Citizens get a reality check from commander of Lost Hills Station

By John Loesing Acorn Staff Writer

Local homes and businesses are relatively safe from crime and terrorism, but citizens would still be wise to keep their guard up as they go about their daily lives, Capt. Tom Martin of Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station told members of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce last week.

"There will probably be some act of terrorism again," Martin said. "We just need to do whatever we can to be vigilant and make sure it doesn’t happen here."

Among other things, the station recently received a new shipment of gas masks, said Martin, who was named commanding officer of Lost Hills Station earlier this year.

For years, Californians have faced the threat of fire, earthquakes and floods—and are probably better prepared than most Americans to deal with terrorism, according to Martin. It’s doubtful that terrorists would target the 380 square-mile Lost Hills area, he said. Residents and business owners should be more concerned, Martin said, about "crimes of opportunity" committed by common criminals.

"These are the types of things you and your neighbor can help prevent by taking our valuables out of view," Martin said. "Be on the lookout for people who don’t fit the bill in your area … if there’s someone hanging around," he added. "Be observant and know your surroundings. Situational awareness is very important."

The same steps that prevent common crimes, Martin said, would also work against terrorism. Guests at the chamber event included fire, law enforcement, emergency volunteer and risk management officials.

Members of the audience expressed concern that emergency response in Old Town Calabasas is unreliable because one-half of the district is in Calabasas and the other half sits in the city of Los Angeles.

Last week, the Los Angeles City Council voted to oppose an attempt by Calabasas to annex the Sagebrush Cantina and Leonis Adobe, two major attractions which are inside the Los Angeles city limits.

"Every time we call (emergency officials), they say we’re in Calabasas," said Ruth Abel, an Adobe boardmember. "It’s been a concern and we’ve been fortunate there hasn’t been a major incident."

On a separate note, Martin said the sheriff’s department has been severely handicapped by budget restrictions. The department has lost $160 million over the past two years, and Martin said, "It has been a very, very painful process to do that. We are now down to bare bones policing."

"You’re seeing people arrested and put into jail released back into the community at a faster rate. Only the most heinous criminals are kept in jail."

Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station cut back four duty sergeants and had to reduce intervention programs for family crimes, such as elder abuse and spousal abuse, Martin said.

But then he assured the audience, too. "Anything we can do to help, we’re just a 911 call away."