Welcome 2018 with a Safe New Year's Eve!

We will celebrate New Year's Eve tonight and there are a number of things to consider when it comes to celebrating safely. Here are a few things to think about for our New Years celebrations:

•Don't Drink and Drive!

•Use a designated driver, other alternate transportation, or if need be, call AAA Tipsy Tow for a ride home for you and your car. See AAA website or call 800-400-4222 for information.

•DO NOT fire weapons into the air. Bullets and projectiles can travel long distances causing injury and death. You have no control where a projectile will land when fired indiscriminately into the air.

•Stay inside at the stroke of midnight! Celebrate with friends and family indoors.

•Keep an eye on your pets. Loud noises, fireworks, gunshots, all can be frightening to animals. Keep your pets indoors or consult your veterinarian for options. Make sure they are wearing collars with identification should they become lost.

Remember to celebrate safely and smartly. Enjoy the New Year celebration!

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 17 - 23, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=15120

Weekly Tip - In Town for the Rose Parade or Rose Bowl Game?

Visitors in town for the parade or big game?  Have a friend staying at one of our local hotels?  Nixle is a great resource for those living in town or visitors to the area. The two major agencies responsible for Tournament of Roses activity both have Nixle accounts and share valuable safety information with the public. The Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, along with other local police agencies like Arcadia, Burbank, and South Pasadena, all use the Nixle platform for instant messaging.

We would like to encourage everyone, including those visiting the area, to take advantage of these services and subscribe to local public safety before the need arises.

A simple method to subscribe for Nixle alerts regarding the Parade or Rose Bowl is to text "ROSEPARADE" to 888777. For those in Arcadia, text either 91006 or 91007 to 888777 and you will be included in any emergency alerts sent by APD.  Check with your host or concierge for the local zip code for your area hotel in neighboring cities to be included in other area alerts.

You can also download our smart phone app for links to other information and services from the Arcadia Police Department.

Expect Traffic Delays in Arcadia Today!

The day after Christmas is sure to bring many visitors, shoppers, and racing fans to the City of Arcadia. The Westfield Santa Anita Mall will be filled with people seeking sales, exchanges, and returns. The Santa Anita Race Track comes to life once again, with opening day for live racing. Yes, today will surely be a busy day in town!

The mall can be accessed off Baldwin Avenue and Huntington Drive. Shoppers may see gate closures inside Gate 8 (north of JC Penney) and best times for arriving or departing the mall would be earlier in the morning, mid-afternoon, or evening hours, after the race track has closed. Please use Gates 9 or 10, just north of Huntington Drive, for mall access.

Santa Anita Race Track gates will open at 10:00 am and the first post is at noon. Racing fans can access Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue, however, other gates may be less congested. Suggested routes for easier access may include:

From the west or northbound on Baldwin Avenue, use Huntington Drive to Gate 3 at Holly Avenue.

From the south, use Santa Anita Avenue to Campus Drive for Gate 3 access, or to Huntington Drive for access to Gates 5 and 6.

From the east, use Huntington Drive or Colorado Boulevard/Place to access Gates 5 and 6.

Police officers will be manning traffic signals and certain intersections throughout the day. Traffic will be heavy and you should expect delays. Allow extra time for your travel and please be patient.

Merry Christmas 2017!

Merry Christmas to All! From our house to yours!

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 10-16, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=15086

Holiday Hours for APD Records Section

The Arcadia Police Department Records Section will close at 6:00 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, remaining closed on Christmas Day. The front counter will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on New Years Day. 

The Records Section will reopen at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, and again on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, following the respective holidays.

Weekly Tip - Last Minute Shopping? Think About Your Personal Safety!

Our personal safety is something that we should always be considering, especially when out in public. The shopping season is in full swing and our shopping centers will be packed these last days before Christmas Here are some tips and thoughts on steps you can take to help maintain your personal safety:

•Awareness & Avoidance - Not enough can be said for being aware of your surroundings. It does not matter where you are, at home, out shopping, driving, at the park, DO NOT settle into a fog and become so involved in your task that you fail to look around. Scan the area before you head out. Look around and see what potential threats may be looming. Are there suspicious persons parked by your car? Is there a car approaching slowly from behind? If you see something that makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, walk away, return to the store, and report the activity and your observations to security or store staff.

