Touching Base: A Message from the Chief
April 22, 2012
Dear Community Members and Department Personnel:
Save the Date:
The 97th Armenian Genocide Commemoration will be held in front of Pasadena City Hall on April 24th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please consider participating in this special event. For more information, please call 818-306-0413, or 626 399-1799. The service is one of several commemorative ceremonies throughout the region to honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
The National Take-Back Initiative: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in front of the Pasadena Police Department. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications. Citizens that participated in DEA’s third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 29, 2011, turned in more than 377,086 pounds (188.5 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. For further information, please visit: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html. (Source: Pasadena Police Sergeant Jason Clawson).
Pasadena Mental Health Center (PMHC) Fete is scheduled for April 28th. This year, Pasadena Police Commander John Perez will be honored for his ongoing support of the mental health center. PMHC provides guidance and emotional support to a diverse array of everyday people at critical or difficult times in their lives. PMHC is an affiliate of Five Acres, and is a 501(c) (3) organization. For further information about the fete, please contact Pasadena Mental Health Center Events Manager, Jasmine Abghari, at www.5acres.org or phone number 626 798-6793 x2244 (Source: PMHC Events Manager Jasmine Abghari).
The 2012 Pasadena Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is set for Thursday, May 3rd. Please consider joining Mayor Bill Bogaard, community members, civic businesses, professionals, religious, and educational leaders at this very special event. The event will once again be held at the Pasadena Hilton – International Ball Room. The doors open at 6:30 a.m. and the program begins promptly at 7:00 a.m. Pasadena Health Director, Dr. Erich Walsh, will be the keynote speaker. His topic is “The Prescription for a Health City.” You can purchase tickets online at: www.workingfaith.com. Questions should be directed to Joyce Millikah, PhD, at 626-486-0691 or email at jmillikan@workingfaith.com. (Source; Dr. Joyce Millikah).
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).
Our Community:
On April 15, Lieutenant Phlunte Riddle, Office Supervisor Beverly Bogar, and I attended church services at Abounding Grace Ministries. We were the guests of Pastor Thomas Burrell and community leader Walt Jackson. The services were uplifting and well attended.
On April 16, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Commanders John Perez and Lisa Rosales, Lieutenant Rodney Wallace, Administrator Gena Persons, and Corporal Carolyn Gordon attended an event at the Rose Bowl to promote collaboration among educators, organizations, and other stake holders toward creating future opportunities for all who live in, work, or visit Pasadena. The event was in collaboration with Leadership Pasadena. Keynote remarks were provided by Dr. Diana Fisher, from the Collective Voices Foundation. VIPs included Councilwoman Jacque Robinson and City Manager Michael Beck. For more information about the Collective Voices Foundation, please visit www.collectivevoices.org.
On April 18, several Pasadena Police employees attended the PAL Member of the Month ceremony at the Pasadena Police Athletic League Center. The event honored a female PAL member who attends Marshall Fundamental School. She is in the 6th grade and has been a PAL member for nearly a year. Our honoree maintains a 3.16 grade point average and is very active in the PAL program. PAL offers positive alternatives to middle and high school students in the Pasadena area. The program has served over 3,000 youth and sponsored activities such as: fine arts, computer classes, culinary arts, field trips, education, and tutoring assistance. The Pasadena PAL Director is Pasadena Police Corporal Glenn Thompson. For more information about the PAL program, please visit www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/police/pasadena_pal_program.
On April 18, I participated in a speaking engagement at the Valley Hunt Club as part of their “Notable Speakers Series.” My remarks focused on public safety concerns, crime, and the proactive Pasadena Police youth programs. The event was well attended and the audience asked many comprehensive questions following my presentation. Special thanks Notable Speakers Committee Members Eileen and Charles Read, and Valley Hunt Club Catering Director Stephanie Shriver, for coordinating the event.
On April 19, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls and I attended the Jewels of Pasadena Women of Distinction, which was hosted by the Pasadena Star News and Pasadena’s Rose Magazine. The event honored 15 women in five categories who live, work, or attend school in the Pasadena area. Jenifer Ramirez was selected as the 2012 Jewels of Pasadena Women of Distinction. Finalists for the award included Alice Coulombe, Beverly Marksubry, Cynthia Young, Terry Clogherty, Gale Kohl, Jaylene Moseley, Ann Slayik Hall, Rebecca Huang, Jo Stoup, Carl Liu, Cynthia Kurtz, and Grace Chan. YWCA Pasadena received the Pasadena Star-News Nonprofit Organization of the Year award. VIPs at the event included Councilman Chris Holden, City Manager Michael Beck, Assistant City Manager Julie Gutierrez and Director of Housing William Huang (William’s daughter, Rebecca, was a finalists for the 2012 Jewels of Pasadena award).
