Weekly Tip - What to do if you see a Drunk Driver

From Mothers Against Drunk Driving:

It happens every day. Drunk drivers get on the roads, endangering our friends and loved ones. Sometimes, we witness these drivers on the road, weaving in and out of lanes or traveling down a highway going the wrong direction. Quite often, responsible citizens are left asking themselves—what do I do?

1. First, stay as far away from the other vehicle as possible.

2. Second, do not try to pass the vehicle or signal the driver to pull over. Doing so could result in a collision.

3. Third, take notice of the license plate number of the driver along with details of the vehicle including make, model and color. However, make sure you don’t compromise your own safety trying to obtain this information.

4. Finally, pull over and call 911. Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road or cross streets and the direction the vehicle is traveling. Give a complete description of the vehicle and the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.

5. Then leave the rest up to the peace officers who work hard to make our roads safe.

Thank you for caring and taking the time to make the roads safer for everyone.

© 2011 Mothers Against Drunk Driving. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.madd.org/

http://www.madd.org/drunk-driving/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-drunk.html

Weekly Activity Highlights for June 19-25, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6-19.pdf

Fireworks Prohibited in Arcadia

A reminder to all that fireworks are illegal to possess, use, or discharge in the City of Arcadia.  While some fireworks may be sold legally in nearby cities, it is unlawful to bring them into town.

Please visit http://www.safejulyth.org/ for a list of fireworks shows being held in throughout Los Angeles County.  Celebrate safely!

Michillinda Avenue Road Closure Today

Michillinda Avenue will be closed to all vehicle traffic this morning, Tuesday, June 28, 2011, from 7:45 a.m. to noon, between Sunset Boulevard and Huntington Drive, Arcadia. Local businesses may be accessed via Huntington Drive or Sunset Boulevard. 

Alternate north-south routes would include Rosemead Boulevard and Baldwin Avenue.

This closure is to accommodate Local 770, United Food and Commercial Workers Union and their planned protest rally at the Von's Corporate Headquarters facility, located at 618 North Michillinda Avenue, Arcadia. Union leadership is planning a peaceful protest at the facility and has been in communication with the Arcadia Police Department.

Please use alternate routes to avoid traffic delays and congestion.

Any questions can be directed to Lieutenant Larry Goodman, (626) 574-5169. 

Patriotic Parade & Festival -- Road Closures

Dear Merchants and Residents,

On Saturday, July 2, 2011, the Arcadia’s Best Foundation will be hosting its first annual Patriotic Festival and Parade in the City of Arcadia. This inaugural event will be held on south First Avenue between Huntington Drive and Duarte Road.

During the Parade, First Avenue will be closed between Huntington Drive and Duarte Road to all vehicular traffic. Also, no traffic will be allowed to cross First Avenue from any of the East/West streets OR alleyways in the closure area.

It is advised that residents, business owners, and patrons who need to access this area use Santa Anita Avenue or Second Avenue as alternate routes into and out of the event area.

There will be no street parking in the closure area on Saturday July 2, 2011, between 6:00am and 6:00pm. Temporary No Parking signs will be posted – vehicles parked in violation will be towed.

At the conclusion of the Parade, First Avenue will be opened to all traffic between Duarte Road and California Street, and the No Parking restriction will be lifted in this area only.

First Avenue between Huntington Drive and California Street will remain closed to all traffic until the conclusion of the Patriotic Festival. The complete re-opening of the roadway is expected to occur sometime after 4:00pm.

The Arcadia Police Department appreciates your understanding and support of the Parade and Festival. Also, we apologize for any inconvenience that may occur during this event. The Patriotic Parade and Festival is sure to spotlight the central business district of the City of Arcadia as it will surely attract several thousand visitors.

For Parade & Event information, log onto: www.ArcadiasBestFoundation.org or call the Arcadia’s Best Foundation at: (626)538-5431

Chief Robert Guthrie

By: Lieutenant Paul Foley

Weekly Activity Highlights for June 12-18, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6-12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Pool Safety

Summer is upon us and one of the biggest attractions during this time of year is the swimming pool. Unfortunately, our pools are also one the leading contributors to accidents, injury and death in the home. Children love water and a pool is an inviting place, not only in the summer, but throughout the year for a young child. That is why there are rules and regulations that apply to all residential swimming pools. Fences, alarms, clearance, self-closing gates and latches, are just some of the requirements. Visit your local City website and view the municipal code requirements or call your local City Hall.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a handout available on-line that gives excellent tips for pool safety. See the City of Arcadia website and other sources such as the Red Cross and About.com for additional tips and resources available on the web.

