In April, Bird Rock Community Council heard presentations on crime prevention and off-leash dog issues. San Diego Police Department community liaison Larry Hesselgesser praised public use of social media sites like NextDoor and Facebook, pointing out they aid officers. But he added that with increased use of those websites, it’s often difficult to determine if crime is rising or that the public’s “perception is that there’s more crime because there’s more awareness.” Hesselgesser iterated that police staffing is “shorthanded,” noting it’s being addressed while adding “it’s a long process.” Responding to an audience question about helicopter flyovers, Hesselgesser suggested they consult NextDoor first to find out what’s going on, as police will use it to post information about suspects being sought in their area. It was also noted that Bird Rock is fortunate because the community doesn’t have a lot of violent crime, while property crimes, like burglaries and car prowls, predominate. The message was iterated that most crooks casing the community are primarily looking to steal cash, handguns, jewelry and small electronics rather than larger items. Residents are cautioned by police and Neighborhood Watch volunteers to always lock all doors and gates and have visible addresses on both the front and rear of their residences to aid police. Lauren Joniaux, deputy director of the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services, noted her department’s staff, too, is shorthanded. “The city of San Diego contracts with us to do services,” Joniaux said, “and I’m lucky to have three people working at the same time in the entire city with 1.4 million people and more than 100 public parks,” all of which have off-leash issues. She added animal services has a priority system in responding to calls, just like police.
Joniaux said reports of animals being abuse or injured are the top priority, followed by aggressive animals, with dogs off-leash being further down on the list.
“We take all these issues seriously,” Joniaux said, while noting that animal services can cite residents if their animals are off-leash, but must actually witness the crime to do so.
“Citizens have the right, if they see a violation, to request our department to process a citation on their behalf,” Joniaux said. “You have to sign an affidavit on the back of our form giving the violation, date and time.”
Joniaux said the citation then becomes a judicial matter, with those cited pleading guilty or not. If the citation is challenged, a court appearance may be required by the affidavit signer. For more information visit HYPERLINK “http://www.sddac.com/shelter_locations.asp”sddac.com/shelter_locations.asp.
En otra acción:
• CA Marengo gave a presentation and answered queries about a mixed-use development at 5656 La Jolla Blvd. near Beaumont’s. The plan is for retail on the ground floor with four residential units above. He said, if all goes well with permitting, the project could begin construction in September. • Kathy Loper spoke briefly about the 17th annual End of Summer Fire Run, which benefits local high schools and will be held Sunday, Aug. 28 between Bird Rock and Pacific Beach. For more information, visit HYPERLINK “http://www.kathyloperevents.com/endofsummer4m/”kathyloperevents.com/endofsummer4m/.