ARNC History

ARNC started in March 1993 because one resident vocalizing his concern regarding the drastic increase in graffiti and the negative impact it was having on property values. Numerous others agreed immediately. The mutual concerns lead to several organizational and investigative meetings. Because overwhelming support from the entire community, what started as a graffiti cleanup of Alum Rock Ave expanded to cover the ideas, concerns, projects, and/or problems that were having a negative impact on our local community. ARNC's bounders were expanded to include Story Road on the south, centerline of 101 on the west, Penitencia Creek on the north, and the foothills on the east over 150,000 people live in this area. When ARNC was unable to operate daily during 3rd quarter 1994, 40% of all tags reported to the City's Anti-graffiti program were in ARNC's area.

Alum Rock Neighborhood Coalition's goal is to reestablish the residents' pride in their community and to establish a strong but diverse advisory organization so that our neighborhood needs and desires will not be overlooked by any city, county, state or other organization that impacts our community. The diverse needs and desires will be debated while working on neighborhood projects that benefit all residences. These neighborhood projects will require communication between residents as well as businesses that would not otherwise occur. The resulting communication will not only improve communications among the citizens, but will also eliminate the social and/or economic barriers that have developed over years. The communications will also result in the formation of additional friendships. All neighborhood projects will be highly visible and improve the cosmetic appearance of our neighborhood. Therefore, these projects will then serve as a constant visual reminder to the residents that working together residents can change things. This in turn provides constant encouragement for continue support of ARNC.

By being an ongoing organized grass-roots group of residents we plan on being able to respond quickly to the changing needs of the community and fill in the gaps between existing more structured programs. Additionally, we are planning on using the civic pull associated with a group of citizens to achieve maximum benefits from utilizing and supporting any existing programs.