Touching Base: A Message from the Chief
May 6, 2012
Dear Community Members and
Department Personnel:
Save the Date:
Mentoring
& Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD) is hosting its 5th Annual Fundraiser and Dinner
May 12th to celebrate 10 years of Mentoring at John Muir High
School. The event will be held at Brookside Golf Course and Mr. John
Singleton (Academy Award Nominated Director / Screen Writer), will deliver
the keynote speech. For more information or tickets, please call
626-396-5600 x82009 or email. info@mpyd.org (Source: MPYD).
The Pasadena Police and Fire
Departments are hosting their first annual
Police and Fire Memorial Service, to honor the brave
Pasadena men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance
of their duties. The event will be held on May 15, from 6:00 p.m. –
7:30 p.m. in front of City Hall (Garfield Avenue side) and the public
is welcome. The month of May is the time of year when public
safety departments remember their fallen first responders. To date, six
Pasadena police officers and seven Pasadena firefighters have lost their lives
protecting our community. The solemn ceremony will include the
presentation of colors, the national anthem, a 21-gun salute, ringing of the bell,
taps, and a fly-over. Please consider attending this special
commemorative ceremony so that together, as a community, we can honor
Pasadena’s Finest. For more information, please contact Pasadena Police
Sergeant Michael Bugh at MBugh@cityofpasadena.net or 626-744-3871 (Source:
Sergeant Michael Bugh).
The Pasadena Police Classic Car
Show is scheduled for June 17, 10:00
a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Paseo Colorado, 300 East Green Street. The
event is supported by the Pasadena Lions Club and will include awards in
several categories. For more information about the Pasadena Police
Classic Car Show, please contact Pasadena Police Sergeant Michael Bugh at MBugh@cityofpasadena.net
or 626 744-3871 (Source: Sergeant Michael Bugh).
The Pasadena Police Foundation invites you to an all-day fundraiser at El Portal
Restaurant on May 23. You can enjoy wonderful Yucatan / Mexican
cuisine in this landmark Pasadena restaurant and at the same time support the
Pasadena Police Foundation (PPF). Fifteen percent (15%) of all sales will
be donated to PPF. El Portal Restaurant is located at 695 East Green
Street. For more information, please contact PPF Board Member Sandra
Greenstein at Greenstein@charter.net
or landline at 626-577-5842 (Source: Sandra Greenstein).
Our Community:
On April 28, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Lieutenant Jari Faulkner,
Police Administrator Gena Persons, Officer Domino Scott, Office
Supervisor Beverly Bogar, Deborah K. Sanchez, Mr. Eddie
Riddle, and I attended the 2012 Women of Achievement Recognition Breakfast
at Brookside Golf Club. Ruthie and Joe Hopkins opened the
program with a few brief remarks commending this year’s honorees. The
2012 Women of Achievement included: Ms. Mildred Lewis, Ms. Mildred
Hawkins, Ms. Delano Robinson, Dr. Mae Cowan, Ms. Versie
Mae Richardson, Ms. Regenia Moses, Ms. Marie Foster, Dr. Allie-Louise
Almore Randle, Ms. Juanita DeVaughn, and Ms. Lois Richard. Dr.
Pamela Short Powell was the Mistress of Ceremony and the audience was treated
to music and song by Ms. Allisonne Crawford. Elected officials included
Pasadena Councilwoman Jacque Robinson and PUSD School Board President Renatta
Cooper.
On April 28, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Commander Lisa
Rosales, Lieutenant Tracey Ibarra, Sergeant Marie Sell,
Corporal Glenn Thompson, Deborah K. Sanchez, and I attended Pasadena
Mental Health Center’s (PMHC) Fundraiser and Awards Gala. Pasadena Police
Commander John Perez was honored for his role in helping PMHC better
serve the community. The Pasadena Police Department’s partnership with
PMCH focuses primarily on the Youth Accountability Program, a restorative
justice initiative which provides youth an opportunity to change their lives
and accept accountability for their actions. The Youth Accountability Program
is sponsored by the Pasadena Police Foundation and PPF President Tom Kester and
his wife, Elayne, also attended the event.
On April 28, Deborah K. Sanchez and I attended the Criminal
Courts Bar Association 59th Annual Awards Dinner. The event
was held at the Westin Hotel in Pasadena and Los Angeles County District
Attorney Steve Cooley was among the many honorees. Special thanks to William
M. Paparian for coordinating my participation.
On April 28, several Pasadena Police officers monitored the Doo Dah
Parade. As in years past, the parade was well attended. This year’s Grand
Marshall was Ms. Ann Erdman.
On May 2, Mayor Bill Bogaard, Pasadena Council Members,
City Manager Michael Beck, and several members of the Executive
Leadership Team (Department Heads), attended a morning meeting with Los
Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich. During the meeting,
several topics were discussed including funding for housing, parks, and parole
re-entry.
