Since the Metro L Line (Gold) has come into place while being a way of transportation for many students, an increase in the amount of trespassers on campus has risen, specifically homeless people.
Director of Campus Safety Ben Macias said in an email there’s been an increase since the L Line has been placed.
Cities like Glendora and Azusa have seen an increase also, Macias said. The L Line plays an important factor in the increase, considering Citrus and Azusa Pacific University is the last stop going east from downtown Los Angeles.
Campus officers encounter issues like this often, and they have a way of handling situations, Macias said.
“When our officers encounter challenges or issues, they are handled with kindness, compassion, respect and integrity,” Macias said. “Services, resources and assistance are always offered. To be clear, being homeless is not a crime.”
With the L Line ending at Citrus College, students have their own encounters with homeless people from time to time.
Student Xavier Lopez said he sees homeless people on the L Line and the station.
“Of course they’re there, especially in the Arcadia station where I get on,” Lopez said.
Students have encountered and witnessed homeless people trespassing on campus in between classes.
Student Starr Burns said she has seen homeless people during her night classes.
“I have a night class on Thursday around 7, and last time there was a man who was homeless and had noticed him walking around campus,” Burns said. “I noticed him walking on campus and didn’t think much of it, but he walked over and asked for the time and I gave it to him.”
Burns said although the encounter was short, it wasn’t comfortable.
“At first I engaged in a short conversation with him, but he kept coming back, and it seemed like wherever I went, he followed,” Burns said.
Students have reported seeing homeless people mostly during their night classes.
Student Alondra Aguilar said she sees homeless people often on the Metro L Line whenever she’s taking it.
“I haven’t had any bad encounters or interactions with them, but I do see them on the daily on the train and at the station,” Aguilar said.
Campus Security takes a lot into consideration and takes certain measures to keep students safe on campus grounds. Campus Security said in an email there are Safety Officers on campus throughout the week making sure the campus maintains a safe environment.
“Campus Safety Officers (CSOs) patrol the 104 acre campus 24/7, 365. Our CSOs contact unauthorized people who are on campus at various times throughout the day and night, as needed,” Macias said. “Our campus is unique in the sense that it is an ‘open’ campus (meaning it does not have a gate around the entire campus), and can be accessed from
various locations.”
As nice as it may be to have this way of transportation, it can be a bit risky with these circumstances.
“Public transportation is always a viable option, and one that should be carefully considered,” Macias said.
Students at Citrus all have their own ways of getting to and from home, but it’s always important to take other things into consideration while doing so.
“I would encourage students to do their research and weigh all the pros and cons of each option that is available and select the option that best suits them,” Macias said. “Again, everyone’s needs and situations are different; but just like with any situation, safety and security should always be considered.”
