Hansen: Thin blue line shines bright for Special Olympics

There are at least two groups of people who still love cops: children and Special Olympics athletes.

The innocents.

Those who don’t care about politics, victimization, stereotypes, mistakes or hatred.

None of that was on display Saturday at Ruby’s Diner in Laguna Beach for the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser.

Instead, it was smiles, hugs and handshakes. It was the appreciation for public service, for helping when no one wants to help.

For being that guy.

For being that woman in blue who talks some sense into you.

For being cool when it matters most.

And when you’re 5 years old, everything about cops is cool: the red lights, the sirens, the cop dog that licks your face, the high-tech robo gear and even jail — well, fake jail, like at Knott’s Berry Farm.

The shiny equipment and novelty are not just for show, however. They serve as a real bridge to good will. And aligning with the Special Olympics is a brilliant way for the police to extend their message.

The partnership with Laguna Beach is a new one; this was the first year the event was held at Ruby’s. The all-volunteer effort, which combined athletes with restaurant employees, helped raise money for the Special Olympics Orange County Region.

Officers and athletes helped meet and greet customers, delivered drink and food orders and interacted with restaurant guests.

Customers were encouraged to “tip the cop” for their service in the form of a tax-deductible donation. And 100% of the money went to the Special Olympics program.

Outside, the police had displays with a police car, motorcycle, police K-9 unit and the mini jail. There was also a fingerprinting station, face painting and a balloon artist.

Kids enjoyed it the most, but the adults were not against getting on the police motorcycle and perhaps reliving a “CHiPs” TV moment.

Either way, the Special Olympics program relies on these types of fundraisers for the many services it provides to its athletes, like Joseph “Joe” Gorin, 28, from Laguna Niguel.

Gorin, who was born with cerebral palsy, loves floor hockey. Last year, he was a U.S. ambassador for the World Games in Los Angeles. He has also worked at Mission Hospital in Laguna for the last six years and is a member of Toastmasters International.

“I like floor hockey,” he said, smiling. “I like the action and the excitement.”

His mom, coach and local program coordinator, Ticky Gorin, said it’s important for people to realize that the Special Olympics are not just a once-a-year event.

“They train all year-round,” she said. “It teaches coordination and discipline. Most have jobs.”

Gorin said the fundraisers are critical, but the people are just as vital.

“Without the volunteers, we don’t survive,” she said.

Meanwhile, the police welcome the community activity. It’s a small break from the rigors of the job.

It’s no secret that the state of policing is under fire. Nothing is easy. Every moment holds unprecedented potential for havoc.

“I never thought it would get to this,” said Laguna Lt. Joe Torres.

Torres, like other police at the festivities, never seemed to completely relax. They held that steady stare, instinctively scanning the horizon, checking out cars that pulled up just a little too fast off Coast Highway.

It was, after all, a large group of police, children, families, balloons and happiness — all a potential target.

As if on cue, a man started raising his voice. At first it was unclear why he was angry. It turns out he was a member of the Esslinger family, longtime property owners in Laguna. They own the land that the Ruby’s Diner sits on.

The man apparently was upset over the activities for some reason and was jawing with the police. Regardless of the details, it was neither the time nor the place.

The police, after about a half hour of patient negotiation, finally got the man to leave.

With kids romping around, special athletes smiling and assisting and volunteers giving their time and passion, all it takes is one person to ruin a good day.

Fortunately, innocents are a forgiving people.

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DAVID HANSEN is a writer and Laguna Beach resident. He can be reached at hansen.dave@gmail.com.