Successful Coffee with a Cop at Westfield Santa Anita Mall

Thanks to the Westfield Santa Anita Mall for hosting our Coffee with a Cop event this morning. We were lucky to have a good number of community members come and meet with our officers. These events are a great way to engage our community. This was our fifth Coffee with a Cop event since hosting our first one back in December 2013. As we gather photos, we will post them on our APD Facebook page.

Weekly Tip - Indicators of Illicit Marijuana Grow Houses

Illicit marijuana grow houses are houses or other locations where the majority of the location is converted for the purposes of growing marijuana indoors and less readily detected by law enforcement. These locations are often nestled in a residential neighborhood or local business complex. The Arcadia Police Department has investigated 14 such locations since January 2010.

No matter your opinion on the use of marijuana, this type of operation is dangerous, not only to the grower, but also a danger to neighbors, utility workers, and public safety personnel.  A typical indoor grow operation consumes many times the electricity compared to like size residences or other locations due to the high number of grow lights, ballasts, and other equipment inside the location. Most often, the electrical meters are bypassed in order to steal electricity and access higher electricity loads.

The grower connects directly into the utility lines, installing makeshift electrical panels and wiring inside the location. Not only does this pose a risk of electrocution, but also poses a high fire risk. In 2014, an illicit indoor grow was discovered after police and fire responded on a call of a roof fire at an Arcadia home. The high electrical load associated with the indoor grow lead to a transformer fire in the rear yard of the house.

These locations also contain liquid nutrients, fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals, posing a risk for exposure and pollution to the surrounding grounds. One converted Arcadia home was red tagged after growers placed fertilizer and other material directly on the floor of several rooms, allowing it to seep into the floors, walls, and ceilings of the home.

Excess carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are threats depending on how the ventilation, or lack thereof, has been used in the location. Molds can develop in the location due to excess humidity and moisture, posing a risk to grower, occupants, and public safety.

Possible Indicators of Illicit Marijuana Grow Houses:

• Often a rented or leased property
• Subjects "move in" with little furnishings
• Access to location is primarily through closed garage to load and unload
• Windows are closed, covered, and have possible condensation
• Bright light from high intensity lighting possibly visible through windows
• Additional vents or drain pipes added to the structure
• Accumulation of waste inside or outside (large trash bags, fertilizer containers)
• Lack of consistent and typical use of trash containers being placed at the curb
• Large lighting hoods, ballasts, electrical panels, fans, large cylinder filters being carried into the home or visible
• Strong or unusual odors
• Drilling, hammering, or other construction noises, but lacking signs of a remodel or construction workers
• Humming or fan noise from inside of the location
• Unusual, erratic, or behavior "not the norm" of persons at location, coming or going

Tips for Landlords:

• Look into the credit history, references, and verify identity of clients
• Have language in rental/lease contract allowing access to inspect property
• Check your property regularly - monthly
• Be leery of cash only payments or unverified "business" checks

Help us remove these dangerous and unlawful locations from our City. If you See Something, Say Something!

  

Weekly Activity Highlights for January 18 - 24, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_1.18.15.pdf

Third Arcadia Location Found to Contain Indoor Marijuana Grow - UPDATE to News Release on Jan 22, 2015

The original News Release reference case #1500297 on January 22, 2015, has been updated to reflect a third location, an additional arrest, and updated numbers of marijuana plants. Original post:

http://arcadiapolice.blogspot.com/2015/01/two-arcadia-homes-used-for-indoor.html

"During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified a third residence believed to be connected to the cultivation of marijuana.   Surveillance was conducted and a male subject was detained after he fled the residence in a vehicle.   A search warrant was obtained and served at the residence in the 2700 Block of Gilpin Way, which revealed the residence was in fact being used for indoor marijuana cultivation.   As a result, Tong Wang, a 28-year-old male Asian from Arcadia was arrested and booked at the Arcadia City Jail on felony charges of cultivation of marijuana with bail of $50,000.00.

All three locations were found to contain indoor marijuana grow operations with lighting, ventilation, and electrical wiring run throughout.  It appeared the electrical set-up was bypassing the meters and also tapping directly into the electrical service at each location. Approximately 750 marijuana plants were found in various stages of growth throughout the Baldwin location, approximately 922 marijuana plants at the Woodruff location, and approximately 280 marijuana plants were located and recovered at the Gilpin Way address.  No evidence was found at any of the locations to indicate a medical marijuana grow operation.  The investigation is continuing as to property ownership, utility theft, and possible child endangerment."

