Touching Base: A Message from the Chief
December 2, 2012
Dear
Community Members and Department Personnel:
For
your Information:
On
December 1, the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published their preliminary report
regarding the Pasadena Police Helicopter accident, which occurred on November
17. You can read the preliminary report at:
www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/AccList.aspx?month=11&year=2012. The NTSB, which is the
lead agency in this investigation, will publish a factual report in about a
year. The final report (Probable Cause) will be ready in about three
years.
Save
the Date:
On
December 7, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Anthony Portantino is hosting a Holiday Open House
& Community Appreciation event at the Armory Center for the Arts, 145 North
Raymond Avenue. The event is features a book drive to benefit local public
school libraries and nonprofit organizations. Attendees are encouraged to
donate a new, unwrapped book, appropriate for kindergarten through 6th
grade readers.
On
December 8 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
the Salvation Army is hosting its Second Red Kettle Ring-Off at the Paseo
Colorado. Mayor Bill Bogaard, City Manager Michael Beck,
Fire Chief Calvin Wells and I will attempt to raise the most money
during this friendly competition. All the donated funds will go toward
serving Pasadena families in need. Salvation Army Major Darren Norton will
be on hand at the Red Kettle Ring-Off to help direct your favorite city
official.
On
December 9, from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) officials and Urban Homestead City Farm, A
Pasadena model for sustainable living, will join Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard
for the United Nations Association’s and City of Pasadena’s Human Rights Day
event. The event will celebrate the 64th anniversary of the
United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and as a kick-off for
2013 as the United Nations’ Year of Water Cooperation. The event will be
held at the Pasadena Central Library, 285 East Walnut Street, Donald Wright
Auditorium. Admission is free. For more information visit www.unapassadena.or or call Rhonda Stone, Field
Representative to the Mayor, at (626) 744-7147.
On
December 27 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.,
The Pasadena Police Activities League (PAL) is hosting a Sneak Peek Preview of
the 2013 Rose Parade floats before they head down Colorado Boulevard. The
preview will be held at Phoenix Decorating Company, 835 South Raymond Avenue.
Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for kids (under 15). Food/drinks will be available.
For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Jill Hawkins at jill@mhpevents.com, or (626) 791-1225.
Our
Community:
On
November 14, the
California Board of State and Community Corrections informed the Pasadena
Police Department of the award approval in the amount $492,520 for the
2013-2014 California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention
(Cal-GRIP). The Pasadena Police Department and the Flintridge Center
partnered in submitting an evidenced-based grant to fund community programs to
reduce gang violence, youth participation in gangs, and providing reintegration
programs for those recently released from incarceration. The Pasadena
Police Department would like to thank the Flintridge Center’s Executive
Director, Jaylene Moseley, Sarah Orth, and Commander John Perez
for their leadership in the successful award of the CalGRIP grant for a second
consecutive year.
On November 18, I met with Judges Dorothy Nelson, Raymond Fisher,
and Richard Paez to discuss public safety, use of force, and the
law. All serve on the United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and have
experience dealing with police litigation. The judges provided
informative insight about the use of force and police conduct within the context
of the law.
On
November 26,
Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Officer Anthony Russo, Brian Biery
(Flintridge Center), and I attended a meeting hosted by Senator Carol Lui
to discuss the impact of parole reentry. There were several other law
enforcement representatives at the meeting to share their perspectives,
concerns, and opinions. California is in the second year of the Parole
Reentry Program (early release from state prisoners), which was mandated by the
United States Supreme Court in 2010 to reduce the prison population. The
Pasadena Police Department developed the Pasadena Reintegration and
Enforcement Program (PREP), which is facilitated by Officer Anthony
Russo. Compliance checks are routinely conducted by detectives assigned to
the West San Gabriel Valley-Anti Crime Taskforce (WSGV-ACT_, uniform
patrol officers, other units within the department. As part of a
comprehensive approach to ensure early release prisoners have every opportunity
to succeed, the Pasadena Police Department collaborates with about 324
nonprofit organizations through the Pasadena / Altadena Reintegration
Council (PARC). PARC has served approximately 460 formally
incarcerated people since June 2011.
