USD Magazine, Fall 2004

National City's chief of police keeps an eye on his community with daily drives in an unmarked police car.

representation in jail populations, lower socio– economic status and higher drop-out rates." Gonzales is hoping co bring people together to combat their many common challenges by creating a coalition of con– gregations, businesses and community leaders co develop strategies to reduce violence in National City. Father Rodrigues has faith in his friend. "His leadership and compassion will improve the quality of life here," he says. FITTING THE PROFILE Gonzales moved to the United Scates from Tijuana when he was just 5 years old, three years after his father was killed by a drunk driver. His desire co pursue a career in law enforcement had nothing to do with chat heartbreak. Rather, being pulled

Bosron Avenue and 38 th Street. (Although the parish is just on the ocher side of che San Diego border, many of the parish– ioners live a few blocks south in National City.) Along with San Diego Police Department Sgt. David Contreras and Father Rodrigues, Gonzales recencly created Pueblos Unidos, an interfaith coalition of congregations, businesses and community leaders who develop strategies to reduce vio– lence in the neighborhood. Modeled after the Black Men United program in south– east San Diego - a civic group that works on legal, social, education, health and eco– nomic issues in the black community - Gonzales sees striking parallels. "The problems of the African-American community are similar co what Latinos face, " he explains. "Low cesc scores, high

San Diego, in late July of this year - is spent meeting with community leaders and business people. Sadly, tragedy is the reason for the school district meeting. In the wake of a hit-and-run accident that left two school children dead, the district is seeking input from the police depart– ment co increase safety in the city, where most kids walk co school. After that meet– ing, Gonzales heads co his next appoint– ment, a meet-and-greet with The Mile of Cars Business Association. The group welcomes him warmly, especially when he tells of his commitment co help reduce auromocive vandal ism and theft in the area. Near lunchtime, he stops in co see his friend, Father Henry Rodrigues, at Sc. Jude's Shrine at the intersection of

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