BLACKWATER taking advantage of Potrero (Harris) FIRE in San Diego

Potrero pulls together

Blackwater's relief effort wins praise of project foe

By Anne Krueger
STAFF WRITER
October 30, 2007



As Potrero planning group member Jan Hedlun tries to help her community recover from the Harris fire, she's found an unlikely ally providing assistance: Blackwater USA Vice President Brian Bonfiglio. Even though Hedlun opposes Blackwater's plans for a training camp, she's been impressed that Bonfiglio has stopped by the fire station every day to drop off donated food and supplies. Hedlun has thanked him for his help.


Ron Spinneit, 68, whose home burned down in the Harris fire, has been living in a cargo container that he'd been using as a toolshed on his property in Potrero. The community's relief effort has been assisted by Blackwater USA, whose plan for a training camp has divided the town.

“I don't agree with the Blackwater facility, but they were one of the first ones here,” Hedlun said. “All they said was, 'What can we do?' ”

Hedlun is the only person on the nine-member planning group who opposes the training camp for military and law enforcement proposed for the backcountry community along state Route 94.

The project, still in the planning stages, has divided the town and brought about a recall effort targeting five other planning group members. A recall election is set for Dec. 11.

Hedlun said she's played a minor role volunteering at the Potrero fire station, which has been turned into an emergency center. At least a dozen homes in Potrero were lost, and most of the 800 residents are without electricity.

After the wildfires swept through the area, Blackwater led the way in bringing donated food and supplies.

Raymond Lutz, an El Cajon-area resident who runs an anti-Blackwater Web site, is skeptical of the company's motives. He said he believes Blackwater is helping Potrero residents to sway public opinion.

“They're trying to win the hearts and minds of the community through their money,” Lutz said. “When you've got a really bad reputation, I guess you try to fix it with money.”