America has seen a brutal past 10 months when it comes to gun violence and brutality between police and civilians, and while I have constantly been saddened by the horrific events, nothing hurts more than seeing extreme violence hit my home. I grew up in the Coachella Valley, home to the ever popular Palm Springs. Overall, I would say that the desert was a safe place to grow up in, of course there are areas that are prone to gang violence and the effects of drugs, but my home never felt like a place where something drastic would or could happen. As many have heard by now, two Palm Springs police officers, Gil Vega and Lesley Zerebny were shot and killed last weekend. I am still at a loss for words about what has happened, especially because I am currently in another country, but what I can say is that the world looks and feels a little different when tragedy strikes so close.
I always felt that mass shootings happened everywhere but home, whether that be my hometown of the Coachella Valley or my small college town of Arcata. I never expected to open Facebook and stare at my screen confused by the pictures of police badges, followed by news articles and live video feeds of a stand off between the police and the suspect. While I have always worried about the possibility of a shooting happening close to my family, the reality hit me that shootings can happen anywhere, at anytime and we should all take precautions.
Even though tragedy has struck my home town, I virtually witnessed my community and communities all over California come together to support the families of the two fallen officers. Members of the community gathered for vigils, flowers, posters and candles were set up outside the police department to show respect and various counties and even the White House sent flower wreaths to the department. Thousands of dollars have been raised to help support the families of the officers, including college funds for their children. One of the greatest acts of kindest I read about in response was a group of mothers who donated breast milk to the four month old daughter of Officer Zerebny. So despite the tragic event, I think the Coachella Valley has grown closer as a community and citizens can take comfort in the fact that there are plenty of good people out there.
While this is no doubt a time of mourning and a time of realization about the horrific events that can happen in our lives, I am reminded to stay positive. The world doesn't have to be full of violence if we remember we are all humans and all trying to make the most out of life. It is important that we band together and support our communities at all times, especially in times of tragedy.
If you would like to donate in an effort to support the families of Officer Vega and Officer Zerebny, please visit the Palm Springs Police Officers' Association website.
