Weekly Activity Highlights for August 20 - 27, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_8-21.pdf

Weekly Tip - Secure Your Guns

California law requires secure storage of firearms when children under 18 are likely to be present and you are in control of the premises. Definitions and exemptions can be found in Penal Code section 12035, Criminal Storage of a Firearm.

Gun safety starts at home. If weapons are present in a home, children need to be taught proper weapon handling and safety. Weapons need to be properly secured. In the event that a child finds a gun, the National Rifle Association Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program teaches children the following:

•STOP!

•Don't touch!

•Leave the area!

•Tell an adult!

The NRA also offers additional information for parents on gun safety, training and additional information HERE.

There is no excuse for having an unsecured weapon in your home. Gun safes are reasonably priced and are readily available. Use of a gun safe is preferred, but many police departments offer simple gun locks for free. The Arcadia Police Department officers residents gun locks free of charge at our front counter. Check with your local agency for availability.

Weekly Tip - Back to School Safety

Arcadia schools start back in session next week: Arcadia High School on Tuesday, August 30th and the elementary/middle schools return on Wednesday, August 31st.  The Arcadia Unified School District calendars can be found HERE.  This means that we need to be aware of our children during our commutes during the day.  Allow extra time for your drive if you pass near a school.  Traffic will be heavier than normal during the first few weeks of school as parents grow accustomed to drop-off and pick-up routes for our schools.  Be part of the solution, not the problem!

•Slow down!
•Allow extra time for your travel.
•Be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists.
•Don't double park or violate parking restrictions!

Weekly Activity Highlights for August 14 - 20, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_8-14.pdf

Be Bear Aware!

The City of Arcadia’s proximity to the foothills increases the opportunity for various wildlife to wander into neighborhoods and onto private property. Bears are no strangers to the foothill neighborhoods and the likelihood of bears coming into yards, pools, and trashcans is increased during the summer months.

Foothill residents should be alert for bears in their neighborhoods and take the following actions to prevent bear activity in their area:

- Secure trash cans in an enclosure if possible
- Harvest ripened fruit from trees
- DO NOT FEED the bears

Bears are wild animals and should not be approached.

Make sure to check your yards and closely monitor children to ensure they do not come into contact with bears or other wildlife that might cause them harm.

Should you see a bear in your neighborhood, contact the Arcadia Police Department at: (626)574-5151

Please visit the California Department of Fish & Game at:


http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/

Weekly Tip - Teen Suicide Prevention

Teen suicide is something that is not often openly addressed, but is a reality in any community.  There are countless resources for teens and parents that are underutilized.  Most medical plans offer some form of counseling, church and clergy, school counselors, private and public help lines, publications and even online.  Don't ignore warning signs or life changing events that can trigger thoughts of suicide.  See some of the links and resources below:

•Teen Line (310) 855-4673 or (800) 852-8336

•Suicide.org

•Teen Suicide WARNING SIGNS

Weekly Activity Highlights for August 7 - 13, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_8-7_8-13.pdf

Tip-a-Cop for Special Olympics

Tip-a-Cop for Special Olympics Athletes

The Arcadia Police Department invites you to join us for dinner on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at the Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, in support of Special Olympics Southern California Athletes. Members of the Arcadia Police Department will be your servers for the evening between 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. and all tips will benefit Special Olympic Athletes. Come join us for some great food and fun in support of these athletes!

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill is located on the east side of the Westfield Santa Anita Mall, 400 South Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia.

Call Eloise Crawford, SOSC (310) 400-3120, for additional information or visit www.sosc.org/tipacop.

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Arcadia Police Chief Bob Guthrie's Swearing-In

Friends, family, and co-workers, past and present, joined Chief Bob Guthrie at his official swearing-in ceremony last Thursday, August 11, 2011, in the City Council Chambers.  City Manager Don Penman welcomed the group which also included local police chiefs, Mayor Gary Kovacic, and Council Member Bob Harbicht.  The oath was administered by City Clerk Jim Barrows.  A reception was held at the Arcadia Police Department following the ceremony.  Chief Guthrie is pictured left, along with Retired Police Chief Bob Sanderson.

Weekly Activity Highlights for July 31 - August 6, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/97541082011weekly_7-31.pdf

Weekly Tip - Cyberbullying Prevention

In the past, much of being a bully was through face to face contact between individuals.  With advances in technology, bullying can take place virtually anywhere, anytime.  Cyberbullying is a relatively new term that simply refers to harassing, intimidating, or abusing someone through the use of technology.  Today's cyberbully uses texting, chat, photos, social media, and other forms of media that are easily accessible and maintained by a majority of those in society.  The message of the bully is carried faster and has the potential to have a much greater reach than in days gone by.

There are several anti-bullying groups that offer very good information on the topic of Cyberbullying on the Internet.  Two that provide good resource information on tips for prevention and detection include the National Crime Prevention Council and the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team.  Visit their websites for valuable information on how you can help counter Cyberbullying. 