On May 2, I met with Pasadena Police PAL (Police Activities League)
President Geoff Johansing to discuss several issues. The PAL Board
of Directors is very involved in helping to create a positive environment for
our Pasadena Youth. For more information about PAL, please contact
Corporal Glenn Thompson at GThompson@cityofpasadena.net or visit the Pasadena Police
Department’s Webpage.
On May 3, Commander Lisa Rosales, Administrator Michelle
Robinson, and Administrator Alicia Patterson attended “A Place to
Rebuild Lives – Greening Celebration” at Union Station. Union Station
Homeless Services’ Euclid Villa Transitional Housing Program provides effective
solutions to end homelessness in our community. Euclid Villa Transitional
Housing, the first transitional housing program for families in Pasadena,
opened in 2000. Families may reside at Euclid Villa Transitional Housing
for up to two years. During that time, they participate in the many
social service programs provide by USHS staff and volunteers and work towards
the goal of independent living. Every family exiting the program has moved
on to permanent housing. Union Station’s goal is to assist each family in
becoming stable and self-sufficient members of the community.
On May 3, Deborah K. Sanchez and I attended the 52nd Annual Eagle Scout
Banquet to honor the 2011 Eagle Scout Class of 2011. The event was
extraordinary. Attendees and sponsors enjoyed talking with the young men who
earned the Boy Scouts of America highest award. At one point in the program,
all Eagle Scouts in attendance were asked to announce the year they earned
their rank. One scout in the audience earned in Eagle Award in
1942. I had the honor of presenting the keynote address, which focused on
my journey to Eagle Scout. Pasadena Police Officers Steven Oberon
and Brad May attended the banquet and sponsored two Eagle Scouts.
A special thanks to the San Gabriel Valley Eagle Scout Association, and Dr. Tom
Hartman (also an Eagle Scout), for including me in this exceptional event.
Pasadena’s Finest:
On April 22, the Pasadena Police Department’s Running Team
participated in the annual Baker to Vegas 120 mile Relay Race. The team
finished in 4th Place (six teams were in our category). The
weather was particularly warm this year as temperatures exceeded 102 degrees at
the start of the race. Runners included: Jeff Disney, Julie Finney,
Vasken Gourdikian, Joaquin Gurrola, Chris Sharma, Mario Calderon, Matt Jones,
Edgar Sanchez, Thomas Corralez, David Garcia, Carlo Montiglio, Anthony Russo,
Anthony McGlade, Rudy Lemos, Sean Dawkins, Bartman Horn, Bobby Crees, Victor
Cass, Tai Wotherspoon, Phillip Sanchez, and Jack Rappuchi.
Support Team members included: Julie Finney, Cathy and Bobby Uribe,David Duran, Sherri Schwab, Glen Thompson, Robin Stinson, Matt Griffin, Jeff
Newlen, Erin and Danny Morris, Chuck Mispagel, Keni
Dawkins and Shannon Reece. Sean Dawkins and Vasken
Gourdikian are the team captains.
On April 24, I received a copy of an email from a community member
commending Pasadena Police Officer Anthony “Tony” Karg. The community
member (a female adult) said Tony arrested her in October 2007 for possession
of narcotics. Following her court trial, the community member was
sentenced to a rehab facility in Los Angeles. When she completed the
rehab program, she secured a job with a local organization, returned to school,
and remains drug free. In her email she states, “You saved my life! I
could never fully express what you have done for me nor can I say thank you
enough.” Tony is currently assigned as a Motor Officer in the Traffic Section.
On April 30, I received an email from AMI HIGH Learning Services
Executive Director, Jeanne Shamim, commending Pasadena Police Officer Veronica
Burris and Police Specialists Anita Butler for their participation
in the “Children’s Safety First” program. Jeanne said Veronica and Anita
were very collaborative.
On April 30, I received a letter from a community member commending
Pasadena Police Officer Aaron Villicana. The community member
participated in a department ride-a-long as part of the Citizens Police
Academy.
On May 2, Lieutenant Bruce George and 19 other Pasadena
Administrators graduated from the inaugural “Pasadena Leadership academy” at
Woodbury University. The academy was a 12 week program consisting of six
sessions. Each session focused on a particular element of
leadership. Bruce thought the networking was exceptional.
On May 2, the Pasadena Police Department expanded its capacity to
analyze ballistic evidence by participating in the National Integrated
Ballistic Identification Network (NIBIN). This collaborative effort also
includes Glendale and Burbank Police Departments and the Alcohol, Tabaco and
Firearms (ATF). Commander John Perez and Administrator Gena
Persons were the project managers.
On May 3, Commanders John Perez, Lisa Rosales, Chris Russ,
Lieutenant Phlunte Riddle, Office Supervisor Beverly Bogar,
Sergeant Tory Riley, Officer Darin Craddolph and I attended
Leadership Pasadena graduation ceremony which was held at the Western Justice
Center.