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

by: Colleen Flores, Lieutenant

Two Arcadia Homes Used for Indoor Marijuana Grow Operations - News Release

UPDATED to reflect third location and additional arrest: http://arcadiapolice.blogspot.com/2015/01/third-arcadia-location-found-to-contain.html

Two Arcadia Homes Used for Indoor Marijuana Grow Operations

Date/Time of Release:   January 22, 2015 / 4:00 p.m.

Arcadia Police Department Detectives and SWAT Team served two search warrants at Arcadia homes in the 1800 block of South Baldwin Avenue and in the 300 block of West Woodruff Avenue during the early morning hours today. The two locations were linked during the course of an investigation into possible indoor marijuana grow operations. Both warrants were served without incident and indoor marijuana grows were found at each location.

Prior to the warrant service on Woodruff, a male was detained leaving the location in a vehicle. A second male was seen arriving at the same location in a vehicle and was also subsequently detained along with a female and two male infants who were inside the Woodruff home. Gao Ming, a 46-year-old male Asian from Arcadia, and Jia Hui Shen, a 27-year-old male Asian from El Monte,  and Lan Lau, a 34-year-old female Asian from Arcadia were arrested and booked at the Arcadia City Jail on felony charges of cultivation of marijuana with bail of $50,000.00 each. Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services was contacted to arrange care for the infants.

Both locations were found to contain indoor marijuana grow operations with lighting, ventilation, and electrical wiring run throughout. It appeared the electrical set-up was bypassing the meters and also tapping directly into the electrical service at each location. Approximately 750 marijuana plants were found in various stages of growth throughout the Baldwin location and approximately 500 marijuana plants at the Woodruff location. No evidence was found at either location to indicate a medical marijuana grow operation. The investigation is continuing as to property ownership, utility theft, and possible child endangerment.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5150, case #1500297.  If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the tip page at Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers, www. http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By: Colleen Flores, Lieutenant

Police Department Parking Lot Closed February 9 - 20th for Construction

The Arcadia Police Department parking lot will be closed from Monday, February 9, through Friday, February 20, 2015, for construction and paving.

During this time, please use the City Hall parking lot, near the soccer field, for all Police and City business. You can access the City Hall lot from either W/B or E/B Huntington Dr. The Police Department lobby will be open during construction during normal business hours, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Weekly Activity Highlights for January 11 - 17, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_1.11.15.pdf

Weekly Tip - Report Suspicious Activity! #SeeSay

The Arcadia Police Department serves a population of approximately 57,000 residents, numerous business and commercial locations, all within about 11 square miles. As expected, the men and women of the department cannot actively police every square inch of our city at all times. Therefore, more often than not, residents and visitors serve as the eyes and ears for our dispatchers and officers.

Having a large residential community, it is not surprising that some of our most frequent calls for service involve property theft or residential burglary. In most cases, a residential burglary begins with some type of suspicious activity within a neighborhood, often in broad daylight. This activity may range from unknown persons in vehicles perusing the area, to individuals going door to door, determining whether or not residents are home. These individuals will most likely have a driver waiting for them for a quick getaway in case someone begins to question their actions.

The best way to decrease residential burglaries is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Give criminals the message if they are in our neighborhoods, and about to commit a crime, they are being watched – not ignored – through a joint effort by our residents and the police department.

If you witness suspicious activity in your neighborhood, or see something that doesn't sit right with you, do not simply draw the blinds and turn away; please pick up the phone and call our department’s non-emergency dispatch number at (626) 574-5123 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Of course, if you witness a crime in progress or have an emergency, always remember to dial 9-1-1.

Neighborhood crime prevention neither begins, nor ends, with a burning porch light. As members of a greater community, we are all responsible for its protection, as safety does not simply end at a property line. Get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood, remain alert, and never hesitate to call our police department. Do not simply assume someone else has called the police - three calls received are better than no calls at all. 

Watch Your Speed! Our Traffic Bureau Certainly Will Be!

In 2014, there were 880 traffic collisions reported in the City of Arcadia.   Of these collisions, unsafe speed was the primary collision factor in 122 (14%) of the accidents.  In 2014, unsafe speed was the leading cause of collisions reported to APD.

The fundamental goal of our Traffic Bureau is to seek to reduce traffic collisions through a three-pronged approach of engineering, education, and enforcement.  On January 22, 2015 the traffic bureau will take steps toward accomplishing our goal by conducting selective and proactive enforcement of drivers driving at an unsafe speed on certain roads throughout the City. This operation is being conducted as part of a Selective Traffic Enforcement Grant received and funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety. Not on just this day, but everyday, Watch Your Speed!

