Perhaps Coronado will be spared.  It is unfathomable that a heinous event such as that which occurred in Littleton, Colorado in 1999 might spoil our town.  But as Dr. Ronald D. Stephens, Executive Director of the National School Safety Center said:  “…violent juvenile crimes – even when they invade only 10 percent of our nation’s schools – are symptoms of danger and dysfunction that must not be ignored…Violence is no respecter of persons, geography, class, color or ethnic origin.  And it can happen anywhere.”

That said, the Mission Statement of the Coronado Human Relations Commission does not include the words “violence” or “guns”; to the contrary, the work of the Commission addresses peaceful communication and the peaceful resolution of conflict among and between youth and adults.”  That, after all, is the only path to prevention.

Gabriel Salvatierra, a tenth grade student at Coronado High School and member of the Coronado Human Relations Commission (CHRC) describes it this way:  “The Human Relations Commission is a dedicated group of people that focus on spreading peace throughout Coronado and helping to promote equality and understanding between its citizens.” 

Stacy Berman, also a Commissioner, is the Recreation Programs Supervisor of the Coronado Recreation Department.  She adds to Salvatierra’s description:  CHRC is a city-wide effort to “foster peace in the community” as members “strive daily to live the mission” by modeling tolerance, mutual respect, communal responsibility, forgiveness, and open dialog with youth, adults, business members, etc.  Berman notes that the first step has been to bring the diverse members of CHRC together; in turn these community leaders have the opportunity to carry the message back to their respective schools, churches, service clubs, businesses, organizations, and neighborhoods.  

The second step is more concrete.  Take My Hand Coronado: A Weeklong Celebration of Peace in Relationships, the programming that has developed as a result of the effort to promote our Mission, celebrates its seventh anniversary this year.

Next Steps:

The twenty-four members of the Coronado Human Relations Commission are committed to evaluation and enhancement of the current plan, and to the identification of other meaningful strategies for the future. 

In fact, members of CHRC now meet twice annually with a newly formed Regional Human Relations Commission including City of San Diego Human Relations Commission, as well as commissions from Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Santee.  At this table commissioners from across the county have the opportunity to learn from one another, and the San Diego Human Relations Commission has expressed considerable interest in replicating “Take My Hand, Coronado” in some fashion in the City of San Diego.

Tom Smisek, the Mayor of Coronado at the time, offered his perspective:  “The Coronado Human Relations Commission is the only forum in our town where people from churches, schools, the City [Government, Police and Recreation departments], the Navy, parents, and kids come together to discuss matters that influence the well-being of adults and youth.  Issues that people are reluctant to discuss in other circumstances are often brought to the table.”  After all, understanding, empathy, and tolerance are essential to peace in human relationships.

When all is said and done, I believe one must give away that which one wants.  If one wants respect, understanding and empathy, tolerance of one’s differences, and forgiveness for one’s shortcomings and mistakes, one must give respect, understanding and empathy, tolerance, and forgiveness first.  If one wants a hand of friendship, one must extend it first. 

                                                     Warm regards,

                                                     Deborah  Schwartz

  Chairperson