VISTA -- The Vista sheriff's captain met with a group of local officials and Latino community leaders Wednesday night at the Vista library to discuss issues faced by the city's Latino residents, including -- but not limited to -- the fatal shooting Saturday of David Lopez.

The group, known as the sheriff's Latino Advisory Committee, brought out about 30 people, including Latino representatives from Vista churches, schools and businesses, to discuss issues such as deputies' use of force, future outreach programs and recreational activities for the city's youth, said Capt. Ed Prendergast, who heads the Vista Sheriff's Station. Attendees also included deputies, the assistant city manager and 10 members of the Vista Townsite Partnership.

Deputies struggled with and then shot Lopez after being called to a report of domestic violence at the Vista Terraces Mobile Home Park in the 1200 block of North Santa Fe Avenue.

Because the investigation of Lopez's death is ongoing, the group's focus Wednesday was not the shooting itself, but what to do next and "how to move forward," Prendergast said. Suggestions included going into schools to build relationships with students, meeting with Townsite residents in the neighborhood and hosting a community forum, he said.

Prendergast started the group earlier this year to "build a better relationship with the Sheriff's Department and work together to find ways to better serve (residents), break down barriers and build trust," he said, adding that the committee serves solely as an advisory group.

"There's no formal powers," Prendergast said, but the group is designed to provide suggestions on options such as grants and programs.

The meeting was closed to the public, including press, not because of any "big secret," but to make it easier to focus a small group, Prendergast said.

"We'd be more than glad to add (members), but we don't want it to get so big it's dysfunctional," Prendergast said.

Members are volunteers that were invited to join because of their willingness to "work in a positive way" and interest in knowing "what the problems are and want(ing) to fix them," Prendergast said.

Prendergast created the committee when he began working as the city's sheriff's captain in April because communicating with the Latino community and recognizing local leaders were major priorities, he said.

Gang activity, education and increasing the visibility of local law enforcement are high-ranking concerns, Prendergast said. The committee has also suggested improvements such as more patrols and more Spanish-speaking deputies, he said.

Vista Assistant City Manager Rick Dudley said meeting with Latino community members, particularly those from Townsite, provides a voice to residents that are "not normally involved with civic activities."

Deputy Bobby Rivera said that providing those residents with a forum has been beneficial.

"They're very appreciative of us taking the time to meet with them," he said.

- Contact staff writer Sarah Wilkins at (760) 761-4414 or swilkins@nctimes.com.