Camp Pendleton tightens security, limiting visitor access

Getting onto Camp Pendleton just got a little harder for those without a military ID.

The changes, which took effect Feb. 1, require that visitors to the sprawling Marine base register in advance and be “sponsored” by an authorized unit or individual, such as someone who lives or works on base. The process also includes a background check that can take up to seven days to complete.

Base spokesman Carl Redding said the new rules were suggested during one of the base’s periodic security reviews. They were not in response to a threat, but reflected a greater vigilance in light of incidents around the world, he added.

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“We have a great positive relationship with the surrounding community ... and it’s important that we maintain a positive relationship, but we have to balance that with base security,” Redding said.

People who have regular business on base, such as workers and military personnel, won’t be affected by the changes. But those who want to attend special events or attractions — such as the Leatherneck Lanes Bowling Center, Marine Memorial Golf Course or Paintball Park — will need to be screened first.

In neighboring Oceanside, tourism officials said the tighter rules would take some getting used to but shouldn’t pose big problems.

People “will still be able to get on base to enjoy those amenities. But there is a process that they have to follow,” said Leslee Gaul, president of Visit Oceanside, the city’s tourism agency.

Veterans who have regular business on base or who visit the hospital for medical appointments are already cleared for that access, said Sandra Silva Fichter, vice president of the nonprofit Veterans Assn. of North County.

“If they’re retired and need to access the hospital, they have a base sticker [on their vehicle] and should have no problems getting in,” Fichter said. “But if they’re a regular veteran without base privileges, they’ll have to go through the procedure like everybody else.”

Under the new rules, sponsors will have to fill out a form with information including name, address, driver’s license or ID number and the reason for the visit. The form must then be submitted via email. Applications can take up to seven days to process, and those coming on base without prior approval may be turned away.

Once approved, the sponsorship will be good for up to 90 days. The program is for social visits only and not for business or employment dealings.

Huge annual events, including the World Famous Mud Run in June, won’t be affected by the new policy, Redding said. However, bicyclists who want to ride the popular bike trail that runs through the base along Interstate 5 will have to register and undergo the background check. Registration for bicyclists will be valid for one year.

Redding said that only people with a U.S. or state ID will be allowed to register for bike-route access, but a person can be sponsored by someone who is authorized to do so.

edward.sifuentes@sduiontribune.com

Sifuentes writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

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