PUBLICATION OF THE LOS ANGELES POLICE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
VOLUME IIV, ISSUE NO. 46 MUSEUM & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER SEPT / OCT 2011 2011 Jack Webb Awards by Glynn Martin, Executive Director
t has been many years since a crowd packed the to work and excel in the law enforcement profession. IInternational Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton to witness Chief Snowden was truly deserving of the award. the Jack Webb Awards. Recently 650 wonderful supporters Next to the podium were two close friends of the LAPD of the Historical Society helped make the return to this and the Historical Society, Commissioner Alan Skobin and venue an overwhelming success. This was a special his wife Romi. Both have very distinguished connections evening, indeed. Not just for all in attendance, and not to law enforcement, and both continue to serve many just for the Historical Society, but for four very deserving communities in their capacities as talented and dedicated members of various communities. Each was honored with policing volunteers. Chief Charlie Beck and the 2011 Jack a Jack Webb award. Webb Awards Chairman, Russ Colvin, presented both Beverly Hills Police Chief David Snowden, the state’s of the Skobins with the Jack Webb award. The Skobins longest serving police chief, was the first to receive his thanked their families and friends, including the Galpin award. District Attorney Steve Cooley, himself a previous Motors family for the ongoing assistance in their many Jack Webb award recipient, presented Chief Snowden police-related endeavors. with the beautiful award. Chief Snowden, who was very Michael Meyer, a well-known, and highly respected helpful during the lengthy preparations, was also a gracious real estate attorney was the final recipient of the evening. recipient, thanking his family and colleagues for the Mr. Meyer, too has been a sustaining supporter of the opportunity law enforcement profession. So much so that former Governor Gray Davis presented Mr. Meyer with his Jack Webb Award. Beyond the many ways Meyer supports the police profession, he is equally involved with some other notable charities, like the Jackie Robinson Foundation and Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities. Both
Continued on page 5 VOLUME IIV, ISSUE NO. 46 MUSEUM & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER SEPT / OCT 2011 What’s Happening at Old Number 11 by Glynn Martin
If anyone ever wondered when Old Number 11 wasn’t really Old Number 11, then they must have been around here recently. Our beautiful home, LAPD’s original Highland Park Police Station, recently took on a new (or sorta new) identity. A major film company converted the museum digs to the Burbank Police station circa 1950 for a role in an upcoming motion picture. The makeover was quite convincing, but having our old home back was an even bigger treat. Those that have been around for a while know that the station/museum has played many roles in all kinds of productions. Add another to the already impressive resume of old northeast. This production certainly kept us busy, but it far from the only this we have been up to lately. Now that the Jack Webb awards have concluded, we have focused our efforts on the upcoming benefit screening Master of Ceremonies, James Ellroy of “He Walked by Night.” James Ellroy has offered Historical Society volunteer Mark Galoustian displayed his considerable talents to the Historical Society as the his 1969 LAPD cruiser to the delight of both young and host of the screening. On October 21st, we will spend old. This car is always a hit with visitors, and this was our evening with him at Hollywood’s Barnsdall Gallery event was no exception. Theater. James has done considerable research on the More assistance was lent to some long-term projects actual LAPD case that provided the inspiration for the that will ultimately be experienced by the public. classic film. Prior to running the film, the Historical Historical Society staff assisted a production company Society will share some of its vintage film footage with charged with assembling a documentary history of the audience. After the movie, Ellroy will share his the Palladium. This feature length film remains in knowledge of the case and handle audience questions. production, but should be an interesting project to watch This promises to be a fun evening, and we hope you can once it is completed. attend. More information is available on page 4,or by Some months ago inquiries related to the 1992 riots calling the museum. Tickets are limited, so please don’t began arriving at the Historical Society. Recently, our wait until the last minute to order yours. staff answered questions about this less savory chapter Beyond our own events, the Historical Society has of LA history for another production. Staff has also recently assisted with some other important undertakings. been actively assisting with a photo exhibition about the The Department’s first Purple Heart ceremony was held subject that will be on display at the main branch of the on September 15th at the JW Marriott. The Historical LA public library. As the date nears, more inquiries are Society assisted by providing photos and background most certainly guaranteed. material for a number of the recipients of this award. A As all of these activities were going on, we continued number of Historical Society directors also attended the to attend to the core of our responsibilities, collecting awards. and preserving. Several key acquisitions are in various The Historical Society was also in attendance at a phases of negotiation and development. We hope to recent Greek Theater event. The Nederlander company report on some important successes in the near future. hosted a fair for the Greek’s neighbors. Their Sunday None of this comes simply or easily, so we pursue these afternoon gathering was well-produced and attended. Continued on page 5 2 VOLUME IIV, ISSUE NO. 46 MUSEUM & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER SEPT / OCT 2011 2011 Jack Webb Awards by Glynn Martin
District Attorney Steve Cooley presented the 2011 Jack Webb Award to Beverly Hills Chief David Snowden
Chief Beck with honoree Commissioner Alan Skobin 2011 Jack Webb Awards Chairman Russ Colvin and Romi Skobin
Our new logo Governor Gray Davis with honoree Michael Meyer
The Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums provided a fitting tribute to 9-11 3 VOLUME IIV, ISSUE NO. 46 MUSEUM & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER SEPT / OCT 2011 Classic Movie Screening to Benefit the Historical Society For tickets to this great event (or other information about this opportunity), phone the Historical Society at (323) 344-9445. Seating is limited, so please phone ASAP.
