Greeting from Foothill Area! As the summer months continue, I would like to ask all of you to continue to partner with us. Historically, we see certain crimes rise as the weather heats up. If you will continue attending community meetings, reporting suspicious activity, etc., I assure you that we will do our part. And I must say, I am extremely proud of all of our personnel. Teamwork has been the key to this keeping our crime stats low. Our officers, detectives, volunteers and community members continue to work together to make this possible. I am extremely proud of our officers. I want to take this opportunity to assure you that we at Foothill will continue to work diligently to keep crime low and keep our community a safe place in which to live, work or visit.
Senior Lead Officer Jon Walker (SLO37)
Pacoima
Office 818-756-8866
Cell 818-634-0652
During the month of July, there has been a down turn in crime which has been a direct result of the large number of arrests made by Foothill Officers during this period. GTA and Burglary from Motor Vehicle still are the top crime in the area. You can reduce this by parking vehicles off the street when possible during hours of darkness and not leaving valuable items inside your vehicle in plain sight.
The “Summer Night” Lights program is off to a successful start at Humphrey Park.
The Park will remain open Wednesday through Saturday nights until midnight with the pool remaining open until 10 PM. The program will run for 10 weeks ending after the Labor Day weekend. The staff has a full list of activities and leagues running throughout the program including basketball, hip hop dance, skateboarding and more. There is a charter bus provided to pick up and drop kids off throughout the Pacoima area. Humphrey Park was the only park in the entire Valley to implement this experimental program. The decrease in juvenile crime in the area so far has declined considerably, as direct result of this program.
As always, I continued to concentrate on “Quality of Life” issues such as graffiti, illegal dumping and abandoned vehicles. I have been working closely with Pacoima graffiti busters, the Sanitation Department, Street Maintenance and Councilman Alarcon’s Field Deputies. I have also been working on taking illegally parked commercial vehicles off the streets by placing 72- hour parking warning notices. If the vehicles are not removed within that time, they are impounded. This has proven thus far to be very effective.
Basic Car 16A53 (Pacoima)
Senior Lead Officer Adriana Munguia
Cell Phone 818-634-0685
Hello everyone. I am the new Senior Lead Officer for Pacoima. As you might have heard, Officer Julian Almaraz was promoted and now works Van Nuys area. I am currently working towards meeting everyone and getting to know the area and the issues in it. Now, a little bit about my background. I have been with the Los Angeles Police Department for 18 years and worked various assignments and divisions. I am fluent in Spanish which enables me to communicate with most people in the Pacoima area. I am looking forward to working together and helping each other in making our community safer and improving the quality of life for this area. Thank you for the opportunity.
EN ESPANOL
Saludos a todos. Yo soy la nueva Official encargada de la area de Pacoima. Como unos de ustedes ya saben, Official Almaraz ascendio de grado y ahora trabaja en la area de Van Nuys. Mi prioridad es conocer a todos ustedes, el area y sus problemas. Un poco de informacion personal sobre mi, tengo 18 anos con el Departamento de Policia y he trabajado en varias especialidades y estaciones del departamento. Hablo Ingles / Espanol y estoy contenta de servirles y poder ayudar en hacer la area de Pacoima un lugar mas placentero para vivir. Gracias por la oportunidad de servirles.
CRIME TRENDS
In the last month, we have had an increase of property crimes and Grand Theft Autos in the Pacoima area. The burglars target vehicles in areas that have poor lighting. Vehicles are still being left unlocked. Personal property is also being left in plain sight which is an invite to anyone passing by. Electronic equipment, bags, money, make-up, anything left in view will probably be taken. As a Community, help each other and do your part to prevent this type of crime from happening. Let’s not let this problem get out of control.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:
* Be alert of strangers in your neighborhood.
* If someone is “hanging around” in your block that does not belong, notify your neighbors.
* Report suspicious activity. Call the Foothill Desk and keep the SLO Officer (me) informed.
* Foothill Desk 818-756-8861.
* ALWAYS CALL 911 when observing unknown suspects breaking in to any vehicle or home.
FOR ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT FOOTHILL AREA AUTO OR BURGLARY DETECTIVES AT 818-834-3115.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NEWS
The San Fernando Gardens had their monthly meeting on July 24th. I had the opportunity to meet some of the community members and received good information. I also handed out prevention information that can be used by all. This partnership and open communication will help with keeping our area clean and crime free. The next meeting will be on August 28 at 5 pm located at 10982 Lehigh Ave. Please join us. It is a good way to find out what is going on in your area.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
Please remember safety around the SCHOOLS.