In addition to the physical requirements, remember to always be aware of your young childs where abouts when pools are near. Even if they know how to swim, keep an eye on them. Set rules for your children about not using the pool without adult supervision, keep toys and other inviting objects away from the pool when not in use, always have a phone available near the pool, keep pool gates locked and shut when not using them, do not place ladders or chairs against the outside of a pool fence. Learn basic safety techniques and take a CPR class. Be proactive and prevent accidents before they happen!

Summer time is also a time for outdoor gatherings and hosting a pool party. Never assume your child is being watched. Appoint someone to be the "pool monitor" at all times. Time is not on your side with a drowning victim. Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. Answering the phone, getting another drink, grabbing a snack, all allow time for a drowning. Be responsible and be always aware of what is happening in the pool! If a child is missing, the first place to look should be the pool. In the event of an emergency, immediately call 9-1-1.

Man Arrested in Serial Robbery Case

On Wednesday, June 8, 2011, a Subway Restaurant located in the 200 block of East Live Oak Avenue, Arcadia, was robbed at gunpoint by a lone male suspect. Officers believed that the suspect was possibly responsible for two robberies earlier that afternoon in the City of El Monte, as well as an additional crime in neighboring Temple City.

The suspect was tentatively identified through use of departmental resources by Arcadia personnel and a joint agency investigation was initiated. Through efforts led by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the suspect was ultimately arrested on June 16, 2011.

The arrest of this serial robbery suspect is a great example of the cooperative efforts and teamwork demonstrated between law enforcement agencies.

The following information is from the LASD and details the arrest and subsequent filing of charges against the suspect:

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department detectives assigned to the Major Crimes Bureau presented evidence today at the El Monte Superior Courthouse against an El Monte man for a series of armed robberies which occurred over the past several weeks in the San Gabriel Valley. Subsequently, the El Monte branch of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office filed nine counts of Armed Robbery against 32-year old Anselmo Rincon.

Sheriff's Department detectives worked with officers from the Arcadia, Covina and El Monte Police Departments to identify and arrest Rincon for the robberies.

Rincon was arrested by Sheriff's personnel at about 2:30PM on June 16, 2011, at a gas station in the 3200 block of Santa Anita Avenue, El Monte, for Robbery and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing will be held at a future date at the Pomona Superior Courthouse.

Rincon used a replica firearm to commit the robberies, which were conducted primarily at Subway restaurants and dry cleaning stores. The replica firearm Rincon used in the robberies was found in the car he used at the time of his arrest.

"This collaborative effort to arrest Rincon has taken a dangerous criminal off the streets of our communities," said Sheriff's Lieutenant Chris Brackpool. "His robberies were becoming more frequent in recent days and the danger he presented was escalating."

Sergeant Michael Thomas

Deputy Lillian Peck

Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

(323) 267-4800

www.lasd.org

trl/376

Wanted for Commercial Burglary

Back on June 9, 2011, the two suspects in the above photos gained entry to Domenico's Restaurant, 251 N. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, at about 4:20 am.  Once inside the restaurant, they pried and kicked an office door open and rummaged through the office.  The pair of suspects left quickly with nothing in hand, presumably due to an alarm activation at the restaurant.

Anyone with information is asked to call Arcadia Police Detectives at 626-574-5160. 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.

Happy Father's Day 2011

The Arcadia Police Department would like to wish a Happy Father's Day to all dads!

"Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever."  ~Author Unknown

Survey for Improving Parking in Downtown Arcadia

Click on the above photo and link to a City survey that seeks input from your personal experiences and expectations for parking in the downtown area.  The City and local business leaders are working together to help shape the future of our downtown business district.  Let your voice be part of the planning.

Weekly Tip - Radar, Laser, or Pace?

