Touching Base: A Message from the Chief
November 4, 2012
Dear Community Members and Department Personnel:
For your Information:
The victims of Hurricane Sandy are in need of supplies and
resources. If you would like to help, you can use the following link: http://www.fema.gov/, which will take you to the FEMA web site. You can click
on the “How to Help” button under the Hurricane Sandy photo. .
Save the Date:
The Pasadena Community Gardens Conservancy announced that three
new garden projects in the city will receive Community Gardening Awards at the
Conservancy’s first annual Sustainable Sunday Supper, Can U Dig It?, which
will be held on November 4. The awardees are:
- John Muir High School’s Muir Ranch Community Supported Agriculture
project
- Harambee Ministries’ Harambee Community Garden in Northwest
Pasadena
- Pasadena Community Gardens’ Community Garden in Southwest Pasadena
For more information, please contact Pasadena Community Gardens
Conservancy President and CEO, Eileen Read, at eileenwhiteread@hotmail.com, or phone (202) 641-0779.
The Pasadena Youth Center will host their 2nd
Annual Adelante Young Men Conference on November 10, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. The conference will take place on the campus of Pasadena City College
(PCC) and will feature Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
(MALDEF) President/General Counsel, Thomas A. Saenz, as the keynote
speaker. The conference features lectures, interactive workshops, career
and academic planning, and much more. For more information about the
conference, please call (626) 798-1538, or visit http://pasadenayouthcenter.org/aym_conference/adelante_young_men. Stella R. Murga is the founder and Executive
Director for the Pasadena Youth Center.
Neighbors Acting Together Helping All (NATHA) is hosting
its 9th Annual Lincoln Village Festival on November 10, from
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. between Montana Street and Idaho Street. The event
is always a community favorite and this year should be no exception. The
festival will feature food, music, health screening, and much more. For
more information, please call (626)794-5889.
Youth for Human Rights International, Pasadena High School
Chapter, will host Education and Responsibility Human Rights Day Forum
2012, on December 8, 2012 at the Louis Creveling Lounge, Pasadena City
College. Youth for Human Rights International is dedicated to teaching youth
about human rights, specifically, the United Nations Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, and inspire them to become valuable advocates for tolerance and
peace. For more information on Youth for Human Rights International,
please visit: http://www.youthforhumanrights.org. Tim Bowles is the Executive Director for Human
Rights International and is accepting forum RSVPs at tbowles@tbowleslaw.com.
Our Community:
On October 28, Pasadena Police Sergeant Ed Calatayud visited the new
location of La Iglesia Christian Church, located in the 2000 block of North
Fair Oaks Avenue. Ed was invited by Pastor Javier Ayala. The
church provides fundamental need like food and clothing items.
On October 29, PUSD School Board member Ramon Miramontes, Pasadena
District 5 Council Representative Vannia De La Cuba, Pasadena Police
Officer Andrea Perez, and I met with 5th grade students at
Madison Elementary School to discuss personal safety, educational
opportunities, and other related topics. Vannia and Andrea met with the
young ladies while Ramon and I talked with the young men in separate meetings.
The students were very well behaved and asked some very interesting questions.
On October 29, Commander John Perez and I met with representatives from
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) to discuss
general topics concerning the role of local law enforcement (vs. the role of
the Federal Government) when undocumented people are contacted by the
police. As with all people who live in, work, or visit Pasadena, the
police department initiates contacts based on probable cause, operating within
the law. The meeting was productive.
On October 30, Pasadena Police Officer Joe Longoria attended a meeting of
the Pasadena American Red Cross Advisory Council of the Salvation Army.
Salvation Army Major Norton discussed the upcoming 125-year anniversary of the
Salvation Army.
On October 30, Sergeant John Luna and Officer William Shipman
attended Councilmember Victor Gordo’s District 5 community meeting.
