With more than eight years as a police officer in the San Francisco Police
Department, it would be too simplistic to say that Board Director Matthew
Balzarini brings public safety expertise to the MHCSD Board. Balzarini’s
professional experience includes serving as a 911 dispatcher for the San
Francisco Airport Commission, and police officer for the Bayview/Hunter’s
Point area, a School Resource Officer in the John O’Connell High School
and an instructor at the San Francisco Police Academy. In each of
these roles Balzarini learned there are different approaches to successfully
deal with different public safety issues. Some of the more successful
approaches include community programs that emphasize prevention.
In his role as the School Resource Officer, Balzarini earned court certification as a gang expert. "I learned that a community can’t arrest its way out of a gang problem," said Balzarini. "A community needs to offer programs to younger kids that teach them that gangs and violence is not a phase of life."
Born and raised in Fremont, CA with a family legacy of fire fighting, Balzarini’s initial desire was to join that legacy and become a firefighter. At the age of 14, Balzarini discovered the Fire Explorer youth program offered by the Los Angeles County Fire Department in a magazine. He convinced the Fremont Fire Chief to start the program locally and was the first official member. At 20, Balzarini joined the Boulder Creek Fire Department, an all volunteer agency. After only three years, Balzarini was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was tasked to be the department communications liaison. However, it was his role as a 911 dispatcher that eventually led Balzarini to join the police force.
He quickly adapted to his new role as a police officer in some of the toughest neighborhoods in San Francisco. Balzarini appreciates the limits of the judicial system in preventing crime. "As a police officer I needed to find other ways to prevent crime in addition to arresting the bad guys," said Balzarini.
Balzarini has successfully implemented a successful anti-drunk driving program targeted at teens called "Every 15 Minutes" and is currently coordinating a cadet program similar to the Fire Explorer program called "Police Activities League Law Enforcement Cadet Program".
"Mountain House is a great place to live. That is probably why you see a lot of police officers and firefighters moving here," said Balzarini. "I love the fact that my children can step outside to play and within a few minutes they will be joined by several other children in the neighborhood. I want to make sure that safe environment remains at Mountain House."
Balzarini, who has amassed a large network of public safety professionals throughout the State, continues to search for innovative and successful crime prevention programs. He has already identified some potential programs that he would like to implement at Mountain House.
"At Mountain House we have a wonderful opportunity to establish some community programs that would prevent crime," said Balzarini. "Programs geared towards high school students could be very useful at Mountain House. Community service is a great way to keep kids active and away from trouble."
Similar to his efforts as a police officer, Balzarini is looking to expand his network with those involved in governing and managing local government agencies. He is looking forward to establishing a strong working relationship with the County of San Joaquin and getting involved in the California Special District Association.
"I expect to learn a great deal by networking with others who have experience in governing and managing local government agencies," said Balzarini. One of his goals will be to look for other ways to help establish a cohesive community at Mountain House.
"A cohesive community where neighbors know each other and talk on a regular basis is certainly the best platform for a safe community," said Balzarini.