CLEARLAKE >> “Ring-a-ling-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding … the Ronettes may have failed to make an in-store appearance at Walmart’s but Santa Clause was there, checking to see who was naughty or nice along with plenty of South Lake youngsters who were counting down the seconds with visions of candy canes and sugar plumbs dancing before eyes wide awake despite first light yet to dawn.
But you could cut the tension with a knife as dozens of children descended upon Walmart’s 15960 Dam Road address waiting for the north pole and Santa’s workshop to throw open the doors, as 80 giant policemen (and women) decked in their finest blue, green and tan to yell, dash away, dash away down aisle of dreams, where warm jackets, basketball shoes and your favorite jeans awaited for children to scoop them up in the sleigh- uhm, shopping cart.
But the 9th annual Shop with a Cop was more than a pipe dream. It originated in the embers of the devastating Valley Fire, Sheriff Deputy John Drewrey recalled. People surrounding Clear Lake needed something of a miracle to brighten spirits. Once the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation became involved it was amazing to see relationships began to build and barriers broke down.
There was only $200 limit per child that first shopping spree, but today it has grown to $250. But there is a requirement: children must first buy a warm jacket, a warm pair of trousers and warm pair of shoes to see them through the chilly winters. “You’d be amazed at the generosity of the kids and their thoughtfulness,” Drewrey said. “They want to buy gifts for grandparents and siblings. The purpose is to build relationships and make for better community relations.”
One of the first in line were parents Joshua and Chalena Bird with their children Jesse, Ivory and J.J. Jesse was hoping for a miniature keyboard or piano. “She just learned to play, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and Mary had a little lamb,” Chalena said. Joshua explained the kids at first wanted to get gifts for other family members. But knowing what most kids crave, he cautioned them to pick out things for themselves.
Darien Gosset, 7, and in the first Grade at Lower Lake, Elementary School was one of the first shoppers through the checkout. He got an All Terraine Vehicle he was looking forward to take for a spin and a model CAT Dump Truck. His chaperone, Shriff’s Deputy Tony Jackson noted all the sponsors were great, including the smaller ones who donated raffle items. To see the excitement on the kids faces and especially to see that they got warm clothing.”
David Octaviano, 8, is in 3rd grade at the Pomo Elementary School. “I’m happy and having a good time, he said “And I’m excited for all the toys. My favorite is the MACH X video drone. And I also got an Adventure Force Trail Caser ( radio controlled vehicle).”
Betty Carmona, 11, in the 6th grade at the Pomo Elementary School, said, “I’m excited. I got yarn for weaving and a bracelet maker.” But that was not all. Betty also got a new set of wheels, a Seastar Huffy bicycle. CHP Officer Michael Amadar noted it is a good way to connect with the city’s children. “We may not always get to see a special moment when kids can get that bicycle they may have not had a chance to have,” he said.
Rocco Morgan, 7 and in 2nd grade at Lakeport Elementary School, was at his first Shop with a Cop. He was marveling over his Deep Goo Sea Action Figure. “And I like the Minecraft Zombie,” he said. “I’m looking forward to Christmas because we get 24 days off. I can’t wait to play with my toys.” Officer Steven Diaz of Clearlake Police Department was also attending his first Shop with a cop event. “I enjoy it because we can interact with people on a friendly basis. Sometimes when you respond to a call for service, it can be a little stressful, but I’m glad to return to duty.”
Leia Ueno, 8 and in 3rd grade at Coyote Valley Elementary School. She was very pleased with the stuffed wolf and necklace she purchased. “We’re going to see, ‘A Christmas Carroll’ in San Francisco. Park Ranger James Morris thought the Shop with a Cop, “was a pretty cool event,” he said. “We get to meet a lot of polite, well-behaved kids. Leia was adding up all the prices in her head and they all checked out correctly. She’s reading at the 7th grade level already.”
The Clearlake event owes much to retired Sheriff’s Deputy Shedrick McDaniels of San Francisco. Nine years ago the San Francisco Deputy Sheriff’s Association (union) invited Sheriff Deputy Drewrey to Shop with a Cop in the city and he liked it enough to accept McDaniel’s help to set up the Clearlake event. “We came up yesterday and staying at the Twin Pines,” he said. “It’s a nice drive cruising up without any traffic.”