Weekly Tip - Hiking Trip Plan

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) recently sent out a Community message on Nixle that reminds us of the need to create a game plan when venturing off on a hike or camping trip.  This is an applicable warning for our community with the San Gabriel Mountains and the Angeles National Forest in our backyard.  Even if your hike is only a day trip out of Chantry Flats, it is important to have a plan, stick to it, and leave your travel information with a friend or loved one.

LASD Search & Rescue offers a printable "Hiking Plan" that is formatted with the information emergency personnel would need in the event you or your party becomes lost or overdue.  Take the time to print out and complete the form each time you head out on a hike or camping trip.

Another great resource for information on how to prepare for your hiking or camping trip can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) camping website.

Take this advice and apply it even when leaving on a driving trip in your car or recreational vehicle.  Should an emergency arise, knowing your vehicle and license plate information, along with your planned destinations, will make it much easier for a relative or friend to quickly provide this information to law enforcement.  It is always best to keep a trusted individual in the loop with your travel plans.  

Weekly Activity Highlights for July 24-30, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_7-24.pdf

Huntington Drive Construction starting Thursday August 4th

The City of Arcadia his hired a contractor to complete roadway construction on westbound Huntington Drive between Holly Avenue and Baldwin Avenue.

The construction project is scheduled to begin on Thursday August 4th with sidewalk and other concrete repairs & upgrades. During the first 7 to 14 days, only the westbound far right lane will be reduced or closed during the work along the north sidewalk from Holly Avenue to Baldwin Avenue.

During the week of August 15 – 19, the contractor will be repairing the roadway, which will require the removal and replacement of the asphalt on all four westbound lanes. Although two lanes will remain open during the roadway replacement, travelers in this area should expect traffic delays and use alternate routes.

Suggested Alternate Routes:

Foothill Boulevard

Colorado Boulevard

Duarte Road

The Arcadia Police Department will working with the City’s Engineering office and the contractor to minimize any inconveniences during this project.

If you should have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact:

Tim Kelleher
Assistant Engineer – City of Arcadia
(626)574-5484
tkelleher@ci.arcadia.ca.us

Arcadia Teen Arrested for Residential Burglary

A resident in the 800 block of South Third Avenue heard his garage door open at about 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2011.  The resident and his son went to investigate and confronted a male suspect standing inside the garage, next to the open door of the resident's car.  The suspect fled on foot and the resident immediately called the police.  Officers detained the suspect a short distance away, carrying property belonging to the victims, including a cell phone.  While detaining the suspect, an officer at the victim residence called the victim's cell phone, which rang in the bag that the suspect was carrying.  Warren Drakos, an 18-year-old male White from Arcadia, was arrested and booked on a felony residential burglary charge. 

It appears that the suspect had removed the garage door opener from an unlocked car parked in the driveway of the residence.  The suspect then opened the garage with the opener, giving him access to the victim vehicle inside the garage.  All stolen property belonging to the victim was returned.  There was some additional property recovered that was possibly taken from another victim vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5150.  You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by clicking on the "Submit a Tip" button on the APD Blog side bar.

   

Great Send Off for Retired Chief Bob Sanderson

About 220 people gathered last Thursday night, July 28, 2011, in the infield at the Santa Anita Race Track to bid farewell to Retired Police Chief Bob Sanderson.  After 36 years of service to the community and law enforcement, Bob is entering a new chapter in his life.  Bob began his career as a Law Enforcement Police Explorer with Arcadia Post #101 in 1975.  He later became a Cadet and ultimately an Arcadia Police Officer in 1982.  Bob worked his way through the ranks and was appointed Police Chief in 2005.

Family, friends, fellow police chiefs, co-workers, and community members, gathered to honor Chief Sanderson.  Words to describe Bob that were repeated throughout the night included: Leader, Friend, Mentor, Community Servant, and many more.  Mayor Gary Kovacic praised the Chief and presented him with an award, followed by Council Members Bob Harbicht, Mickey Segal, and Roger Chandler, each speaking to Bob's career.  City Manager Don Penman, who announced his pending retirement earlier this week, presented Chief Sanderson with his retirement badge and identification.

In addition to the praises and many presentations, Bob was treated to a little humor by retired Arcadia Police Agent Bruce Smith, the evening's Master of Ceremonies.  Bruce made a couple of costume changes to pay tribute to two of Bob's interests, Elvis Presley and the Star Trek Series.  Bruce dressed in an Elvis costume and later as Spock from Star Trek.  Each act drew some great laughs from the crowd.

Chief Sanderson is sure to succeed in retirement and can now relax with his wife, Marie, and their three sons.  Best of luck, Chief...we'll miss you!

Be sure to visit the Arcadia Police Department Facebook page to see some additional photos.