TR Robertson -A chilly Wednesday morning did not stop a nice sized crowd of residents from joining Interim Vista Sheriff Captain John Boyce and a number of Vista Sheriff’s Department personnel from enjoying a cup of coffee, some breakfast snacks at the new Starbucks on Hacienda and a chance to speak with the Sheriff’s attending as well as pick up different literature the Crime Prevention Specialists were handing out. The Vista Sheriff’s Department periodically sponsors these Coffee with the Community events throughout the city at different locations. Chloe Turenne-Des-Pres and Jason Omundson, Crime Prevention Specialists, assisted with setting up the event and were on hand to handout and answer questions those attending had about various issues in the city. Also attending was Jim Baynes, Senior Volunteer Patrol Recruiter and members of the Volunteer Patrol officers. Newell Dubail, Escondido resident and member of the Volunteer Patrol, said there are currently nineteen volunteers in the city, but more are needed. He said those wishing to join would take part in a two week academy and take part in ride-alongs as part of the training process. Anyone interested in joining can call 760-940-4434 for more information. Jorge A. Monraz, from San Marcos and President of the Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association, also attended and spoke about the role volunteers have in assisting where needed in the communities.
Vista Mayor John Franklin was at the Coffee speaking with the Community discussing issues and answering questions. He said Vista currently works with the COPPS unit in monitoring and dealing with various homeless issues that arise.
Some of the pamphlets available for the public included a handout that detailed a free program for elderly community members called You Are Not Alone, where elderly community members are contacted daily to check up on them and Senior Volunteer Patrol members stop by to check in. Those interested can enroll by calling 760-940-4551.
Other Information available included:
- Free Home Vacation Check – call 760-940-4564 – www.sdsheriff.gov
- Crime Stoppers – Helping solve felony crimes anonymously – 888-580-8477 – www.crimestoppers.org
- Neighborhood Watch Program – how to start on in your neighborhood and how to get people to participate – 760-940-4551
- San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Senior Volunteer Patrol – 760-940-4434 – www.sdsherff.gov/recruitment/senior-volunteer-patrol
- Reporting Suspicious Activity and Crime – 9-1-1 and for non-emergency 858-565-5200 – www.sdcrimestoppers.org
- Opioid Overdose Prevention – San Diego Access and Crisis Line – 888-724-7240 – San Diego County Behavioral Health Services – www.sandiegocounty.gov/HHSA/programs/BHS/
The next Coffee with the Community will be on March 2nd at Archer’s Coffee on Main St. in Downtown Historic Vista.