Every so often, someone will tell me that they were issued a citation for speeding and then ask my opinion on whether or not they should fight the ticket.  The first question I ask is, "How did the officer catch you?" Many citations issued for speed in Arcadia involve the use of a laser or lidar unit.  If their answer is that the officer used a laser, my best advice is for the person to attend traffic school.

Officers are required to attend certified training on use of a radar or laser device prior to conducting speed enforcement with those tools. Daily, the officer checks that the equipment is properly functioning through a series of internal and external tests, depending on the device. That monitoring of the equipment continues throughout the tour of duty. Both devices are used to confirm the officer's visual observation. The individual device is tested and checked for proper calibration by a certified technician annually or every three years depending on policy and law.

Every situation is different and there are many factors in play when it comes to a speeding ticket. CVC 40802 defines "speed trap" and gives requirements for speed surveys, roadway widths, officer and equipment certification and more. A citation based on a "pace" does not fall under these guidelines. In my experience, a pace is based on the officer's observation, distance, speed and should be by use of a speedometer that has been checked for calibration. A "pace" is basically fancy term for following you at a given speed.

A radar device sends out a cone shaped beam that bounces off a target. Many factors can influence the speed return such as distance, size and speed of the objects, weather, roadway conditions and other factors. Radar has been around for a long time, is tested and is reliable. However, use of a radar requires the officer to continuously monitor the conditions and base the speed return on his/her visual observations. The radar unit will display speed only, it does not measure distance. The officer's testimony should include their observations as well as a tracking history.

The laser or lidar device is far more vehicle specific than the radar. The laser delivers a very narrow beam that is directed/aimed at a specific vehicle. The device will display both the speed of the vehicle as well as the distance that the reading was obtained. A speed laser device is extremely accurate when used properly.  Most officers will "lock" in the speed return on the device display. You may ask to see the equipment and most officers will take the time to not only show you, but may also explain the use of the device to you.

If you receive a citation, you have several ways to take care of the ticket:

•Paying the fine at the court, by mail, or on-line depending on the jurisdiction.

•Contesting the citation (fighting the ticket) in person or by use of the "Trial by Declaration" (written) process.

•Attending "Traffic School". You will still pay a fine, but the citation is dismissed with no point on your driving record.

Simply paying the citation fine is your worst option, in my opinion. You are out the fine and it is an automatic point on your record. Contesting the citation on a speeding ticket is difficult. If you lose, it is a fine and a point. If you plan on appearing; do your homework, be certain of your case, dress and act professionally, don't argue, don't get overly technical, but do present a well thought out defense. Most courts will not allow attending traffic school after trial. If you plan on fighting the cite in hopes that the officer does not show up...it is a role of the dice. Our personnel are subject to discipline if they fail to show in court. Traffic school is the safest route, although you still pay the fine, your license is spared the point.  If you truly believe that you are correct and the officer has erred or is wrong, contest the citation. Otherwise, my best advice...attend traffic school.

Weekly Activity Highlights for June 5-11, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6-5.pdf

2011 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is an annual event where Law Enforcement throughout the world run with the "Flame of Hope" bringing awareness and support to Special Olympics. The Arcadia Police Department is proud to participate in the event, taking the hand-off of the torch near Huntington Drive and Fifth Avenue from the Monrovia Police Department. Our personnel carry the torch west on Huntington Drive, south on Santa Anita Avenue, and turn west on Las Tunas Drive, ultimately handing off the torch to Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Temple Station, near Baldwin Avenue.

The torch reached Arcadia at about 10:30 am this morning where 7 members of APD carried on this tradition for a very worthy cause.  Thanks to all our runners and support personnel for their participation!  Be sure to visit our Arcadia Police Department Facebook Page for additional photos. 

Live Beyond Graduation

The Arcadia Police Department would like to congratulate the Arcadia High School graduating class of 2011. We realize that this is an exciting time of life and should be celebrated.  However, we encourage all to celebrate responsibly and remind each student to “Live Beyond Graduation” by not drinking and driving. Furthermore, we would like to remind young drivers of the dangers associated with Texting While Driving and other Distracted Driving practices (Talking on the cell phone, eating, applying makeup, etc). Enjoy this exciting time of your life, but please show consideration to yourself and others by driving in a responsible and safe manner.