•Be a Good Witness - If you see a crime or fall victim, be the best witness you can be. Without good suspect descriptions it is difficult for police to conduct follow-up, apprehend criminals, and hopefully, help prevent others from becoming future victims. Basic physical descriptions such as hair color and style, height, weight and build, clothing color and type, suspect vehicle description and license plate, direction of travel, are all things that a responding police officer will ask for. Try and make note of anything specific to the suspect such as tattoos, scars, piercings or perhaps damage in a particular location on a suspect vehicle.

•Consider the Stakes - If this is a property crime and you are in fear for your safety, give up the purse, the wallet, the car. Your personal well-being is much more valuable than your property. Property can be replaced, you can't. 

•Make a Scene! - Drawing attention to yourself, and more importantly, to the suspect, can not only deter the crime but also bring forward other witnesses and possibly help. Yell, scream, use a whistle, run away...

•Don't be a Target - Walk with a purpose and look about surveying your surroundings. Carry your keys and whistle in your hand, not buried in your purse. This allows you to immediately open your vehicle or set off your car alarm if needed. Keep your purse tucked under your shoulder, not dangling down or sitting unattended in a cart.

Query the topic of personal safety on-line. There are many quality sites that offer additional advice and products that can bolster your safety. Best overall advice...Awareness and Avoidance!

Chief's Annual Christmas Breakfast 2017

Chief Bob Guthrie carried out a long standing Arcadia Police Department tradition last Thursday, hosting the Chief's Annual Christmas Breakfast. The breakfast is a great event where current and former members of APD can gather to share memories and a meal prepared by the Chief and fellow police management staff. In addition to the APD family, all City employees and City staff are invited to attend, along with our elected officials.

We had a great turnout for the breakfast. A special thanks to Vons Corporation and Papa Cantella's for the generous donations of food for the event. Chief Guthrie is pictured (right) with Alan Todd, a Corporate Manager for Vons. 

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 3 - 9, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=15058

Weekly Tip - Give Your Alarm a Check-Up!

Do you have an alarm on your home or business? Take the time to check your system and make sure it is in proper working order. Call your alarm monitoring company before testing the alarm system. If there is an issue with the system, get it repaired. Not only will you help avoid false alarm fees, but you will better protect your property.

The City of Arcadia requires alarm permits for all alarm systems. Information on Security Alarm Permits can be found on the City website. The permits help reduce alarm malfunctions and nuisance alarms, as well as maintaining current property owner contact information should there be an issue while you are away from your home or business.

Happy Hanukkah 2017

Wishing the best to all at this start of Hanukkah!

Holiday Suspension of Overnight Parking Enforcement

Residents and visitors will not have to obtain temporary overnight parking permits for passenger vehicles parked on the City streets from Sunday night, December 17, 2017, through Sunday morning, January 7, 2018. This permit suspension affords the community the opportunity to entertain guests and visitors without worrying about purchasing permits during the holidays. Overnight parking enforcement will resume on Sunday night, January 7, 2018.

This enforcement suspension pertains only to overnight parking restrictions for passenger vehicles between 2:30 am and 5:30 am. All other parking restrictions remain in effect and will be enforced, such as time zones, street sweeping, curb markings, etc.

The 2018 permits are available at the City Hall Cashier's Office and are being honored for the remainder of 2017, if properly displayed.

If you have any questions, please contact the APD Watch Commander at (626) 574-5156.

Ring Subsidy Event Very Successful

The first Ring Security Products Subsidy Event at the Arcadia Masonic Lodge was a big success with over 300 in attendance. Some of the residents that joined Arcadia’s Ring of Security and left happily with one or more security devices are pictured below.  

 

A big thank you to Ring, Inc., the Arcadia Masonic Lodge, and all of the Arcadia Police Department personnel, VIPS, and volunteers for putting together a fantastic community event! Ring staff did an awesome job answering residents’ questions and helping people determine which products were right for their homes.

 

The City still has subsidies remaining for $100 OFF one Ring device, which the City will make available next week by releasing online promotional codes. The discount code can only be used for purchases made on Ring’s website: www.Ring.com. The codes will be made available first to residents that were on the event wait-list (these residents will be contacted via email) and then to other Arcadia households on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you are interested in receiving a code, please email mvercillo@ArcadiaCA.gov. The discount is limited to one per Arcadia household.

