OPERATION PHOENIX TARGET AREAS

The City of San Bernardino has long been plagued with gang violence but In November of 2005, an event occurred that would mobilize the city to launch a comprehensive anti-gang program. The tragic event took place as the Crenshaw family was having dinner in their east side apartment. Shots were fired outside and 11 year-old Mynisha Crenshaw was killed; her teenage sister was also injured in the attack. According to police reports, the two girls were the unintended victims of retaliation between rival gangs.

Public outcry from this event coupled with the election of Mayor Pat Morris in February of 2006 led to the implementation of Operation Phoenix, a multi-jurisdictional, neighborhood based attack on crime and violence. Implementation of the program began in June of 2006 in a crime ridden 20-block area located northeast of downtown and since then two more target areas have been identified. Maps of these three target areas can be access through the links below:

Target Area 1: Eastern Area
Located within close proximity to the 210 freeway, this area is defined as the one-mile radius surrounding the intersection of Sterling Avenue and Highland Avenue. This area has a mix of older residential neighborhoods as well as newer tract developments not only in the target area but across the freeway in the East Highlands area. There is also a mix of retail establishments ranging from mom and pop corner stores to big box, well established chain store outlets, with an equal variety of restaurants as well.

Target Area 2: Central Area
This area is defined as the one-mile circumference surrounding Wabash Street and Sierra Way. Unlike the mix of housing in the other two target areas, this area, bounded by Base Line Street to the south and Waterman Avenue to the east, is primarily residential in nature comprised mostly of older, well-established neighborhoods as well as multiple apartment complexes. While there are a few undeveloped parcels, this area does not provide as many open space opportunities as the western area nor the retail selection of the eastern area. This area was the location of the first Community Center located at the intersection of Sierra Way and 16th Street.

Target Area 3: Western Area
Defined as the one-mile circumference surrounding the intersection of 16th Street and California Street, this area is located east of Interstate 215 and south of the 210 freeway as well at the historic Route 66. While there is a mix of older neighborhoods and tract home developments, there are also several undeveloped parcels that allow for ample areas of open space. Additionally, Orangewood Park is located nearby, which is across the street from San Bernardino Community Hospital. This area was the location of the second community center located at the intersection of California Street and Base Line Street on the edge of Anne Shirrells Park.