The area was very clean, quiet, suburban and surrounded by trees and a park. The homes were diverse in architecture, with three to four bedrooms, and neatly groomed yards. Several of the homes were fenced and gated nicely. There were not any junk cars in the driveways they were late model and in good condition. The neighborhood is multicultural.We observed a families enjoying the weather, watching television and washing cars.We observed Asian families from different homes in the community visiting.
Kent spoke with an Asian lady who said this was a safe,and community oriented neighborhood. Neighbors participated in neighborhood crime watch. She said that her son would be attending O’Farrell and to take good care of him. A project that she would like to see implemented by the teachers was a community clean up. Roy spoke to a lady who still thinks that the students at O’Farrell are rowdy but she has heard that the technology is high so she may send her kids there. She related that her impression is from the time that she herself attended the school.
One perception that changed was that we now had a clear picture of who lived in the neighborhood. These were the homes of our students and their families. Even though we don't live in the neighborhood, we no longer felt like outsiders conducting sociological research. Initially we had some pre-conceived notions that there would be tagging, and even gang activity in the neighborhood. This came from the media and public opinion. First hand experience has shown us that this is more hype than reality.