Approximately 30 community members attended the meeting. John and William
discussed general safety and crime issues. District 5 Field
Representative, Vannia De La Cuba, coordinated our participation.
On October 30, Commander Chris Russ and Lieutenant Pete Hettema
attended Councilmember Steve Madison’s Quarterly Town Hall Meeting.
General public safety topics were discussed and community members also heard
from representatives from the fire department, public works, PUSD, and the Rose
Bowl.
On October 30, Deborah K. Sanchez and I attended the Twilight Club of
Pasadena Speaker’s Series. Club President Nat Read served as the
emcee for the program, which featured COPs Director Bernard Melekian as
the keynote speaker. Director Melekian provided an overview of policing
in the United States from his perspective as the COPs Director. Mayor Bill
Bogaard and Nancy Melekian were among the VIPs.
On October 31, several Pasadena Police officers and employees attended Halloween
in the Park, which was held at Victory Park this year. The collaborative
effort between PPD and Human Services & Recreation helped create a safe and
fun evening for all involved. The evening featured youth dancers (all
decked out in costumes), games, and booths. District 4 Councilmember, Gene
Masuda, and his field representative, Noreen Sullivan, were among
the many people attending the event. Special thanks to Human Services
& Recreation Director, Mercy Santoro, Pasadena Police Lieutenant, Rodney
Wallace, and the entire Community Services Section for coordinating
the event.
On November 1, several Pasadena Police officers and employees attended the
“Turkey Tussle” where the John Muir High School Mustangs met the Bulldogs of
Pasadena High School. This particular football game is a community
favorite and this year was no exception. It was pretty special watching the
young Mustangs and Bulldogs play on the turf of the famed Rose Bowl. Each
school had the opportunity to introduce their seniors prior to the game.
One of the highlights of the game came during half time when Pasadena High
School Senior Ahmanie Cohill, was awarded a full-ride music and academic
scholarship to Alabama State University. The Mustangs prevailed again this year
. As an aside, Pasadena Police Corporal Robert “Bobby” Jenkins is a
coach on the Muir Football Squad.
On November 2, I attended the Women’s Health Conference & Expo, which was
hosted at the Pasadena Convention Center. Pasadena Community Leader, Lena
Kennedy, organized and coordinated the event and Deborah K. Sanchez
served as Mistress of Ceremonies. More than 2500 women attended the
conference, which included workshops and a fashion show. Pasadena Police
Administrator Alicia Patterson participated in the fashion show as a
models. Dr. Eric Walsh was the keynote speaker during the luncheon.
About 30 Pasadena Police women attended the event.
Pasadena’s Finest:
In August 2012, two Male Hispanic adults committed a carjacking in La Puente and
drove the vehicle to Pasadena. The suspects drove to a business in the
3600 block of Foothill Boulevard, because the car they had stolen was running
out of fuel. The suspects observed a driver seated in his car and
approached him. When the suspects reached the driver, they produced a
handgun and stole his 2011 Toyota Camry. The suspects then fled the
location. On August 7, Pasadena Police Detective David Duran
began investigating the incident. He worked with detectives from the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Industry Station, but they were unable to
locate the vehicle or suspects. On October 11, the victim from the
Pasadena case received a parking citation in the mail. The victim drove
to the area where the citation was issued and observed his vehicle parked on
Hartsville Street, in La Puente. The victim called the LASD Industry
Station to report his observations. LASD deputies arrived a short time
later, and following their investigation, arrested two suspects believed
responsible for the carjacking. The sheriff’s department notified the
Pasadena Police Department of their arrest. On October 25, David
and his partner, Detective Carolyn Gordon, drove to the Industry
Sheriff’s Station to continue their investigation. They later searched
the recovered vehicle and recovered a .40 cal. semi-automatic pistol. Search
warrants were secured for the suspect’s residence. During the subsequent
searches, David, Carolyn, and LASD deputies recovered additional evidence,
including another pistol.
