A cafe in San Diego’s East Village has hired a security guard after a series of incidents involving theft, break-ins and property damage that the owner says have affected business and left employees and customers feeling uncomfortable. Diego Marquez, co-owner of Cafe Alessie on 15th Street, sai d the problems began with people taking items from the cafe, including its tip jar and drinks from the refrigerator. The business has since experienced more serious incidents, including a break-in captured on surveillance video in January and a shattered glass door in December 2025. Marquez also said he was nearly stabbed with a screwdriver. “We got our window smashed with one of our flower vases they just kind of threw it at the door,” Marquez said. Marquez said the cafe hired a security guard to help protect employees and customers. While he said the added security has helped people feel safer, he believes the incidents have hurt sales. “We’re blessed with the business that we have, people who show up a lot, but I feel like there’s been a dip in our sales with people kind of being over coming here and having to deal with a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable,” Marquez said. Despite the incidents, Marquez said he does not oppose helping people experiencing homelessness. The cafe is collecting sweaters and blankets for people in need for the winter season, he said. “They just need help and we’re not being helped by the city,” Marquez said. Marquez said he believes more public resources should go toward addressing homelessness and helping people who need assistance. “We need help. We all pay taxes, they’re going toward something and I feel like a big piece of that chunk needs to go in helping these people,” he said. Jeana Wallace, who has lived in East Village for more than eight years, said she also wants to see improvements in the neighborhood. Wallace, who participated in an East Village resident advocacy group, said she petitioned in support of the city’s camping ordinance and has reported issues to Clean Safe, a program that works to maintain the neighborhood. “It’s been a whirlwind. I feel like reporting to Clean Safe is a part-time job,” Wallace said. “I’m home all day and just trying to keep these streets clean is — it doesn’t seem to be getting better.” Wallace said people experiencing homelessness sometimes occupy sidewalks, making it difficult for pedestrians to get through. She said the situation can be particularly challenging for families with children and people using strollers. She said she has seen local homeless outreach organizations working in the area but believes more progress is needed. “I think we need the Mayor and the councilmans to step up and make a change,” Wallace said. Although Wallace said she does not feel unsafe walking through her neighborhood, she wants residents and visitors to feel more comfortable supporting local businesses. “I just wish it was a little bit safer for families and residents to go shop local businesses and have a good time,” she said. Marquez said the city’s Coordinated Street Outreach Program contacted him and told him its teams frequently work in East Village. He said he has not personally seen the teams in the area but believes they have a large area to cover. NBC 7 reached out to the city of San Diego for comment and did not hear back in time for publication. ...read more read less