REHAB CLINIC AGREES TO RELOCATE

As Part Of Its Settlement With Santa Ana, It Will Also Implement Extra
Safety Measures.

Santa Ana -- For years, downtown residents have tried to shut down a
methadone clinic that they say brings theft, vandalism and drug dealers
into their Third Street neighborhood.

Now they're claiming victory as the clinic, faced with a lawsuit by the
city, has agreed to relocate and to implement extra safety measures.

"This has been a long time coming," said resident Jose Ochoa. "The clinic
never should have been put here to begin with."

The Third Street Clinic, at 717 E. Third St., is one of four methadone
clinics in the county and the only one in Santa Ana. Run by CRC Health
Corp., it provides synthetic drugs and counseling to about 600 recovering
heroin addicts.

City officials in May sued to close the clinic, alleging that clients and
their acquaintances often urinated, loitered and sold drugs in front of the
clinic. The suit cited 23 cases in which drug-related arrests were made at
or near the clinic.

Soon after, both sides agreed to draft an out-of-court settlement.

The clinic has agreed to move by July 15, 2003, and is operating under more
stringent rules while it seeks a new home.

An additional security guard has been hired. Clinic staff members are now
responsible for cleaning up trash around the facility. Clients are seen by
appointment, rather than on a first-come, first-served basis, eliminating
long lines that used to form outside the building.

"It's better now," said client Denise Harrington of Costa Mesa. "Before it
was cluttered. People were always running in and out."

Phil Herschmen, president of CRC's Opiate Treatment Program, said the
clinic would likely relocate within Santa Ana.