Threats, Minor Violence Being Linked to Forces in Valley Center Sewer Ballot

A Valley Center video store received an anonymous warning late Tuesday to evacuate the building because it was about to be “shot up.”

No shooting occurred at Satellite Master, but sheriff’s deputies said this is the most recent of several incidents that may be related to “dirty tricks” by opposing forces in the March 22 sewer election in this North County community.

Doc Jeffries, a spokesman for the video sales and rental business, said he received a call in his office Tuesday morning threatening retaliation unless the store removed its anti-sewer sign. About 7:30 p.m., an assistant store manager received an anonymous call telling her to evacuate the building because it was “about to have the windows blown out.”

No Shooting Attempt Reported

Two deputies responded, but Deputy Dan Cripe reported no attempt to shoot up the store.

Bob Polito, a rancher and one of the leaders of the anti-sewer campaign, said many merchants “are afraid to death” of economic reprisals or vandalism if they display signs advocating a “no” vote on Proposition A, the measure seeking an $11-million sewer project for the central area of Valley Center.

Vic Herrera, owner of Vic’s Garage and Towing, said he took down a sign opposing Proposition A and advocating Proposition B after “verbal harassment and pressure” from some customers. Proposition B would force the Valley Center Municipal Water District to submit all major projects, such as the sewer system, to voters for approval.

“One of my windows was broken, but I have no proof that it was related to the sewer election,” Herrera said. “But a number of people--including a couple of very big guns in the community who favor a sewer--told me that they would not do business with me unless I took it down.”

Jeffries, the video spokesman, said he also has received threats but told “them to go to hell” because he is opposed to the “developers’ sewer” going in.

“I am going to keep the sign up, and they can do business where they want,” he said. “I’m against the sewer, and nobody is going to pressure me.”

Herrera said he has no strong opinions on either side of the issue, which has split the community.

“I came here 17 years ago to raise my kids in the country,” he said. “I own my business and an acreage in the valley, so I would stand to gain a lot if the sewers go in, but I like it the way it is.”

Mary Turmes, a spokeswoman for the pro-sewer campaign--Citizens Advocating Responsibility the Environment (CARE)--said several incidents of vandalism that might be related to the election have occurred.

I. W. (Tommy) Thomas, CARE chairman, had the tires of his automobile slashed recently, and another CARE official, Michael Lennie, reported to the Sheriff’s Department that his office had been broken into Saturday. Nothing was missing, but a fire extinguisher had been sprayed around the office, causing damage, he said.