For questions or more information, please contact Sergeant Kollin Cieadlo, Traffic Supervisor, 626.574.5475.

Are You a Teen Interested in Law Enforcement? Join the Arcadia Police Explorer Post!

WHAT IS AN EXPLORER?

An explorer is a volunteer scout that participates in civilian observer ride-a-longs. He or she assists the police with searches for evidence; report writing, desk officer duties, command post operations, crime prevention surveillance, disaster assistance, crowd and traffic control, security at major events, and other challenging assignments, some of which help the Explorers earn money for their post. Explorers also participate in educational and recreational trips, which involve visits to other police agencies throughout California and the Nation. With the training and direction received as Police Explorers, many young men and women have gone on to choose law enforcement as a career. Others have chosen to enter the Armed Forces and are now serving around the world.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Arcadia Police Department Explorer Program is designed for youths 14 to 18 years of age. After graduating from the San Gabriel Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Academy, explorers are assigned to Explorer Post 101. Police officers then work with the explorers in an effort to provide community service. Officers also provide insight and guidance to explorers who decide to pursue a career in law enforcement.

EXPLORER ACADEMY

The Explorer Academy is held at the San Gabriel Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Academy located in the City of Arcadia. Training includes instruction in crime prevention, basic law, report writing, drill and ceremonies, physical training, and other topics. Instruction is provided by current and retired Police Officers. Upon successfully completing the Academy requirements, recruits will receive a certificate verifying completion of training and an identification card.

QUALIFICATIONS

-Be at least 14 years of age and in the ninth grade, or 15 (regardless of the grade).

-Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all schoolwork.

-Pass an oral interview and a background investigation.

-Have no record of arrest convictions.

-Be free of any physical deficiencies that would jeopardize yourself or others.

-Maintain good moral character.

-Register with Learning for Life (Boy Scouts of America)

-Demonstrate a willingness to participate in Explorer activities.

-Attend and graduate from the Explorer Academy.

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS

All equipment and uniforms (except shoes) are provided by the Police Department.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact a member of the Explorer Coordination Team at the Arcadia Police Department:

Detective Jeff Stark

Officer Wally Ashby

Officer Jordan Elders

(626) 574-5188 or (626) 574-5150

Weekly Tip - Join Your Arcadia Neighbors on Nextdoor

Interested in connecting with you neighbors, exchanging ideas and sharing information? We have a great way for you to do just that!

The City of Arcadia has a long history of encouraging neighborhood interaction and communication. We believe that knowing the people who live near us makes for stronger neighborhoods, and oftentimes results in cherished friendships. The way we communicate with our family, friends, and neighbors has changed significantly in recent years with the increasing popularity of social media. One social network you may want to take a look at is Nextdoor.com. Nextdoor.com is a private network that posters communication between neighbors. Participation is free. Discussion topics can range from information sharing to notices about local events and school activities, contractor recommendations, disaster preparedness, crime prevention, lost pets and…what would you like to talk about? Neighborhoods establish and manage their own Nextdoor website. The information shared on each Nextdoor site is visible only to the members who live in the neighborhood and have verified their address.

How does Nextdoor work?

Nextdoor allows neighbors to create a private website for their neighborhood. On Nextdoor, members can find neighbors in the directory, view a neighborhood map, ask for advice, exchange local recommendations, and share neighborhood information with each other. Residents can choose to see and respond to updates via e-mail, or only on the website.

How much does Nextdoor cost?

There is no charge for an Arcadia resident to participate in their neighborhood site.

How is Nextdoor different from a neighborhood mailing list?

Nextdoor is designed for the specific communication needs of a neighborhood. For example, Nextdoor websites include a neighborhood map and directory, and a catalogued list of recommendations for local services. Members can choose to receive e-mails about each new post, see everything in a daily digest, or turn off e-mails and check the website for new posts from neighbors.

What is the City’s involvement in Nextdoor?

The City will have the ability to post information on an Arcadia neighborhood site; however; the City cannot view discussions that take place outside of those related to the City post. Information the City will share with neighborhoods – individually or collectively – might include that relate area street projects, event announcements, crime prevention and safety tips, and emergency bulletins.

How do I get started?

Go to Nextdoor.com and put in your address to see if your neighborhood is already established. If not, define your neighborhood, invite your neighbors to the group, and get the discussion going! The website includes step-by-step instructions for getting started – it’s easy! Please note that for optimal participation and success, it is recommended that your neighborhood have between 250 and 2,500 properties.

