RE: 'I want gangsters stopped, don't you?'

“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” —Vincent Van Gogh

I am a Fallbrook home and business owner and was inspired to comment after reading Sarah Bates’ recent “I want gangsters stopped, don’t you?” opinion letter. While I most certainly share similar concerns over gang presence in Fallbrook and I am in full agreement that greater funding needs to be provided to the Sheriff’s Department so that they can optimally address the problems at hand — including bringing back their innovative, successful COPS community policing program — I would like to remind Ms. Bates and others that this pressing gang issue (and related spin-offs) is one with long-stemming roots that requires a variety of creative, dedicated, solutions-oriented, community problem-solving “gardeners” in the mix.

The Sheriff’s Department is a vital, central team member for resolving gang problems but is not the complete “cut-and-dry” answer like some people seem to think. This is a community issue and has to be addressed at that level. As individuals, there are many things we can all do to further strengthen and protect ourselves and our neighborhoods, to become role models for others, and to be of assistance to the ongoing efforts of the Sheriff’s Department — particularly while resources are more limited or nonexistent.

Gang-related problems across the country have grown like weeds right behind many people’s backs as well as in front of their faces. In actuality, the not-so-visible and the quite visible signs have been there for a long while. Have you ever stopped and asked yourself just why someone gets involved in a gang in the first place? What conditions would encourage or lead a person down that kind of dark road? Ever wonder what the gang taggings on display throughout Fallbrook or elsewhere really mean? Some people pass them all the time and do not pay heed or do anything to correct the situation, leaving it to someone else to care. Now the taggings are in their neighborhood and suddenly, it’s a high priority crisis. Another important question to ask yourself is, “What can I do to help change this?”

There is indeed much more that we can do together as a Fallbrook community to reach out and offer better understanding, alternatives and support that will help young people make healthier life choices. And with their choice-making, of course, there comes responsibility and consequences for their actions. Spend but one day and night walking (rather, running) in the shoes of our incredible gang prevention/intervention coordinator, Detective Joe Montion, and you’ll know, Ms. Bates, that your tax money that you “pay them [Sheriff’s Department] to keep the peace” and your “peace of mind” is more than well spent.

The writing’s on the wall, both literally and figuratively. What’s new, perhaps, is that a larger number of residents and business owners, as well as others, are finally waking up to the sting of this nasty reality that surrounds us. Fallbrook, like many other good communities, is rapidly growing and changing, resources are strained or eliminated entirely and that brings with it an assortment of new, unique and different challenges. It also lends additional pressure to already existing community problems that still need resolution. Largely in having their own property marred or stolen (at times repeatedly), or being the subject of verbal or physical attack, some people still demand immediate solutions — yesterday.

I, too, have been affected by gang-related violence; I know and understand all too well just how horrible a toll it takes upon your very being. But time and energy is needed to gather evidence and do the necessary footwork to successfully solve these types of crimes. The finger, it seems though, continues to be unfairly pointed first and foremost at our local Sheriff’s Department and what they have not done to completely stop or entirely prevent these kinds of problems.

My question is what are you — the reader — doing to help snip the gang problem (and others) in the bud, so to speak? This is a classic example of a looming community issue that takes a village to turn things around — in this case, the entire village of Fallbrook is being called upon in order to bring about lasting positive change. Everyone plays a key part in the mix.

There’s an array of wonderful opportunities right now to start with, such as becoming a mentor, participating with local groups and agencies that address high-risk community issues such as teen drug and alcohol abuse or crime prevention, joining the Sheriff’s Senior Volunteer program, organizing a neighborhood cleanup project, helping someone to learn how to read, grabbing a paint brush and joining the Rotary in covering graffiti, presenting a free art workshop for teens and more. Reporting crime is absolutely essential and something anyone can do.

Having worked and taught nationally in the field of community/clinical psychology for several years — specializing in crisis intervention (gangs, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, sexual assault, suicide, etc.) and now co-coordinator of the Fallbrook Prevention Coalition and founder of Fallbrook in Action, I have served hand-in-hand with a large number of law enforcement personnel over time. We are fortunate to have some of the best officers you’ll ever find anywhere protecting and serving Fallbrook. Anywhere.

As well, even in spite of their extremely busy, long shifts, our local deputies, volunteers and others regularly participate with local community groups, sports teams and schools, including the Fallbrook Prevention Coalition and Potter Junior High. In addition to their regular work schedules, many donate their time and energies toward other charitable endeavors and worthy projects. Bottom line, they care about Fallbrook on and off the clock.

There has been significant and notable progress in making arrests and identifying potentially new gang problems as well as solving other community challenges. More’s ahead. This is helping to restore peace of mind, including in and around my neighborhood. Change is evident. It’s a slow process, and it takes not only the Sheriff’s Department working on the solution, but community members working in concert with them. These men and women put their lives out on the line for us each and every day and I, for one, am very grateful to know they’re there.

Be sure to pick up your pen as Ms. Bates encourages in her letter and let the decision-makers who can help fund our Fallbrook Sheriff’s Department endeavors — especially the revival of the COPS team — know that we need their support. And while you’ve still got that pen in hand, take time to drop your favorite San Diego Sheriff’s deputy, volunteer or staff member a little thank-you note for keeping such good watch over you and yours, and remember them in your prayers. I do.