Touching Base: A Message from the Chief
April 29, 2010
Dear Community Members and Department Personnel:
Save the Date:
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).
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 on May 15, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place 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 firefighters have lost their lives protecting our community. The solemn ceremony will include the presentation of colors, national anthem, 21-gun salute, ringing of the bell, taps, and 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: PPD)
Our Community:
Movies in the Park: The popular Movies in the Park program, currently offered at Villa Parke and Victory Park, is expanding to Robinson Park starting Friday, April 27th, with a free showing of the 2011 animated release, “Rio,” followed by “Puss In Boots,” on Friday, May 11th, and “The Smurfs,” on Friday, May 25th. All movies will start at 7 p.m. and are hosted by the Human Services and Recreation Department. Movies in the Park Spring Series brings free movies – and free popcorn –to Robinson Park on alternating Fridays through May 25th. All you need is your lawn chair and a blanket to enjoy the family-friendly films. The Movies in the Park Summer Series will begin Friday, June 8th. For more information, contact Yuriko Montes, at 626-744-7305, or the Robinson Park staff, at 626-744-7330 (Source: Interim PIO Tim McGillvray).
On April 20, I attended the La-Paz (First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena) Peacemaking and Justice Summit. The two day summit featured several workshops and breakout groups and was well attended. I had the pleasure of introducing Keynote Speaker, Dr. Eric Walsh. Later in the program, Commander Chris Russ served on a panel discussing issues associated with housing and homelessness. The summit was the vision of La-Paz Pastor, Selena Holston-Gabriel.
On April 21, Adelante Mujer Latina (AML) held their 18th annual conference for young women at Pasadena City College. More than 1800 women attended the conference, making it the largest to date. The event is sponsored by the Pasadena Youth Center and its Executive Director, Stella Murga, along with a host of corporate and community sponsors. The event is a nationally acclaimed college and career conference held in partnership with PCC. It offers an incredible experience for young women to explore opportunities for higher education and professional careers.
The conference involves many community volunteers and dedicated professionals who provide over 70 interactive workshops for young women. The Pasadena Police Department is a proud participant of the event. Special thanks to Officer Andrea Perez, Forensics Specialist Vanessa Calderon, Emergency Service Operator Alesandra Perez, and countless volunteers for donating their time as workshop presenters. Commander John Perez serves as a Pasadena Youth Center Board Member and was instrumental in coordinating the conference.
On April 21, Commander John Perez attended the City of Pasadena and the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) citizenship workshop, which was held at Villa Parke. The workshop was designed to assist attendees with the citizenship through naturalization process. The Pasadena Police Department was also present to answer questions. Special thanks to Pasadena Human Services Director Mercy Santoro, and Villa Parke Administrator Rozanne Adanto, for their efforts to coordinate the workshop.
On April 22, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Commander Lisa Rosales, Lieutenant Phlunte Riddle, Officer Nicole Bazzo, and Office Supervisor Beverly Bogar attended the 2012 NAACP Freedom Luncheon, which was held at the Castaways Restaurant in Burbank. The luncheon was well attended and this year’s awardees included: Martin A. Gordon, Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs, Denise Houlemard-Jones, Molly Munger, Betye Sar, Jack Scott, Tecumseh Shackelford, and Willis Edwards.
On April 24, I received an email from Bryson Smith, a local graduate who completed the Gamma Zeta Boule mentoring program in Pasadena. Bryson attends Hampton University (east coast) and took time to explain his first year experience away at college. In his email, Bryson expressed his gratitude for the time others invested in his development. He intends to return to Pasadena for the summer.
On April 24, several Pasadena Police employees attended the 97th Armenian Genocide Commemoration ceremony, which was held in front of city hall. Mayor Bill Bogaard, Vice Mayor Margaret McAustin, and Council Members Chris Holden and Gene Masuda were among the many elected officials attending the event. Pasadena City Manager Michael Beck and several department executives also attended. Roy Boulghourjian was the Master of Ceremonies. Color Guard Ceremony was performed by the United States Marine Corp and there were a number of inspirational speeches. Closing remarks were provided by Khatchik Chahinian.