The APD Traffic Bureau has placed our electronic message sign adjacent to the Arcadia High School with the following message:

“Live Beyond Graduation, Don’t Drink and Drive.  No Texting While Driving  No Distracted Driving”

Sgt. Brett Bourgeous

APD Traffic Bureau

Weekly Tip - Help Prevent Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is one of those topics that is not often addressed. Our population is growing older and the frequency with which we encounter various cases of elder abuse is growing in LA County. Elder abuse can come in many forms such as physical abuse, mental abuse, neglect or abandonment, and financial abuse. Elder abuse most often occurs where the senior lives. The abuse can take place at home, at a relatives home or perhaps in nursing home care. The abuser can be an adult family member, a friend, a caretaker, or a predator seeking out an elderly target. Elder abuse is not easily detected so it is up to all of us to be aware of warning signs:

Physical or Emotional Abuse

•Unexplained bruises or injury

•Broken bones

•Controlled or restricted access to visits, friends or family

•Threatening or belittling behavior on the part of a caregiver

•Behavior by the elder mimicking dementia or childlike actions

Neglect or Self-Neglect

•Unusual or untreated sores or wounds

•Malnutrition, weight loss or dehydration

•Unsanitary living conditions

•Being left dirty or unbathed

Financial Abuse

•Unusual or unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts

•Items or cash missing from the home

•Suspicious changes in wills, powers of attorney, titles/deeds etc.

•Unpaid bills or additions of persons to accounts

•Mail is missing or changes of address

These are just some of the indicators of possible elder abuse. Pay close attention to your older family members, neighbors and friends. Adult Protective Service (APS) is an LA County group that responds to reports of suspected elder abuse. APS can be reached at (877) 4 R SENIORS. A social worker will respond accordingly along with Law Enforcement resources if needed. Another resource for information on elder abuse can be found at HelpGuide.com.

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 29 - June 4, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-29.pdf

Law Enforcement Torch Run in Support of Special Olympics

Watch for the Arcadia Police Department this Thursday, June 9, 2011, participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Support of Special Olympics.  APD will take the torch sometime after 10am at Huntington Drive/Fifth Avenue from Monrovia PD.  Our personnel will run with the torch westbound on Huntington Drive, southbound Santa Anita Avenue, then westbound on Las Tunas Drive where we will pass the torch on to awaiting personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Temple Station.  Keep an eye out for the torch and cheer our runners on as they support Special Olympics.  Photos will be posted on the blog after the event. 

Social Media and "Thank a Cop Thursday" from PORAC

The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) is the leading federation for Law Enforcement associations in the State of California.  PORAC is active in Social Media and released this video on their YouTube channel, highlighting their various platforms and promoting "Thank a Cop Thursday" (#tacop).  Take a look and join the conversation.

PORAC Facebook

PORAC Twitter

Weekly Activity Highlights for May 22-28, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-22.pdf

Weekly Tip - Don't Fall Victim to Scams

“You Have Just Won $1,000,000.00!” Ever receive a letter or email for a sweepstakes or some “lottery” that indicates that you have been selected as a winner? All you have to do is call the phone number listed on the letter or respond to the email and claim your prize. You may then be asked to give personal information or perhaps obtain an amount of cash and wire that money to a company or individual to cover the costs of handling and insurance on your winnings. Sound pretty simple? Sound too good to be true? Did you ever enter this particular sweepstakes?

The vast majority of these unsolicited letters & emails are scams that are designed to separate you from your hard earned money. Trust your initial instincts and do not respond to this form of solicitation and theft. Similar scams have been used before and even now have evolved from mail scams to crimes on the Internet which are sent via email. Any form of communication that seeks either your personal information or funds should be ignored unless YOU initiated the contact. Confirm the validity through reliable sources before you allow yourself to become a victim.

Some factors to look for may include;

- Any solicitation that you did not ask for

- Email from an unknown party

- Addresses that are out of the area

- Names of large companies or persons that you have no affiliation with

- Request for personal information

- ANY request for you to send money

- Ask yourself, “Is this too good to be true?”

Protect yourself and your family. Many of these scams target the elderly. Please pass on the information to your loved ones and help prevent this type of crime.