If there are any problem traffic areas that you would like to have patrolled, please call Valley Traffic at 818-756-9203.
USEFUL INFORMATION
A reminder about the 3-1-1 system. Any of the Los Angeles City services can be obtained from that phone number. Remember that the number can only be dialed from your home telephone. When you are finished ask for a confirmation number from the operator.
Please make note of the following numbers:
EMERGENCY…………………………………………………………………..9-1-1
DISPATCH…(non emergency)………………………………………………….3-1-1
FOOTHILL DESK…………………………………………………………..756-8861
VALLEY TRAFFIC MOTOR OFFICER…………………………………...756-9203
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
ABONDONED 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
Senior Lead Officer Larry Martinez (SLO65)
Lake View Terrace, Sunland and Shadow Hills
Office 818-756-886
Cell 818-634-0705
Hansen Dam Detail:
For the months of May and June 2008, LAPD Foothill Division has been doing extra enforcement every weekend in the Hansen Dam Park area. The enforcement was due to the numerous complaints from the community regarding large crowds, illegal drinking and narcotic use, illegal off-road vehicles and illegal vending. We used several resources to help to work the various issues at the park such as Valley Traffic Motorcycle Off-Road Detail, Foothill VICE, Foothill Senior Lead Officers, Foothill Gangs and Foothill Patrol. The extra enforcement saw a dramatic change and made an impact in the park. Here are the statistics for the past two months:
MAY 2008 JUNE 2008
Citations......................................................22 25
Parking Citations.........................................32 76
Release from Custody Arrest (Misdemeanor Citation)..........26 60
Impounded Vehicles....................................5 12
Misdemeanor Arrests..................................35 88
Illegal Vending Arrest..................................13 23
Illegal Drinking Arrest..................................9 49
Mini-Motorcycles (Pocket Bikes):
Miniature motorcycles, known as pocket bikes, have become popular items this summer and many children are riding them illegally on city streets and sidewalks, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. Pocket bike riders who use them on streets and sidewalks put themselves in danger of serious injury or death.
Pocket bikes are sold at toy stores, automotive supply outlets and neighborhood shops. One company estimates it will sell 500,000 pocket bikes by the end of the year.
Pocket bikes can be ridden legally only on private property with the owner's consent, such as a racetrack. Currently, only one race facility in Southern California allows pocket bikes access to its track.
Pocket bikes are not permitted on streets or sidewalks because they do not meet California Department of Motor Vehicle requirements for registration. They do not have a 17-digit vehicle identification number, which indicates the manufacturers intend them for use off public streets. In addition, they do not conform to DMV safety provisions requiring equipment such as lights, reflectors, approved tires, horn, mirrors and brakes on both tires.
41.27 (c) L.A.M.C. Drinking in Public:
No person shall drink any malt, spirituous or vinous liquor containing more than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume, upon any street, sidewalk or parkway, park, playground, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, or in any railroad depot or bus station, or in any public place, or in any place open to the patronage of the public, which premises are not licensed for the consumption of such liquor on the premises. This includes all City of Los Angeles public parks.
Loud Party 112.01 (b) LAMC:
It is not illegal to have a party at your residence. What makes it illegal is when you charge admission to get into the party, you allow minors to drink alcohol and/or the music or people are loud and causing a disturbance. The information below is one of the sections the LAPD can write a citation for in the music is loud and is disturbing others.
SEC. 112.01 RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, AND SIMILAR DEVICES.
(Amended by Ord. No. 156,363, Eff. 3/29/82.)
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person within any zone of the City to use or operate any radio, musical instrument, phonograph, television receiver, or other machine or device for the producing, reproducing or amplification of the human voice, music, or any other sound, in such a manner, as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighbor occupants or any reasonable person residing or working in the area.
(b) Any noise level caused by such use or operation which is audible to the human ear at a distance in excess of 150 feet from the property line of the noise source, within any residential zone of the City or within 500 feet thereof, shall be a violation of the provisions of this section.
(c) Any noise level caused by such use or operation which exceeds the ambient noise level on the premises of any other occupied property, or if a condominium, apartment house, duplex, or attached business, within any adjoining unit, by more than five (5) decibels shall be a violation of the provisions of this section.
