Touching Base: A Message from the Chief
February 17, 2013
Dear Community Members and Department Personnel:
For your Information:
Free Gun Disposal Offered by the Pasadena Police
Department: I would like to remind community members that they may
dispose of unwanted firearms through the Pasadena Police Department. All
types of firearms are accepted; including pistols, rifles, shotguns, antiques,
or replicas, regardless of their condition. There are no costs associated
with surrendering your firearm.
Community members can request a police officer to respond to
their home or business in Pasadena, where they can surrender the weapon.
Individuals may also transport the unloaded weapon to the Pasadena Police
Department at 207 North Garfield Avenue, Pasadena. If you intend to
transport the firearm into the police station, please contact the Pasadena
Police Department beforehand at (626) 744-4241. The police operator will
provide instruction on the safe and legal means for transportation. Gun
registration or related paperwork is helpful, although not necessary to
voluntarily surrender the firearm.
The police department also accepts unwanted ammunition;
however, military ordinance requires special handling and will be evaluated for
safe disposal by law enforcement personnel on a case by case basis.
Removing unwanted firearms by turning them into law enforcement is an important
step community members can take to ensure guns never end up in unintended hands
and possibly used in a violent crime.
Save the Date:
Black History Month Events for 2013 include:
- February 21, “Where We Are, Where We’ve
Been: Stories from African And African-Americans”
- February 22, “Senior Night Out”
- February 24, “Praise Dance Jubilee”
- February 28, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta
Lacks: An Evening with David ‘Sonny’ Lacks”
For more information, contact numbers, and helpful internet
links, please visit the City of Pasadena’s Website at: www.ci.pasadena.ca.us.
On February 25, the Ecumenical Council Pasadena Area
Congregations is hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Pasadena Bad Weather
Shelter. Supporters can enjoy a wonderful meal at El Portal Restaurant,
Yahaira’s Café, or Vanessa’s. 15% of the sales will be donated to the
shelters. To learn more about the restaurants please visit, www.elportalrestaurants.com.
On March 9, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. the Pasadena
Community will celebrate Former NAACP Pasadena Branch President Joe Brown
for his dedicated service to our youth and community. The Rose Bowl
Stadium will be the venue for this special day to honor a community hero.
Tickets are $20 (each) and may be purchased at http://thankyoujoe2013.eventbrite.com
or at Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ, 385 N. Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena. The day will
include entertainment, food, field games and door prizes. For further
details you can contact, thankyoujoe2013@gmail.com.
I hope to see you there!
On March 16, Harambee Ministries is celebrating 31
years of serving Northwest Pasadena. Their Annual Benefit will be held at
the Church of Our Savior, 533 West Rose Road, San Gabriel. The theme for
this year’s event is “Shaping Hearts and Developing Minds.” For more
information, please contact Harambee Ministries at (626) 798-7431 or www.harambeeministries.org.
El Centro de Accion Social is hosting its Annual
Cesar Chavez Commemoration and Peace Walk, March 30. The peace
walk will start at Villa-Parke Community Center (363 East Villa Street) inside
the Auditorium at 10:00 a.m. Following a rally for peace, participants
will march from Villa-Parke to Robinson Park, where a few community leaders
will speak on reducing violence and creating peace. For more information,
please contact El Centro de Accion Social Executive Director Randy Ertll, at
(626) 792-3148, or randy.ertll@elcentropasadena.org.
For more information on El Centro de Accion Social, please visit www.elcentropasadena.org.
On April 13, 2013, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,
Pasadena Alumnae Chapter, is hosting the 2013 Young African American
Women’s Conference at Pasadena City College, 1570 East Colorado
Boulevard. The conference is from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and features
diverse workshops, engaging presentations on educational choices, career
options, embracing youth’s uniqueness, as well as personal development.
Dr. Rema Reynolds, Assistant Professor from Azusa Pacific University, will be
the keynote speaker addressing students, parents, and others attending the
conference. If you have questions, email Pasadena.yaawc@gmail.com. To
register, please visit online at http://yaawc2013.evenbrite.com.
Our Community:
On January 29, Commander Chris Russ and Council
District 5 Field Representative, Vannia De La Cuba, met with Madison
Elementary School Principal Carmen Serrano and Jefferson Elementary
School Principal Amin Oria to discuss general school safety. Chris
noted that both principals were very proactive regarding school safety.
Both schools have school safety plans, which help create a safe environment for
the children.
On February 8, Pasadena Police Sergeant Max Dahlstein and
Motor Officer Sam De Sylva hosted the Motivational Media Presentation
“Power of 3” to Senior and Junior Blair High School students. The presentation
features contemporary music, graphics, and celebrity vignettes to underscore
the consequences of DUI and distracted driving. The focus of the program
is to support and promote good decision making to novice drivers. Around
1,000 students and staff attended the two screenings and many approached the
officers afterward to express their pleasure and enthusiasm about the
program. The “Power of 3” is funded by State Farm Insurance Company, who
also sponsors “Every Fifteen Minutes.”
