Post by crudo on Sept 23, 2006 18:31:10 GMT -5
The Modesto PD Community Meeting
By: Modesto Brown Berets
September 21, 2006
Last night the Berets and community members attended the Modesto Police Dept.’s community meeting in which they allow a forum for us community members to have a voice.
Among many concerns was the traffic around west Modesto, the homelessness, gangs, and drug houses.
Few people had solutions for the problems. A constant statement:
“I understand where you’re coming from, but…”
A member from the La Loma Area came to speak to us to set an “example” of what can be done to your neighborhood. In the La Loma area, there have been meetings and even officers voted in for their committee. They have targeted issues such as garbage, homelessness, and neighborhood clean-ups. Their issues are mostly for curb appeal.
In West Modesto, our issues are much more serious than this. The issue of homelessness isn’t an issue that we bring to complain that “these people” are polluting our parks, but rather that we need a solution. Our population must be linked to resources and we need more shelters! The Police continue to ticket the homeless and take them in on account of a warrant issued from lack of paying their fines.
It was announced that the King Kennedy Center would be under going a renovation at the end of this year. This should attract more of the West Modesto residents to use this facility.
A community member simply stated:
“ We need Jobs and Food!”
She re-iterated this statement by saying that the simple necessities in life need to be provided to those who have no resources. It’s a human concern across race, gender, and socio-economic status.
The Gang concern arose by a member of South Modesto. She is in fear of letting her children play outside because of the rise in gang activity. John Irvin, a member of The Modesto City School District gave an example of the growing gang and drug concern in South Modesto where he once resided.
In conclusion, many stories and opinions were given to the MPD. The same answer has been repeated that they are trying their best. They were disappointed that not as many people attended as they had hoped. They said this was a reflection of the lack of interest “these people” have. When I had my chance to speak, I mentioned that many families work and are not able to attend. Many parents are doing homework, shopping, working or maybe intimidated to attend a monolingual-English forum. I challenged them to consider that and what they could to do solve these issues.
Another member of the community brought forth the issue that the MPD sends a message of intimidation and they should consider that. They should take steps to “blend-in” with the community to gain our trust.
Bottom line, we need to take a stand. The MPD says they have their hands tied, or they are doing their best. We, as a grass roots organization have the power and the will to do better and have a louder voice for our community!
Are you willing to take action or will you let your community down?
-Modesto Brown Berets
By: Modesto Brown Berets
September 21, 2006
Last night the Berets and community members attended the Modesto Police Dept.’s community meeting in which they allow a forum for us community members to have a voice.
Among many concerns was the traffic around west Modesto, the homelessness, gangs, and drug houses.
Few people had solutions for the problems. A constant statement:
“I understand where you’re coming from, but…”
A member from the La Loma Area came to speak to us to set an “example” of what can be done to your neighborhood. In the La Loma area, there have been meetings and even officers voted in for their committee. They have targeted issues such as garbage, homelessness, and neighborhood clean-ups. Their issues are mostly for curb appeal.
In West Modesto, our issues are much more serious than this. The issue of homelessness isn’t an issue that we bring to complain that “these people” are polluting our parks, but rather that we need a solution. Our population must be linked to resources and we need more shelters! The Police continue to ticket the homeless and take them in on account of a warrant issued from lack of paying their fines.
It was announced that the King Kennedy Center would be under going a renovation at the end of this year. This should attract more of the West Modesto residents to use this facility.
A community member simply stated:
“ We need Jobs and Food!”
She re-iterated this statement by saying that the simple necessities in life need to be provided to those who have no resources. It’s a human concern across race, gender, and socio-economic status.
The Gang concern arose by a member of South Modesto. She is in fear of letting her children play outside because of the rise in gang activity. John Irvin, a member of The Modesto City School District gave an example of the growing gang and drug concern in South Modesto where he once resided.
In conclusion, many stories and opinions were given to the MPD. The same answer has been repeated that they are trying their best. They were disappointed that not as many people attended as they had hoped. They said this was a reflection of the lack of interest “these people” have. When I had my chance to speak, I mentioned that many families work and are not able to attend. Many parents are doing homework, shopping, working or maybe intimidated to attend a monolingual-English forum. I challenged them to consider that and what they could to do solve these issues.
Another member of the community brought forth the issue that the MPD sends a message of intimidation and they should consider that. They should take steps to “blend-in” with the community to gain our trust.
Bottom line, we need to take a stand. The MPD says they have their hands tied, or they are doing their best. We, as a grass roots organization have the power and the will to do better and have a louder voice for our community!
Are you willing to take action or will you let your community down?
-Modesto Brown Berets