CAPTAIN'S MESSAGE
This month during National Police Memorial Week (May 11-17, 2008), the nation commemorates police officers killed in the line of duty. Special ceremonies are held in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Washington, D.C., and flags on all government buildings will be flying at half-staff on May 15 (National Peace Officers Memorial Day.) This year, three Newton Area sworn personnel, Sergeant Gil Curtis, Senior Lead Officer Dan Reedy and Police Officer III George Lopez will be participating in a 300-mile memorial bike ride to raise funds for the families of fallen officers. We thank them for their extraordinary efforts and wish them a safe and speedy journey.
Among those remembered during this special week will be our own Newton Area Officer Ricardo Lizarraga, who was killed on February 20, 2004. Two locations here in the Newton community, Ricardo Lizarraga Elementary School, a public school named in his honor, as well as "Lizarraga Square," located at the intersection of 34th Street and Central Avenue, celebrate his memory every day; however this week, these sites will hold a special significance.
Mark your calendars for Newton Area's annual "Golf for Kids" Benefit Tournament on Friday,
May 23, 2008 at the Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena. This event raises monies for the Explorer and after school sports programs Newton Area provides to local youngsters. Why not join in for a round of golf, a palate-pleasing banquet and great prizes? More information and reservations are available through the Newton Area Community Relations Office (CRO), at 323-846-3937. Hope to see you there!
DENIS J. CREMINS, Captain Commanding Officer Newton Community Police Station
13A9
Senior Lead Officer Mark Hyland
Cell Telephone No. 323 572-3462
24603@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Update
Since March, theft of copper wire from streetlights has been on the rise. As a result, several streets have no lighting at night. If you observe anyone pulling wire from a City light, please call 9-1-1. If you currently live on a street in which the overhead lights are not working, call 3-1-1 so a City street lighting crew can conduct repair work. A lighted street helps to reduce traffic collisions, robberies and property crimes.
Attention: There has been a recent rise in GTAs and BFMVs in the area of Hooper Avenue and 14th Street. Lock your vehicle and don't leave valuables in plain view. If you see any suspicious activity around any vehicle, please call the police and don't delay in reporting the crime.
Los Angeles Police-Celebrity Golf Tournament
The 37th Annual Los Angeles Police-Celebrity Golf Tournament is scheduled for Saturday,
May 17, 2008. The Police Memorial Foundation annually provides more than $600,000 to LAPD employees and their immediate families experiencing catastrophic circumstances including death, illness and injury. If you are interested in being a tournament sponsor, please give the Police Memorial Foundation a call at 213-847-4239 or www.lapmf.org
Quality of Life Issues
Are you having a problem with dirty alleys, trash, and debris on streets and dirty vacant lots in your neighborhood? The Bureau of Street Maintenance will respond to your request if you call 213-485-5661. A clean neighborhood will keep away many of the nuisances that often lead to other crimes if not addressed immediately. If you do not receive a timely response, please call me at 323-572-3462 and I will submit your request to the Council Office.
13A13
Senior Lead Officer Steve Carrillo
Cell Telephone No. 323 572-3463
25396@lapd.lacity.org
The boundaries for Basic Car 13A13 are from Adams Boulevard to the south, Central Avenue to the east, 110 Freeway to the west, and to the north is Washington Boulevard, up Maple Avenue to 9th Street. My area is mostly a commercial district with some residential areas. The area has seven different schools and shares a portion of the Fashion District with Central Area. This community is also home to the largest furniture and décor district on the West Coast.
Area Crime & Crime Prevention
Last month, there was a slight increase in burglaries in the north end of Basic Car 13A13. Most of the burglaries have been during day watch hours. Suspects are probably juveniles not attending school. Please take extra precautions to better secure your residences. Newton Area is conducting several Truancy Task Forces in the areas experiencing a rise in property crimes.
Transients continue their activity in the Fashion District area. It is common knowledge that this type of activity brings with it narcotics and prostitution. Newton officers are taking steps to address these issues.
During this period, GTAs were down in the Fashion District area. Most of these incidents occurred during business hours. Please follow these few simple crime prevention tips and don't become a victim:
Don't leave any items that you would consider valuable in plain sight when leaving your vehicle unattended. Even empty boxes can appear to contain something of value.
Park in well-lit and well-populated areas.
The obvious, always lock your doors, even if just for a few minutes.
