LA PALMA
POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY Issue 41 NEWSLETTER
July 2008
The Source
Police Department as we musical theme of the concert Members of the Police celebrate National Night Out is ”70’s Soul”, featuring Department, Neighborhood 2008. This year marks the musical guests the “Oreo Watch, Police Explorers, 25th anniversary of Divas”. Volunteers In Policing, and America’s Night Out Against the SWAT Team will be on Crime. hand. Come and meet the National Night Out is police officers who patrol designed to heighten crime your city. There will be and drug prevention various types of displays, awareness; generate including SWAT and the support for local anti-crime Mobile Command Center, Edward O. Ethell programs; strengthen police and you will have the Chief of Police – community partnerships, opportunity to learn about and send a message to and join any of the Police criminals that our Department’s volunteer neighborhoods are programs. organized and fighting back against crime. Traditionally, cities will have neighborhood block parties, city park cookouts, and parades to get the message across. This year, La Palma will celebrate National Night Out at the Concert-In-The-Park on Saturday, August 9, I look forward to I would like to invite you to 2008, at Central Park from seeing you and your family come join the members of the 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The at National Night Out 2008.
Choosing the right wireless operating the device as Inside this Issue: device is as important as you simulate driving. choosing the right caller plan. Project Safe Streets Here are some helpful tips to help you get started: Contact the Police
What is the best wireless • Contact your cellular Department or visit http:www.dmv.ca.govcellularp JFK 2008 Graduation 2 device on the market? provider and find out what wireless devices honelaws for further are compatible to your information about the new The new cell phone law is phone and the cost. wireless telephone laws. now in effect throughout Detective Bureau 3 California and there is no • You may want to visit enforcement grace period. your local provider and The next Project Safe The million dollar question is, have them demonstrate Streets Rally will be held the different wireless Saturday, July 26, from 10 Neighborhood Watch 3 “Have you purchased your hands-free cellular phone devices. This will help a.m. – 12 p.m. in the 8400 device?” you make the right block of Santa Margarita. Meet
Cellular providers such as purchase. the officers who patrol your neighborhoods and tour our City News Briefs 4 Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint all • Once you have offer a variety of wireless purchased your wireless Mobile Command Center. devices to fit your needs. device, practice Hope to see you there!
• This Newsletter has important information about your police department.
• Ang papel na ito ay may nakalagay nang informacion tungkol sa aping policia.
• Este documento con tiene informacion importanta del departamento de policia.
Please, Do Not Insert This Newsletter Inside Mail Box. during the rallies talking to students about the consequences of A Night to Remember, underage drinking. The Police Department furnished Pledge Kits that contained prom keepsakes and literature Not One to Regret that educated students why they should not drink and drive. The students were also challenged with making a two minute High School Prom video on the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence. The winner had a chance to win up to $1,000 from Safety 2008 “Mothers Against Drunk Driving” (MADD). The Police Officers Association also A hometown meeting was part of the effort that facilitated dialogue among stepped up to the plate and purchased A high school formal prom is a students, parents and professionals. commemorative popular dog tag Included in that group were memorable event for high school students souvenirs for every senior who attended across the country. Unfortunately, this representatives of law enforcement and Grad Night. The dog tags had the time-honored event has been scarred for medical professionals. many families when young people have traditional Fighting Irishman with been involved in fatal or otherwise serious congratulations for the class of 2008 from car accidents, due to drinking and driving. the police association. The opposite side The Police Department, the of the dog tag featured the Police faculty and students of Kennedy High School have recognized the need to warn Department’s patch and an students of the horrific consequences of inspirational message. By all accounts, drinking and driving. So, they teamed up in The DUI Awareness Campaign pay-off the dog tags were a big hit. Good Luck a joint operation to help students see the was that the 2008 Kennedy High School to the Class of 2008! need to stay sober during prom night. The Prom was a resounding success. The result was the “DUI Alcohol/Drug students enjoyed a night of tuxedos and Awareness Campaign” which evolved into evening gowns, an elegant ballroom with a town meeting and series of lunchtime dancing into the night. They experienced rallies during prom week. The message to their prom and made it home safely the students was, “Think Prom Safety” as because they made the life choice to not making the right life choice. drink and drive. The DUI Awareness Campaign carried its message right over to Kennedy High School’s Grad Night extravaganza. Parents of graduates worked hard all year to turn the campus into a world-class amusement park as a grand farewell to over 250 seniors who attended the all-night party. Of course, Officer Gonzales and other members of the Police Department was there to the Police Department were on campus ensure that everyone had a safe night.
• victims are approached by two females who say they • victim enters building, finds have found lost property no lawyer, and exits to find the suspects gone
• suspects convince victim to
invest their money in
overseas business venture In certain cases, elderly citizens have
been victimized twice after different suspects show up at their home, pose as • suspects accompany victim to bank as victim withdraws police officers investigating the previous scam, claim there is a counterfeit ring at up to $20,000 cash their bank, ask for a sample of their money, and accompany victims to their • suspects take victim’s money bank after convincing them to withdraw and accompany victim to up to $20,000 in cash from their account. their lawyer’s office In recent months, in what appears to be an organized fraud ring has been targeting If you have any questions regarding senior citizens in the areas of La Palma, • suspects tell victim to go see this scam, please contact the Buena Park and Cerritos. The scam works their lawyer in building while Police Department at (714) 690-3368. like this: they wait outside City of La Palma
Neighborhood Watch
Summer is here and our kids are on school vacation. With high gas prices, some families will probably not be leaving town on vacation, so the kids will be spending more time at home. Does your child know how to be safe at home while you are at work? There are some helpful tips to consider:
• If your child is mature enough to be home alone, provide them with a list of telephone numbers to call in case you (the parent) cannot be reached. • Advise them never to let strangers into your home. • Have your child check in with a neighbor throughout the day. • Have a plan to escape from the residence in case of a fire or other emergency. • Teach you child how to properly lock and secure all doors and windows. • Encourage your child to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency. • Strongly advise your child not to swim in the pool during the time they are alone.
