07/10/2007
2006 Gay Bashing Inspires Citizen Patrol at San diego Gay Pride
You may remember the horrific gay bashing that occurred following last year's Gay Pride in San Diego in which six people were taunted and attacked by a group of men with a baseball bat and a sharp object near Balboa Park following the festival.
San Diego businessman Bob Lehman organized the patrols in response to last year's attack, the San Diego Union Tribune reports: "The group is planning to have a dozen four-person teams deployed in two areas: in Hillcrest along University Avenue, with its restaurants, bars and shops; and outside the festival's Balboa Park venue...The patrols will give suggestions on how people can avoid becoming victims of a crime, and if patrol members see criminal activity, they are prepared to call police quickly, act as witnesses and help victims."
Members of the "Stonewall Citizens Patrol" will wear black jerseys and orange safety vests and monitor activity from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. July 20 and 21 outside the park and along University Avenue from Fifth Avenue to Park Boulevard. Lehman even bought the group an SUV in which it will roll through adjacent neighborhoods.
The men who made the vicious attacks are currently serving sentences ranging from 32 months to 11 years in prison.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 10:06 AM EST by Andy in Crime, Gay Pride, Law Enforcement, News, San Diego | Permalink
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That is the most awesome thing I have heard in a while. I'm glad people are standing up to help each other. Good for Lehman!
Posted by: MT | Jul 10, 2007 10:17:39 AM
we're heading to SD next month for 3 days of R&R and staying at the park manor. this is not the first i've read of a big surge in crime in the area. up 400+% by one account i read in BUZZ.
i'm having second thoughts about the trip now.
Posted by: psgoodguy | Jul 10, 2007 11:18:30 AM
Great Idea...Love the Patrol protecting our neighborhoods
Posted by: Jimmy | Sep 25, 2007 11:13:36 PM