Is Heroin a problem in the SCV? continued

By Jeff — Jeff Wilson

A young reader confesses and lashes out:

I am a 19 year old SCV resident and have lived here all my life.
I can verify first hand that black tar heroin and oxycontin(along with any other drugs you want)are readily available at competitive low prices. I am 37 days clean of any drugs or alcohol and am working the 12 steps recovering from a nasty heroin addiction. I know plenty of kids hooked on dope some as young as 13. Santa Clarita is infested with heroin junkies in disguise. Kids have plenty of free time, money, and resources like cars, cell phones, and valuables. Its very scary and i know 2 close friends that have already died because of heroin. Please pay closer attention to your children’s activities,whereabouts,and friends.Its also availiable at school! which is so convenient and makes it even tougher for parents to control. Awesometown…great name for this piece of shit town that cares more about its image and financial security than the well being of its young residents. I hate all of the rich snobs that think they are sooo superior to the SFV residents when really their money is funding that valley’s drug habits.

Some proportion of young people are always going to use drugs. Particularly pot and alcohol. No matter the community, no matter the zero tolerance programs, the schools, or law enforcement.

But black tar heroin isn’t like those drugs. Its effects on the human body and its ability to turn a one-time try into an all-consuming habit are so much more potent than pot or aclohol that it deserves special enforcement in my opinion. In other words, drop the zero tolerance nonsense and focus enforcement efforts on dealers who are selling this stuff to kids.

I’m glad Bob Kellar asked for more information about this from the Sheriff’s Station. I hope we’ll hear a good report back soon.

As for the 19 year old reader: Good luck with your recovery and try not to lash out at the entire community. We’re talking about this because we care.

Comments (31)

BrianMay 24, 2010 at 10:36 am

The police can’t stop the hard stuff like heroin as long as they chase around middle aged pot smokers and dispensaries. Fact, the war on drugs is a failure and it’s time to refocus the limited resources to stop the harmful substances and the gangs who supply them. Anyone for raising taxes in order to stop a few junkies? Didn’t think so!

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 11:03 am

First – I think this post is complete B.S. It doesn’t sound like any 19 year old I have every known especially the type stupid enough to take Heroin. The language and preachiness smells like one of these panic advocates that would rationalize posing as a 19 year old via the internet to help bring home their weak point. It isn’t news that Santa Clarita has some drugs as any community, we do not however have an out of control secret drug problem. The data doesn’t support such a claim. Therefore it would be utterly stupid to divert anymore law enforcement resources on this made up problem.

anonymousMay 25, 2010 at 3:23 pm

In reply to the comment here and the conversation below with lvogel: It sounds like the very same sentiment I heard and spouted myself just a few years ago. The younger folk here have a lot of time, a lot of money, and little to do. I’ll eat my hat if that wasn’t written by a 19 year old. I still feel a twinge of resentment toward our local public figures. Back then, my drug of choice was meth. I won’t consider myself recovered. I stopped, became an adult, and took on the responsibilities that came with it. My 20 year old brother died of a heroin overdose, after making an intense struggle to overcome it — including rehab, counseling, doctors, and family support. One of his friends, who was also hooked on heroin got kicked out of his house. I let him stay in mine, ignoring his poor behavior, eventually convincing him to change his life and leave for a live-in rehab center. Unfortunately, I didn’t hear from him until I found out he had overdosed. Rest assured, I’m not blaming anyone for not doing something to stop this. If someone’s hooked, they have to do it themselves. I want someone to stop the suppliers, or at least show that they’re making an attempt. It isn’t shocking, you’re correct. Many suburbs have the same problems we’re dealing with. There’s no easy solution. Hunting down high school and junior high kids for possession of alcohol and pot needs to take a backseat to these particular problems, but all I hear is uproar about the (questionably) legal and legitimate dispensaries and a bunch of squabbling over HOAs and spending money to make the city look great. When I was doing drugs, I made quite a few contacts, even going up as far as meeting some of the suppliers for the area. I didn’t have the presence of mind to save that information for when it could be used for good, but our fine officers should be able to do the same, right? That’s all I’m asking, for them to do what they can, but I’m not seeing it. When my brother died, they didn’t even grab phone numbers or ask any of his friends about it, to my knowledge. Seems like an easy place to find some leads. Hopefully in tonight’s meeting, they can tell us what they’re actually doing about it. I want to see some sort of effort and result, I don’t blame them for the stuff being here. I want to know that it’s something they’re actually looking into. I’m 24 now. In high school, I was an honors student; I passed AP courses. It’s not just idiots out there doing these things, just immature not-yet-adults. Due to my poor decision-making skills, I’m still here. I didn’t leave for school or a job, but I’m not complaining, here isn’t too bad of a place to be, even with its problems. However, if you think the problems are made up, you can feel free to keep jamming your head under the sand like so many of our community members. Before you jump to conclusions, I didn’t know the 24 year old that died. He was a Canyon student, if I remember correctly. I’m from the other side of the valley.