Basic Car 16A71 (Arleta Area)
Senior Lead Officer Adriana Munguia
Cell Phone 818-634-0624
Hello everyone. The first thing I have to mention is that I will no longer be the SLO for Arleta. The Pacoima SLO, Officer Almaraz, was promoted to Sergeant and I will be taking his place. Arleta will once again get a new SLO (to be announced). I really enjoyed meeting everyone and appreciate the welcoming smiles. I will still be part of Foothill’s community and work towards the same goals of making it safe and beautiful. Please feel free to call or e-mail if there is a question or concern. I am here to help.
CRIME TRENDS
There have been a number of burglaries from motor vehicles and Grand Theft Autos, during night hours (6:00pm to 3:00am) in this area. The burglars target vehicles in dark, not well lit areas. The word has to be spread throughout the neighborhood that it is not safe to leave any type of articles, bags, electronic equipment or any item that would appeal to anyone passing by. This type of crime is considered a crime of opportunity. The community has to do their part to prevent this crime from happening. This continues to be our biggest problem in Arleta.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Be alert for strangers in your neighborhood.
If someone is hanging around in your block, notify your neighbors.
Report suspicious activity in your area. Call Foothill Desk immediately.
Foothill Desk 818-756-8861
ALWAYS CALL 911 when observing unknown suspects breaking in to any vehicle.
FOR ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT FOOTHILL AREA BURGLARY DETECTIVES AT 818-834-3115
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NEWS
The Arleta Looky Loos will meet again on September 9th, when the schools open. Please join us. It is a good way to find out what is going on in Arleta. We will meet at 9757 Beachy Avenue at 7 p.m. at Beachy Elementary school auditorium.
Please remember that by participating in the meetings, you are part of the solution and not part of the problem. Let’s get this area organized.
We just can’t complain about wanting change. Everyone needs to get involved to make the Arleta and W. Pacoima area a great place for all of us to live and work, most importantly, to raise our children. Businesses and residents alike need to be involved in the process. If you want to be a part of this goal and make a positive change in your community, give me a call and we will set up a Neighborhood Watch group for your area or get you involved in business watch.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
Please remember safety around the SCHOOLS.
If there are any problem traffic areas that you would like to have patrolled, please call Valley Traffic at 818-756-9203.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Once again, just a reminder about the 3-1-1 system. I continue to get success stories about the ease of using this new system. Any of the Los Angeles City services can be obtained from that phone number. Remember that the number can only be dialed from your home telephone. When you are finished ask for a confirmation number from the operator.
Last, but not lease, I have some useful phone numbers for everyone. Please make note of the following:
EMERGENCY……….………………………………………….9-1-1
DISPATCH…(non emergency)…………………………………3-1-1
FOOTHILL FRONT DESK…………………………………756-8861
VALLEY TRAFFIC MOTOR OFFICER ……………….….756-9203
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
Basic Car 16A89 (Tujunga Area)
Senior Lead Officer Richard Wall
Cell Phone 818-634-0754
CRIME TRENDS
Our largest crime concern is still vehicle thefts, burglaries, and burglaries from motor vehicles. I can’t express enough, how important it is for everyone to keep their homes and cars secure. As I continue reviewing the crime reports there has been one reoccurring factor. Most of the burglars have been able to walk into an unlocked door or get into an unlocked window. It’s imperative that all of us help each other. This is an old trick to see if some one is home. If you see someone hanging around the neighborhood that you know doesn’t live there please call the non-emergency number for the Police Department 818-734-2223. If you see a crime in progress then please call 9-1-1. Please lock all your doors and windows when you leave or go to sleep at night. Remember to lock the doors on your vehicles as well.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NEWS
Tuesday August 5th is National Night out against crime. The Tujunga area is gathering at Commerce and Valmont at 6 PM. There will be a street lighting ceremony with Wendy Greuel at 8 p.m. to turn on the new street lights. Come and show your support.
We are still meeting every third Tuesday for the Tujunga neighborhood watch at 7747 Foothill blvd, meet at 7 pm in the same bldg as Wendy Greuel’s office. Park in the back next to the park. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday August 19th at 7pm. I will be on vacation but Senior Lead Officer Martinez will be there. I would like to have a business watch in all of the commercial areas. If you are interested please contact me and we can take care of some issues. This issue is a double edge sword. The first part is that, obviously by lack of participation, the local business owners feel that they are in a nice crime free neighborhood. The second part of the issue is that we can make things better if we would have had participation. Please contact me if you would like change in your neighborhood and would like to start up a business watch group.
