Shalimar Drive
Comunidad Unida | United Community
Community Values:
Security | Respect | Cleanliness | Healthy Families | Justice
Comunidad Unida (United Community) was the first Neighborhood Action Committee (NAC) established by Mika in partnership with the Shalimar neighbors. Comunidad Unida is committed to identifying and establishing projects and programs that lead our neighborhood to our five values: Security, Cleanliness, Respect Among Neighbors, Sharing Among Neighbors, and Good Homes – both structurally and relationally.
The Shalimar neighborhood is comprised of three streets: James, Wallace, and Shalimar Dr., in Westside Costa Mesa. The streets are blocked off on three sides, creating a great atmosphere for sharing together in the street. In the small block area there are 64 apartment buildings housing approximately 1,500 people. While the neighborhood has a reputation in the city for crime and violence, there is also a history of neighbors working together. In this context, Comunidad Unida has established neighborhood traditions such as Hoops, a weekly block party, holiday parties, and neighborhood clean up days. This group of neighborhood leaders has also worked with city leaders to fix lighting in the alleys and park, landscape common areas, and report gang activity. Our efforts to grow together as a community have resulted in weekly children’s Bible classes, English courses, and the annual C3 Basketball Tournament in partnership with local police and churches. Looking ahead, Comunidad Unida anticipates growing in its capacity to raise funds, organize a neighborhood communication network, and establish small businesses that benefit the community.
*Effy Sanchez is Shalimar’s Neighborhood Advisor
Photos by Joshua Seale | Culture as Art
