While I was sounding off about the recent high crime rate figures for Hesperia, it turns out city staffers were working behind the scenes to put more funds toward police and fire services. A day after my editorial in the Star came out, the city unveiled the proposed 2006-07 budget that will add four new deputies, a sergeant and three support personnel to the Hesperia Sheriff Station. Also, the city is expected to increase the number of firefighters from 15 firefighters 24/7 to 17 on duty 24/7.
Additionally, Building Official Tom Harp explained the city's creative neighborhood enhancement plan to Star reporter Beau Yarbrough. Under the plan, several local agencies, including the Sheriff's Department and the city's code enforcement and animal control departments, will come together to crack down on code violations that are often indicators of other underlying issues.
City Manager Mike Podegracz and his staff, Hesperia Sheriff Station Capt. Joe Cusimano, and the Hesperia City Council all appear to be keenly aware that public safety is a top priority.
Bravo, city leaders! You deserve to be congratulated for putting together a plan for moving Hesperia forward while increasingly making the city a safe place to live and visit.
