Behind the Badge
It starts with the kids.
That’s been the mantra voiced over and over by the Garden Grove PD and other city agencies during their months-long effort to revitalize a neighborhood challenged by gangs and blight.
Through a variety of initiatives, police have partnered with residents on Palma Vista Avenue, an apartment-lined cul de sac just south of Katella Avenue, to empower youngsters through education, exercise and service.
Garden Grove PD officers Ralph Lee, left, and Taylor Macy talk to kids in the Palma Vista neighborhood about teamwork in keeping the area safe for kids.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The newest initiative, launched March 18, is the Palma Vista Junior Neighborhood Watch Program.
With a Ford Police Interceptor on display in the middle of the street, 30 youngsters listened as Officers Taylor Macy and Raphael Lee displayed every piece of equipment in the vehicle and explained why they have it and what it does.
Kids gather in the Palma Vista neighborhood with Garden Grove PD officers Taylor Macy and Ralph Lee, right, during the Junior Neighborhood Watch Club kickoff event March 18.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The officers showed off every item on their utility belt, called a “Batman Belt” by Macy: Pepper spray, Tasers, handcuffs, radios, batons, bullets.
The kids learned what to do if they see someone with a gun or a stranger lurking in the neighborhood.
Kids who live in the Palma Vista neighborhood in Garden Grove listen to GGPD Officer Taylor Macy at the March 18 event.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The kids had plenty of questions, too:
Why do police have cameras? What are sirens for? Why do some officers have pets?
“The whole point is that we want to teach them at a young age to get involved,” said Cindy Nagamatsu-Hanlon, manager of the GGPD’s Community Liaison Division.
In future neighborhood watch gatherings, the youngsters will learn how, why and when to dial 911.
They will learn about gangs and safety.
Garden Grove PD Officer Taylor Macy gets a high-five from 12-year-old Erin Rose Hardin as kids gather at the Palma Vista neighborhood to meet two GGPD officers.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“I like that we heard a lot more about what the officers do today,” 11-year old Asuzena Suarez said.
The mission to create a safer, more aesthetically pleasing neighborhood started in November and likely will go on for more than a year, Nagamatsu-Hanlon said.
She plans to institute a point system in which kids get points for participating in community-sponsored events throughout the year.
Garden Grove PD Officer Taylor Macy hands out GGPD stickers to kids during the Junior Neighborhood Watch Club kickoff event.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
While specifics have not been worked out, points will be tallied and prizes will be given out, Nagamatsu-Hanlon said.
“It’s all designed to empower them,” Hanlon said. “And for them to get to know the neighborhood and their neighbors.”
Garden Grove PD Officer Taylor Macy talks to kids about being safe.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kacie Cardoza manages an apartment house on the street and has been a strong advocate of the Palma Vista beautification effort.
“More and more, word is getting around, which is good,” said Cardoza, who has hosted community gatherings at her apartment complex. “It’s great. It’s to educate the kids for what to look for and that it is OK to tell an adult. It all starts with the kids.”
Kids line up for their turn to tour a GGPD patrol car.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
For previous stories about the Palma Vista neighborhood, click here and here and here.
