Undersheriff calls Fallbrook her retreat

Rick Monroe

Special to the Village News

Kelly Martinez, a part-time Fallbrook resident and first woman Undersheriff of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, shared about her local connections during a March 21 interview in her Kearny Mesa office. She is running for Sheriff on the June 7 primary election, and unless one of the candidates receive one vote more that 50%, the top two are on the ballot again in November.

Sheriff Bill Gore assumed the office in 2009 and retired Feb. 3 before his final term expired. Martinez was selected to be Acting Sheriff, but because she is running for the position, the county Board of Supervision March 22 chose Assistant Sheriff Anthony Ray to become the new Acting Sheriff until the new elected Sheriff takes office in January. Martinez, 58, will continue to be Undersheriff of the nation's largest sheriff's department.

The SDSD provides general law enforcement and public safety services to all unincorporated areas of the county, plus having contracts for service to smaller cities in the county. The department also manages the county jails. Its annual budget is $960 million.

Martinez joined the department 37 years ago and was promoted to Undersheriff a year ago. She has the endorsement from the Deputy Sheriffs' Association of San Diego County, as well as Gore and Nathan Fletcher, chairman of the count board of supervisors. Her chief opponent in the election, Dave Myers, has been endorsed by the San Diego Democratic Party.

During the interview, presented in a question and answer format, she mentioned negotiations were underway for the county to purchase property at Hwy. 76 and I-15 for a Sheriff's Substation and possibly fire services.

What can you share about your Fallbrook experience?

Right now, my husband and I live in downtown San Diego. Before my husband and I were married, he purchased a home in Fallbrook to be a retirement home up in the Red Mountain area. He had always rented it, for 16-17 years, but the renters moved out four years ago, and we decided to make it sort of a retreat from our downtown property.

It's really worked well for us. We go up sometimes on the weekend and just enjoy the country. I love Fallbrook. Fallbrook was my first duty station - its where I worked patrol. I've always enjoyed the community. It was just coincidental that my husband - we were dating at the time - found this place that he purchased. We both just love it now.

What do you like about town?

It's a small town. Not a lot of San Diegans are aware of it. You know, they travel up the 15 and never venture down Mission Road or Highway 76 and into Fallbrook. The people are terrific, and every restaurant we've tried has just been phenomenal. Our neighbors are great, and everyone is just so nice. It's just relaxed, a much slower pace than being downtown.

Were you ever stationed in Fallbrook?

Yes, in 1988 I was assigned to Fallbrook patrol. It was only 12 deputies at the time. It was very small, and the station was in what used to be a bank - different from where it is now - I think at 127 E. Alvarado.

I was there for four years and loved it. I loved the community and working there. It hasn't changed a lot. I know there's a lot more people there now and the station is much bigger.

Are rural areas receiving good service now and as Sheriff would you make any changes?

I would. Unincorporated San Diego County has been about the same staffing for 30 years, probably, but the population has grown. We certainly need to increase the number of deputies in our rural areas.

We are also in negotiations for property at Highway 76 and I-15 that could serve as a new substation for Fallbrook and possibly fire services.

You grew up in North County. Tell us about your childhood:

It was a good childhood. I was one of six kids and we moved from San Diego to Poway when I was young and I graduated from Mt. Carmel High School. My dad was in the San Diego Police Department.

When did you consider law enforcement as a career?

When I was 21, working as a waitress, one of my dad's buddies came in to eat and said I should get a "real job" in law enforcement. So I went on to Miramar College and got my start.

With advancements, do you feel you "live and breathe" law enforcement and what do you do to relax and "get away" from pressures?

Well, I am passionate and devoted about my work. When we get a break, we love Fallbrook and also we have a boat as a relaxing activity.

In 37 years, you've served in many roles. What have you enjoyed the most?

Working 10 years in the intelligence division, looking at domestic terrorism and other issues. It also gave me the opportunity for some travel.

Are things a long different in today's world with political unrest?

Things are always changing. Thirty years from now things will be much different, too. I think the community support is still strong for law enforcement. People seem more divided on ideas.

There seems to be more difficulty in hiring and retaining deputies. As chief, what would you do differently to address the problem?

Make the job more attractive and appealing. It's important for deputies feel that what they do is important and appreciated.

What is the status of the department requiring vaccinations?

There are no mandates now and where the unvaccinated were testing weekly that provision is being dropped. No one has left for that reason.

It seems like a more dangerous profession. Is there anything you would do differently to increase safety?

More training is essential, giving our people the tools and training to deal with mental health issues and people on drugs.

What was you experience with Sheriff Gore?

I was assigned in 1985 as special assistant to the Sheriff. Working directly under Sheriff Bill Gore was the best management school you could ever attend, so much to my benefit.

Is leadership something you were born with or learned?

I think I have the characteristics and confidence to be a good leader. It's part of my personality.

How do you think you are described by others?

Approachable, humble, caring and caring.

What grieves you?

It that it takes so long for the public to be served and for resolution, sometimes caused by bureaucracy.

How long would you serve if you were elected sheriff?

First, I would have to be elected, but at the end of that four years, I would definitely consider another term.

If you were not elected Sheriff, would you continue to serve as Undersheriff?

No, I would retire.