If able conduct periodic checks of your vehicle. Suspects check the minutes on the meters and know when you are returning.
Park in secured parking lots, not the street.
Talk with security in yellow shirts on bikes. They are your friends and willing to help you.
Gang Activity
The Primera Flats gang continues to intimidate residents in the Trinity Park area. Please use caution whenever you're around Trinity Park. Newton Area is maintaining high visibility/patrol in the area and will continue with its aggressive enforcement.
Please do your part --- get involved with your Neighborhood Council or block club and stay informed.
Quality of Life
Senior Lead Officers continue to work with the Bureau of Street Services every week on many area clean ups and graffiti removal. If you are aware of any locations you would like to see addressed, please contact me by cell phone or email.
Traffic Problems
Speed always seems to be an issue, especially in our residential areas. Buckle up and use caution!
Neighborhood / Business Watch Groups
Newton Area 13A13 now has three Neighborhood Watch Groups, three Business Watch Groups, and one School/Business Watch Block Club. A new Trinity Park Block Club that meets once a month has just started, thanks to the assistance of Ricardo Mendoza from Councilwoman Jan Perry's Office. The meetings are usually the first Wednesday of each month. Please contact Trinity Park or the Ninth Council District Office for further information.
13A27
Senior Lead Officer Rick Madrigal
Cell Telephone No. 323 572-3464
24276@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends
During April, there was a small increase in street robberies along Central Avenue. Most of the victims were females, waiting at the bus stop. Remember to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
Recreation and Parks
There are no community events scheduled in the parks during May.
13A41
Senior Lead Officer Jerry Ballesteros
Cell Telephone No. 323 572-3465
25775@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends
The area of 42nd Street and Broadway has recently become a problem area due to narcotics activity and drinking in public. I am currently working with the Narcotics Enforcement Detail in Newton Area in an effort to rid the area of drug sellers and users. This area is also becoming a social area for the local drunks to loiter. Please notify me if you see any specific activity whether it relates to narcotics or drinking in public. I know many members of the community use this mall and I am working to make it a safer and cleaner area to visit. In July, this location was the scene of a double homicide. Again please be aware of your surroundings while at this location.
The area in front of the West Vernon Elementary School has become a traffic problem that needs to be addressed. Students' parents, who are dropping off and later picking up their children, are causing traffic problems at the location. Please be aware that Newton officers will be working with Central Traffic Division to combat this issue. One of the main problems is that parents are dropping off students in the street, causing students to dodge between vehicles to reach the front gate of the school. Officers will be issuing citations at the school for these violations. The school has also sent flyers to parents advising them of the problem. Newton Area would also like to address the problem of illegal vendors at/across from the school. Please tell your children not to purchase anything from the vendors.
I would also like to address the rising crime trend related to schoolchildren. In the past few months there has been an increase in the number of crimes committed upon our school age children. The targets of the criminals have been cell phones, Ipods, play station games and jewelry. Please advise your children to walk in groups and to be aware of their surroundings
at all times.
SARA Projects
The first of my SARA projects relates to the intersection of 36th Street and Maple Avenue. This intersection is adjacent to an elementary school. The problem consists of traffic violators failing to stop for the posted stop signs. These violations pose a safety issue with children walking to and from school, both in the morning and afternoon. I have notified Central Traffic Division to assist in citing violators for the above-mentioned violations.
The second SARA project is at 42nd Street and Broadway. This area is a strip mall with a liquor store across the street from the location. In the past few months, there has been an increase in the number of narcotics-related crimes and arrests. This area is also used as a gathering site to drink alcohol and loiter. I am utilizing the Newton Narcotics and Vice Units to reduce the number of narcotics and alcohol-related crimes occurring at the location.
Gang Activity
There has been an increase in the amount of violent gang activity between the 41st Street gang and the King Boulevard Stoners gang. This is an ongoing feud between the two that has recently flared up in the area of 43rd and Wall Streets. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times and do not visit any locations that gang members frequent.
13A43
Senior Lead Officer Antonio Diaz
Cell Telephone No. 323-572-3469
30037@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends
Basic Car Area 13A43 continues to experience problems with robberies on Central Avenue from 41st Street to Vernon Avenue. Please be a good witness and telephone the police if you see any suspicious activity in and around your residence. Dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency and dial 877-ASK-LAPD (275-5273) for non-emergency calls.