We just can’t complain about wanting change. Everyone needs to get involved to make the Arleta area a great place for all of us to live and work. Most importantly, to raise our children. Businesses and residents alike need to be involved in the process. If you want to be a part of this goal and make a positive change in your community, give me a ring and we will set up a Neighborhood Watch group for your area or get you involved in business watch. Please make a note of my new cell phone number above.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
Please remember to slow down. School is in and children are on the street. Valley Traffic Division will be enforcing traffic laws in the Foothill Area. I too will be monitoring and enforcing the law within the Tujunga area. Please help yourself avoid the potential financial strain of a citation. Slow down. Give yourself enough time to get where you’re going. Please remember to pick a designated driver prior to attending a party or barbecue. It would be a shame to have to watch one of our young citizens become injured in a senseless act of drunk driving.
If there are any problem traffic areas that you would like to have patrolled, please call Valley Traffic at 818-756-9203.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Once again, just a reminder about the 3-1-1 system. I continue to get success stories about the ease of using this new system. Any of the Los Angeles City services can be obtained from that phone number. Remember that the number can only be dialed from your home telephone. When you are finished ask for a confirmation number from the operator.
Last but not lease I have some useful phone numbers for everyone. Please make note of the following:
EMERGENCY……….………………………………………….9-1-1
DISPATCH…(non emergency)…………………………………3-1-1
FOOTHILL PROBLEM SOLVING UNIT……………….…756-8866
FOOTHILL FRONT DESK…………………………………756-8861
VALLEY TRAFFIC MOTOR OFFICER ……………….….756-9203
CITY OF LOS ANGELES INFORMATION…(any city entity)..3-1-1
GRAFFITI REMOVAL…………………3-1-1…or.…...800-247-3395
FOOTHILL VICE……………………………………………834-3170
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
Senior Lead Officer Michelle Rodriguez (SLO97)
Sun Valley
Office 818-756-8866
Cell 818-634-0755
Crime Trends:
Sun Valley is still experiencing property crimes predominantly. Some of the property crimes we are experiencing, specifically, are catalytic converts and other copper piping/wiring, metal, etc. The areas affected by this are Sunland Boulevard from the Golden State Freeway to Glenoaks Boulevard and then north-bound on Glenoaks Boulevard through the industrial areas. Many metal, scrap yards and auto salvage businesses are being targeted. A new location, not usually hit with catalytic thefts, is Allegheny Street west of San Fernando Road as well as Telfair Avenue North and South of Allegheny Street. These crimes are occurring all hours of the day and night. Keep your eyes open to suspicious activity, be a good witness, call the police and be sure to have a report taken if you are a victim of crime.
When speaking of property crimes, remember to use common sense and good judgment. Don’t leave vehicles unattended with the keys in the ignition, even if only for a moment. Always lock your vehicle and put your property out of sight if you plan on leaving them in the car. Leaving your possessions inside your locked or unlocked vehicle might be the perfect opportunity that thieves need and that’s all it takes. Don’t make yourself an easy target for the opportunist or the career criminal. This same concept works the same for our homes. Get to know your neighbors. If you notice that they are making themselves vulnerable to being victimized, talk to them and help by educating them. When talking to our detectives, they are concerned about the amount of crimes that could be prevented if simple steps were taken to secure their belongings and their homes.
Businesses need to have a game plan for in the event they are robbed or burglarized. Never leave cash in your register after closing. That has been a problem in several businesses where the cash drawer was taken with cash inside. Remember; don’t make it easy for those who prey on others. Keep your businesses well lit, clean, a good audible alarm system and if necessary a camera system. If you become a victim of a crime, please report it.
We need to know where the crimes are occurring, and if you report it, we can put the necessary resources in your area. With the weather warming up, please secure your homes before leaving. As tempting as it may be to keep the breeze flowing through your house to have it nice and cool for when your return – remembering that by doing this gives the criminal the opportunity to burglarize your place.
Quality of Life Issues:
I would like to address some concerns commonly expressed to me relating to residential areas in which they live. Most of these concerns are those relating to “quality of life” issues in their community. Some of these “quality of life” issues can be addressed by City laws referred to in the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC). These ordinances contained in the Municipal Code are laws passed by elected officials of the city Council and are enforceable by the respective City agency.
Before having to use the Municipal Codes, let’s educate our neighbors and ourselves. Here are some of these laws to assist in governing what we can do, beginning in our own home:
*Parking in front yards – Beyond the front building line, no vehicle is permitted to park in any area except the driveway leading to a garage/carport; in a circular driveway with an ingress and egress on the same property; or a widened driveway for the purpose of parking an RV, motor home or boat trailer.
