Edgecliff Residents Celebrate Unity

Edgecliff residents marched through their neighborhood Saturday singing songs of unity and carrying signs of determination.

“No violence,” one sign read. Another proclaimed: “Neighbors helping neighbors”.

“We are family,” neighbors sang as a fire truck led the procession through the streets.

They were cheered on by those who have helped transform the neighborhood.

“Every time I come to this walk, I leave revitalized,” Spokane County Commissioner Kate McCaslin told marchers. “You are setting an example for everyone else in Spokane County. We’re here to tell you we’re with you all the way.”

An ensemble of people, including educators, law enforcement officials and community activists, gave speeches along the route to encourage the marchers.

SCOPE Edgecliff organized Saturday’s third annual Walk for Success, which brought out approximately 200 marchers - many of them children and teenagers. SCOPE stands for Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort.

Saturday was the first time Robert Trujillo had joined the march.

The Edgecliff resident walked with his daughter, 11-year-old Ana Trujillo, a sixth-grader at Pratt Elementary School.

The walk encouraged him, Trujillo said, adding that he hadn’t expected to see so many others who cared about the neighborhood.

“I was just surprised that so many people showed up,” he said.

Trujillo said he’s witnessed slow changes in the neighborhood. One person starts fixing up a house and then other neighbors follow, he said.

Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Smoldt said he’s seen the transformation from a neighborhood that felt powerless to one that through community policing has taken a stand against crime.

Criminals have begun leaving Edgecliff, said Smoldt, who on Saturday was presented an award for his support of community policing in Edgecliff.

“You’ve started coming out of your houses and opening up your blinds. I applaud you,” Smoldt said.