On
November 27, I
attended the Swearing-in Ceremony for Sierra Madre Chief of Police, Larry A.
Giannnone. There were several Los Angeles County Chiefs at the
ceremony, numerous community members, and public safety personnel. Larry
served as the Interim chief for the past year prior to his appointment.
On
November 27,
Pasadena Police Sergeant Marie Sell, Sergeant Vasken Gourdikian,
Corporal Robin Stinson, and Officer Lynda Mercado attended the
Historical Highlands community meeting. The meeting was well attended and
Marie, Robin, and Lynda talked about public safety issues, prevention measures,
and property crimes.
On
November 28, Pasadena
Police Department hosted a Community Training Day (for Spanish speaking
community members) at the range. The course was facilitated by Police
Specialists Arlene Ramos, Communications Operator Diana Parra,
Officer Veronica Burris, Corporal Alonzo Wilkins, Sergeant Bobby
Lomeli, and Communications Center Supervisor Melissa Trujillo.
Lieutenant Rodney Wallace provided opening remarks. The class consisted
of approximately 20 Spanish-speaking adults (all Pasadena residents) and the
topics included: public safety, use of force, and communications.
On
November 28,
Forensic Specialist Ralph Chapman and I stopped by the Jackie Robinson
Center (JRC) to talk with community members attending the hot meal
program. Ralph and I spent some time talking with Pastor Burrell and
community members.
Pasadena’s
Finest:
On
November 20,
Commander John Perez and Flintridge Center’s Director of Prevention and
Intervention, Ricky Pickens, met with representatives from the Institute
for Economics & Peace (IEP), a non-profit research organization based in
New York and Washington D.C. The meeting was held at the Pasadena Police
Department and the group discussed the 2012 global peace index and neighborhood
peace strategies to enhance the quality of community life for all people.
The peace index measures various social characteristics such as homicide rates,
frequency of violent crime, incarceration levels, and the economic impact of
violence in society. We look forward to working with IEP in the future
and developing peace strategies for our community. The Institute
for Economics and Peace research publications can be accessed at http://economicsandpeace.org/publications.
On
November 20, I
received an email from a Private Investigator commending Pasadena Police
Officer Doug Hamblin. The author was pleased with Doug’s overall
response to a very delicate and potentially dangerous situation. He
wrote, “… I am personally grateful to Officer Hamblin for his professionalism
and help, and on behalf of my client I wish to extend their gratitude as we…..”
On
November 20, I
received an email from Pasadena Police Corporal Glenn Thompson
commending six Pasadena youths on their achievements while attending the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Explorer Academy. The Pasadena Explorers
recruits completed their class run and earned their patches (which is a very
big deal). Our recruits are: Viridian Flores, Wendy Realegno,
Jose Orsorto, Bryant Huerta, Deanna Quiros, and Janet Hernandez. If
you are interested in learning more about the Pasadena Police Explorer Program,
please contact Glenn at Gthompson@cityofpasadena.net, or visit the department website
at www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/Police/.
On
November 20,
Pasadena Police Sergeant Mario Ortiz and Motor Officer Derek Locklin
attended a Motivational Media Assembly at AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High
School. The drug prevention and highway safety assembly was presented by
Motivational Speaker Dave Cornett. The program includes popular
music videos, movies, and television clips to educate young people about making
informed choices. There were about 100 students participating in the
program. Pasadena Police Sergeant Vasken Gourdikian helped to coordinate
the program at the school.
On
November 27, the
Pasadena Youth Center’s (PYC) Board of Directors held their quarterly
meeting at the Pasadena Police Department to discuss the outcome of the 2012
Adelante Young Men’s Conference. The session also established the goals
for the 2013 Adelante Mujer Latina Conference. PYC is led by
Executive Directive Stella Murga and board members include Ana Olgaz,
Diane Medina, Kristi Lopez, Gerda Govine, Jack Ochoa, and John Perez.