Community Events
A handy tool for identifying many events in your community may be located on the web by going to the web site for the Commission for Children, Youth and Families, at http://www.ccyf.org. A daily list of events, ranging from religious to health to recreation, can be found on this web site. The Commission may also be contacted at 213-978-1872.
Please remember that if any parents in Newton Area are looking for a great program for your children, check out the Explorer program. The Explorers meet on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, at 6:00 p.m. at Newton Station (3400 South Central Avenue.)
Although the Gang Symposium held on April 26, 2008, held at Santee High School, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. was a successful event, the community attendance was a bit disappointing. For any concerns regarding any Newton Community Police station events, please contact the Community Relations Office, 323-846-3938.
Gilbert Lindsay Recreational Center
429 East 42nd Place
Los Angeles, Ca 90011
323-233-0552
Recreation and Parks
South Park Recreation Center is offering a free "Basketball Clinic" through the "L.A. Kids Programs." All boys and girls, from ages 7 to 14, are encouraged to participate in the program, Monday through Friday, at 6:00p.m.
South Park also has a Pre-School program for boys and girls from ages 2 ½ to 5 years old. Please call 213 847-6746 for more information.
Please join the South Park Recreation Center Teen Club. The Teen Club room is available on Tuesday to Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The South Park Recreation Center is also providing "English as a Second Language" classes Monday and Wednesday, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
I will continue to hold my South Park Neighborhood Watch meetings at the park gymnasium every second Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m..
El parque de South Park tambien tiene classes para apprender hablar engles. Si quieren mas informacion diregen todas preguntas a oficina de parque 213-847-6746.
South Park Recreation Center
345 East 51st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90011
213 847-6746
Junipero Serra Library
The library has several computers available for use for you and your children. The computers are a great source for research papers or just to discover what is happening around the world. Please call 323 846-5382 for more information.
Schools
I will be providing assistance with a Neighborhood Watch meeting every second Thursday of the month at the 49th Street School
49th Street School
750 East 49th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Amino Ralph Bunche Charter High School
104 West 47th Place
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Crime Trends
The area of 45th Street and Broadway has recently had an increase in vandalism, burglaries from motor vehicles and residential burglaries. Please remember to lock your doors and windows. I am currently working with local community members and burglary detectives to reduce this problem. I have contacted several community members in this area who are interested in organizing a Neighborhood Watch. If you are also interested, please call me at 323 572-3467.
Quality of Life
Crime prevention is the duty of every citizen. Also serving as a good witness is very important in fighting crime. You are the additional eyes and ears for the Department, our officers and detectives. You may call officers and detectives and still keep your identity secure. As part of this community, you are an important component in helping us keep our streets safe.
Project Childsafe
Free gunlocks are now available. If you are interested in obtaining one, please contact Sergeant Curtis, Newton Community Relations Office, at 323-846-3937, to make an appointment to pick it up. You must be 21 years of age and sign a legal waiver to obtain your gunlock.
Pet spay and neutering clinics are held monthly at All Peoples' Christian Center. Please call for an appointment and become responsible pet owners, 1-888-452-7381. When you spay or neuter your pets, you will also receive free vaccinations.
13A75
Senior Lead Officer Frank Contreras
Cell Telephone No. 323 572-3470
31214@lapd.lacity.org
Community Safety
Illegal vendors in the area of the Alameda Swapmeet are blocking the sidewalk and selling food items not meeting Los Angeles County Health Department standards. By purchasing food from these vendors, you are putting yourself and your children at risk. These same vendors are located near the schools your children attend. Please raise your voice to your school administrator, expressing concern for your children's safety and the impact these vendors have on the flow of traffic in your area.
I am making a concerted effort to remove these vendors from the Alameda Swapmeet and your local schools. Also, please forward your concerns to the Ninth Council Office. In addition to the illegal vendors, the criminal element is out there searching for victims with large amounts of cash in their possession. Don't do business with illegal vendors and be on the lookout for robbers.
Crime Trends
We are currently seeing a major conflict between two rival gangs in Newton Area, 38th Street and Pueblo Bishop gangs. Their feud is jeopardizing the safety of every community member. It is crucial that you report any type of gang activity. We must rid our streets of these urban terrorists and ensure your safety and peace of mind.