anonymousMay 24, 2010 at 12:34 pm

A short interview with Carey-The Director of Action Counseling may help to clear up the issue for everyone. 661-297-4660. Go to a meeting on Tuesday night at Canyon High 7 PM Room A1 and you will have your eyes opened. The problem is bad and getting worse, but there are resources to help.

Tim TebowMay 24, 2010 at 12:43 pm

For profit resources, that is. Depending on a for-profit drug counseling corporation to tell us whether there is a drug problem is like asking a realtor if now is a good time to buy…

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 12:47 pm

BINGO.

BrianMay 24, 2010 at 1:02 pm

What exactly is there to clear up? Parents are not paying attention or are very stupid and law enforcement is afraid of gangs which shoot back. Get educated people! Quit buying into the Reefer Maddness hysteria! The problem is in the gangs! Now get the gangs!

Whiskey Tango FoxtrotMay 24, 2010 at 2:58 pm

You are absolutely correct about the parents and absolutely out of line regarding the law enforcement comment.

BrianMay 24, 2010 at 3:13 pm

The Los Angeles district attorney has tasked the police to go after dispensaries. We have read of the major crackdowns and the upcoming draconian measures being implemented. When is the last time you read of any gang roundups which effectively put them out of business. Seriously. It’s safer going after the pot smokers. What can happen? A twinkie gets tossed at you? I dare you to walk some of the streets at night and tell us you feel safe. Gangs are terrorists who have been allowed to flourish by the police. Now as for being out of line…..

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 3:21 pm

Funny… LA District attorney or LAPD doesn’t have anything to do with SCV. Little reading for you… http://incident.scvsheriff.com/news_room/2009/05/second-operation-aims-at-scv-gangs.html http://incident.scvsheriff.com/news_room/2009/09/armed-gang-members-behind-bars-after-pursuit.html http://incident.scvsheriff.com/news_room/2009/08/sheriffs-predawn-operation-targets-gangs.html http://incident.scvsheriff.com/news_room/2007/12/cit-team-arrest.html

BrianMay 24, 2010 at 4:01 pm

That’s it? Three from 2009 and one from 2007? I feel so much safer now That’s a dog and pony show more than meaningful enforcement to interdict hardcore drugs and violent gangsters. Bust them up on a monthly basis! Is this a problem?

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 4:07 pm

You are clueless.

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 3:13 pm

I agree with WTF. Check yourself Brian. SCV law enforcement is not afraid of punk gang members

mikeMay 24, 2010 at 3:34 pm

I’m with WTF

BrianMay 24, 2010 at 1:08 pm

I just found this. How many deaths? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37319358/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

Your Web GuruMay 24, 2010 at 2:21 pm

It’s like the SCV has woken up from it’s 1950′s halcyon-esque dream and suddenly realized there are drugs in the world. Last I checked, none of us enter our valley by squeezing through some sort of Shangri-La bubble that prevents us from experiencing real life. Yep, drugs are out there, SCV, even in our little white-bread valley. Teach your children well.

