La Quinta buisness owners deal with trespassing, drug concerns
UPDATE: 6:35 p.m.
For nearly 20 years, Jerry Sims helped Shovlin Companies do business in La Quinta. “He [Owner Michael Shovlin] takes great pride in it,” Sims said. “And he wants it to remain a family shopping center.” But lately, he said the plaza has been the center of deals not just in stores. “In the last six months, we have had a tremendous influx of people, young people, using drugs, and leaving dirty needles here,” Sims said. Sims’ crew and La Quinta Police officers make their rounds throughout the property, picking up pieces of trash and needles, and keeping an eye on an area officers said could be popular with the homeless population, due to a variety of different stores. “It also does have a recycling center within the parking lot, which you can turn in recyclables for cash,” La Quinta Assistant Police Chief Lt. David Walton said. “And take that cash and use that to obtain, whether it’s a substance abuse issue or what not, to continue the homeless lifestyle.” While they continue collaborating, Sims and Walton are now urging visitors that if they see something, to say something. “We’re watching you,” Sims said. “I don’t care if you come here and act like a gentleman or a lady. We will not tolerate it here. If I have to, you get arrested, I will go to court and testify against you. Period.” Earlier this year, a shopping center in Bermuda Dunes dealt with similar issues. To view that story, click here. Sims and Walton encourage visitors to report any suspicious activities they see to either Shovlin Companies or La Quinta Police. For both of those numbers, you can find them in an earlier version of this article below.
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ORIGINAL STORY: 4:04 p.m.
Business owners and managers in a La Quinta shopping center are voicing their concern over recent trespassing and drug issues stemming from the homeless community.
Zak Dahlheimer looked into their concerns Wednesday morning and saw drug paraphernalia, including syringes and needles, on sidewalks leading up to some of these businesses.
Coming up on CBS Local 2 at 5:30 p.m. and KESQ News Channel 3 at 6 p.m., Zak will show you the area that is seeing a sharp increase in illegal activity and he’ll let you know what La Quinta police are doing to combat the concerns for business owners and management.
If you see any suspicious activity at the La Quinta Shopping Center, contact either Shovlin Companies at (760) 771-3345 or La Quinta Police at (760) 863-8990.
