Costa Mesa City Council approves church request to reopen preschool

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- In the wake of a national tragedy, residents reopened

another wound Monday, one that cut deep into the local fabric more than

two years ago.

At its meeting, the City Council reheard plans for the proposed

reopening of a preschool at Lighthouse Coastal Community Church, where

two children were killed May 3, 1999, when Steven Allen Abrams drove his

car onto its crowded playground.

Council members approved the church’s plan to include a preschool on

it site, providing the church does not allow tailgate parties, bake sales

and the like outdoors. If the church wants to hold such events, it must

apply for another permit, officials said.

Church officials said they expect to open a preschool for about 60

children in September 2002.

Some council members said they still were concerned about the

children’s safety because the church’s plan would require 3- and

4-year-old students to cross Magnolia Street to get from the church’s

main parking lot, on the south side of Magnolia, to the proposed

childhood center, on the north side.

Concerned about the incident two years ago, Councilwoman Linda Dixon

questioned the church’s ability to ensure the safety of the children

crossing the street.

Church official Ed Deckert told the council there would be one staff

member supervising no more than six children at a time.

“Six children to one adult? And you’re OK with that?” Dixon asked.

“I’m sorry, but I’m surprised at that because there was a very tragic

accident involved there.”

Sierra Soto, 4, and Brandon Wiener, 3, were killed when Abrams drove

his 1967 Cadillac onto the playground of the Southcoast Early Childhood

Center, which rented space from the church. The preschool was closed in

September 2000, and Abrams was sentenced to life in prison in November.

Deckert acknowledged the tragedy but said he did not expect any

copycats.

“We cannot control the people that drive like maniacs, but what we can

do is comply with the minimum ratio and provide the most safety

possible,” he said.

In June, the council upheld a decision by the Planning Commission to

prohibit the reopening of a preschool at the Eastside church.

Church officials requested a rehearing, saying the council’s previous

decision violated their constitutional rights. Sufficient grounds existed

to justify the rehearing, according to the city attorney’s office.

Neighbors of the church, led in large part by Paul Wilbur, have said

the plans are unsafe.

Surrounding residents have also consistently complained about a wall,

built after the tragedy as a safety precaution, saying it blocks

motorists’ views. In addition, the tightknit group said the church is too

loud and its permits are outdated.