Courageous conversations It takes a village beginning of our village

Lake Los Angeles – On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the first of many conversations to come was launched at the multi-purpose room at Challenger Middle School sponsored by Strength Based Community Change (SBCC) and Wilsona School District.

Community members met with representatives from Change Lanes, Pueblo Y Salad, Inc., SBCC, Los Angeles County Public Health and Mobility Covid Testing set up service tables for families to visit and gain knowledge about services. The Wilsona School Board of Trustees was represented by President Anne Misicka, Board Clerk Vicki Green and Vice President Vladimir Gomez. Superintendent Susan Andreas-Bervel welcomed all to the inaugural event of many more-to-come Community Town Hall meetings. Erika Schwerdt served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Superintendent Bervel opened saying, “The dangers of Fentanyl are real, and I want to take a few minutes to talk about this, the impact it can have on our students and what we are doing to help with intervention and prevention in our schools.”

Speaking next was School RN April Holmes followed by Robyn Martin and Domita Pugh of Wilsona’s social-emotional support staff who spoke of their available supports.

A powerful PowerPoint presentation was shown by Los Angeles County Public Health which surprised everyone in the room. The statistics are staggering. Parts of the presentation will be separate article(s).

Erika Schwerdt called upon Deputy Borruel to speak to the gathering about being LLA’s Resident Deputy and what/how things are happening in the community.

Bringing law enforcement perspective into the program was the objective of Lake Los Angeles Resident Deputy Gilberto Borruel. He discussed the gravity and enormity of the situation and sprinkled a helping of humor while dealing with an ugly subject to get the attention the topic needed.

Deputy Borruel introduced himself to the members explaining his work experience and of all the assignments he had in 15 years he loved the most is being the Resident Deputy in Lake Los Angeles. “I love LLA. I care. We all live here. Drug abuse is the Big Bad Deal and #1 in our community.

“It started with the grows. We identified 380 properties. We got rid of 380 properties! GONE! [applause]

“I am here to keep enforcement going. I am dedicated to Lake Los Angeles. I work with two radio cars with two deputies each around the clock, 24/7. We need all of you. What you know, what you see, you call! Tell us who you are, what’s the problem, where and when. What do you smell? What do you see? Let me know. We have dedicated patrol here. I need and got all of you with your eyes and ears. Take down plates, color of the car, make or any detail you see. A partial plate is all I need. I have a tool and I will use it to figure out that plate and identify the car. Don’t teach your kids to be scared of us. They should not be afraid of us. Talk to me. I know how to handle kids. I know how to get around kids. It’s either the kid or the kid’s family. I’ll handle it. Peer pressure is number one and so is bullying. Kids feel caught in the middle. Here’s my number, my county issued number 213-420-7296.”

To call the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station the number is 661-948-8466. Ask for Deputy Borruel. Leave your message or keep calling until you get through.

Two break out groups took to a table each and discussed their concerns. The folks in the group discussions said they felt comfortable speaking at a group table rather than speaking to everyone all at once. And discuss they did! After their deliberations wound down, a spoke person for each table shared their topics of discussion.

At the group discussion tables were folks who didn’t know each other and now know each other and have joined hands in friendship and community. Community accomplished.

Narcan was distributed to everyone who wanted to have it on hand for any emergency they may encounter. The attendees were taught how to use it. Two packages went with Deputy Borruel to keep in his patrol unit. CPR demonstrations and instruction were taught. Parents learned SBCC and Wilsona are partners and pipelines of safety for students.

Final grade: A+ Success!

By Shirley Harriman