The Pasadena Youth Center continues to be a community leader in developing our
youth to realize their vocational and leadership abilities. If you are
interested in learning more, volunteering, or being a sponsor, please visit
their website at http://pasadenayouthcenter.org/home.
On
November 28, The
Armenian Relief Society of Western United States, and Pacific Clinics held a
Community Forum at Saint Mary’s Church, located at 500 South Central
Avenue in Glendale. This was one of five workshop series which will be held
between November 28th and January 9th. Pasadena Police
Sergeant Greg Afsharian served on a panel of experts speaking about the
issues surrounding substance abuse and addiction. Additional panelists
were Garo Ghazarian, Esq; Angelique Shirvanian, Action Parent
& Teen Support Programs; Kevin Babayan, MA, CDAC; and Glendale
Police Officer Matt Zakarian. Suzanne Douzmanian,
Chairperson, Armenian Advisory Board, Pacific Clinics/PUSD-Armenian Liaison
Specialist, served as the moderator. The focus and objective for the evening
was drug addiction and prevention for young people.
On
November 29,
several Pasadena Police employees attended the City of Pasadena 25 Year Club
Luncheon to honor employees for their service to the community. Each
honored member had a minimum of 25 years of service to the City. There were
employees from the following departments: City Clerk, City Manager, DoIT,
Fire, Libraries, Planning, Police, Public Works, Transportation, and Water
& Power. The police honorees included: Andrea DeLeon, Thomas
Gonzales, Christopher Gutierrez, John Luna, Robert Mercado, Alex Padilla, David
Reavis, Lisa Rosales, and Robert Tucker.
On
November 29,
several Pasadena employees joined with coworkers from other city departments to
wish farewell to Deputy Planning and Development Director, Stephanie Wolfe.
Stephanie served the community for more than 18 years and was recently selected
as Planning Director for the City of West Hollywood. Pasadena Councilman Terry
Tornek spoke on behalf of the city council and presented Stephanie with a
proclamation highlighting her service. City Manager Michael Beck,
Assistant City Managers Steve Mermell and Julie Gutierrez, and
Planning Director Vince Bertoni all spoke about Stephanie’s dedication
and talents.
On
November 29,
several Pasadena Police employees, family members, friends, and Pasadena Police
Foundation Representatives attended the Youth Accountability Board (YAB)
Graduation, which was held at the police department. The graduation was
facilitated by Pasadena Program Coordinator, Olivia Siciliano, and
Pasadena Police Officer, Bryan Marin. Maria and Angel
Benavides (parents of one of the graduates) talked with parents about their
YAB experience with their daughter. The YAB is funded in part by the Pasadena
Police Foundation (PPF). PPF Board member Myron Yanish was in the
audience. The following Pasadena Police employees attended the graduation to
support our youth: Darryl Qualls, John Perez, Cheryl Moody, Tory
Riley, Marcia Taglioretti, Jessie Carrillo, Monica Cuellar, Schuyler Sandeen,
Van Kim, Alex Padilla, Rodney Wallace, Anh Ly, and Josh Jones.
Explorers from Post 19 and Pasadena Volunteers also participated in
the graduation.
Critical
Incidents:
Prior
to September 2011, a
White Male adult committed several bank robberies throughout Los Angeles
County. Two of the bank robberies were committed in Pasadena. The
two Pasadena cases were assigned to Pasadena Police Detective Robert
Mercado, who solicited the assistance of the Pacific Southwest Regional
Fugitive Taskforce (PSWRFTF) to identify and apprehend the
suspect. In September 2012, Pasadena Police detectives assigned to
PSWRFTF received information from a reliable source implicating the responsible
person for the bank robberies. Robert developed the information which
subsequently identified the suspect. The investigation determined the
suspect was possibly in Memphis, Tennessee. On November 29, the suspect
information was shared with the United States Marshal’s Service in
Tennessee. The US Marshals later located and arrested the suspect without
incident.