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 26 - December 2, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=15018

Weekly Tip - Help Prevent Crime! Report Suspicious Activity!

The Arcadia Police Department serves a population of approximately 57,000+ residents, numerous business and commercial locations, all within about 11 square miles. More often than not, residents and visitors serve as the eyes and ears for our Dispatchers and Police 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. 

Holiday Patrols at Westfield Santa Anita

During the holiday season, large crowds flock to our Westfield Santa Anita Mall. The Arcadia Police Department works closely with Westfield Security to maintain a safe and comfortable experience for everyone at the mall. APD will periodically have extra officers on foot, police bikes, and in units in the parking lots providing additional high visibility patrol and service for shoppers. Our Volunteers in Patrol and Parking Enforcement Officers will also be present during this holiday season to help maintain traffic and parking at the mall and other businesses throughout Arcadia.

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 19 - 25, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=14975

Weekly Tip - Parking Lot Survival for the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us - and with that brings large crowds and parking lots filled with anxious shoppers! Private property accidents contribute to a number of our calls for service during the holiday season and most of these incidents are avoidable. Here are some tips to help avoid collisions and other vehicle related incidents on private property:

•Slow down, don't be in a rush. The sales will still be going on when you get there.

•Obey shopping center or mall stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs. They are there for a reason...SAFETY!

•Drive only in marked isles. Avoid driving across the parking lot and watch out for those that are using parking stalls as a short cut.

•Park a little further away. It is probably quicker than driving up and down looking for that perfect spot.

•Look all around before backing out and back SLOWLY from your stall.

•Watch for pedestrians and watch out for yourself while walking in the parking lot.

•Avoid the urge to "beat" the other driver to that one last spot.

•Practice common sense and courtesy. Everyone can be on edge in a crowded parking lot. Give each other a break.

•Leave valuables at home or at least out of sight in your LOCKED vehicle.

•Park only in marked stalls. Fire lane, red zones, handicap stalls may all be enforced at most shopping centers.

•Always be aware of your surroundings. Park in well lighted areas. Alert store security or the police to suspicious persons or vehicles.

Coyote Safety Seminar

Arcadia PD invites you to a Coyote Safety Seminar at the Arcadia City Council Chambers, 240 W Huntington Dr on Wednesday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. A wildlife expert from the Pasadena Humane Society will present information on how to safeguard your family and pets from negative encounters with coyotes. For more info call 626.821.2648

Black Friday Sales = Lines, Crowds, and Traffic

Happy Thanksgiving 2017!

From all of us at the Arcadia Police Department, we would like to wish everyone a very

Happy Thanksgiving!

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 12 - 18, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=14957

Weekly Tip - Lock It! Hide It! Keep It!

We can't express the practice of Lock It, Hide It, Keep It enough!

With the holidays upon us, the likelihood of folks leaving items in their vehicles increases and thieves know this. Please remember to remove items of value from your cars, roll up the windows, lock the doors, and set the alarm if you have one. Taking the opportunity and target away are great ways to help prevent the crimes from happening! Spread the word and pass this along to family and friends!

No Overnight Parking Enforcement for Thanksgiving

To help you celebrate Thanksgiving, APD will not be conducting overnight parking enforcement from Wednesday night, November 22nd through Sunday morning, November 26th. Overnight parking enforcement will resume Sunday night to Monday morning on Thanksgiving weekend. All other parking regulations will be enforced.

Additionally, our Records Section and front counter will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2017. The Records Section will reopen at 6:00 a.m. Friday morning.

Ring Security Products Subsidy Event

UPDATE: Registration for both sessions is full. There is a wait list. Thanks to all for taking such an interest in your safety and security!

Session 1 Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-arcadia-ring-security-products-subsidy-event-session-one-tickets-39491441966

Session 2 Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-arcadia-ring-security-products-subsidy-event-session-two-tickets-39497526164

APD Records Section CLOSED on Thanksgiving

The Records Section of the Arcadia Police Department will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2017.  The Records Section will reopen at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, November 24, 2017.

The lobby will be accessible for emergency assistance. We will NOT be citing for Overnight Parking starting Wednesday night through Sunday morning, November 22 - 26, 2017.  Overnight Parking Enforcement will resume on Sunday night, November 26th and permits will be required.

Please see the following post for daily operating hours in the Records Section: 

http://arcadiapolice.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-operating-hours-for-apd-records.html 

Stay Safe on the Roads This Thanksgiving: Buckle Up–Every Trip. Every Time.

