Deputies break up Poway teen party, arrest homeowner

Sheriff’s deputies on Friday night broke up a large party involving teens drinking alcohol at an Avenida de Valle home and arrested the homeowner for allegedly violating the city’s “social host” ordinance.

The party had a “Playboy Mansion” theme, according to social media photos posted by some of the attendees, and included scantily-clad teenage girls and underage drinking. There were reportedly about 150 to 200 people at the party.

Jeffrey Lake, 48, was arrested for allegedly violating the ordinance, said Lt. J.T. Faulkner of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. The ordinance makes it illegal to provide an environment where underage drinking takes place, regardless of who provides the alcohol.

Lake was booked at the county jail and released after posting $200 bail. Further legal proceedings will be handled by the San Diego City Attorney’s Office under a standing agreement with the City of Poway.

Faulkner said that Lake, at attorney and unsuccessful 2004 City Council candidate, met deputies outside and reportedly told them they needed a warrant to enter his home, which isn’t the case.

Upon entering, deputies found a 19-year-old passed out in a bedroom closet, covered in luggage, and a 16-year-old boy passed out in a bathroom. The 16-year-old had urinated on himself, said Faulkner, and his mother took him to Pomerado Hospital for evaluation.

Minors found drinking at the party were released to their parents.

Lake will be charged $3,600 to cover the cost of the department responding to the call, which includes the time of the five deputies and the sheriff’s helicopter that responded to the call.