On the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 10, Ben Gomez, logistics director of Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol (SCP) found that both of the neighborhood patrol unit’s vehicles had been vandalized. Each of the two Ford SUVs had two punctured tires. At the time of discovery, the vehicles’ tires were completely flat, rendering them inoperable. Total damage to both vehicles is estimated at $1,000. This most recent case is the second incident of vandalism to SCP’s vehicles. Earlier this fall, a tire on one of the SUVs was slashed while parked at Brians’ American Eatery in the early evening hours.

“These acts of vandalism will not deter our mission in assisting the San Diego Police Department with our weekly patrols,” said Bob Lehman, founder of Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol.

San Diego LGBT Pride, a supporter of Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol, is contributing $500 toward the costs of the repairs. Lehman is covering the remaining $500. Seeking to end these repeated attempts to deter SCP’s efforts, Lehman is also offering a $1,000 reward for any legitimate information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the persons who vandalized the SUVs.

“We would like to thank the entire community for their support and generosity,” Gomez said. “We are eager to get back on to the streets so we can continue with our mission.”

The Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol was formed in 2006 after attacks on patrons outside the San Diego LGBT Pride Festival prompted the American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) and other concerned community members to take action. Today, working in collaboration with the San Diego Police Department, Stonewall’s volunteer units patrol the streets and alleys of Hillcrest and surrounding neighborhoods, monitoring vulnerable locations and helping deter potential violent and/or criminal activity by acting as an immediate gateway and information resource to the local law enforcement officials.

Any individual with information on the vandalism of the two patrol vehicles is asked to contact the Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol. For contact information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1095.