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Foothill Community Newsletter
February 2013
Vol. IV, No. 2
Captain’s Message
USEFUL INFORMATION
Just a reminder, the City of Los Angeles has a 3-1-1 system for your use. It is easy to use and you can pretty much access all City services through it. Remember that the number can only be dialed from your home telephone. When you are finished making your request for service, ask for a confirmation number from the operator.
The following are some other useful phone numbers for everyone to use. Please make note of the following:
EMERGENCY……….………………………………………….9-1-1
DISPATCH…(non emergency)………………………………….3-1-1
FOOTHILL FRONT DESK…………………………………756-8861/62/63
VALLEY TRAFFIC MOTOR OFFICER ……………….….644-8142
CITY OF LOS ANGELES INFORMATION…(any city entity)..3-1-1
GRAFFITI REMOVAL…………………3-1-1…or.…...800-247-3395
FOOTHILL VICE……………………………………………834-3170
FOOTHILL GANG UNIT…………………………… ……897-6970
ABANDONED VEHICLES……………3-1-1…or….…800-222-6366
OPERATION BRIGHT LIGHTS………3-1-1…or….…800-303-5267
BULKY ITEM PICK UP……………… 3-1-1…or….….800-773-2489
Acting Senior Lead Officer Steve Nunez (SLO 11)
(818) 634-0685
E-mail: 35382@lapd.lacity.org
Happy New Year to everyone! Thank you for being involved in your community. The LAPD does such a great job at reducing crime, but it is with your help that we are able to do so. I know I can count on you to help make Pacoima a better and safer place in which to live and work by being aware of your surroundings. Please continue to be aware of what is happening and who is on your block.
Senior Lead Officer Adriana Munguia (SLO23)
(818) 634-0685
E-mail: 30116@lapd.lacity.org
None Submitted
Senior Lead Officer Don Boon (SLO 35)
(818) 634-0705
E-mail: 31179@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Update
As the year 2012 came to an end, crime in the Sunland, Shadow Hills and Lake View Terrace communities is down 18.1% from 2011. Foothill Area continues to lead the entire City with a 9.2% overall crime reduction.
My first two months as your new Senior Lead Officer has truly been a blur. The most prevalent issues continue to be transients and their encampments in the Tujunga Wash, Medical Marijuana dispensaries, crime and traffic related incidents and equine safety.
In January, 2013, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority will be conducting a homeless count in Council District 7. This count will be conducted on January 28th, 29th, and 30th, and will include representative from Council District 7, Department of Mental Health, LAPD, and over 100 volunteers that will go out for three consecutive nights to count and interview the homeless population. The purpose of the count is to identify the homeless in the area that can be placed in permanent housing as part of the 100, 000 homes campaign. If you are interested in volunteering for this important count please email me, at 31095@lapd.lacity.org, for more details. I will send you the link for the automated volunteer sign up. Those that volunteer will receive training the night of the count, and with your assistance, you will be helping our community do something about the homeless population.
Medical Marijuana Update
Foothill continues to focus on closing the medical marijuana shops in Sunland-Tujunga. According to Lieutenant Roberts, Officer-in-Charge of the Foothill Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Details, the Narcotics officers are continuing their focus on shutting down all Medical Marijuana shops operating outside of California State Law, as it relates to the Compassionate Users Act.
Volunteer Surveillance Team – Foothill Mounted Patrol
The Foothill Mounted Patrol participated in their first Anti-Theft Task Force during Black Friday at one of three locations traditionally targeted by career criminals during one of the largest shopping days of the year. Teamed with police officers, bike officers, and senior lead officers, the mounted patrol was a big hit with not only the officers assigned to the task force, but the community. The mounted patrol volunteers were tasked with patrolling the Best Buy and Costco parking lot for several hours, stopping only for the multiple picture requests by adults and children alike. The success of the Anti-Theft Task Force was overwhelming. There were zero reports of theft at the three locations targeted by the task force.
If you have some spare time that you would like to share for the betterment of our community and are interested in the Foothill Volunteer program please contact me at 31095@lapd.lacity.org. Foothill Area has several exciting opportunities for members of our community to give back by volunteering at the station. The process consists of a short application and a background check. If you are interested or have questions please feel free to contact me.
My First Three Months as Your Senior Lead Officer
Finally, I would like to take a moment thank those in the community that are so passionately involved in making our community a better place to live and work. I would like to thank everyone who took the time contact me and help make my transition from field training officer to senior lead officer easier. There is much work to be done but with the communities help much can be accomplished. Have a very Safe and Happy Holiday Season. For those I have not had the opportunity to meet please feel free to contact me at (818) 634-0705, or send me an email at 31095@lapd.lacity.org. For emergencies please call 911, or 1-(877) ASK-LAPD
(877-275-5273) for any non-emergency incident.
Acting Senior Lead Officer Cesar Contreras (SLO 59)
(818) 634-0754
E-mail: 36373@lapd.lacity.org
Officer Rich Wall is currently off but will be returning very soon.
Hello everyone I am still covering for Officer Wall while he is off. Please feel free to contact me at any time.
Identity Theft.
I have received multiple calls from citizens regarding mail thefts from their curbside mailboxes. These days identify theft is a very lucrative activity for those involved in it. In a matter of minutes a suspect can open credit, transfer money and order merchandise days or even months before anyone discovers that they have become a victim. The following tips can help prevent becoming a victim:
•Never allow mail to sit in your mailbox longer than a day at a time.
•If you’re going on vacation, you can contact the post office and put a temporary hold on
your mail service.
