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City Council Recognizes Organizations Fostering Relationships Between Law Enforcement and Community Members

Redwood City 2020 Program "Redwood City Together" Honors Innovative Local and County Police Department Programs

This past Monday, Feb. 8, the City Council of Redwood City and Redwood City 2020 recognized the Redwood City Police Department program, Coffee with Cops, and its San Mateo County Sheriff's Office counterpart, Donuts with Deputies, as Welcoming Stars of the community.

Designed to honor local pioneers and programs which help build an inclusive and respectful community, the Welcoming Stars award is given by Redwood City Together, the welcoming initiative of Redwood City 2020. Redwood City 2020 is a community collaborative working across sectors to ensure the health and success of all children, youth, and families in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks.

Coffee with Cops and Donuts with Deputies offer a safe and welcoming space for community members and law enforcement to meet informally at local coffee shops, markets, churches, businesses, and other central locations. In these settings, law enforcement and community members can discuss any concerns or issues, build personal connections, establish trust and communication, and exchange resources. Both programs are offered in English and Spanish.

These innovative programs are part of larger social outreach and community education efforts by the Redwood City Police Department. Creating a safe, open space is an integral part of both programs. "Fostering a welcoming environment is the first step in building a strong relationship with the community and law enforcement together," says Victor Lopez, C.A.R.O.N's program director.

Lieutenant Ashley Osborne of the Redwood City Police Department adds, "The drop-in nature of the events and the ability of the citizens to set the agenda for any conversations with the officers is what set this program apart from other community meetings."

Coffee with Cops events are held each month at revolving venues throughout the City. For a list of scheduled events, see the events calendar at: http://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/police-department/community-programs/adult-programs/coffee-with-cops