30 Nights with the Martinez / Pacheco Homeless Outreach - Friday on the Main

Day 26

5:45 p.m.:  Fridays are my short day -- I do the car shows to help out with the homeless that attend. Tonight was the most homeless that we've had since the shows started this season. Another change that has happened this season is Martinez police send a reserve offider to each show; we work together nicely. The reserve that has been there is an awesome guy. 

There were twelve homeless in attendance tonight. I asked one guy not to drink at the show and he left (the reserve hadn't arrived yet but was notified) and came back. In the middle of the show I got a call to go behind Bulldog BBQ; there was a man there that got out of jail and needed a ride to BART, but the bus was still running. I told him he could catch the bus; he proceeded to tell me it was my job and he wouldn't take the bus, that's what I get paid for. I let him know very fast that I'm not a taxi and if he didn't take the bus he would be in Martinez overnight. I will not be talked to in a disrespectful manner. He started in with he was going to call the city and the police, so I gave him the number and told him that I don't work for the city, I partner with the city and I determine who I give rides to for my safety. He went to the bus yelling.

So back to the car show. I had a couple of people thank me for being there -- they were happy things were different than in the past with the homeless issues downtown. I let them know it's not just me; Martinez police are there at every show. About 8 p.m. another inmate found me and needed a ride so I looked at his paperwork and asked why he did not take the bus. He was released with the other guy and I could smell alcohol on him. He gave me a the same excuse they all do -- the Sheriff's Office let us out late. But I had already seen the other guy earlier and I know they do group releases, so I knew he had gotten out earler. Given that he was already drinking, I got him to BART so he wouldn't be any trouble for the police and so he wouldn't get in trouble. 

I have to say that the support I have gotten from the community is amazing. My wife Bailey and I want to thank eveyone, including the city and its staff. This has been a great partnership. The police department has gone out of their way to make sure I'm safe and that the homeless community are offered services, and the dispatchers do a great job letting the officers know whats going on with me and where I'm at. Some days are harder than others -- I am committed to the homeless population and I am committed to serving Martinez.