Letter from former San Diego Police Chief David Bejarano

The following is a letter from former San Diego Police Chief David Bejarano. He was the Police Chief that came in after (now Mayor) Police Chief Jerry Sanders and upon his departure was replaced by our current Police Chief Lansdowne.

This letter was addressed to then Mayor Dick Murphy and the entire City Council. As you remember the year following this letter Proposition G was put on the ballot and was defeated by around 1% of the voters – a very narrow margin indeed. The point however is that then Police Chief Bejarano recommended the very thing our current Councilman Kevin Faulconer is recommending.

It should also be noted that upon his departure David Bejarano was the head of the U.S. Marshall’s office here in San Diego, then became Chief of Investigations for the District Attorney. All the while he has maintained a security business. Currently David Bejarano is running for the Republican seat in the 78th District including the Chula Vista, Lemon Grove, San Diego, Bonita, Spring Valley and nearby communities (click here for a map). We encourage our neighbors in the 78th District to support your next Assemblyman David Bejarano. If you know of anyone in that area please let them know David Bejarano is a candidate to consider.

Here’s the letter:

CITY OF SAN DIEGO
MEMORANDUM

DATE: April 3, 2001

TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council

FROM: David Bejarano, Chief of Police

SUBJECT: Alcohol Restriction at City Beaches

I am supporting a 24-hour restriction on the consumption of alcohol at our city beaches. From 1998 to 2000, the communities of Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach accounted for approximately 40% of all alcohol-related arrests and citations citywide.

Crime statistics clearly support the assertions of beach residents that there are public safety issues and nuisances associated with the consumption of alcohol at our city beaches. These problems include public drunkenness, assaults, fights, underage drinking, driving under the influence, litter, and public urination. The problem is such that it requires the dedication of police resources from inland areas during the summer months.

The City has a history of regulating alcohol on inland and coastal parks in response to public safety concerns, The current City ordinance prohibits the consumption of alcohol at La Jolla beaches and city inland parks. This has lead to a reduction for police services, and improved the quality of life in these areas.

This 24-restriction would not prohibit special events with alcohol currently allowed through the Park & Recreation Department’s permit process.

We are working closely with the beach community groups, businesses and residents to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. I believe a 24-hour restriction on the consumption of alcohol at city beaches will significantly assist us in our efforts.

David Bejarano
DB/dr

This is a copy of a letter that was presented to the March 2007 Beach Alcohol Task Force by a member of SavePB.org.