Guard enjoys his rounds in 'friendly little village'

The Desert Sun • December 31, 2009 &bull Denise Goolsby

Security guard Doak Roberts can be seen patrolling the streets of Old Town La Quinta on most Friday and Saturday nights.

Roberts, working a Christmas Eve day shift last week because of the holidays, enjoys the responsibilities of his job.

"I patrol, I do lock-up at night," he said. "I make sure everything is safe."

Most of the time, Roberts stations himself right across from "where all the action is," he said.

"This is the focal point," said Roberts, parked on Main Street near the restaurant epicenter in Old Town.

Devane's, Hog's Breath Inn, Old Town Cellar and Stuft Pizza - that's where the bulk of the activity takes place on Friday and Saturday nights.

"I'm visible" here, he said. "If people have a question they can ask me."

Roberts, semi-retired and living in Indian Wells, has been on the job in Old Town for the past three months.

"I'm quite amazed at the general attitude of the people here," he said. "It's no hassle. People are so nice one night a couple came by and gave me hot chocolate. People are always doing nice things like that."

Roberts said he frequents Old Town Coffee Company during his shifts.

"They make the best coffee," he said. "I start out with a latte with one pump of vanilla, then I switch to just coffee with a little cream and sugar."

Roberts said he enjoys working in this "very friendly little village."

"Leslie (Locken, leasing and property manager for Old Town La Quinta) is a love," he said. "I'm very happy working with her."