Shock … and Awe

Like most, if not all, residents in the Crescenta Valley I was shocked to learn of the proposed placement of a sexually violent predator into a Briggs Terrace neighborhood. Mary O’Keefe has been closely following the story and has made sure to keep CV Weekly readers abreast of this unfolding situation.

There are so many facets to this story that are disturbing: how did the Dept. of State Hospitals determine that he would be a good fit in an area that is predominately families with children? Why does anyone think it a good idea to place him in an area with only one entrance and exit? Or with sketchy (at best) cellphone service?

Mary has outlined much of the process on how an SVP is released into a community and, frankly, some of the steps seemed to have been skipped. Thankfully, the protocol that allows the community to voice its concerns is not one of those skipped items. In addition to encouraging local residents and community leaders to send letters to DA Jay S. Grobeson all concerned parties can take part in a hearing that is being held tomorrow, Friday, June 11 regarding the proposed housing for Calvin Grassmier. While there seems to be some indecision regarding whether or not residents can speak at the hearing, everyone can listen in at https://lacvirtualcourts.webex.com/meet/hwd-dept-203?fbclid=IwAR0U3riL0gYyjHBXfQ4GyjGTfm61xS9cOogWsGcZfEHkN9yML9r7iHoY29s. Note that this is a video call-in event, not a drive-to event. To call in, at 8:30 a.m. on Friday dial (213) 306-3065 and enter participant passcode 1464807376#.

Which leads me to the “awe” aspect of my column; that is, the community’s response to the news about Grassmier.

As soon as the news became public that a home on Freeman Avenue in Briggs Terrace was being considered as the residence for Grassmier, residents protested this possible placement. Local resident Alex Gardner, organizer of Briggs United, gathered pertinent information, shared it with neighbors and supporters at an outdoor meeting last week, then took part in a protest of the placement that was held on Saturday at the corner of Briggs Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

Several civic organizations and businesses, including Crescenta Valley Weekly, sent letters to DA Jay S. Grobeson objecting to Grassmier being placed in the community. Many of these letters were detailed in the reasons why Grassmier shouldn’t be housed in Upper Briggs Terrace. This is important because, while emotions are high, it is important that the DA receives hard facts why this isn’t a good fit.

I personally have a question: why is this house being offered at all? It is a 1,756 square foot, three-bedroom house in an area that can garner $5,000 in monthly rent. Considering that my tax dollars (and yours) will be paying this rent why isn’t more cost-efficient housing being sought? It ticks me off.

In any case, Mary will be reporting on the results of the hearing on Friday morning.