As millions of travelers flood the roads this Thanksgiving, The Arcadia Department is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and law enforcement across the state to share an important lifesaving reminder: Buckle Up–Every Trip. Every Time.

During the 2015 Thanksgiving weekend, 301 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, and 53 percent were not wearing seat belts at the time of the fatal crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  California accounted for 42 of those fatalities.  Nighttime proved even more deadly, with 57 percent of Thanksgiving weekend crashes occurring at night nationally.  Much like drunk driving, these deaths represent needless tragedies for families across America.  Many of these deaths could have been completely prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.

“Year after year, families are devastated when news arrives that a loved one is killed on their way to Thanksgiving festivities,” said Sgt. Kollin Cieadlo.  “These stories are just unacceptable when over 50 percent of the deaths involve an unrestrained occupant.  Especially when it’s known that seat belt use is one of the simplest ways to stay safe while riding in a vehicle.”

NHTSA estimates that proper seat belt use reduces the risk of fatal and serious injuries. In 2015, approximately 13,941 people survived crashes because they were buckled up.  If everyone had worn their seat belts that year, an additional 2,804 lives could have been saved.  NHTSA’s research also reveals that males are more likely to be unbuckled than females in a fatal crash, and that younger drivers are also at greater risk of being unbuckled.

The Arcadia Police Department’s goal for the ‘Buckle Up—Every Trip. Every Time.’ seat belt awareness campaign is to save lives.  This campaign reminds Thanksgiving travelers, and all drivers, about the importance of buckling up–every trip, every time.  Thanksgiving should be a happy time, not a tragic one.

Additionally, OTS statewide data reveals that of the 42 killed during the Thanksgiving weekend, 18 were alcohol involved deaths. While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, The Arcadia Police Department supports the new effort from OTS that aims to drive awareness that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Prescription medications and marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest. 

Never drink and drive and whether you’re a passenger or the driver, riding long distances or short, buckle your seat belt.  Doing so ensures everyone arrives safely to their Thanksgiving destinations.  Remember: Buckle Up–Every Trip. Every Time.

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 5 - 11, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=14845

Annual Thanksgiving Appreciation Lunch from the Arcadia Chinese Association

A big "Thank You" to members of the Arcadia Police Department came yesterday in the form of an early Thanksgiving lunch, provided by the Arcadia Chinese Association.  Chief Guthrie was joined by members of the ACA, ACA President Arron Rose, and Mayor Pro Tem Sho Tay for a photo before lunch.  ACA President Rose took a moment to express gratitude to members of the Department and say "Thank You" for our service.  Thanks to the ACA for the great lunch and for taking the time to honor members of our Department! 

Weekly Tip - IRS Tax Scams Are Year Round!

Tax season is still months away, but these scams don't take a break.  While many folks will have legitimate contact with their tax accountants and the IRS, we would like to remind you of recurring fraud schemes where scammers reach out to you. One of the most wide spread attempts to come between you and your money is by use of phone calls to you where scammers claim to be representing the IRS. Many times, they will threaten you with a law suit or pending criminal action if you don't send payment immediately. These calls can be automated and recorded, directing you to call. Don't fall for these scams!

The IRS will not:

• Call you to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.

• Demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount you owe.

• Require that you pay your taxes a certain way. For instance, require that you pay with a prepaid debit card.

• Ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

• Threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.

Visit the IRS website for additional information on scams.

ROAD CLOSURES: Annual Festival of Bands Parade

On Saturday, November 18, 2017, the 64th Annual Festival of Bands Parade will take place within the City of Arcadia. This year’s parade route will travel south on Baldwin Avenue from Huntington Drive, turn east on Duarte Road, turn north on El Monte Avenue and end on Campus Drive in front of the High School.

During the parade Baldwin Avenue, Duarte Road, El Monte Avenue, and Campus Drive will be closed in these areas to vehicular traffic with the exception of residential traffic on Duarte Road between Lovell and El Monte Avenue. In this area, residents will be allowed to drive from their homes eastbound on Duarte Road and out of the area assisted by police personnel.

There will be no street parking in the above areas on November 18, 2017 between 6:00am and 1:00pm. Temporary No Parking signs will be posted – vehicles parked in violation will be towed.