Let’s make this summer memorable and safe for everyone.
If you read the Chief’s Message on the front page of The Source, you know all about National Night Out 2008 scheduled for Saturday August 9, 2008, at La Palma Central Park from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The La Palma Neighborhood Watch Program will be at the National Night Out in support of crime prevention programs to make La Palma a safe place to work and live. We encourage everyone to participate in this event. National Night Out is about everyone getting involved. By getting involved, we are sending a clear message to criminals that we, as residents and business owners, will not tolerate crime!
I’ll see you there.
Crime Statistics / June 2008
Date: Crime: Location: Entry: Loss: RD:
06/06/08 Vehicle Burglary 4900 La Palma Force Computer/Currency 17
06/07/08 Vehicle Burglary 5000 Malaga Force Binoculars 36
06/10/08 Petty Theft 7500 Silverado No force Door Mat 11
06/13/08 Petty Theft 6900 Marlin Force Catalytic Converter 2
06/17/08 Robbery 8400 Moody Force US Currency 37
06/18/08 Vehicle Burglary 50 Center Pointe Force US Currency 4
06/18/08 Vehicle Burglary 8100 Walker Force US Currency 40
06/21/08 Petty Theft 5400 Orangethorpe No Force Alcohol 3
Community Workshop to Discuss Color of Homes TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2008 La Quinta Inn & Suites 7:00 p.m. The City will conduct a Community Workshop to discuss paint color standards for single family homes in La Palma. The City Council requested staff to research potential regulations and solicit input from the community. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, at 3 Centerpointe Drive. The workshop will consist of a presentation by city staff followed by a question and answer session, and an opportunity for residents to provide input on the matter. If you have questions regarding the workshop, please contact the City’s Community Development Department at (714) 690-3340.
City News Brief July 2008
City Council Lowers Utility Users Tax – On June 17, the City Council voted unanimously to lower the utility users tax rate from 5% to 4% for the 2008-09 Fiscal Year. Residents and businesses should begin seeing the lower tax rates on their gas, electric, cable, and telephone bills later this summer as the utility companies implement the new rate. As a reminder, very low income residents can apply for an exemption to the utility users tax altogether. Call (714) 690-3334 for more information.
Visit the New Website – We are proud to announce the launch of our completely redesigned and enhanced website. Please visit http://cityoflapalma.org to see all the new features. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us at [email protected] or call (714) 690-3337.
City Street Sweepers Using Alternative Fuels – You may have noticed recently that the City’s street sweeping service has begun to use compressed natural gas (CNG) powered vehicles to sweep City streets. CNG vehicles are much cleaner burning than diesel engines and tend to be a little quieter. Cities have been required to implement alternative fuel sweepers in order to improve air quality throughout Southern California. A small monthly surcharge – $0.41 for residents – has been added to trash bills to cover the cost of these new vehicles.
Volunteers Needed – Be a part of the planning for La Palma Days. This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, November 8 and we need volunteers for the following committees: Entertainment, Parade & Band Review, Activities, Cultural & Historical, and the La Palma Pageant. If you would like to volunteer, please call (714) 690-3350.
City Starts Free Universal Waste Recycling Program – The Cities of La Palma and Cypress have begun offering residents a Free Universal Waste Recycling Program. U-Waste consists of things like batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s), and any item containing mercury. These items are not allowed to be deposited in landfills and are considered hazardous to the environment if placed in a trash container. Residents can pick-up small green recycling bags for their household batteries and fluorescent bulbs at City Hall. Batteries can be dropped off at City Hall. You can drop off all other U-Waste at any of the following locations: Ganahl Lumber, 10742 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720 Jiffy Lube, 4942 Lincoln Ave, Cypress, CA 90630 Jiffy Lube, 3311 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720 True Value Hardware, 7612 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90608 If you have any questions about the new U-Waste Recycling Program, please contact our Recycling Hotline at (714) 229-6747.
Sign up to Stay Informed – In order to keep you connected with all things La Palma, we are offering residents and businesses an opportunity to sign up to receive instant email updates. Simply send an email to [email protected] and put “Email Sign Up” in the subject line. We will keep you up-to-date on all the latest news, events, and happenings in the City of La Palma. Of course, we will never sell your email address to anyone and we will only send you City-specific information. Join today!
VOLUNTEERS IN POLICING (VIPS) JOIN NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH (NW) Join those who volunteer numerous hours a week assisting within the Police Department. Attend any one of their monthly Get involved in your community by keeping it safe. Attend meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in any NW meeting every second Wednesday of each month at the City Hall Council Chambers. Join the VIPs for a social 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers. Contact breakfast meeting every 1st Thursday of the month. Contact Sergeant Morales at (714) 690-3386 for more information. Sergeant Morales at (714) 690-3368 for more information.
La Palma Police Department Printing services provided by: 7792 Walker Street La Palma, California 90623 Minuteman Press www.cityoflapalma.org 38 Counterpointe Drive Police e-mail: La Palma, California 90623 [email protected] (714) 739-4110 (714) 690-3370 www.LAPALMA.MINUTEMANPRESS.COM