I stopped by to chat with Eureka Council member Kim Bergel, EPD's Suzie Owsley and Captain Brian Stephens and Captain Steve Watson. As I was leaving, a little girl asked Captain Watson, "Why are the police here?"
He was very charming and told her they were getting coffee and saying hello to people. And the little girl was all smiles and still talking to him as I left.
I have been to a few of these and people seem very appreciative of the opportunity to get information and talk to EPD.
I complimented EPD on my observations of the way officers have been dealing with loiterers and panhandlers. Old Town Officer Corey Crinch can be seen about Old Town. Captain Watson told me that when Officer Crunch is not on duty, EPD is committed to having other officers patrol Old Town, 7 days a week, at least through the summer.
There have been no issues, so far, at the third and Commercial street lot. While hard evidence will take time, Captain Watson told me that anecdotely crime calls near the Palco Marsh have decreased.
There have been a few calls about people camping out but that was expected when people were displaced, said Captain Watson.
I thanked the City of Eureka and EPD because last Sunday was the first time I could walk on the boardwalk without getting asked for money and smoke blown in my direction every couple of steps.
The calls may have decreased at the marsh, but how much have they increased in Arcata and McKinleyville?
ReplyDeleteMayor Jager: Eureka needs a leader, not a bratty child who can't piss on a wall without splashing everybody around him.
Patriot, do you live in Eureka? Work and visit does not count. Those of us who do and deal daily with the crime, the harassment, the panhandling are grateful. People who wanted help, got it, those who availed themselves of help in the last year and recently with Betty Chinn have either obtained housing or jobs. What Eureka or any town in Humboldt needs less people complaining all the time and participating in solutions.
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