances that parallel Darnall. On the positive side we don't have the violent crime that Normal Heights has, or at least I don't think we do.

We do have similar problems; an area the city neglected, an area landlord and homeowners neglect, traffic, low and no income housing, graffiti and gangs.

Normal Heights seems to be on the upswing. So does, that mean their undesirables will become our undesirables?

I Am Concerned

At your suggestion, I read the article in the Reader and on certain levels found it very depressing. I'm concerned that the new clout in Normal Heights might shut out Darnall.

In going to various meetings on the Crossroads Redevelopment Study, no one has ever seen the type of zoning that allowed, the dense housing between Streamview Drive East and West. That area always looks terrible, too many people in too little space.

Using that as an example of I'm concerned that something like that might happen again. Can this neighorhood mobilize itself to protect it from another project like that? Are people interested in improving the area?

Re: Nowhere Zone

I read the Reader article which you mention and was able to draw parallels to my own situation.
My wife and I recently moved to San Diego and were stunned at the limited choices of clean affordable neighborhoods.
$270,000 bought us a ''fixer-upper'' with no garage in an area sadly lacking adequate schools and parks.
My neighbors' ideas of landscaping are rusted auto parts on their front lawns while the house at the end of the street protects it's tenants from the rain by covering the roof with tarpaulin.
Recent visitors were stunned by the volume of vacant commercial lots,trash,graffiti and abandoned shopping carts strewn throughout this area.
Maybe the city has neglected this area as you suggest ...but maybe the residents need to share some of the blame too.

4 months later

Since the date the original message was posted, 12/02/02, this community has taken action on these subjects. We now have a central number to call for shopping cart removal and are working on agreements with Wal Mart and the new Target. There are several shiny, new vibrant businesses. To name a few, the newest is Alpine glass & doors as well as Starbucks, Save-A-Lot foods and the new Kroc Community Center near Rolando & University. Coming soon, a new clothing store at University & College, and a new gas station/carwash/mini mart in the Rolando area. Villa View Hospital on University has plans to expand across the street to improve those blighted lots near Kmart. In addition, San Diego now has a graffiti task force. The improvements in the area can be seen in the increased home values. Your $270,000 house was around $100,000 just 3 years ago, much closer to the median home price for San Diego. We all realize more is needed and will come.