Will the Tenderloin Get Its Own Guardian Angels?

Activists in the Tenderloin are trying to jumpstart a program of citizen patrols to help combat crime in the troubled inner-city neighborhood. Despite increased foot patrols from San Francisco Police officers, the 'Loin is still struggling with rampant drug dealing and related violence.

The Community Leadership Alliance (CLA), a Tenderloin organization, began a Community on Patrol program in 2007. (A similar program exists in the Castro.) But the project has been hindered by poor organization and a lack of consistency, according to CLA director David Villa-Lobos.

"We have managed to have at least one or two patrols out nightly, and have worked w/SFPD and the District Attorney's office in reporting and following up on criminal activity, but we do need more volunteers, and to reorganize," Villa-Lobos said in an e-mail.

He said a new CLA member is interested in ramping up the Community on Patrol program, with a particular focus on finding more volunteers and seeking cooperation from business owners.

"Our long term goal will be to address the loitering issue," Villa-Lobos said.

Community patrol organizations exist throughout the country. The most renowned is New York City's Guardian Angels group. While credited by some with reducing street crime, the Guardian Angels have also been criticized as vigilantes by uniformed police officers.

A neighborhood meeting on the effort will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, in the Hamilton Community Room at 631 O'Farrell Street.