Coffee, cops, conversation in Victorville

By Shea Johnson, Hesperia Star
Original article HERE

VICTORVILLE — Inside the Starbucks on Roy Rogers Drive early Monday, five uniformed Sheriff’s deputies drank coffee alongside roughly a dozen residents, chatting away about issues close to the community.

A partnership with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, grown by City Councilwoman Blanca Gomez, the first of many expected “Coffee with a Cop” events was held at the store — an effort Gomez had previously said she’d hoped would “bridge the gap” between residents and law enforcement.

It’s an event in which other sheriff’s stations in the county routinely partake, and spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez said Monday’s inaugural try appeared to be a success.

Law enforcement officials will now discuss how often to put together such events. Rodriguez said it was likely they’d be held monthly at different locations in order to reach unique audiences.

Personnel with the Institute for Public Strategies were present, including Stephanie Pazarin, a community organizer who has been highly involved with efforts to reshape Old Town. Conversation could be heard touching on legislation and safe school routes for children and other, less formal banter.

Gomez, who wasn’t there as the event got underway, had hinted at seeking to use an informal setting to spur conversation and draw down walls.

“Because people forget that behind the uniforms and the badge,” she previously said, “is someone who cares and has a family they go to every day or they could be your neighbor down the street.”