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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels April 16, 2004 Downtown Police see the city's other side Andrew Scot Bolsinger The Plaza of course. Downtown, Lithia Park, the Railroad District. Staples of the Ashland scene. It takes a little while to learn where, exactly, "above the boulevard" is. It takes a little longer to figure out Quiet Village. Then there's talk of homes, "down by the golf course," which may soon need revision if Billings Ranch's planned course every is completed, but alas, I digress. Anyone heard of The Willows? Not likely, but the Ashland Police know it exists. It's part of the rounds, according to Bon Stewart, whose beat is the city's downtown and city parks. The Willows Stewart graciously offered a tour last week of the city, seen through his eyes - the eyes of a cop. It's a different view from the tourists and residents who casually wander around during a gradually warming afternoon. His eyes see the city far more like the transients and homeless who are a less-touted part of the city. "Seventy-five percent of my time is spent dealing with the transient and homeless population," Stewart says. Which leads him to The Willows, a nestle of thorny bushes, wild berries and weedy brush that follows along a small creek. He ducks under some brush and peers back into a small maze cleared from amongst the thorny branches. "Not too many people know this here," he says. He has to climb on all fours to avoid a nasty wisp-like branch that protects the entrance. On the other side a blue tarp is strung amongst the bramble. Beer bottles, food wrappers and other assorted items that looked as if they have been plucked from city trash cans are strewn about. Inside (using the term very loosely here) the makeshift home is a smattering of dirty sleeping bags, blankets some torn and shredded clothes and even a blow-up doll. Stewart knows who lives here. He's kind of surprised the man is back already. "We'll have to come back here soon and tear all this out," he says, referring to the city's ordinance that disallows camping. It's part of the day for Stewart, who sees the city through eyes that most don't really see. The beat Stewart parks his patrol car on the Plaza and begins his rounds. It rained this morning and there is still a bite of chill in the air. He tugs at his Kevlar vest, and then begins a slow walk around the downtown. Things are just beginning to heat up, he says. Most of the commotion usually only occurs when its warm outside. "They are like flowers," Stewart says of the people who will make the problems that he has to deal with each day. "When the sun comes out, they come out." And the problems, like drug use, panhandling, graffiti and petty thefts, will come out with them. To the casual observer, Stewart looks to be taking a pleasant stroll with a guest. But there is a purpose to his walk as he heads to many of the typical spots where people are want to go when they are up to no good. Many of the regulars - plazoids as they are sometimes referred to - know him by name. "What's up Stewart," a man calls out. "Nothing much," he says without breaking stride. Stewart points out patches of paint sprinkled through the downtown. "That's my handiwork," he says. He tries to cover up any graffiti as soon as its discovered. It's a proven theory of community policing that when a window gets broken, or tagging is done, if left untouched, it's guaranteed to bring much more. He's vigilant about trying to stem that tide. From the look of things, he's pretty successful. The routine The route is familiar, but Stewart admits he needs to be wary of falling into a pattern. Many of those that know him by name also watch his every move. They are looking for patterns. It's all part of the process of getting away with whatever they are trying to get away with. A skateboarder descends on the plaza. Out of the corner of his eye, he notices Stewart and quickly hops off the board and begins to walk hurriedly away. "Here comes my major enforcement of the day," Stewart quips as he steps in front of the youngster with the skateboard - skateboarding in the Plaza is a violation of city ordinance. "I know him. He knows better." Stewart and the 15-year-old boy chat a bit. The boy is nervous. "Please, I won't do it again," the boy says. In the end, the boy is cited, but Stewart allows him to keep his skateboard. This time, he says. Earlier today he put two other skateboards he confiscated out in the police yard, joining more than 10 others waiting to be reclaimed once the fines are paid. And so it goes. A panhandler who says he is heading to Vermont to pursue a master's degree is asked to take his signs soliciting money down. A complaint about vandalism in a restaurant bathroom is checked on. A popular spot for smoking marijuana is given a quick pass, just to make sure. Some days, Stewart says, are busier than others. Today is kind of calm. He likes the break. But he also likes the job. "Because I am here is part of why its kind of calm," he says. "If I am not doing this, it creates kind of a vacuum for other problems to come in." So Stewart makes it his business to know what's happening, and more importantly, where its happening. In places like The Willows, or other things, in other parts of town, that most people never have to worry about. 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