NEIGHBORS TO MARCH AGAINST CRIME IN ISAAC

WEST PHOENIX - Alicia Alvarez has had it. Had it with the gunshots. The
break-ins. The crack houses.

So along with dozens of her neighbors, she's taking her frustration with
rising crime rates in the Isaac neighborhood to the streets.

"We're trying to take our neighborhood back," said Alvarez, who has lived
in the west Phoenix community for most of her 32 years. "Everybody wants to
feel safe at home, and it seems like we're having to look over our
shoulders." advertisement

Residents, Councilman Tom Simplot, community advocates, Valley Hispanic
Bomberos and Phoenix firefighters are planning two anti-crime marches June
4 and 11. Simplot, who represents the area, will host a movie, Shrek 2, at
Falcon Park at 35th Avenue and Roosevelt Street after the June 11 march.

Crime and drug dealing in the Isaac area has increased, Simplot and
residents say, as gang members and crooks move into the area. Simplot and
residents intend the walks to send a "we won't take it any more" message.

The area targeted by marchers within Isaac is bounded by 31st and 35th
avenues, Encanto Boulevard and McDowell Road. The Isaac community is
typically identified as bounded by Indian School Road, Van Buren Street and
27th and 51st avenues.

Jose Villela hopes the marches help restore peace to the neighborhood.

"By participating in the crime marches, we're showing people who might be
involved in drugs that we're not afraid," said Villela, an archaeologist
who has lived in Isaac for 28 years.