lvogelMay 24, 2010 at 3:21 pm

Good link, Brian. I will never underestimate what a kid/teenager may do or want to ‘try’. Most young people feel they are invindible. They don’t think about consequences or how one stupid act may change their whole life. As parents (being the wiser more experienced individuals) we must constantly educate them and show them those consequences. If more young people (like the 19 year old poster) talked to our kids, then it would be someone other than their ‘OLD and OUT-OF-TOUCH’ parents giving it to them straight. Parents and law enforcement need to get involved; parents need to be there as much and talk to as often as we can to our children about ANY drug available; Law enforement needs to stay on top of the drugs that are killing our children and where they are getting them from. It’s out there and it is a problem, and if we discount this as mere ‘hysteria’, then we are doing our children a diservice. How often do we here…”Oh not my kid” only to find out that yes it is your kid.

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 3:32 pm

amazing how you sound so much like that 19 year old… you both seem to have a fondness for putting things in brackets (I also like brackets… wink wink)

lvogelMay 24, 2010 at 4:07 pm

Why would you believe that the post wasn’t by an 19 year old, damageinc? If you know any ‘kids’ that have been through rehab, then I’m sure you know that they do A LOT of growing up through the process. In fact I know many mature 19 year old who are just as articulate as the poster. “It doesn’t sound like any 19 year old I have every known especially the type stupid enough to take Heroin.” I’ve known adults that have been unfortunate enough to get addicted to all sorts of narcotics. It’s not really a hard habit; it just may take one surgery (knee, hip, cancer, back, etc) and a person could become dependent. Typically, if the doctor cuts them off, they will look elswhere for a ‘fix’.

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 4:24 pm

Well first is the tone, then the writing style and grammar. Soon as I read it I knew it was you. Second a 19 year old recovering drug addict who would have probably dropped out of school isn’t going to be that articulate. Oh and there is also the lost two friends comment. That was wrong info given by the mother of that 24 year old out of town junkie. Nice try.

lvogelMay 24, 2010 at 4:30 pm

Seriously!?! OY JEFF, Set this person straight and let them know that the post you put up is not from me. How many current, past or recovered addicts have you known or worked with? It’s encouraged that they go back and finish their schooling, and MANY do.

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 4:35 pm

Doesn’t matter families in Santa Clarita shouldn’t be put at risk because a few kids decide they are going to take drugs. They kill themselves, that is the risk they knew when they stuck the needle in their arm. It is their right to flush their lives down the toilet and it is none of your business if their life doesn’t mean very much to them.

lvogelMay 24, 2010 at 4:52 pm

Oh, the ‘it’s not my problem’ mentality. Good thing not everyone feels the way you do. I happen to care about my community and the ‘families’ that live here. Some of those families may even have ‘adult’ addicts; not just stupid kids. BTW, heroin does not have to be injected to be addictive. Smoking is the easiest way to conceal the usage.

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 5:14 pm

No, people should not think like you. We need more people who treat their fellow man with respect and dignity then hold them accountable for their actions. You think placing the blame on anyone but the addict is doing them a favor? Addicts only needs an excuse to get back to there junkie ways. You make it sound like robots are roaming the city injecting people with drugs… people make choices and those choices come with a price. It isn’t rocket science. Kids don’t need your nagging. Take a kid down to skid row and let them see what happens when you don’t value your own life. Tell them you aren’t going to support behavior that leads to this (then point at a homeless junkie).

lvogelMay 24, 2010 at 6:01 pm

Actually, that is part of the process; show them the results. Heck even a trip to the morgue qualifies as part of the rehabilitation, for some groups. I take it damageinc, that no one (a loved one or someone you may have been close to) has ever been an addict? One other thing, the ‘addict’ always takes full responsiblity for their problem. They would be the last to blame the supplier. There is plenty of people they could point fingers at for their problem, but ultimately it is their life, addiction, and problem that they have to work on; no one can do it for them. BTW, I like the ‘robot’ scenario; I may have to use that one..LOL

BrianMay 24, 2010 at 3:28 pm

I am glad to hear we have no gang problem in the SCV. Good job Sheriffs! Mission Accomplished!

