Published in the September 14-27, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Robert Airoldi
When Police Chief David Swing first told us in spring about the new “Coffee with a Cop” program to enhance the MHPD’s public outreach, I was impressed. Now it’s finally happening. Officers from the Morgan Hill Police Department will meet with local residents on a monthly basis in an informal coffee shop setting to discuss public safety issues. The inaugural event takes place at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 23 at Starbucks in Vineyard Town Center. Anyone in the community with a concern or a curiosity in chatting with friendly MHPD officers are welcome.
The goal is to build positive relationships in an informal, neutral space through a conversation over coffee.
“We hope community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” he said.
Contact Sgt. Bill Norman with questions about the program at (408) 779-2101 or at [email protected].
And enjoy that cup of coffee.
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On to another MHPD program… The Parent Project registration is now under way. School Resource Officer Jeff Brandon will lead another session of the successful program starting Sept. 28 and running through Dec. 13.
The 12-week program, offered one day per week from 6 to 9 p.m., was created specifically for parents with difficult or out-of-control adolescents. Parents learn and practice specific prevention and intervention strategies for destructive behaviors, including to never argue with your child, improve school attendance and performance, prevent alcohol and drug abuse, and stop gang involvement.
The program costs $50 per parent and $75 per couple. It’s a collaboration among the District Attorney’s Office, the city of Morgan Hill, Morgan Hill Police, Morgan Hill Unified School District and other community organizations. Contact Brandon at (408) 779-2101 or [email protected].
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The Leadership Morgan Hill Class of 2016 invites everyone to its Central High School ribbon cutting event to unveil the class project, the creation of a community oasis at Central High School. The event takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Loritta Bonfante Johnson Education Center, 85 Tilton Ave.
The next day, watch the class graduate. Bill Haskell let us know that the keynote speaker is Jessica Garcia-Kohl, wife of San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. The ceremony starts with a wine and cheese reception at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, at Guglielmo Winery.
Members of the class who will graduate are Nicole Agriesti, David Allen, Linda Bernabe, Leslie Carmichael, Marilyn Culp, Annette DiResta, Alyssa Garcia, Rebecca Garcia, Chris Harrington, Scott Martin, Ricky Martinez, Margaret McCann, Jennifer McLain, Cinda Meister, Sydney Oam, Erik Pederson, Jeff Prickett and Kathy Sullivan.