The temporary road closures will be from 8:00am until approximately 1:00pm and may require you or your patrons to access your home or business from an alternate route. Businesses on the south side of Duarte Road will require customer access from Naomi Avenue. Businesses on the north side of Duarte Road will require customer access from Arcadia Avenue.

Residents living south of Huntington Drive, north of Duarte Road, east of Baldwin Avenue, and west of Holly Avenue should use Huntington Drive and La Cadena as the main ingress and egress to come and go from the area.

We appreciate your understanding and continuing support of this outstanding community event. We apologize for any inconvenience to you or your patrons during this time. The Festival of Bands has a wonderful tradition of showcasing the finest high school bands in California and the nation. Arcadians are proud to act as host each year. If you have any questions, please contact Sergeant Kollin Cieadlo at (626) 574-5475 or email at kcieadlo@arcadiaca.gov.

Honoring Those Who Served - Veterans Day 2017

Please join us in honoring and saying thanks to all who have served our Nation.

Happy Veterans Day 2017!

Weekly Activity Highlights for October 29 - November 4, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=14805

Weekly Tip - Holiday Time and Home Burglaries

Over past years, we have seen an uptick in Residential Burglary reports during the holidays. Take a look at the current area crime map above for burglaries having occurred in the last week.

The majority of Arcadia burglaries are committed during daytime hours. However, we have had some incidents occur during evening hours in recent months. While 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, all hours of the day.

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

Stay informed on criminal activity in your area through CrimeMapping.com.

Time for a Change! Clocks Fall Back One Hour Tonight!

Set your clocks back one hour tonight before you go to bed. Officially, the time change is at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, November 5, 2017.  Gain an hour of sleep and wake refreshed!

Weekly Activity Highlights for October 22 - 28, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=14757

Weekly Tip - Is My Child Ready for a Cell Phone?

A question plaguing many parents is the topic of when to get a cell phone for their child. The answer is not a clear one at all, but rather based on many individual factors about the child and family needs. ConnectSafely.org offers a nice guide with tips and information to consider before diving into a cell phone purchase for your child.

"There are lots of things to think about when parents consider buying kids their first cellphones. Of course the “right time” and the right phone vary by child, his or her maturity level and the family budget. Some parents want their young children to have a phone so they can call or be reached at any time. Others prefer to wait till they're teens. Factors to consider include: whether a child can use a phone with respect for the device, your rules and the people they interact with on it; if he or she can stay within the usage allowances included in the service plan and whether the child knows when to turn the phone off (e.g., at bedtime)."

Link to the ConnectSafely.org website for the complete guide!

Arcadia Police Department Receives Grant For Special Traffic Enforcement and Crash Prevention

The Arcadia Police Department has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries.   The Arcadia Police Department will use the funding as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.

Captain Larry Goodman said, “The Arcadia Police Department benefits from this grant by enhancing the department’s current traffic philosophy that embraces educating our community regarding traffic safety and enforcing hazardous traffic violations that place the city’s residents and visitors at risk.  As with last year, the grant will provide advanced, specialized training for Arcadia Police Department personnel and will create even more opportunities for our officers to be visible throughout the community.   We have every reason to believe the combined efforts of the Office of Traffic Safety and the Arcadia Police Department will have an impact in reducing the number of people injured or killed in traffic collisions.”

After falling to a ten year low in 2010, the number of persons killed on roadways has climbed nearly 17 percent across the state, with 3,429 fatalities in 2015.  Particularly alarming is the rise in pedestrian and bicycle fatalities that now comprise nearly 25 percent of all traffic deaths, along with the growing dangers of distracting technologies and the emergence of drug-impaired driving. This grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as speeding and crashes at intersections.

“Unsafe behaviors account for 94 percent of traffic crashes,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft.  “This grant emphasizes the two most effective ways to change behaviors – education and enforcement.  The Arcadia Police Department, with assistance from the Office of Traffic Safety, will use these tools to help keep Arcadia streets safe.”

Activities that the grant will fund include:

·         - Educational presentations

·         - DUI checkpoints

·         - DUI saturation patrols

·         - Bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement

·         - Distracted driving enforcement

·         - Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement

·         - Speed, red light, and stop sign enforcement

While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, the Arcadia Police Department supports the new effort from OTS that aims to drive awareness that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Prescription medications and marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest. 

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.