On April 25, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Deborah Sanchez, and I attended the Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal Reception. The event was hosted by Tournament President Sally M. Bixby to introduce the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade Grand Marshal – Dr. Jane Goodall. Mayor Bill Bogaard, City Manager Michael Beck, Fire Chief Calvin Wells, and several representatives from the tournament also attended the reception.
On April 25, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Lieutenants Phlunte Riddle and Rodney Wallace, Officers Veronica Burris and Anthony Riley, and I attended a student rally at Pasadena High School to hear inspirational words from the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rev. Jackson spoke on the value of truth, education, diversity, and the power to vote. Pasadena NAACP President Joe Brown, community leader and entrepreneur Mr. Danny Bakewell, and PUSD President Renatta Cooper, attended the rally along with more than 1200 PHS students.
On April 25, Lieutenant Phlunte Riddle and I stopped by the community meal at Jackie Robinson Center. I spent time talking with many of the attendees about public safety issues and concerns. Every time I have the opportunity to stop by this extraordinary community event, I find the dialog enriching. Human Services and Recreation Neighborhood Services Administrator Horace Wormely and Community Services Supervisor Jarvis Emerson were at the event as well.
On April 26, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Commander Lisa Rosales, Lieutenant Rodney D. Wallace, and I attended a youth forum at Jackie Robinson Park. There were more than 100 young people participated in the forum. Pasadena Northwest Manager Lola Osborne facilitated the question and answer period and there were several comprehensive questions from the audience. The youth focused their questions on public safety, police conduct, and the future of our great community.
Pasadena’s Finest:
On March 19, I received a letter from a young female driver commending Motor Officer Craig Blumenthal for his compassion and professionalism during a traffic enforcement stop. In the letter, the author said she was grateful that Craig took the time to express his concerns related to her driving.
On March 26, I received an email from a community member commending Pasadena Jail Manager Michelle Robinson and her staff for their professionalism, compassion, and efficiency. The author wrote, “I was most impressed with the humane treatment of the defendants, and how well every staff member I came in contact with was willing to help…”
On March 27, I received a letter from Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck commending Lieutenant Michael Ingram, Sergeant Mark Goodman, Officers Patrick Polimeni, Brad May, and Thomas Gonzalez for their assistance during a disaster preparedness exercise. Chief Beck wrote, “The support and assistance of Air Ops during the fly-in was truly appreciated because it definitely contributed to a safe and s successful event.”
On April 3, I received a letter from Councilmember Steve Madison commending Pasadena Police Specialists Laura Morris, for her participation in the District 6 PERT Training.
On April 5, I received a letter from Kiwanis Club member W. Reid Allen, commending Pasadena Police Lieutenant Phlunte Riddle and Office Supervisor Beverly Bogar, for their compassion and professionalism.
On April 9, I received a letter from Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Police Chief William Yarborough, commending Pasadena Police Pilot Mark Mendenhall and Tactical Flight Officer, Ryan Smith, for their assistance in the arrest of a suspect who used a laser on a private jet. The jet pilot’s vision was temporarily affected, but he was able to safely land the aircraft. The suspect was arrested without incident.
On April 21, the Park Safety Specialists organized a Park Watch event to raise awareness and address public safety concerns and municipal codes governing the use of the parks. The event included Pasadena Police employees from the HOPE unit and Pasadena Police Volunteers from our CAPPs Unit. More than 400 people, including runners, archers, fly fisherman, girl scouts, hikers, and domestic pet owners, attended the event. Park Safety personnel include Michelle White, Nick Ortiz, Maria Huerta, Noel Herrera, and Antonio Ambrozevicius.
On April 24, Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Commanders John Perez, Lisa Rosales, and Chris Russ, Lieutenants Rodney Wallace and Phlunte Riddle, Office Supervisor Beverly Bogar, and I, attended the Pasadena Fire Department’s 14th Annual Decorations and Service Awards Luncheon. Fire Chief Calvin Wells handed out the awards following a brief overview by Battalion Chief, Sean English. VIPs include Mayor Bill Bogaard, City Manager Michael Beck, City Attorney Michele Bagneris, Assistant City Managers Steve Mermell and Julie Gutierrez, City Clerk Mark Jomsky, Interim Information Officer Phillip Leclair, Councilmember Jacquie Robinson’s Field Representative, Tina Williams, and Councilmember Victor Gordo’s Field Representative, Vannia De La Cuba. Congressman Adam Schiff’s Field Representative, Teresa Lamb-Simpson, also attended the luncheon.
