CItizens Address Problems with Sheriff's Department at Community Action Group Forum

About 50 concerned citizens met with representatives from the Lemon Grove Sheriff station Thursday night at to address many issues affecting the community in a standing-room-only, often tension-filled community action group forum.

Several business owners from Casa de Oro voiced their concerns with the ever-growing transient population and the impact it has on their businesses and livelihood.

Rick Scavia, owner of , said that he is displeased with the sheriff's deputies not doing enough to curb illegal dumping on his property, coupled with transients urinating near or around his store and driving away business.

"(The sheriff's department) really needs to get in touch with people who do business here in the area," he said. " I see you guys drive by and nothing is done to curb the problem. Something has to be done to protect decent people who live and work in the community."

Scavia said that there have been numerous times where he has tried to ask transients to leave his property, but is hesitant to call deputies because "every time I call I get the same story" about protecting their civil rights.

Captain Gigi McCalla echoed Scavia's concerns and said the department will do a better job of getting to know the business owners and helping curb the problem.

"We need to reiterate that it's not a crime to be homeless," she said. "But at the same time we want to make sure that there is no illegal activity happening, whether it be being drunk in public or urinating."

Another resident admitted that she tries to avoid Campo Road in general, and that she has to travel out of the area to do simple tasks like going to the bank, post office or supermarket.

McCalla mentioned two initiatives that the department is starting: the Serial Inebriate Program and the formation of a Special Purpose Deputies unit.

The SIP is a countywide initiative to punish people with jail time who continue to be arrested for being drunk and disorderly, rather than arresting, processing and releasing offenders.

The special purposes deputies will be a unit of two deputies who constantly monitor activity on high-traffic, high-transient areas. The unit will meet with residents and business owners to address their concerns.

Another issue that has residents concerned is the existence of what is believed by many to be a drug house on Nabal Drive on Mount Helix. Several residents who live on the street complained that there are constantly 10 to 12 cars parked at one house, and that some people are even living in a van on an easement on the property, defecating and urinating near or on the street.

Residents complained that the owner of the house knows how to manipulate the system and that their frustration is rising, saying that "we have to deal with this day in and day out."

McCalla said that they are aware of the house and of the owner, adding that several times the sheriff's department has stopped cars exiting the house, but that each time there has been no evidence that a crime was or is being committed.

"There have been no drugs, no illegal activity, so unfortunately there have been no arrests," she said.

She encouraged residents to continue to help monitor the situation on Nabal Drive and to call the sheriff's department if they suspect something illicit.

Sheriff's Deputy Tony O'Boyle thanked the residents for their concern, stressing that despite their frustrations, it is important that they contact the authorities.

"A lot of times, these people have records or have warrants, and if the sheriff's department isn't contacted, these people will continue to be on the streets of the community."

The community action group forums are the undertaking of Kelly Marline of the Crime Prevention Unit. The gathering on Thursday was the most well-attended of the meetings that have taken place throughout Spring Valley, Casa de Oro, Rancho San Diego and Jamul.

"I have an open-phone policy," said McCalla, who distributed cards with her direct office number to the attendees. "I will always return your call as soon as I can. It's important that we create an atmosphere of community-oriented policing. Take time to call and let us know what's going on."

Residents can contact the Lemon Grove Sheriff station at (619) 337-2000.