By Luis Chacon
As the Coordinator of the Salesian Volunteers Program and Head of Public Relations and Government Affairs, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Accenture Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series. This month’s guest speaker was none other than Sheriff Robert G. Luna. This event provided me with a platform to engage in a meaningful discussion and share my perspectives on vital issues affecting our Salesian Family Youth Center and the community we serve.
Interestingly, my interaction with Sheriff Luna began the day before when we both attended a gathering hosted by the East Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Right from the start, it was evident that Sheriff Luna had a genuine passion for East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, where our Salesian Family Youth Center is located. His dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of the local community left a lasting impression on me.
At the conclusion of the Accenture Pancakes & Politics event, I had the chance to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sheriff Luna for the remarkable efforts of the Police Department in safeguarding our citizens. But as the Coordinator of the Salesian Volunteers Program, I also had to share my concerns about the safety of the children and young people who come to our Youth Center.
Let me be clear, we are not against homeless individuals; however, we have faced certain risks due to incidents involving people with mental health issues. One notable example was when an individual with mental challenges caused significant damage, costing the Salesian Family Youth Center over 7 thousand dollars. To put that into perspective, it’s nearly equivalent to the cost of having 10 children attend our Summer Camp.
Sheriff Robert G. Luna listened attentively to my concerns and responded with empathy and understanding. He acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing issues related to homelessness and public safety. It was reassuring to hear that the Police Department is aware of the impact these situations can have on organizations like ours.
Sheriff Luna explained that there are plans to update four policies and procedures by October to better handle complex situations involving individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. He stressed that the police force is committed to doing their best, even in situations that may seem beyond their control due to the ever-changing and challenging environment that has led many people to live on the streets.
Our exchange exemplified the importance of open communication and collaboration between community leaders and law enforcement agencies. It reinforced my belief in the power of dialogue and the significance of working together to find solutions that benefit everyone involved.
As the Coordinator of the Salesian Volunteers Program, I take pride in being an active advocate for the safety and well-being of the youth we serve. Engaging with leaders like Sheriff Robert G. Luna not only strengthens our community bonds but also underscores our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those we touch.
I commend Sheriff Luna for his dedication to our community and his willingness to listen and address our concerns. Our conversation at the Accenture Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series serves as a shining example of how partnership and mutual respect can lead to positive change and a brighter future for all.