•Ask a neighbor to collect your mail so that it does not sit in your mailbox for extended periods
in which you are away from home. This can also draw attention to burglars who will
realize that no one is home.
•A credit alert filed with the big three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
can help alert you of any suspicious credit activity.
•Lock it: Most hardware stores sell inexpensive kits for mailboxes which can prevent or deter
thieves.
Most importantly report any suspicious behavior or activity at once. The members’ of the
community are our best resource for preventing crime. Keep an eye out for each other.
311 Service
3-1-1 is an easy to remember, citywide toll-free number that provides immediate access to information and more than 1,500 non-emergency city services. Calls are answered from 7 am to 10 pm everyday by 3-1-1 agents who are trained to provide information or refer calls for service to the correct City agency the first time. In order to provide world class customer service, 3-1-1 service is available:
• In English
• In Spanish
• To the hearing or speech impaired
• In more than 150 other languages through the use of language translation services
3-1-1 agents provide accurate information for service requests such as:
• City Services: Garbage Collection, Non-Emergency Police & Fire, Business Permits,
Street Maintenance, etc.
• City of Los Angeles Office Locations
• City Phone Numbers
• Public Meeting Schedules e.g. Council, Committees, Neighborhood Council Meetings,
etc.
• Citywide Events
• General Information for the City of Los Angeles
Sign up with NIXLE.COM for community crime alerts and information from Foothill Area that is text directly to your cell phone.
Crime Update:
Good news beginning February 2013! We are down 60% from last year at this time. That means we had 34 fewer victims of crime. Let’s all stay on this roll and remain vigilant in taking the necessary precautions for not only ourselves and our families, but also for our neighbors in preventing crime and becoming another victim. If you see something, say something! Remember to generate a radio call for police service when you see suspicious activity. If it doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t. Also, be sure to practice common sense principles; don’t leave any items in your vehicles (at least in plain sight). Burglary/Theft from our motor vehicles, for our basic car area, has had the largest number of victims to date. It will be difficult, but not impossible to improve on our Divisional safety goals for this year. With the partnership that we continue to nourish, nothing is impossible!
Remember: Lock-it, Hide-it, Keep-it.
•Protect Yourself… Women should carry their purses close to their body and men should keep their wallets in their front pocket or in a coat pocket to deter pickpockets. Also, shop in groups if possible and watch for loiterers near and around your vehicle.
*Dress for Success….Dress casually, comfortably, in layers, and expect cold weather. Stay hydrated and well nourished. Also consider leaving small children at home with a trusted family member or babysitter
*While shopping, maintain control of your packages and purses at all times. Try to avoid setting them down while browsing, or eating in the food court. It would be easy to grab and run with your property without your knowledge.
*Try carrying only one credit card with you at any time, so if a misfortune occurs by theft or loss, you won’t have to worry and hassle with canceling so many credit cards as well as the worry of identity theft gone rampant.
*If you see or hear something suspicious, STOP! Ask security or store personnel to escort you to your vehicle;
*Park and be Safe… Anticipate minimal parking availability. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. When returning to your car, stop, listen, and look around. Stay alert to your surroundings and have your car keys readily available before you get to your vehicle.
•Obey The Laws… Drive the speed limit, stop at stop signs and don’t park in handicap spots. Be mindful of pedestrians, especially children. Don’t walk in the middle of traffic lanes or jaywalk.
•Buckle Up for Safety… and please be very patient! Low-speed collisions cause injuries too! Please refrain
*Here is the toughest one of all . . . try to stay within your means. It is tough when you have a giving heart, but remember those bills start rolling in soon enough!
And please, don’t forget to sign up with NIXLE.COM for community crime alerts and information from Foothill Division that is text messaged to your cell phone. This is a great way of staying informed with information that comes from your police station. You will have up-to-date information and be well informed of what is going on in the community.
Acting Senior Lead Officer Tim Walia (SLO 81)
(818) 634-0854
E-mail: 34024@lapd.lacity.org
CURRENT CRIME TRENDS
Basic Car 16A81 boarder is, Saticoy north to the 5 Freeway and the 170 Freeway east to the border of Burbank.
Overall, crime is still down but we cannot rest on our laurels, look out for you neighbors, be vigilant, and aware of your surroundings.
************* I ask that all of you sign up with NIXLE.COM for community crime alerts and information from Foothill Division that is text messaged to your cell phone. This is a great way of staying informed with information that comes from your police station. **************
CRIME TIPS
Remember to lock your doors and windows.
The message is simple:
•Lock It: Lock your vehicle every time you leave it unattended and take your valuables with you.
•Hide It: Hide your valuables in your trunk, under the seats, in the glove box, or other compartments within the vehicle. Ideally, take your property with you.
•Keep It: Personal responsibility is the best prevention to safeguard personal property and to prevent becoming a victim.
EMERGENCY KIT
It’s a new year remember to update your emergency kit. Check your food, water, batteries, and medications are fresh (not expired). Make sure your stored items, clothes still fit and all your documents and credit cards are up to date. If you have any rechargeable batteries in your stored items, it’s time to recharge them. REMEMBER, HAVE A PLAIN IN PLACE AND AN EMERGENCY KIT CLOSE BY WILL HELP COMFORT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING A STRESSFUL TIME.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
Just a reminder, texting and talking on cell phones is illegal. The use of cell phones, however convenient when driving, is a hazard. It distracts from the proper operation of a motor vehicle. The use of cell phones has been the cause of numerous accidents in the city of Los Angele, so if you take the chance and talk on your cell phone expect to receive a friendly reminder in the form of a citation.
valley bureau 
