Community Conversation In Spring Valley Signals Changing Reputation

The long-existing problems that exist in the Spring Valley community have painted it, some might argue unfairly, in a negative light to the rest of San Diego County. But local civic agencies have been hard at work to improve its reputation.

With the establishment of the Spring Valley-East Communities Center at the former Spring Valley Elementary, the creation of a popular farmers market, and the ballyhooed , it is evident that people are hard at work to improve the quality of life in the unincorporated area.

On Thursday, about 85 citizens, along with representatives from various public agencies, participated in a “Community Conversation” which addressed issues that residents care about in an open and informational Q&A session. The event was co-sponsored by the Spring Valley Citizens Association and the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce.

chief Augie Ghio, Spring Valley Youth and Family Coalition coordinator Barbara Warner, Lt. Brian Conway of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, and Steve Murray, a county code enforcement coordinator, were among several public agents on a panel that took questions and provided helpful information about what is going on in Spring Valley.

On a tour of the SVECC, which preceded the Q&A, Warner showed guests the facility, the new Kaboom! playground and the community garden.

“We want to turn this site into what we hope will become the beating heart of north Spring Valley,” Warner said. “We really feel we can grow a community out of here.”

Once the forum began, several issues concerning traffic, community safety, the possibility of a dog park at Lamar Park, and neglected properties were discussed. But the majority of the conversation dealt with code enforcement (or the perceived lack thereof) within Spring Valley.

Murray addressed many issues, and encouraged attendees that his office has dedicated two people to handle all of the code enforcement complaints that come in. He said that Spring Valley is the only area in the county with more than one person dedicated to it.

Another issue that was debated was the traffic problems at Bancroft Avenue and the eastbound SR-94 exit ramp. Some said that a traffic light was necessary on Bancroft and Spring Drive, where the SVECC is located, and which currently is the only way in or out of the center and adjacent neighborhood. Others said that a light would create even more gridlock in an already congested area.

Addressing the complaint of one resident, Joe Eberstein, a project manager with the East County Community Change Project, told of a new program called Neighborhood Safe Streets, which empowers tenants to collaborate and produce change with absentee or negligent property owners.

Though none of the problems that have plagued Spring Valley for so long are quick fixes by any means, the forum proved that there are dedicated individuals and groups committed to improving quality-of-life issues for the community and its residents.

During the Q&A, Spring Valley Planning Group president Scott Montgomery echoed the ideals of many in attendance, describing the changing face of the community.

“We have a lousy reputation outside of the community, based on abuse and neglect over past years,” he said. “That attitude is changing. The days of low or no standards are over.”