THE STATE OF LANCASTER MAYOR SAYS CITY CLOSING IN ON ANTI-CRIME GOALS.

Byline: JIM SKEEN 

Staff Writer

LANCASTER -- Lancaster will begin to see results from its anti-crime efforts and in economic development, Mayor Henry Hearns said Monday.

In the annual "State of the City" address, Hearns said Lancaster's numerous anti-crime efforts, which have included bolstering the number of sheriff's deputies, will help toward the goal of reducing crime by 30 percent in the next five years.

In the speech, given before a luncheon of the Lancaster West Rotary Club, Hearns said those efforts included increasing public safety spending by 43 percent during the past two years to $19.3 million this year.

"We have increased resources and implemented programs to achieve this target (a 30 percent reduction,)" Hearns said. "I think we will reach 30 percent before five years."

Among Lancaster's anti-crime efforts are adding 22 deputy positions to its law enforcement contract during the past two years; expanding the community service officer program; and starting a program offering $1,000 rewards for information leading to convictions in robbery and burglary cases.

The city also plans to establish a system that allows residents to file reports for minor crimes online.

"This frees up deputies to do what they do best," Hearns said.

The city also has installed cameras at Jane Reynolds and Pierre W. Bain parks and is looking to install them at City Park and the National Soccer Center.

On the economic front, Hearns said the city's efforts to develop the Fox Field Corridor into a commercial and industrial center will pay off with about 600 jobs being created. The corridor, which runs from the Fox Field airport to the Antelope Valley Freeway, houses such operations as the distribution centers for the restaurant supply company SYGMA, the crafts-store chain Michaels and the Rite Aid drug-store chain.

Hearns also cited as examples of economic growth the recent additions to a shopping center at 10th Street West and Avenue K, including a Chili's restaurant, and two hotels in development adjacent to Clear Channel Stadium.

Although it won't come to fruition this year, Hearns also highlighted the proposed Amargosa Creek development -- a 150-acre project that includes medical offices, shops and a hotel. The shopping component of the project is expected to be a pedestrian-friendly environment with a town square as a gathering spot.

"We're looking at the Amargosa Creek center as a place where everybody in the Antelope Valley comes together," Hearns said.

james.skeen@dailynews

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Lancaster Mayor Henry Hearns speaks during the State of the City address at the Lancaster West Rotary Club luncheon Monday. He said numerous anti-crime efforts will help toward the goal of reducing crime in the city by 30 percent in the next five years.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News