On October 16, detectives assigned to the Pasadena Burglary Task Force (BTF)
assisted Detective Sheri Schwab with a vehicle burglary investigation in
El Monte. Sheri and the BTF Detectives contacted a subject at his
residence and began their investigation. During their investigation,
detectives discovered that the suspect was cultivating marijuana plants. He was
subsequently arrested for the marijuana, and when presented with physical
evidence, admitted to the vehicle burglary. The suspect was transported
to Pasadena jail and booked.
On October 29, I received notice that State Farm Insurance awarded a community
grant to the Pasadena Police Department – Traffic Section for our efforts to
educate young drivers about driving while impaired. Pasadena Police Motor
Officer, Derek Locklin, is leading the department’s efforts to ensure
our young drives are well aware of the consequences associated with driving
while intoxicated. The grant funds will be used to enhance the department DUI
Trailer, which is a valuable tool in the effort to connect with our young
motorists.
On October 23, Pasadena Police detectives assigned to the Pacific Southwest
Regional Fugitive Task Force (PSWRFTF) were contacted about a murder
suspect wanted by the Fresno Police Department. The detectives learned
the suspect might be living in the Los Angeles region. PSWRFTF detectives
developed information on the suspect’s location and responded to his residence.
Detectives subsequently observed the murder suspect walk outside his residence
to a pick-up truck. The detectives quickly contacted the suspect, who was
arrested without incident. Fresno Police detectives responded to the
southland to take custody of the suspect and search his vehicle. The
PSWRFTF is supervised by Pasadena Police Sergeant, Victor Alaniz.
Critical Incidents:
On October 28 at about 10:45 p.m., Pasadena Police
officers responded to the 100 block of West Washington Boulevard regarding a
large gang fight. On arrival, PPD officers located a group of males
involved in a fight. PPD officers then attempted to contact the group of
males to investigate the incident. As they approached the group, one of
the subjects fled. PPD officers chased the suspect, ordering him to stop;
however, the suspect failed to obey the officer’s commands. As PPD
officers continued to chase the suspect, they observed him reach into his
jacket, retrieve a handgun, and throw it. Officer Matt Jones
eventually caught the suspect, and along with assisting officers, arrested him
without further incident. The weapon was retrieved nearby and the suspect
was booked at the Pasadena jail.
It is obvious that this case was extremely dangerous for the
officers, innocent bystanders, and the armed suspect. The officers involved
used tremendous restraint and judgment to avoid a lethal encounter. All
are commended for their dedication, courage, and professionalism. PPD
personnel involved were: Lieutenant Cheryl Moody, Sergeants Max
Dahlstein and Bobby Crees, Officers Matt Jones, John Calderon,Rodney Saunders, Maclaurin Adesina, John Yoo, Scott Vandergrift,
David Alba, Joe Reinbold, Carlo Montiglio, Jordan Ling,
Tim Mosman, Ryan Smith, Carol Eldridge (helicopter
pilot), and Irvin Myles (Tactical Flight Officer).
On October 29 at about 1:59 p.m., Pasadena Police
officers responded to the 3400 block of East Colorado Boulevard to investigate
a strong arm robbery that just occurred. Officer Edward Bondarczuk
quickly arrived and observed the suspect. The suspect fled the location
and Ed chased him. The suspect subsequently surrendered and was taken into
custody without further incident.
On October 29 at about 6:30 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to
the area of Mentone Avenue and Howard Street regarding a call of shots
fired. PPD officers located and recovered evidence of the shooting in the
1800 block of Mentone Avenue. Several witness described the suspects as
Male Black adults. Fortunately, no one was injured in the shooting.
The incident was managed by the on-duty Watch Commander, Lieutenant Pete
Hettema. If you have any information about this incident, please call the
Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4241, or you can report your information
through CRIME STOPPERS at (800) 222-8477.