4 VOLUME IIV, ISSUE NO. 46 MUSEUM & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER SEPT / OCT 2011
2011 Jack Webb Awards Continued from Page 1 are dedicated to helping this country’s young people. by the crowd. In this brief skit, Johnny Carson and Jack James Ellroy, another dedicated supporter of the LAPD, Webb entertained Tonight Show fans with their alliterative commanded the podium as the master of ceremonies. His back and forth about Claude Cooper copping the copper talents with the spoken word mirror the work found in his clappers. This clip humorously set the stage for a grant bestselling novels. Ellroy ensured the program flowed award announcement. The foundation formed by Johnny smoothly and efficiently while entertaining the crowd. He Carson has awarded the Historical Society a grant to fund was not alone in this last pursuit, however. its partnership with the students of the Police Academy The Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Magnet schools. This important youth program helps Drums signaled the opening of the program by piping students from these schools explore LAPD history at the dinner guests into the ballroom. Following the posting of Historical Society museum. Funding for the next five years colors and Roz Curry’s fantastic rendition of our national will be underwritten by the Carson Foundation. Both the anthem, the pipes and drums honored 9-11 with the playing film clip and the grant announcement were very welcome of Amazing Grace. additions to the traditional Jack Webb awards program. Soon after the start of the program, Chairman Terry Equally pleasing was the evening’s entertainment. Hot Hara introduced the VIP guests of the evening, then August Night, a very talented musical ensemble, covered revealed the new identity for the Historical Society. Once a series of Neil Diamond songs. Their performance was the legal documents clear, we will assume our new identity, capped with “Coming to America,” another fitting tribute the Los Angeles Police Museum. A new logo has been to 9-11 on the evening before this date’s commemoration. created along with new mission and vision statements. The Many, many people were involved in the various new title better reflects what we are all about. Once the aspects of planning and producing this year’s Jack Webb legalities are finalized, the change will become permanent. awards. During the event, our gratitude was expressed via This important announcement did not stand alone. video projections, and in the tribute book. Unfortunately Yet another important development became public during space in this publication does not allow for a similar the program. A new partnership was formed due to the acknowledgment of each and every supporter. Each of generosity of the John W. Carson Foundation. The always them does have our sincere thanks for making this event funny “Copper Clapper” clip was played, and well received both enjoyable and successful. o
What’s Happening at Old Number 11 Continued from Page 2 opportunities with great care and diligence. attendance. For those with an archival interest, we hope Such traits can be seen in our upcoming participation to see you on October 22. More details are available on at the LA as Subject Archives Bazaar. For the second the LA as Subject website at www.laassubject.org. time, the Historical Society will be sharing some of its With all of the opportunities to experience and/or archival material with the general public who attend this support the Historical Society looming, we hope to see annual event. More than fifty different archives gather at you there. Should your interests take you to the museum, USC to display their collections and holdings. Typically be confident that its days as a non-LAPD station are over the Historical Society is the only law enforcement based for now, so stop by and experience Old Number 11 in its exhibitor, which makes for lively visits from those in most important role, the Los Angeles Police Museum.
5 LAPD MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm
3rd Saturday of the month 9:00am-3:00pm
Admission Fees: MEMBERS FREE General (ages 13 thru 61) $8.00 Seniors (age 62+) $7.00 (Includes Audio Tour) Youth (age 12 and under) FREE* *Must be accompanied by an adult
Call (877) 714-LAPD to schedule a group tour or for more information
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Los Angeles Police Historical Society 6045 York Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90042-3503 LOS ANGELES POLICE MUSEUM