Police Connect With Community at Gathering in Local Supermarket

Pasadena Police Department officers joined community members for coffee and conversation Wednesday at Vallarta Supermarkets store at the corner of N. Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard as part of the department’s ongoing community outreach programs.

The well-attended April 16 “Coffee with a Cop” event brought together Police Chief Eugene Harris, officers, neighborhood residents, city staff, business owners and Vallarta employees.

Attendees shared Mexican-style café de olla and colorful pan dulce pastries while discussing community concerns in the informal setting.

The Pasadena Police Department hosts these monthly gatherings at various locations throughout the city as part of a national initiative designed to strengthen police-community relationships.

“PPD is committed to building and strengthening its relationships with the community one cup of coffee at a time,” the department stated.

Coffee with a Cop provides an opportunity for the public to ask questions, discuss public safety concerns and get to know the officers serving their area.

The Vallarta Supermarkets location, which opened in November 29, 2017, features a 50,000 square-foot store that was a welcome addition to the family friendly neighborhood. Customers enjoy an authentic Mexican kitchen serving ready-to-eat meals using traditional recipes, fresh ceviche, enchiladas, hot soups and stews, and Latin-infused sushi prepared daily by an in-house sushi chef.

Residents interested in attending future “Coffee with a Cop” events, including the next upcoming gathering, can contact Susana Porras at susanaporras@cityofpasadena.net for notifications about upcoming events.