If you have any questions about the City’s participation in Nextdoor, please call Media Specialist Tom Le Veque at 626.574.5108, or Linda Garcia, Special Projects Manager, at 626.574.5401.

https://nextdoor.com/

Follow Nextdoor on Twitter @Nextdoor or like them on Facebook.

Weekly Activity Highlights for January 4 - 10, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_1.4.15.pdf

Coffee with a Cop - January 29th

Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) Graduate

(Pictured from left to right are Captain Larry Goodman, Lieutenant Tom Cullen,

Sergeant John Bonomo, and Captain Paul Foley)

Sergeant John Bonomo graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) this past Friday after completing the 9-month course. John joins many other Arcadia Police Department supervisors and managers who have attended this valuable program. The courses are offered through the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training several times each year and alternate between northern and southern California. John traveled to the San Diego area for his classes, attending a 3-4 day session each month. Students receive reading and research assignments for each session and demand a good deal of time and effort. Congratulations to Sergeant John Bonomo on his achievement.

From the CA POST site: 

The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) is a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors. Designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers, the SBSLI is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work.

The curriculum takes students through an analysis of management (planning, organizing, directing, etc.) and leadership (inspiring, challenging, developing, etc.) and how each discipline compliments the other. The course progresses from self-evaluation, to interpersonal evaluation, to organizational relationships.

During the program, a typical successful student develops the ability to:

• Correlate the relationship between personal and organizational principles and values

• Exercise greater leadership in personal and professional activities

• Increase personal influence with individuals and groups to accomplish organizational goals

• Analyze issues from multiple perspectives

• Develop increased self-confidence and confidence in the ability of others

• Provide support and development for peers and subordinates

• Recognize and address areas for personal improvement

• Effectively integrate management skills and leadership qualities

A typical successful student is willing to learn, open to new ideas, and able to engage in deep self-examination of values and beliefs. The program is not a "how-to" course and should not be viewed as a fix for problem individuals. The curriculum provides a forum for personal growth and development of qualities necessary for effective public safety leadership.

Residential Burglary Becoming Too Commonplace - Remain Vigilant!

Residential Burglary activity has spiked again, both in Arcadia, and in surrounding areas. You can see some clustering of crime near the IS 210 corridor and south of Duarte Road in Arcadia, as shown on the attached crime map. The majority of Arcadia burglaries have been committed during daytime hours. Map depicts activity from January 1-8, 2015.

 

Although the Department places additional officers, both in plain cars and marked units in problem areas, we are not always in the right place at the right time. Please remember to be vigilant in both your observation of your neighborhood and with your own home safety and security.

 

HERE are tips for preventing home burglary. Remember, if you See Something, Say Something!

 

http://arcadiapolice.blogspot.com/2014/11/weekly-tip-home-burglary-prevention.html

 

Stay informed on criminal activity in your area by subscribing to email and crime alerts through CrimeMapping.com. Neighboring agencies also use CrimeMapping and this will give you a good idea of San Gabriel Valley activity.

 

Take the Lead - National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Friday, January 9, 2015

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 28, 2014 - January 3, 2015

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_12.28.14.pdf

Weekly Tip - Temporary Parking Permits Available Online or in APD Lobby

A reminder that permits are once again required for all overnight parking, 2:30 - 5:30 a.m., in the City of Arcadia. Overnight enforcement was suspended for several weeks surrounding the holidays, however, enforcement began again on January 6, 2015.

Temporary permits can be purchased in the station lobby or online. Annual permits are available for purchase at the Cashier's Office, Arcadia City Hall. For additional information or to download an Annual Permit Application, please visit our website.

Los Angeles County Baby Safe Surrender

Although recent tragic events with the abduction of an infant in Long Beach are not the target of the Baby Safe Surrender program, it is a good time to remind everyone in Los Angeles County about this life-saving program.

How to Surrender a Baby

"The Safely Surrendered Baby Law gives parents the choice to legally leave their baby with an employee at any Los Angeles County hospital or fire station at any time, no questions asked." Babies can be surrendered within 72 hrs of birth. Please help save a life.

Overnight Parking Enforcement Resumes Tonight

Just a reminder that Overnight Parking Enforcement resumes tonight. Annual permits can be purchased at City Hall and temporary permits are always available online, or in the police station lobby. There is no street parking without a permit between 2:30-5:30 a.m. in the City of Arcadia.

Some citations were issued early this morning for Overnight Parking and those cites will be voided. If you have any questions, please contact our Watch Commander at 626.574.5156. Our postings indicated no enforcement through January 5th. 

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 21-27, 2014

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_12.21.14.pdf

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone the best in this 2015 New Year!