Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Parks Bureau were told of a problem in the Tujunga Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary. Residents near to the Sanctuary expressed concerns of people building little dams, blocking the water that flows through the ponds in order to create small pools to swim in. The area was also filling up with trash created by these visitors and a transient encampment. Since this area that the citizens were concerned with is only accessible by foot, horseback or motorcycle, the Parks Bureau Mounted Enforcement Detail was tasked with looking into the problem.
On June 22, 2013, the Mounted Enforcement Detail discovered a camouflaged homeless encampment occupied by three adult males. They used military camouflage netting to conceal their location. This was not your typical homeless shelter as it was equipped with shelving and supplies, and a Weber grill. They also had several coolers, including one large cooler with shrimp, steak, cold beer on ice, whiskey, a secreted motorcycle, satellite radio and a separate latrine area. All were issued citations for violations of overnight camping and possessing open alcoholic beverages.
The Mounted Enforcement Detail has made two additional visits to the Tujunga Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary and so far, has made one felony arrest for Possession of an illegal Substance, eleven misdemeanor arrests for possession of marijuana (3), alcohol (8) in a county park, and issued citations for outstanding warrants (2) and illegal camping (3). They will continue patrolling this area on a regular basis until the problems stop.
Equestrian Trail Inc., Coral 209, volunteers their time in picking up the trash and will continue diligently working until the area is once again a clean area that can be enjoyed by all its visitors.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Departments Parks Bureau is dedicated to providing a safe and drug free environment at all Los Angeles County Parks.
Providing Public Safety for Parks
www.Parks.lasd.org
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