Safe Streets honors community champions

Tacoma Safe Streets celebrated local champions during its Breakfast of Champions event on April 2, showcasing individuals and groups dedicated to community welfare. Executive Director Dr. Nora Flemming de Sandoval opened the event with a poignant message about the power of community in overcoming loneliness. The Parkland Safe Streets group, marking its 30th anniversary, was recognized for its efforts to keep neighbors connected throughout the pandemic, led by Marlene Hayden and Diane Crews. Ellie Irepan, a youth leader from the Youth Leading Change program, received accolades for her successful hygiene cart drive, which provided essential items to students in need.

Additionally, the Blueberry Park neighborhood group was honored for their consistent litter clean-up every Sunday, contributing to a cleaner and more enjoyable park. A significant moment of the event was dedicated to those who organized the first McKinley Overlook National Night Out, a tribute to the memory of Brichaun Pringle, who tragically lost his life to gun violence. This acknowledgment highlighted the community's resilience and the healing power of collective action in difficult times. The event served as a reminder that together, communities can create lasting change and support each other through adversity.