PD Editorial: A year later and still healing

Today marks one year since a deputy sheriff, mistaking a toy gun for an assault rifle, shot 13-year-old Andy Lopez to death on Santa Rosa’s Moorland Avenue.

The confrontation lasted just 10 seconds, but the aftershocks will be felt for years to come.

Sonoma County residents can be grateful that we’ve been spared the violence, and the heavy-handed law enforcement response, that followed a police shooting in Ferguson, Mo. of another unarmed teenager.

It’s clear, however, that these two suburban communities, separated by half a continent, share deep divisions that aren’t easily bridged.

Statements at community forums and letters on these pages reveal strongly conflicting views about public safety, political leadership and opportunity in Sonoma County. Questions about police profiling prompt replies about illegal immigration. Allegations of excessive force are followed by rejoinders that Andy’s failure to respond to the deputy’s instruction to drop his weapon - an airsoft BB gun that resembled an AK-47 - was justification for the shooting.

Sonoma County prosecutors cleared Gelhaus of criminal wrongdoing, and Sheriff Steve Freitas returned him to duty. But a federal civil rights investigation is ongoing, as is a wrongful death suit filed by Andy’s parents.

On Monday, a majority of the community task force declared that allowing Gelhaus to resume his duties feeds animosity, drawing strong rebuttals, including one from a sheriff’s lieutenant on the task force.

The 21-member panel is gathering information on civilian oversight, community policing, separating the sheriff’s and coroner’s offices, restoring trust and other law enforcement-related issues, with a report due to the Board of Supervisors in March. The process hasn’t been easy, reflecting the scope of the assignment and widely divergent views - in many ways mirroring the community at large.

Turning the task force’s eventual recommendations into policy, and finding funding for any new programs, will take more time and require continued engagement by the public, the supervisors and the sheriff.

As this first anniversary passes, let’s remember that a family is mourning. Although they have moved out of the area, we hope Andy’s parents fine some solace in the makeshift memorial park in their old neighborhood and the steps being taken to make it permanent.

Let’s also acknowledge steps already taken to prevent a similar tragedy, including a state law requiring that replica firearms be more easily identified as toys by officers faced with split-second decisions. Also, the Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Rosa Police Department are testing body cameras, technology that promises more certainty about the actions of law enforcement officers and citizens alike.

Finally, let’s not forget that the community is still divided and commit ourselves to more healing over the next year.