Common Ground Update

Reflections: You’ve probably read about / seen on TV / heard on the news / been told something about the emergency declaration affirmed by the Vallejo City Council in response to severe shortage of police officers in Vallejo. Common Ground Safety team spoke at that meeting from words written by Tazamisha Alexander and presented by Renee Sykes. Here is the text:

As citizens of Vallejo, we understand the need for more personnel in the police department. Looking at the current number of police officers Vallejo has; it would seem it’s extremely difficult to maintain a sense of safety and security in this city. We understand the need for a short-term solution to deal with this critical issue but our concern that we create a long term solution.        

This current short-term order deals with the here and now but does not address what actions will be taken to increase the staffing numbers. It also does not address the fact that we have not started the process of finding a permanent police chief. It has been seven months since our last police chief resigned. Since then, we have seen some of the policies he introduced removed, but no movement on the hiring of a permanent chief.

It is in the Council’s best interest to start the process of seeking a permanent Chief and find a solution to this public safety crisis, something you were made aware of months ago. Without new leadership or true direction is it any wonder why the public has no trust in what is occurring in VPD; new officers are slowly being hired by the city, but some of the current ones are looking to go elsewhere.
As a city, we must do better. Our lives depend on it. Thank you. 

The biggest challenge for all of us is to stay focused not on what has been done or isn’t being done but for all sides to work together to create the kind of partnerships that actually can and will move us personally and community-wise forward. We are committed to our Common Ground mission to do just that.

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Ok – now for some commercials for Common Ground!
 

August 2nd – Midsummer Evening 6:00 – 7:30pm – connecting, conversing and comestibles (food!!!!)
 

August 9th - Summer Training Series, “The Organized Meeting", at which we'll learn how to run an effective meeting in less than an hour. This session will take place from 6:30–8:00 pm at the SEIU 1021 Union Hall (2300 Boynton Ave #200 in Fairfield).
 

For more information please contact Allison, Carl or Glenda – or check the Common Ground Vallejo Calendar - htps://www.commongroundiaf.org/calendar.