Capt. Leonard Hollingsworth (back row, blue tie), and seven deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station, meet with Temescal Valley residents to discuss community concerns. Also pictured: Tracy Davis, Wildrose Ranch; Julian Gonzales, Sycamore Creek; Rob Mucha, The Retreat, and John Watson, Wildrose Ranch.

Community policing at its best was witnessed this morning as eight representatives from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station met with Temescal Valley residents at the Starbucks in Sycamore Creek.

Capt. Leonard Hollingsworth chats with Martin Lange and Dave Davis about illegal off-roading in the Spanish Hills community.

The Coffee with a Cop event featured Lake Elsinore station commander Capt. Leonard Hollingsworth and seven deputies, who discussed Temescal Valley concerns with about the dozen residents who attended.

Coffee with a Cop is a national program aimed at improving relationships between community residents and law enforcement officers. Discussion is one-on-one — no formal speeches, just casual conversation.

The deputies, ranging from corporals to lieutenants, represented divisions including patrol, detectives, community resources and schools.

Wildrose Ranch resident John Watson talks to the deputy in charge of school safety about traffic issues when parents drop off and pick up students at Temescal Valley Elementary School.

Many of the conversations focused on the need for a stronger Neighborhood Watch presence throughout the 19 communities comprising Temescal Valley. Residents also voiced concerns about trespassing, speeding, illegal off-roading, graffiti and burglaries.

Residents sharing a cup of “Coffee with a Cop” all agreed the event was highly informative and were impressed with the number of sheriff’s personnel who attended. According to Rob Mucha, We Are Temescal Valley Public Safety Committee chairman, “The only disappointment was in the poor attendance by residents.”