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 3:35 pm

We have a gang problem, just saying our sheriff’s would rather go after pot smokers instead of gang members because they don’t typically have guns is unfounded and dead wrong.

BrianMay 24, 2010 at 3:42 pm

Follow the easy money!

damageincMay 24, 2010 at 4:07 pm

Easy money? More arrest costs the tax payers more money.

TIREDOFITMay 25, 2010 at 7:18 am

Anyone who doesn’t believe this is a huge problem should come and take a good look at the bridgeport area, heroin is rife around here with the teenagers and nothing is being done about it.

SCVReaderMay 26, 2010 at 5:51 am

The Sheriff’s Dept is doing plenty to curb drug use in this valley but many parents fall short and then point the finger at the cops and everyone else but their own kids or parenting skills. If you want to know the truth about what started this recent dialogue at City Council, read the sheriff’s report from the night that young man died. Signal: Check it out!

BrianMay 24, 2010 at 10:36 am
The police can’t stop the hard stuff like heroin as long as they chase around middle aged pot smokers and dispensaries. Fact, the war on drugs is a failure and it’s time to refocus the limited resources to stop the harmful substances and the gangs who supply them. Anyone for raising taxes in order to stop a few junkies? Didn’t think so!
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 11:03 am
First – I think this post is complete B.S. It doesn’t sound like any 19 year old I have every known especially the type stupid enough to take Heroin. The language and preachiness smells like one of these panic advocates that would rationalize posing as a 19 year old via the internet to help bring home their weak point. It isn’t news that Santa Clarita has some drugs as any community, we do not however have an out of control secret drug problem. The data doesn’t support such a claim. Therefore it would be utterly stupid to divert anymore law enforcement resources on this made up problem.
anonymousMay 25, 2010 at 3:23 pm
In reply to the comment here and the conversation below with lvogel: It sounds like the very same sentiment I heard and spouted myself just a few years ago. The younger folk here have a lot of time, a lot of money, and little to do. I’ll eat my hat if that wasn’t written by a 19 year old. I still feel a twinge of resentment toward our local public figures. Back then, my drug of choice was meth. I won’t consider myself recovered. I stopped, became an adult, and took on the responsibilities that came with it. My 20 year old brother died of a heroin overdose, after making an intense struggle to overcome it — including rehab, counseling, doctors, and family support. One of his friends, who was also hooked on heroin got kicked out of his house. I let him stay in mine, ignoring his poor behavior, eventually convincing him to change his life and leave for a live-in rehab center. Unfortunately, I didn’t hear from him until I found out he had overdosed. Rest assured, I’m not blaming anyone for not doing something to stop this. If someone’s hooked, they have to do it themselves. I want someone to stop the suppliers, or at least show that they’re making an attempt. It isn’t shocking, you’re correct. Many suburbs have the same problems we’re dealing with. There’s no easy solution. Hunting down high school and junior high kids for possession of alcohol and pot needs to take a backseat to these particular problems, but all I hear is uproar about the (questionably) legal and legitimate dispensaries and a bunch of squabbling over HOAs and spending money to make the city look great. When I was doing drugs, I made quite a few contacts, even going up as far as meeting some of the suppliers for the area. I didn’t have the presence of mind to save that information for when it could be used for good, but our fine officers should be able to do the same, right? That’s all I’m asking, for them to do what they can, but I’m not seeing it. When my brother died, they didn’t even grab phone numbers or ask any of his friends about it, to my knowledge. Seems like an easy place to find some leads. Hopefully in tonight’s meeting, they can tell us what they’re actually doing about it. I want to see some sort of effort and result, I don’t blame them for the stuff being here. I want to know that it’s something they’re actually looking into. I’m 24 now. In high school, I was an honors student; I passed AP courses. It’s not just idiots out there doing these things, just immature not-yet-adults. Due to my poor decision-making skills, I’m still here. I didn’t leave for school or a job, but I’m not complaining, here isn’t too bad of a place to be, even with its problems. However, if you think the problems are made up, you can feel free to keep jamming your head under the sand like so many of our community members. Before you jump to conclusions, I didn’t know the 24 year old that died. He was a Canyon student, if I remember correctly. I’m from the other side of the valley.