On April 19, Commander John Perez attended the “Every 15 Minutes” program at Marshall Fundamental High School. More than 300 students participated in this very comprehensive driver’s education program which is intense, interactive, and engaging. The 2-day program identifies the consequences associated with driving while intoxicated. Every 15 Minutes is facilitated by Pasadena Police Officers Tom Blanchard and Derek Locklin. Tom and Derek were assisted by Police Specialist Michelle White. The program is sponsored by the Pasadena Police Foundation and the State Farm Insurance Company. Special thanks to State Farm Agent Greg Sherlock, for his assistance with Every 15 Minutes. Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls attended the closing ceremonies on April 20, which were held at Marshall Fundamental High School.
On April 20, Commander John Perez attended the Citizenship Workshop, sponsored by the City of Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department and CHIRLA. The workshop was well attended and was hosted at Villa Parke Community Center.
Pasadena’s Finest:
On March 23, Pasadena Police Sergeant Kate Favara and Officers Milton White, Aaron Villicana, and Ivis Moran attended Regency Park Oak Knoll’s Casino Masquerade social to meet residents at the assisted living and memory care facility. A special thanks to Jeanine Hernandez, Marketing Director at Regency Park, for including Pasadena Police Department.
On April 12, I received an email commending Pasadena Police Volunteers Shar Stafford, Kristin Stafford and Laura Kendall for their participation in Operation Awareness. Shar, Kristin, and Laura conducted public safety awareness surveys and presented the results at two neighborhood watch meetings. The information was well received and the meeting participants appreciated their involvement.
On April 12 I received an internal communication commending Community Service Officers Hilda Jurado, Karla Kauhola, and Cynthia Murphy. Hilda, Karla, and Cynthia are responsible for handling a variety of reports, including: injured person, crime, and traffic reports. They also attend community meetings and frequently assist at various incident command posts. In short, Hilda, Karla, and Cynthia are invaluable to the daily operations of the department.
April 15 starts a full week of National Volunteer Appreciation. In recognition of National Volunteer Week, the Pasadena Police Department would like to thank all our volunteers for their commitment to service and for all they do to advance law enforcement volunteerism around the world. Our volunteer program is comprised of 186 volunteers, who have donated 16,087 hours of service, which equates to a net savings of approximately $388,990. Volunteer services have been engrained within the department’s daily operations. On behalf of the entire Pasadena Police Department, I would like to personally thank the Pasadena Police Volunteer Corp for their time, dedication, and conspicuous display of excellence. The Volunteer Coordinator is Officer Nicole Bazzo.
On April 18, I received the following communication from City Attorney Michele Beal Bagneris:
“Please join me in thanking and congratulating two exemplary City of Pasadena employees as they prepare to depart City service to begin the next chapter in their lives. Chief Prosecutor Connie Orozco has been a City employee for 24 years and 11 months (yes, just shy of 25 years) as a prosecutor. In her role as Chief Prosecutor, she has overseen all activities of the Prosecution Division of the City Attorney/City Prosecutor’s Department. Assistant City Prosecutor Kim Resendiz, who has been a City employee for nearly 24 years, has served as our Community as Prosecutor and CRASH coordinator, among other responsibilities. They will retire next week (only in the office through next Monday) and start a law practice together. More information will be provided in the future regarding their farewell celebration as we wish them much success in all of their upcoming endeavors!”
Over the years, several Pasadena Police officers and employees have worked alongside Connie and Kim. They are valued partners in the effort to improve and maintain the quality of life in Pasadena for all who live in, work, or visit our great community. On a personal note, it was a pleasure working with Connie and Kim over the past 18 months. Their retirements are well deserved and we join Michele in wishing them well as the move on to new adventures.
On April 18, I received an email from Deputy City Attorney Tim Halford commending Forensic Specialists Kevin Roon and Ralph Chapman for their assistance concerning an ongoing investigation.
On April 19, Officer Veronica Burris participated in a parent meeting at Marshall Fundamental School regarding public safety issues. Several resource organizations were at the meeting to inform the parents and attendees. The meeting was coordinated by PTSA President Alice McCann.
On April 19, I received information that Pasadena Police Lieutenant Tracey Ibarra was selected as one of THE Magazine’s “50 Fabulous Women” for 2012. Tracey is currently assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), where she oversees Homicide/Assaults, Robbery/Financial Crimes, and Youth and Family Services. Along with the other fabulous women, Tracey will be honored at a ceremony on Thursday, May 31. For more information on the event, please visit the THE Magazine’s web site at: http://themagazine.biz/50 fabulous women.html. Congratulations to Tracey and the other 2012 awardees. They will join an exceptional group of ladies!