On October 30 at about 530 p.m., Pasadena Police officers responded to
the area of Sunset Avenue and Washington Boulevard regarding reports of
multiple gunshots. On arrival, officers interviewed witnesses who said
they saw suspects shooting at a passing car. While offices were
conducting their investigation, the police communications center received a
telephone call from a local hospital reporting that a male adult had arrived
with a single gunshot wound to his hand. PPD officers responded to the
hospital and contacted the victim, a Male Black, in his 20s, a Pasadena
resident. The victim was uncooperative and provided vague information about the
incident. PPD detectives are investigating. If you have any
information about this incident, please call the Pasadena Police Department at
(626)744-4241, or you can report your information through CRIME STOPPERS at
(800) 222-8477.
The incident was covered by the local media: http://pasadena-ca.patch.com/articles/pasadena-man-shot-in-hand-refuses-to-cooperate-with-police.
On
November 1 at about 2:25 a.m.,
Pasadena Police and Pasadena Fire Departments responded to a structure fire in
the 1300 block of El Sereno Avenue. When officers and fire personnel
arrived at the location, they found the lower level of the structure fully
engulfed by fire. Two Male Adults were found dead inside the dwelling and
a third victim, suffering from burns, was transported to a local hospital in
serious condition. Pasadena Homicide Detectives responded to the
scene to investigate. As the investigation progressed, the evidence indicated
the fire was intentionally set. The focus of the investigation shifted from a
suspicious fire to a murder. Pasadena Homicide detectives identified a suspect
and passed the information to our field units. On November 2, at about
5:42 a.m., Pasadena Police Corporal Richard Padilla and Officer Joe
Reinbold located the suspect at a local restaurant and arrested him without
incident. The suspect was booked at the Pasadena jail and the case will
be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for consideration of
filing early this week. Police Volunteers John Kendall and Tom Pico
assisted with traffic control during the investigation. The incident was
covered in the local media: http://www.pasadenasun.com/news/tn-626-pasadena-police-arrest-man-related-to-deadly-house-explosion-20121102,0,1919083.story.
On
November 1 at about 11:25 a.m.,
Pasadena Police officers responded to the area of Hammond Street and Fair Oaks
Avenue regarding shots fired. Officers arrived quickly and found two Male
Black victims (minors), who had been shot (non-life-threatening gunshot
wounds). The victims, Pasadena residents, were transported to a local
hospital for treatment – their parents were notified. Police Volunteers Keith
Chow, David Kilgore, Lou Oronoz, and Sergio Fajardo-Acosta assisted
with traffic control during the investigation. If you
have any information about this incident, please call the Pasadena Police
Department at (626) 744-4241, or you can report your information through CRIME
STOPPERS at (800) 222-8477. The incident was covered by the local media:
http://pasadena-ca.patch.com/articles/two-juveniles-wounded-in-pasadena-shooting-thursday-night.
On
November 2 at about 9:50 a.m.,
Pasadena Police officers responded to the 900 block of North Marengo Avenue
regarding shots fired. Officers recovered evidence of the shooting at the
location and talked with a witness, who was extremely uncooperative. The
suspects were described as Black Males. While officers were investigating the
shooting, they contacted a Male Black adult in the immediate area. During their
field investigation, the officers discovered that the male was in possession of
a loaded revolver. The suspect was not associated with the shooting;
however, he was arrested for possession of a concealed weapon. If you have any information about this incident, please
call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241, or you can report your
information through CRIME STOPPERS at (800) 222-8477.
On November 2 at 11:45 p.m., the Pasadena Police
helicopter flight crew (Pilot Mark Mendenhall and TFO Ryan Smith)
were the victims of a laser strike while patrolling over Pasadena. Mark and
Ryan directed ground units to the suspect’s location. The suspect was
contacted, arrested without incident, and booked at Pasadena jail. The
laser device was recovered.
Phillip L. Sanchez
Chief of Police
Pasadena Police Department
207 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4545
Mission First, People Always