anonymousMay 24, 2010 at 12:34 pm
A short interview with Carey-The Director of Action Counseling may help to clear up the issue for everyone. 661-297-4660. Go to a meeting on Tuesday night at Canyon High 7 PM Room A1 and you will have your eyes opened. The problem is bad and getting worse, but there are resources to help.
Tim TebowMay 24, 2010 at 12:43 pm
For profit resources, that is. Depending on a for-profit drug counseling corporation to tell us whether there is a drug problem is like asking a realtor if now is a good time to buy…
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 12:47 pm
BINGO.
BrianMay 24, 2010 at 1:02 pm
What exactly is there to clear up? Parents are not paying attention or are very stupid and law enforcement is afraid of gangs which shoot back. Get educated people! Quit buying into the Reefer Maddness hysteria! The problem is in the gangs! Now get the gangs!
Whiskey Tango FoxtrotMay 24, 2010 at 2:58 pm
You are absolutely correct about the parents and absolutely out of line regarding the law enforcement comment.
BrianMay 24, 2010 at 3:13 pm
The Los Angeles district attorney has tasked the police to go after dispensaries. We have read of the major crackdowns and the upcoming draconian measures being implemented. When is the last time you read of any gang roundups which effectively put them out of business. Seriously. It’s safer going after the pot smokers. What can happen? A twinkie gets tossed at you? I dare you to walk some of the streets at night and tell us you feel safe. Gangs are terrorists who have been allowed to flourish by the police. Now as for being out of line…..
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Funny… LA District attorney or LAPD doesn’t have anything to do with SCV. Little reading for you… http://incident.scvsheriff.com/news_room/2009/05/second-operation-aims-at-scv-gangs.html http://incident.scvsheriff.com/news_room/2009/09/armed-gang-members-behind-bars-after-pursuit.html http://incident.scvsheriff.com/news_room/2009/08/sheriffs-predawn-operation-targets-gangs.html http://incident.scvsheriff.com/news_room/2007/12/cit-team-arrest.html
BrianMay 24, 2010 at 4:01 pm
That’s it? Three from 2009 and one from 2007? I feel so much safer now That’s a dog and pony show more than meaningful enforcement to interdict hardcore drugs and violent gangsters. Bust them up on a monthly basis! Is this a problem?
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 4:07 pm
You are clueless.
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I agree with WTF. Check yourself Brian. SCV law enforcement is not afraid of punk gang members
mikeMay 24, 2010 at 3:34 pm
I’m with WTF
BrianMay 24, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I just found this. How many deaths? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37319358/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/
Your Web GuruMay 24, 2010 at 2:21 pm
It’s like the SCV has woken up from it’s 1950′s halcyon-esque dream and suddenly realized there are drugs in the world. Last I checked, none of us enter our valley by squeezing through some sort of Shangri-La bubble that prevents us from experiencing real life. Yep, drugs are out there, SCV, even in our little white-bread valley. Teach your children well.
lvogelMay 24, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Good link, Brian. I will never underestimate what a kid/teenager may do or want to ‘try’. Most young people feel they are invindible. They don’t think about consequences or how one stupid act may change their whole life. As parents (being the wiser more experienced individuals) we must constantly educate them and show them those consequences. If more young people (like the 19 year old poster) talked to our kids, then it would be someone other than their ‘OLD and OUT-OF-TOUCH’ parents giving it to them straight. Parents and law enforcement need to get involved; parents need to be there as much and talk to as often as we can to our children about ANY drug available; Law enforement needs to stay on top of the drugs that are killing our children and where they are getting them from. It’s out there and it is a problem, and if we discount this as mere ‘hysteria’, then we are doing our children a diservice. How often do we here…”Oh not my kid” only to find out that yes it is your kid.
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 3:32 pm
amazing how you sound so much like that 19 year old… you both seem to have a fondness for putting things in brackets (I also like brackets… wink wink)