Pasadena Administrator Gena
Persons and her fellow classmates participated in Leadership Pasadena,
which included producing a class project to improve the quality of life in our
community. Graduates included, Gena Persons, Charel Bailey, Jessica N.
Bowles-Martinez, Patrick Briggs, Valicia Dantzler, Tamika Farr, Gleen Magpile
Gomez, Lawrence Hammond, Erin Johnson, Ariel Kirkland, Christina Kuo, David J.
Liu, Katharine Walters, and Ann Wendland. Councilwoman Jacque Robinson,
Assistant City Manager Julie Gutierrez, and Pasadena Fire Battalion
Chief Sean English also attended. Leadership Pasadena is recruiting for
class 2013. For more information about Leadership Pasadena, please visit
their website at: http://leadershippasadena.org.
On May 3, I received an email from Pasadena Chief Deputy Attorney Nicholas
Rodriguez commending Lieutenant Richard Aversano. Nick
explained that Richard quickly resolved a neighborhood problem quickly,
effectively and without fanfare.
On May 3, I received an email from Pasadena Police Detective Joseph
Allard commending Police Volunteer Duane Allen. Recently,
Duane celebrated his 80th birthday and will be separating from the
police department. Duane has served with the police department as a
member of the CREDIT Team for the last seven years. He also volunteers
his time at the visitor’s kiosk at City Hall. Duane will be missed when
he leaves the department. His skills were exceptional and greatly
appreciated. As an aside, Duane served as a 1st Lieutenant in
the United States Army during the post-Korean War era.
Critical Incidents:
On April 19 at about 3:15 p.m. Sergeant Victor Alaniz, Detectives David Llanes,Tim Bundy, Eric Meyer (Glendale PD), and Nick Orloff
(Glendale PD), arrested a male adult burglary suspect following a comprehensive
investigation. Pasadena Police Detective Ara Bzdigian assisted in the
investigation leading to the suspect’s arrest.
On April 20, Pasadena Police officers assigned to the Burglary Task
Force assisted law enforcement personnel from the U.S. Marshal’s Office, Los
Angeles County Probation Department, and Pasadena Police Special Enforcement
Section (SES) with several probation and parole compliance checks.
On April 26 at about 5:00 p.m. Pasadena Police Department’s Special Enforcement
Section (SES) served a search warrant on a residence in the 20 block
of South Daisy Avenue. SES officers located numerous marijuana plants in
various stages of growth. Several subjects were detained; however,
following the investigation, only two were arrested.
On April 26 at about 7:00 p.m. Pasadena Police officers assigned to the department’s Special
Enforcement Section (SES) assisted the San Marino Police Department
following a Mutual Aid request for a large demonstration. On arrival, SES
officers learned that approximately 100 protestors gathered in a residential
neighborhood to demonstrate over concerns associated with the economy. Officers
from Alhambra, South Pasadena, and San Gabriel Police Departments also
assisted. The protest was peaceful and ended about 9:00 p.m. without
incidents or arrests.
On April 27, I received an update on the enforcement efforts of the
Pasadena Police Burglary Task Force (BTF). Since January 2012, the
burglary task force has arrested 48 suspects for property crimes, served six
search warrants, and recovered more than $17,800 in stolen property. The task
force was formed in December 2010.
On April 30 at about 10:26 p.m. two residential burglaries occurred: The first
burglary occurred in the 1500 block of Lombardy Road and the second in the 1600
block of Orlando Road. Witness, in both crimes, provided descriptions of
the suspects and their vehicles. PPD officers responded and document the
incidents. Less than two hours later, the Pasadena Police
Department received a separate call from a community member who reported seeing
several subjects looking through a jewelry box. The witness thought the
subjects were acting suspiciously and notified the police. PPD officers
responded and detained the subjects. The suspect matched the description from
the Lombardy Road and Orlando Road burglaries. PPD officers continued their
investigation and identified a total of eight (8) suspects responsible for
several residential burglaries. The suspects were arrested and during a
search of their vehicles, where PPD officers discovered additional jewelry,
electronics, an Itouch phone, and other items stolen during the
burglaries.
On May 1 at about 10:00 a.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to John Muir High
School regarding a report of a student with a gun. Apparently, a
teacher’s aide notified school security after seeing a male student with a gun
in his waistband. Pasadena Police Safe School Officers quickly contained the
area and subsequently arrested the student without incident. Officers
located a replica pistol in in the student’s backpack. The student was
booked at the Pasadena Police Department and released to his parents. The
case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office,
Juvenile Division, for review. The local media covered the story: http://altadena.patch.com/articles/muir-high-school-gun-lock-down-is-false-alarm.
On May 4 at about 2:25 p.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to the 3200 block of
Del Vina Street regarding a possible fire. On arrival, officers provided
traffic control while Pasadena Firefighters extinguished the fire. PFD is
investigating the origin of the fire.
Sincerely,
Phillip L. Sanchez
Chief of Police
Pasadena Police Department
207 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4545
Mission First, People Always