The beginning - what started all this

5/27/08 Letter to Mayor Elizabeth Patterson and copied to the City Council Members


Dear Elizabeth:

I have been the victim of several incidents of vandalism at my home at St. Francise Court. Yesterday, my brick retaining wall was spray painted with graffiti for the second time. I have been egged, spray painted, and even shot at by juveniles with bb guns. The big problem is the walkway behind my house, which leads to the under-freeway tunnel. Frequently, juveniles congregate on the walkway and in the tunnel, drinking, smoking, and doing drugs. The tunnel is totally graffitied. The fences and homes along the walkway have all been victims of vandalism; e.g. graffiti, egging, broken fences, etc. The walkway and tunnel provide a quick escape route for the responsibles to evade the Benicia PD. I believe that violent crimes have also occurred along this pathway.

We suggest that a procedure be developed for the tunnel to be closed and locked during non-school hours, e.g. 6pm-6am, or at least on weekends. This could be done by the Benicia PD during their security checks of the area, or by parent volunteers that already monitor the area in the morning and afternoon. A gate is already in place but not being used. There are sufficient safe sidewalks on East 2nd St. and East 5th St. for pedestrian access to downtown. There is no compelling justification for the tunnel except for possibly during school hours. The tunnel presents a safety and criminal hazard to the residents living nearby and a liability to the City.

Also, the trees and bushes along the path from St. Augustine Ct. to the tunnel need to be cleared and trimmed to allow officers to adequately surveil the area and eliminate a refuge for fleeing responsibles. The bushes and trees along the path are overgrown, preventing officers from seeing down the path to the tunnel from the street. Security would be enhanced if these bushes and trees were to be cleared and the officers could view the tunnel entrance from St. Augustine Ct.

On behalf of the St. Augustine and St. Francise Ct. neighborhood, I request that the City take immediate action to help to prevent future vandalism and possibly more serious crimes in the area.

Sincerely,
Ross Sagun