Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : Deputies, Community Plan Newhall Barbecue

A group of parents in a largely working class, Latino neighborhood has joined with the Sheriff’s Department to sponsor a community barbecue today.

The event, to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in east Newhall near Race and 5th streets, also features games for children.

The event encourages residents and Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies to mingle. The department will provide information on its specialty units, such as the gang and graffiti unit, search and rescue team, mounted patrol and Special Weapons and Tactics team.

“We cannot make a neighborhood safe ourselves,” said Santa Clarita operations Lt. Marv Dixon. “We need people who care enough to call us and to get us involved.”

The party was organized by United Mothers of Santa Clarita, a group of about 20 parents formed in February to improve communication between Latinos and other Newhall residents. Parents have passed out 1,000 flyers in Newhall inviting residents to attend.

“We’re trying to get the community comfortable with the Sheriff’s Department,” said Eva Guzman, a member of the group. “A lot of them are just afraid of the authority. That’s some of what we’re going to find out--why they don’t call the Sheriff’s Department (when there is a problem).”

The Sheriff’s Department has recently tried to improve community relations by increasing the number of bilingual officers.

The east Newhall area generally triggers a higher number of service calls to the department than other communities in Santa Clarita, according to Dixon. “It’s one of our busier areas,” he said. “If there is mistrust and a lack of communication, this will certainly help.”