SAN DIEGO — A tour guide company gave thanks to CBS 8 for ‘Working for You’ on an ongoing issue to stop drugs and violence that happened in front of their storefront in downtown San Diego.
This is a follow-up to a story we first shared in June and today the courtyard on Third Avenue and G Street has been cleared.
It’s been four months since CBS 8 had been to Another Side of San Diego Tours. The owner said he is still fed up with people doing drugs. There’s violence, drug use, urine and feces in the mini park. Tour guides said they feel unsafe and so do the people visiting America’s Finest City.
“It’s a deplorable situation of drug use, alcohol abuse, people screaming,” said Kevin Wilkerson.
All of this is happening in front of Segway/e-bike tour storefront at the G Street mini park.
“New employees are intimidated, we’ve had guests completely frightened,” said Wilkerson.
The tour guide says he and the owner have submitted countless Get It Done reports. Police or Clean and Safe San Diego members respond and clear the courtyard but eventually, encampments pop back up.
“It’s very embarrassing for us and embarrassing for the city to leave that impression on people when they come to visit,” said Wilkerson.
The owner was fed up and reached out to CBS 8 again to follow up and at the same time he contacted the San Diego Neighborhood Policing Division (NPD).
“This has to be something that we address on a regular basis,” said Sgt. Christopher Smith, SDPD NPD.
Right before CBS 8 arrived, SDPD said 12 people cleared from the courtyard. They gave one person information about resources and cited another person.
“The other subject was issued a citation for drug paraphernalia,” said Smith.
Wilkerson shared his relief with the sergeant.
“I’m glad to see enforcement taking place. That’s the key, Thank you, Sergeant,” added Wilkerson. “The fact that they were taking action and issuing citations it is a very hopefully promising situation now.”
Sergeant Smith is new to the NPD and said this will be a target spot for foot patrols.
“I’m a dad and a husband and we come downtown too. I have a personal motivation to see it improve, as well,” said Smith.
He said the department plans to add more officers to the beat who will use enforcement by having compassion by offering resources, but also hold people accountable to the local and state laws.
“We won’t be repeating steps,” said Smith. “If we see that they have already been informed of the law then we will go on to the next step of enforcement.”
The tour guide company said it is hopeful the latest action will be permanent.
“Thanks for coming out again. Channel 8 gets it done right!” said Wilkerson.
CBS 8 saw people coming back after police left but officers returned and moved people out again.
CBS 8 also reached out to a city spokesperson who issued a statement:
"The City of San Diego and the San Diego Police Department are committed to keeping public shared spaces clean and safe for all. Concerns are being thoroughly addressed while SDPD’s Neighborhood Policing Division works with the business owner on a long-term solution. The Neighborhood Policing Division Captain is communicating with the business owner directly about further steps.
People experiencing homelessness have the same right to access public places as everyone else, but if violations are occurring they will be addressed. In general, for enforcement to happen San Diego Police officers must witness a crime or violation being committed. SDPD’s Neighborhood Policing Division (NPD) has teams out seven days a week in this area (Central Division) and have closed Get It Done complaints at this specific location."
At CBS 8, we are always Working for You and our community. This is a station promise that we will go the extra mile to solve a problem our audience can’t solve themselves. We want to hear your ideas on how we can cover and help our community. If you have a story idea, please email us at workingforyou@cbs8.com.