On April 19, I received a communication commending Pasadena Police Detective Joe Allard and Police Specialists Kitty Johnson. Joe and Kitty have been involved in an ongoing fraud investigation where the suspect attempted to obtain an official Pasadena Police badge through fraudulent means. Because the case involved the U.S. mail, the federal government was involved. Joe identified the suspect, Kitty provided the appropriate documentation, and the suspect was charged with the appropriate federal crimes. The case is pending; however, it appears the suspect will likely accept a plea. Joe and Kitty were assisted by Commander Lisa Rosales in the initial steps of the investigation.
On April 20, I received a communication commending Pasadena Police Jailer Leticia Garcia. Leticia was praised for her compassion, bilingual, and communication skills when interacting with prisoners. The Pasadena Police Department operates a “Type 1” Jail Facility, which is managed by Michelle Robinson and staffed by Leticia and her fellow jailers.
Critical Incidents:
On March 29, I reported that the Pasadena Police helicopter responded to the area of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport at the request of Air Traffic Control regarding a laser strike investigation. The PPD Air Support unit was directly responsible for the arrest of the suspect responsible for this illegal and dangerous act. On April 18, the suspect was re-arrested (by FBI agents assigned to the Los Angeles Field Office) and charged with a two count federal indictment for pointing the laser at aircraft. The indictment marks the second time this new statute has been charged in the United States and the first on the west coast. This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, in the Central District of California.
On April 11 at about 6:44 p.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to a report of an armed robbery in the 100 block of East Washington Boulevard. On arrival, the victim told officers he was working on his car in the carport area of his residence when the suspect approached him and pressed a pistol against his head and demanded his property; however, the victim resisted by grabbing the suspect’s gun. As the victim and the suspect struggled for control of the gun, the suspect was assisted by several accomplices. Subsequently, the suspects stole the victim’s personal property.
The victim provided a detailed description of the suspects involved in the armed robbery and the case was assigned to Detective David Duran. David conducted a comprehensive investigation and subsequently identified the suspects. He secured several search warrants, arrested the suspects, and recovered the gun used in the crime. The following PPD officers assisted with the case: Carolyn Gordon, Sherri Schwab, Keith Gomez, Jack Preston, William Broghamer, Alonzo Wilkins, Derrick Carter, Paul Granados, Van Kim, David Llanes, Timothy Bundy, and Sergeants Ernie Devis, Marie Sell, and Victor Alaniz.
On April 12 at about 11:15 p.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to the 2000 block of El Sereno Avenue regarding shots fired. Our preliminary investigation determined that a group of males were standing near Montana Street and El Sereno Avenue when the suspect fired several shots at the group, although no one was hit by gunfire. PPD detectives are investigating. If you have information about the shooting, please call Lieutenant Tracey Ibarra at 626-744-4241.
On April 15 at about 6:00 a.m. Pasadena Police officers and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 2600 block of Windsor Avenue regarding a suspicious death. The unidentified victim was discovered engulfed in flames on the sidewalk by a nearby resident. The resident extinguished the flames and called police. It was later determined that the incident occurred in Los Angeles County and is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Department.
On April 15 at about 6:00 a.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to the 2000 block of North Los Robles Avenue regarding a Burglary and Vandalism. The suspect initially attempted to burglarize a pizza restaurant and dentist office located on Los Robles Avenue. The suspect walked away from the burglaries south on Lake Avenue and vandalized several properties. He then walked into Lake Avenue Church, where he assaulted a security guard. PPD was called and officers contacted the suspect and arrested him without further incident.
On April 15 at about 4:00 p.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to a call of a dead body in Hahamonga Park. On arrival, officers learned that a hiker and his family came across the decomposing body and called the police. The victim is believed to be a male and it appears the body had been exposed to the elements for an extended period of time. Pasadena Police detectives responded to the incident and started their investigation. The Los Angeles County Coroner responded and took custody of the victim’s body. Our investigation is ongoing. The local media covered the story: http://altadena.patch.com/articles/decomposing-body-found-in-hahamongna-sunday.
On April 17 at about 4:30 p.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to the 2100 block of East Villa Street regarding a child molestation investigation. On arrival, PPD officers learned the victim was playing on the grass area in front their apartment when a suspect attempted to assault the small child. When the suspect was confronted by the victim’s older sister, he fled the scene. The suspect was detained, identified by witnesses, and arrested without incident.
On April 19 at about 3:42 p.m. I received information from Pasadena Police Detective Ara Bzdigian that a male suspect wanted for a no-bail burglary warrant had been arrested by officers assigned to the Pasadena Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the U.S. Marshalls. The suspect was arrested without incident - his last known residence was in Pasadena. Pasadena Sergeant Victor Alaniz supervises the Fugitive Apprehension Unit.
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