lvogelMay 24, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Why would you believe that the post wasn’t by an 19 year old, damageinc? If you know any ‘kids’ that have been through rehab, then I’m sure you know that they do A LOT of growing up through the process. In fact I know many mature 19 year old who are just as articulate as the poster. “It doesn’t sound like any 19 year old I have every known especially the type stupid enough to take Heroin.” I’ve known adults that have been unfortunate enough to get addicted to all sorts of narcotics. It’s not really a hard habit; it just may take one surgery (knee, hip, cancer, back, etc) and a person could become dependent. Typically, if the doctor cuts them off, they will look elswhere for a ‘fix’.
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Well first is the tone, then the writing style and grammar. Soon as I read it I knew it was you. Second a 19 year old recovering drug addict who would have probably dropped out of school isn’t going to be that articulate. Oh and there is also the lost two friends comment. That was wrong info given by the mother of that 24 year old out of town junkie. Nice try.
lvogelMay 24, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Seriously!?! OY JEFF, Set this person straight and let them know that the post you put up is not from me. How many current, past or recovered addicts have you known or worked with? It’s encouraged that they go back and finish their schooling, and MANY do.
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Doesn’t matter families in Santa Clarita shouldn’t be put at risk because a few kids decide they are going to take drugs. They kill themselves, that is the risk they knew when they stuck the needle in their arm. It is their right to flush their lives down the toilet and it is none of your business if their life doesn’t mean very much to them.
lvogelMay 24, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Oh, the ‘it’s not my problem’ mentality. Good thing not everyone feels the way you do. I happen to care about my community and the ‘families’ that live here. Some of those families may even have ‘adult’ addicts; not just stupid kids. BTW, heroin does not have to be injected to be addictive. Smoking is the easiest way to conceal the usage.
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 5:14 pm
No, people should not think like you. We need more people who treat their fellow man with respect and dignity then hold them accountable for their actions. You think placing the blame on anyone but the addict is doing them a favor? Addicts only needs an excuse to get back to there junkie ways. You make it sound like robots are roaming the city injecting people with drugs… people make choices and those choices come with a price. It isn’t rocket science. Kids don’t need your nagging. Take a kid down to skid row and let them see what happens when you don’t value your own life. Tell them you aren’t going to support behavior that leads to this (then point at a homeless junkie).
lvogelMay 24, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Actually, that is part of the process; show them the results. Heck even a trip to the morgue qualifies as part of the rehabilitation, for some groups. I take it damageinc, that no one (a loved one or someone you may have been close to) has ever been an addict? One other thing, the ‘addict’ always takes full responsiblity for their problem. They would be the last to blame the supplier. There is plenty of people they could point fingers at for their problem, but ultimately it is their life, addiction, and problem that they have to work on; no one can do it for them. BTW, I like the ‘robot’ scenario; I may have to use that one..LOL
BrianMay 24, 2010 at 3:28 pm
I am glad to hear we have no gang problem in the SCV. Good job Sheriffs! Mission Accomplished!
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 3:35 pm
We have a gang problem, just saying our sheriff’s would rather go after pot smokers instead of gang members because they don’t typically have guns is unfounded and dead wrong.
BrianMay 24, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Follow the easy money!
damageincMay 24, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Easy money? More arrest costs the tax payers more money.
TIREDOFITMay 25, 2010 at 7:18 am
Anyone who doesn’t believe this is a huge problem should come and take a good look at the bridgeport area, heroin is rife around here with the teenagers and nothing is being done about it.
SCVReaderMay 26, 2010 at 5:51 am
The Sheriff’s Dept is doing plenty to curb drug use in this valley but many parents fall short and then point the finger at the cops and everyone else but their own kids or parenting skills. If you want to know the truth about what started this recent dialogue at City Council, read the sheriff’s report from the night that young man died. Signal: Check it out!