On February 11, I attended the Summit on Mental
Illness and Gun Violence Forum, which was hosted by Fuller Seminary.
Fuller School of Psychology, Dr. Winston Gooden, started the forum with
a few remarks. Pasadena Police Officer and NAMI San Gabriel Valley Vice
President, Victor Cass, introduced the presenters, which included: Mayor
Bill Bogaard, Dr. Eric Walsh, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, and me. The
presenters all spoke on mental health issues and gun
violence.
On February 11, Pasadena Police Sergeants Max Dahlstein
and Marcia Taglioretti assist at the Pasadena City Council
Meeting. Part of the meeting was dedicated to the 710 Freeway issue. A
modest number of community members attended the council meeting to express
their views. There were no incidents associated with the meeting.
On February 13, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Commander
John Perez and I attended the monthly Clergy Community Coalition,
which was held at the First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena. The
meeting was well attended by pastors and other religious leaders.
On February 13, Lieutenant Kelly Evans and I
visited the Salvation Army’s Substance Abuse Treatment Center located on Del
Mar Boulevard. Major Charles Fowler and Facility Administrator,
Bob Vernand, provided a tour of the center. Clients attending the
center must participate in work and spiritual programs.
On February 13, I visited the JRC Community Hot Meal
program. The evening was well attended by community members. Pastor
Burrell, Community Leader Walt Jackson, and Human Services &
Recreation Administrator, Horace Wormely, also assisted with meal
distribution.
On February 13, I met with several key community
stakeholders regarding the possibility of hosting a Gun-Buy-Back-Program
(GBBP). Once the framework is established, the proposal will be presented
to the Pasadena Public Safety Committee (PPSC). I anticipate, in addition to
collecting unwanted firearms, the event will also include a gun education
component. Lead coordinators include: Jill Shook, Yvette McDowell, Jaylene
Mosely, Melissa Hofstetter, and the Clergy Community Coalition. Please
keep an eye open for future information regarding the GBBP.
On February 14, Lieutenant Eduardo Calatayud and I
met with Mr. Dick Davis and representatives from the Paton Group and
the PUSD Education Foundation regarding 3D printing technology. The
meeting was very informative and we will be researching opportunities to
embrace this emerging technology.
On February 15, I met with Blair High School Principal
Trudell Skinner and Michelle Bailey about public safety issues
related to campus security and student safety. The meeting was informative and
helped me better understand the challenges and opportunities at Blair High
School.
On February 16, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Commanders
John Perez and Chris Russ, Lieutenant Cheryl Mood, Deborah K. Sanchez,
and I marched in the Black History Parade. We were
flanked by Pasadena Sergeant Javier Aguilar, Officer Carlo Montiglio, and Officer
Jacob who were all riding bicycles. As in years gone by, the event was
very well attended and this year was no exception. The weather was perfect as
community youth, marching bands, and honorees made their way south on Fair Oaks
Avenue from Altadena. KTLA 5 Co-Anchor Michaela Pereria march with
police representatives along the parade route. Pasadena Police Office
Supervisor Beverly Bogar and other police employees supported the parade
as well. VIPs and elected officials included: Mayor Bill Bogaard,
Council Members Jacque Robinson, Victor Gordo, Terry Tornek, PUSD Renatta
Cooper, City Manager Michael Beck, Assistant City Manager Steve Mermell, Human
Services & Recreation Director Mercy Santoro, and Finance Director Andy
Green (we saw him along the parade route) to name a few. Human
Services & Recreation Supervisor Jarvis Emerson, HS&R Administrator
Horace Wormely and their staff organized the parade.
Pasadena’s Finest:
On January 14, I received a letter from Los
Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck commending Pasadena Police Lieutenant
Mike Ingram and the entire Pasadena Air Support Unit for their
participation in the Los Angeles Air Support Division annual fly-in and
training day. Chief Beck stated, “… This year, as well as past years, the
PPD Air Operations Section has been an instrumental participant in this
exercise…”
On February 4, I received a letter from a community
member commending Police Corporal Mark Lang and P.S. Alex Hernandez for
their efforts to return some lost property. The author lost his passport
at the Rose Bowl. The author wrote, “… when I called your lost property
department, they were quite courteous, highly efficient, and immediately
retrieved and identified the passport. I cannot tell you how much this fine
police work and wonderfully responsive attitude meant to me and my family…”
On Thursday February 7, Lieutenant Randell
Taylor attended the Los Angeles Area
Chamber of Commerce 125th Anniversary Inaugural Dinner held at
the J.W. Marriot Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Randell was a guest of
Chamber Vice President Ed Reyes, and Bryan Erckenbrack, Agency
Field Executive from State Farm Insurance. State Farm Insurance has been a
long time sponsor and supporter of Pasadena Police Department's youth
education initiatives, specifically the “Every Fifteen Minutes” program
and, most recently, our interactive Distracted Driver Simulator. Randell also
had the opportunity to visit with Cynthia Kurtz and Jim
McDermott, who were also in attendance at the dinner.
