A community workshop held in East Village on Oct. 10 spotlighted three tangible crime prevention and nuisance abatement approaches. Hosted by the East Village Community Action Network (EVCAN), the goal was for residents and small business owners to learn of programs and policies that have been successful elsewhere in addressing chronic drug, public intoxication and other activity impacting neighborhood safety, retailer success and quality of life. The free workshop was designed in follow-up to EVCAN’s successful Safety/Quality of Life forum held at PETCO Park this past May. Those who attended the forum indicated in survey cards strong interest in learning about and getting involved in the specific approaches last month’s workshop featured. “Neighborhood Safe Streets” and “Crime-Free Multi Housing” were approaches presented by Joe Eberstein, an Institute for Public Strategies (IPS) prevention specialist. “Neighborhood Safe Streets” empowers community members with the ability to address public nuisance problems (e.g. drug houses, privately owned empty lots with illegal activity) through civil action under the California Health and Safety Code that dictates property owner responsibilities in assuring their property is conducive to the peace and harmony of the neighborhood. Steps discussed by Mr. Eberstein included: documenting nuisance activity, determining viable cases, and potential mediation or litigation. “Crime-Free Multi Housing” offers property owners and managers policies and procedures aimed at proactively assuring safe and positive living environments. Key components include: screening of potential residents/tenants, crime free lease addendums and security management. When implemented, these are tools that can prevent or mitigate problems negatively impacting neighbors and property investments. “Crime Prevention through Environmental Design” (CPTED) is an approach that was presented by Ted Parker, a long term SDPD Neighborhood Policing Resource Team volunteer. Mr. Parker discussed applications in solving crime and disorder problems on existing properties. CPTED involves specific measures proven useful to individuals, community groups, businesses, property managers and others committed to environmental problem solving. Crimes of opportunity can be prevented by incorporating people, devices and design features into the approach. CPTED concepts also have application in the planning and design of public spaces such as parks. Four basic environmental concepts are: providing good visibility, controlling access, defining ownership and activities and, lastly, maintaining intended purposes of particular public or private spaces. Both condo and apartment residents confirmed, in their written post-workshop evaluations, new knowledge and understanding of measures they can implement to prevent crimes or chronic disturbances impacting their safety and quality of life within East Village. With local law enforcement and other government budget constraints, especially community policing has been found compromised. Many residents and small business owners are looking for practical and available solutions — alongside those that government can provide. For me, as a condo owner, this workshop served as a “call to action” with practical options for existing home and business owners striving to achieve a safer neighborhood environment that promotes future growth and property values. We in East Village have found a need to work together to improve what’s already in place in order to actualize the great neighborhood we envision. At a time when many neighborhoods are facing social and economic challenges, what was presented during last month’s workshop was found encouraging. Those who attended went home feeling more optimistic about solutions that can work as more people become aware and involved. Those wanting more details or to get involved can send an e-mail message to: vitality@public strategies.org or call Dan Tomsky, IPS-Vitality San Diego manager, at (619) 476-9100 ext. 315. Brent Cole is an East Village resident and EVCAN member.