On
October 11, Pasadena
Police officers investigated a residential burglary in the 1100 block of
Paladora Avenue. The suspect stole jewelry, an iPod, and digital cameras.
Pasadena Forensic Technician Allen Brogdon processed the scene and
recovered some physical evidence. The case was assigned to Detective Deanne
Nestlerode. On November 18, Deanne received notification from
Forensic Technician Danielle Biglin that a suspect had been
identified by the evidence collected at the scene.
Deanne
contacted detectives assigned to the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime
Taskforce (WSGV-ACT) and told them about the burglary suspect.
WSGV-ACT detectives developed the information and determined the suspect was
likely living with his girlfriend in Pasadena. The detectives observed
the suspect exiting his girlfriend’s house and detained him. Deanne was
notified and applied for a search warrant. Once the search warrant was
approved, WSGV-ACT detectives, Detective Andrea DeLeon, and Deanna
searched the location where they discovered much of the property stolen from
the Paladora address. The suspect was arrested without incident and the
case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where
felony charges were subsequently filed.
On
November 20 at about 10:00 a.m., police
detectives assigned to the West San Gabriel Valley Anti–Crime Taskforce
(WSGV-ACT) conducted a parole compliance search at the home of a local gang
member in the 100 block of Penn Street. During the search, ACT detectives
recovered a firearm. The gang member was on active parole and was
arrested for possession of a firearm. The WSGV-ACT has seized four
guns in the past few weeks. All the recovered firearms will be run
through NIBIN system. The task force is supervised by Pasadena
Police Sergeant Vasken Gourdikian.
On
November 23 at about 4:15 p.m.,
Pasadena Police officers responded to the 300 block of South Mentor Avenue
regarding an armed robbery that just occurred. On arrival, officers
talked with the victim who said he and a female friend had just finished
shopping when they were approached by the suspect (Male Hispanic). The
suspect pointed a gun at the victims and demanded their property (cell phone,
purse, and a camera). Fearing for their safety, the victims complied with
the suspect’s demands. The suspect then ran to a nearby car driven by a Female
Hispanic adult. The two suspects fled the location in their car, but not
before the victim obtained a license plate number and vehicle description.
Officers
Sean Porter, Jack Rappuchi, and Sergeant Tory Riley began
their investigation and determined the vehicle used as the get-a-way car was
registered to an address in Pomona. Sean contacted Pomona Police
Department and requested their officers check the address of the registered
owner. Several house later, Pomona Police officers stopped the
vehicle. Sean, Jack and Tory responded to Pomona and interviewed the
suspects. The suspects subsequently made a statement regarding the
robbery. Stolen property taken in the robbery was found in the suspect’s
vehicle along with the weapon (BB gun). The suspects were arrested and
transported to the Pasadena Police Department jail where they were
booked.
On
November 24 at about 7:30 p.m.,
Pasadena Police officers responded to La Tierra Street and Vinedo Avenue
regarding a solo vehicle traffic collision. The driver and only occupant,
was seriously injured when his car impacted a tree. The victim was
transported to a local hospital. Alcohol was believed to be involved.
Pasadena Police Lieutenant Randell Taylor and officers assigned to the
department’s Traffic Section investigated the collision.
On
November 25 at about 4:30 p.m.,
Pasadena Police officers responded to the 700 block of Elmira Street regarding
a suicide investigation. On arrival, officers talked with relatives who
said they discovered the victim lying on the floor, apparently deceased.
Evidence at the scene suggested the victim closed and sealed the doors and
windows and started a BBQ grill. The relatives indicated the victim had been
depressed over the past few years. The Los Angeles Corner’s Office
responded to take custody of the victim’s body.
Phillip L. Sanchez
Chief of Police
Pasadena Police Department
207 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4545
Mission First, People Always