Editorial

When the state’s voters passed Proposition 36, they saved many drug

users from going to prison and instead sent them into rehabilitation.

Those needing the help may one day live free of such debilitating

hindrances. But to make it happen, such users must be sent to halfway

homes of whatever sort.

On Willow Lane, in what is still unincorporated county land in Costa

Mesa’s sphere of influence, about 30 women live in three group homes

sponsored by New Directions for Women, which helps rehabilitate alcohol

and drug abusers.

Though the homes have lined the neighborhood since 1977, it wasn’t

until recently that residents along the street began somewhat silently

protesting such homes with signs reading “Wrong direction for New

Directions.”

It seems the group now wants to buy yet another home on the street,

and the residents want the Costa Mesa City Council to intervene.

One resident said she believes “this type of facility is not safe in a

permanent single-family residence.” Further, she suggested the zoning for

the home be changed to commercial because those checking in must pay for

the room and board.

According to officials at New Directions for Women, there are already

seven homes on three streets, including Willow Lane, in the area. The

latest would become the eighth and would host up to 12 people, including

children.

While such homes serve wonderful and extremely necessary purposes, the

companies that administer them should regulate their whereabouts.

Creating seven such homes in a small, concentrated area more than borders

on overkill. Adding an eighth further overdoes it.

The group homes should continue to exist, but should be spread out

into different areas so as to not try their neighbors’ patience. The

homes may be extremely safe but may also exude a negative perception

that, in greater numbers, could prove worrisome to those living near

them.

In this case, seeing that the homes are in an area outside its

jurisdiction, the City Council shouldn’t interfere.

However, New Directions for Women needs to realize that living next to

those angry neighbors will only foster that anger and burn the previously

established bridges.

So, it would probably be wise to stop while ahead on Willow and in its

vicinity, and begin buying homes elsewhere to start anew.