STOCKTON POLICE CHIEF Stanley McFadden and members of the Police Department visited businesses on Miracle Mile on Thursday as part of their end-of-the year community walk event.
The Miracle Mile is a pedestrian-friendly shopping district with shops and services near Pacific Avenue from Alpine Avenue to Harding Way.
McFadden said the community walks are something he and the department have been doing all year to engage with the community, let people know about police presence in the area, show support and build trust.
“So, we’re walking around, have some conversations with everyone … maybe get some tips, and we’ll talk about the new year,” McFadden said.
He said maintaining relationships throughout the city is critical to gain residents’ trust through conversations and is an effective way to fight crime.
In October, the Starbucks on Miracle Mile was shot at multiple times in a drive-by shooting.
Police said two suspects had exchanged gunfire in front of the business despite the presence of customers and workers inside.
No injuries were reported, but bullets struck the windows, leaving them boarded up.
Several businesses on the Miracle Mile also said that in the past year they have had windows broken, resulting in heavy replacement fees.
Windows of opportunity for solutions
Katelynn Castaneda, assistant director at the Elsie May Goodwin Gallery, said she has worked at the nonprofit art gallery for a year and said their front window was smashed earlier this year.
Similarly, Lisa Whirlow, who owns the family business Whirlows Tossed and Grilled, said when windows get broken it costs about $1,000 and those claims can’t be turned in to insurance to pay, therefore leaving a burden on the business.
“People don’t realize what small businesses have to go through,” Whirlow said.
However, she feels that McFadden has handled problems in the area well and thinks he is an approachable person.
“Every time I’ve gone to him with a problem, usually there’s a solution or (he) explains why there can’t be a solution,” Whirlow said.
McFadden said being passionate about the businesses in Stockton is vital because those places do great things for Stockton.
“We know from time to time there’s going to be a burglary, or there’s going to be a person having a mental crisis episode in front of your business and we just want to offer solutions.” Police Chief Stanley McFadden
“We know from time to time there’s going to be a burglary, or there’s going to be a person having a mental crisis episode in front of your business and we just want to offer solutions,” McFadden said.
He said much of the feedback from business owners Thursday was positive and one even stood out.
“I think what stood out the most was that they understand our situation and that they appreciate what the men and women are doing every day,” McFadden said.
He said despite people knowing that the Police Department is not at full capacity with officers, it feels good knowing that residents feel hopeful about police handling issues.
Victoria Franco is a reporter based in Stockton covering San Joaquin County for Bay City News Foundation and its nonprofit news site Local News Matters. She is a Report for America corps member.
