Community Policing

HVNA July Meeting

By Richard Johnson

Lately it seems there are a lot of changes happening in Hayes Valley. The Hayes Green has opened and the Octavia Boulevard is nearing completion. The only thing that doesn’t seem to change in the hood is the continued presence of crime and violence. Sure we are a neighborhood in transition, and to some degree we have reduced the amount of crime, but we are reminded on a daily basis by shattered glass, drug dealing, and gunshots that crime has never gone away. The reality is that until we address the socio-economic conditions that drive crime in our neighborhood we will never be crime free. Therefore, the July 28th HVNA meeting will be devoted to the topic of community policing and how it can lead to a safer community for all.

The meeting will focus on the upcoming August 2nd “National Night Out” Safety March through the Western Addition and discussions to set goals to reduce and eventually eliminate crime in our neighborhood. We have an organized community and a dedicated police force, which are essential to community policing, and now we need to partner with our elected and paid city officials to reverse the neglect, hopelessness and poverty that is the driving force behind our crime. Invitations have been sent to Mayor Newsom, Supervisor Mirkarimi, Captain Dillon, District Attorney Harris and other city agencies to attend the meeting. Come join us as we take our first proactive step to bring hope, jobs and needed social services to the children, youth and adults in the hood.