*Yard sale restrictions – Yard sales are permitted for the sale of USED items only. No new merchandise and a maximum of five 2-day events per year; and sale hours limited to 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
*Trash/debris or excessive vegetation – Properties must be maintained free of debris and overgrown vegetation. Sweep your property regularly; bring in your trash receptacles; keep your vegetation watered and maintained.
*Auto repair in residential zone – Minor emergency repairs must be completed within 24 hours. All other repairs should be done within a building or an area wholly enclosed from view by a wall of fence. Vehicles that are inoperative must be stored in the garage or in an area not viewable from the public street.
These are just a few of the laws that should govern our home and how we conduct our personal affairs. As you can see, most of these laws are those based on common courtesy not only to our neighbors, but as a whole, for the betterment of our entire community.
To reference the Los Angeles Municipal Code, visit your local Los Angeles Public Library or the City’s website at www.cityofla.org, and locate the “Vital City Documents” section of the “Council” pages.
Vehicle Safety:
Many traffic collisions are a direct response to not following the rules of the road. Here are some helpful and necessary tips for all of you drivers out there:
1. Do not engage other drivers. Avoid this, even if they have done something to make you angry or vice versa. Put as much distance between you and the other driver as possible and avoid making eye contact. Never pull off the roadway to confront another driver.
2. Change your attitude and approaches to driving. Avoid creating a competitive situation with another driver, even if they are at fault. It’s not worth it if the cost is your life.
3. Keep your anger in check. When someone is upset or under stress, sometimes all it takes is something trivial to set a person on a course to road rage. An example would be when it takes someone too long to move at a green light.
Learn to manage the stress in your life.
Try to avoid driving when you are angry.
Allow plenty of time to get where you are going.
Listen to traffic and weather reports to learn the delays.
Listen to soothing music while driving.
4. California’s basic speed law states that it is never legal to drive faster than is safe for present conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
5. It is never legal to cross two sets of double yellow lines.
6. If you see a school bus with its red lights flashing, you must stop your vehicle and not proceed until the lights stop flashing. If you ignore the flashing lights you will face a steep fine and will receive a two point count on your driving record.
7. The zero tolerance law states that any driver under the age of 21 who has any measurable amount of alcohol in their system will automatically lose their license for a year.
This last “juvenile” topic leads me to my next topic – Motor-driven cycles, commonly referred to as a “mini bike”. I’ll also discuss self-propelled, motorized scooters and motorized skateboards. A motor-driven cycle is any motorcycle with a motor. This does not include a motorized bicycle. A motor-driven cycle qualifies as a “vehicle” and is subject to licensing, registration, safety equipment, and insurance requirements when operated on a public street or highway.
A self-propelled scooter is categorized as a toy. It is defined as “any person who is afoot or who is using a means of conveyance propelled by a human power other than a bicycle”. Therefore, a self-propelled scooter is not a vehicle, and the operator should be regarded as a pedestrian. All pedestrian laws are enforceable in relation to an operator of a self-propelled scooter. These scooters shall not operate on a sidewalk with disregard for public safety.
A motorized scooter is defined as “any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and is powered by an electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.” The operator of a motorized scooter is not subject to laws relating to licensing, registration, license plates, or financial responsibility.
A motorized skateboard qualifies as a “vehicle” when it is operated on a highway. However, this is not an enforceable violation, per the City Attorney’s opinion.
As parents, we have the obligation to ensure that our younger children, teenagers, follow the laws and be cognoscente of those around us. Be aware of those riding horses, younger children playing in the area and vehicles driving through the area. As parents we need to “police” our youth with the negative consequences to follow if the rules are disobeyed. We need to know what our children are doing, where they are at and with whom they are hanging out. If they are causing disturbances within the neighborhood – take action yourself to correct the negative, potentially deadly behavior. With “being the parent,” hopefully police action will not be necessary.
The basic components of effective security are awareness, common sense and follow through. By raising our general level of awareness, we, the residents, can become the “eyes and ears” of our community and be on the lookout for occurrences, which indicate something might be out of place. By using common sense, we can determine whether the situation may be in need of greater scrutiny or oversight by persons or authorities in the know. And by following through, we can ensure that the proper authorities, whether law enforcement or otherwise, are contacted in a timely and efficient manner.
We all want our community to be a safe and secure environment in which to work, live and play. “It takes a community,” isn’t just a clever marketing piece, but a fact of life. Awareness, common sense and follow through. . . Let’s be safe out there and be good, considerate neighbors.
foothill community police station 
