“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.”
― John F. Kennedy
There's no doubt this has been a challenging year for each of us. Our lives have been disrupted and our normal routines shattered.
It is very natural and normal to be concerned about the unrest and protests occurring in Southern California and across our nation.
Some will say this is a crisis as there is some level of danger to us and our property. And, the rest of the story is as JFK pointed out, there is an opportunity available to us as well.
What opportunity you ask?
An opportunity to trust our local law enforcement agencies to do what they do best: keep us safe.
Our "police department" here in Rossmoor, the Orange County Sheriff's Department, like all our neighboring cities, monitor social media, along with online and offline "chatter" to determine and assess threats on our behalf. They do this all the time. Not just during times of protest. All the time. And they have gotten really good at it.
Additionally, all of the law enforcement agencies in the county are in communication with each other. They stand ready when and if there is a threat to our safety - our neighborhood and for the businesses that are such an important part of our community.
Does this mean there will not be any issues? No.
It does mean though that by trusting our law enforcement agencies to to their job and not allowing panic and fear to overcome us, we can more easily get through this crisis. These officers have always been here for us. They will continue to be.
Our job: Be aware and pay attention.
If something is not right CALL the police.
This means on your block, at a neighborhood school or park, while you are out walking, shopping or driving. And if you see a disturbing social media post about an upcoming event, call the department and let them know what you saw and why it concerns you..
If you see something, say something.
If you want to do more, check on your neighbors. Call them or knock on their door (and step back so you can maintain social distancing). Say "Hi I'm your neighbor and want to make sure you are okay." Take this opportunity to strengthen our neighborhood and your block.
Take a deep breath. We've got this.