On April 26, more than 36 Pasadena Police employees participated in the “2012 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.” The annual adventure is a great opportunity for our young people to witness their parent/guardian in action at the Police Department and in our community. It was a pleasure to meet and speak with the children during a brief ceremony. Pasadena Police Specialists Anita Butler coordinated the program and she was assisted by Police Specialist Anita Butler, Corporal Glenn Thompson, Officer Nicole Bazzo, Pasadena Police Volunteers John Kendal, Robert Calzada, Anita Hutches, and Ledo Cheung.
On April 27, Pasadena Police Lieutenant Richard M. Aversano graduated from the POST Command College program, Class 50. The program is focused on leadership and futures issues and requires a thesis. Richard’s thesis topic is, “Insufficient government business model planning and the Impact on small municipal policing.” The vast majority of the department’s executives and administrators have graduated from the program.
Critical Incidents:
In the summer of 2011, Pasadena police officers investigated a “shots fired” call in the 1800 block of El Sereno Avenue. During the investigation, officers discovered a handgun that was believed to have been used in the shooting. Through further investigation, we identified the person who was last in possession of the firearm. On April 18, 2012, Detectives William Broghamer and Keith Gomez located the suspect in Pasadena and arrested him without incident for being a gang member in possession of a concealed firearm.
On April 20 at 10:55 a.m. Pasadena Special Enforcement Section (SES), in conjunction with the Burglary Task Force (BTF), Glendale Police Department, and the US Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, conducted Probation and Parole compliance checks throughout the city. At one particular location, the officers recovered 21 firearms (pistols, rifles, and shotguns). The subject of the search at this location is on active parole.
On April 22 at about 4:30 p.m. Pasadena Police officers were in the area of the 100 block of West Washington Boulevard when they hear several gunshots. PPD officers contacted a group of males who were in the area. The witnesses from the group were uncooperative; however, our investigation revealed that they were the victims. Fortunately, no one was injured. If you have information about this incident, please contact Pasadena Police Lieutenant Tracey Ibarra at 626-744-4545. You can also report your information to CRIME STOPPERS at 800-222-8477, or online at http://lacrimestoppers.org.
On April 24 at about 8:30 a.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to Don Benito Elementary School regarding suspicious circumstances. On arrival, officers observed smoke coming out of one of the campus buildings. Pasadena Fire Department quickly determined the source of the smoke was a heater unit. The Don Benito students were never in any danger and were directed to the playground until the smoke could be cleared from the building. There were no injuries associated with this incident.
On Aril 25 at about 12:01 p.m. Pasadena police officers responded to the 500 block of West Claremont Street regarding a residential burglary. On arrival, officers learned that a witness called police and reported two males climbing over a fence and into a neighbor’s backyard. Officer Joe Longoria apprehended one suspect and helicopter observer, Officer Ryan Smith, directed other ground officers to the second suspect. Both suspects were arrested without incident. The suspects were identified by the witness and the loss was recovered.
On April 26 at 6:45 p.m. the Pasadena Police Department received a “call for assistance” from the San Marino Police Department regarding a large protest in their city. PPD officers responded and observed over a hundred protestors demonstrating in front of a residence. Although the group was large and noisy, there were no arrests associated with the protest. Lieutenants John Dewar and Cheryl Moody monitored the event. PPD personnel returned to the Pasadena at about 9:00 p.m.
On April 27 at 7:00 a.m. Pasadena Police officers responded to the 600 block of East Washington Boulevard regarding a dead body investigation. The victim was discovered lifeless on the sidewalk and appeared to be homeless. There were no obvious signs of trauma or foul play. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office responded to take possession of the victim’s body. Pasadena Police Lieutenant Diego Torres monitored the incident.
Sincerely,
Phillip L. Sanchez
Chief of Police
Pasadena Police Department
207 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4545
Mission First, People Always