Council May Declare Via Lomas ‘Drug-Free’
In an effort to keep youths of the Via Lomas neighborhood out of trouble, the City Council today will consider declaring the small community a “drug-free zone.”
If the zone is created, the city will install signs in the neighborhood establishing the no-drugs area. The cost of the signs would be under $200, and city officials say benefits of the program would outweigh its price tag.
“It’s a concentrated effort to enforce existing laws and focus extra attention on individuals who break the laws,” said Councilwoman Melody Carruth.
Not only will law enforcement efforts increase, but state law allows stiffer sentences for drug violations in such designated zones. Made up of small, single-story condominiums, the neighborhood is located on Via Lomas street between Alicia and Moulton parkways.
In a report to the council, Sheriff’s Department Lt. Rex Hatch, who heads Laguna Hills police services, said that while drug dealing is not rampant, there are indications of drug, alcohol and minor gang activity on the street. The program was proposed by the Aliso Meadows Homeowners Assn., which oversees the Via Lomas community.
“I’m very pleased the people who live there came forward,” said Carruth. “This request does show how much they care about their neighborhood.”
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