On February 12, I received a letter from Salvation
Army Major Darren Norton, commending Pasadena Police Corporal Glenn
Thompson, for his leadership while serving as the PAL Director. Major
Norton wrote, “… You and your department should be very proud of Corporal
Thompson and the lasting imprint he will leave on all the people involved in
the PAL program. I have enjoyed working with him and he will be missed
but not forgotten…”
On February 14, I received an email from a community
member commending Commander John Perez for his assistance in a financial
crimes investigation. The author wrote, “… Thank you very much for your prompt
response to my letter. You have truly restored my confidence in our
Police Department leadership…”
On February 14, I received an email from Human Resources
Manager Richard F. Kunz commending Pasadena Police Detective Michael
Lewis for his assistance in a recent investigation.
Critical Incidents:
On February 9 at about 5:56 a.m., Pasadena Police
officers responded to the area of Orange Grove Boulevard and Congress Street
regarding a missing male adult. The victim, a Male White, suffers from
severe autism was last seen at his residence in the 500 block of Pasadena
Avenue. Sergeant Paul Carpenter coordinated the search operation
and located the victim near Fair Oaks Avenue and Glenarm Street. The
victim was unharmed.
On February 9 at about 8:30 p.m., approximately 300
vehicles and motorcycles arrived at a large shopping center parking lot as part
of a car-rally. The group is best characterized as car and motorcycle
enthusiasts. The group parked in an orderly fashion, obeying all laws.
Lieutenant Ed Calatayud, Sergeant Chris Kirby, Air Support,
and SES officers monitored the rally for about 90 minutes. There
were no citations or arrests associated with the gathering.
On February 10 at about 9:00 p.m., Pasadena Police
Officers Mario Calderon and Cesar Aguilar were paroling the area of
Lake Avenue and Washington Boulevard when they observed the driver of a vehicle
chasing another vehicle at a high rate of speed. Mario and Cesar
conducted a traffic stop; however, after the vehicle came to rest, the suspects
immediately exited in an apparent attempt to escape. The officers ordered
the four suspects to stop and detained them without incident. The victims
spoke with the officers and said they had been assaulted while sitting in their
vehicle. When the victims fled from their attackers, the suspects chased
them until the Mario and Cesar intervened. When officers searched the
suspect’s vehicle, they located some methamphetamine. The suspects were
later booked at the Pasadena jail for assault with a deadly weapon, threats,
and possession of drugs.
On February 11, Detective David Garcia and other
sworn PPD officers received information about a suspect wanted for criminal
threats. The suspect, an active gang member, was known to reside in Los
Angeles; however, he frequented Pasadena. David, Sergeant Bobby
Crees, and Officers Jordon Ling, Carlo Montiglio, Jacob Carey, and Jason
Cordova drove to Los Angeles observed the suspect and arrested him without
incident. The suspect was booked at the Pasadena jail.
On February 11 at about 3:33 p.m., Pasadena Police
Sergeant Denis Beene received a Lo-Jack alert in the area of Altadena Drive
and Colorado Boulevard. Denise broadcasted the information, and moments
later, Officers Jones and Morris located the vehicle occupied at a gas station
near the intersection of Altadena Drive and Sierra Madre Boulevard. The
suspects were arrested without incident and booked at the Pasadena jail.
The vehicle was a reported stolen from the City of Los Angeles.
On February 13, Pasadena Police Officer Jordan Ling
received information on a suspect wanted for Child Molestation. The
suspect was accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with his niece.
Jordan drove to the suspect’s last known residence and observed a group of
males standing nearby. Jordan recognized the wanted suspect and
immediately contacted him. Once the suspect identification was confirmed,
Jordon arrested him without incident. The suspect was later booked at the
Pasadena Police jail
On February 13 at about 10:46 p.m., Pasadena Police
officers responded to the area of Waverly Drive and Fair Oaks Avenue regarding
a car-jacking investigation. On arrival, officers learned that the victim
was parking his car when the suspect walked up to the driver’s door and
demanded the he (the victim) exit the vehicle. Fearing for his safety,
the victim stepped out of the car. The suspect entered the car and drove
away. The victim was not injured. The suspect is described as a Male
White, 25 years old, 5’-8” to 5’-9” tall, approximately 180 pounds. The
suspect was unshaven and was wearing a black hoody sweatshirt, dark beanie,
& dark baggie pants. If you have any information about this
incident, please call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.
On February 16 at about 12:50 p.m. Pasadena Police
officers responded to the report of a possible trespasser in the backyard of a
residence located in the 800 block of North Oakland Avenue. When officers
arrived they contacted a male and located what appeared to be a make shift altar,
adorned with charred artifacts, animal bones, incense and candles.
Officers also located what appeared to be human bones, which included a human
skull. Pasadena Police detectives, along with the Los Angeles County
Coroner Office, responded to the residence and collected the items for further
analysis. Our investigation is ongoing.
Until Next Time,
Phillip L. Sanchez
Chief of Police
Pasadena Police Department
207 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4545
Mission First, People Always