There has been a greater increase in "BMS" tagging in the area of 52nd and Latham Streets. The majority of the vandalism is committed by neighborhood young people who do not claim membership in the gang. Parents are reminded to monitor their children.
38th Street gang members are frequently gathering at Fred Roberts Park, located at 48th Street and Honduras Avenue. Please do not contact these gang members as they are violent and have no sense of value for life. Please call the police, who will remove them from the park. The police will not contact the person calling.
Abandoned Vehicles
Sleeping inside abandoned vehicles is illegal and a safety concern for community members. Please report any abandoned vehicles in your neighborhood and anyone sleeping in a vehicle to your Senior Lead Officer.
Citizens are encouraged to telephone police and report any abandoned vehicles, or vehicles that appear to be stolen. The vehicle will be impounded without contacting the person reporting the vehicle.
Recreation and Parks Activities
Fred Roberts Park
Director Art Minchaca
4700 Honduras Street
Los Angeles, CA 90011
323-234-8650
Slauson Recreation Center
Director Greg Glenn
5300 South Compton Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90011
323-231-1174
Slauson Recreation Center is reseeding the field. Please refrain from using the field until the process is complete. David Olivera, the park director, is requesting everyone's co-operation during this reseeding time.
13A85
Senior Lead Officer Dave Hoskins
Cell Telephone No. 323 572-3468
33396@lapd.lacity.org
For graffiti-related problems in your area, please contact Operations Clean Sweep
at 800-611-2489 or 213-485-6651, or on-line at http://www.lacity.org/bpw/ocs/grsr.htm
To contact Senior Lead Officer Hoskins, call 323-572-3468.
General Safety Tips
Make sure your streets and homes are well lit. Report any broken streetlights to the Bureau of Street Lighting, at 213-847-6389.
Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed deadbolt lock. Key-in-the-knob locks alone are not enough.
If you travel, create the illusion that you are at home by getting timers that will turn lights on and off in different areas of your house throughout the evening. Lights burning 24-hours a day, signal an empty house.
Terrorism affects us all. Still, it pays to prepare. Let common sense guide you --- not fear.
Your safety may depend on it. You can:
Learn about terrorism
Be alert to suspicious situations
Be prepared in case of an attack.
For Your Children
Teach your children to stay in touch. Make it a house rule for your children to check in with a parent or guardian immediately when they get home from school or other activities.
Make sure your children know how to contact you at work.
Make sure your children know the address where they live, including nearby cross streets and landmarks.
Be sure your children know their home telephone number, including area code.
Explain 9-1-1. Talk to your children about how 9-1-1 works and when calling is appropriate.
Newton Ladies
Be Aware…Don't Be Victimized By Fear.
Between 1973 and 1987, (14 years), over 2.3 million women reported sexual assaults in the United States. 71% of those victims avoided being raped by taking self-defense measures. (United States Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Statistics).
Develop Your Options.
In 1968, rape victims took self-defense measures in 86.7% of the cases. "Rape victims were more likely to defend themselves than assault or robbery victims." (Criminal Victimization in the United States, 1988).
Newton Area is experiencing an increase in property crimes in the community. It is extremely important that you lock your house and vehicles and remove all items that are visible in your vehicle. If you do not own a "club" (steering wheel locking devise), I advise you to invest in one. It might just prevent your vehicle from being stolen. There has been an increase in stolen vehicles in your community. Also, if you or your children have I-Pods or DVD players, we suggest you leave them at home while shopping or riding public transportation. If it is necessary for you to have your cell phone with you, keep it concealed.
13A93
Senior Lead Officer Dan Reedy
Cell Phone No. 323-572-3466
26075@lapd.lacity.org
The boundaries for Basic Car 13A93 are from Slauson Avenue to the north, Florence Avenue to the south, Grand Avenue to the west, Central Avenue to the east. My area is one-half commercial and one-half residential. 13A93 has one elementary school and one middle school within its borders.
Area Crime and Crime Prevention Don't be a victim! Please be alert and follow these few simple crime prevention tips.
Don't leave any items that you would consider valuable in plain sight when leaving your vehicle unattended. Even empty boxes can appear to contain something of value.
Park in well-lit and well-populated areas.
The obvious, always lock your doors, even if just for a few minutes.
If able conduct periodic checks of your vehicle. Suspects check the minutes on the meters and know when you are returning. Surprise them with periodic checks.
Park in secured parking lots, not the street.
Talk with security in yellow shirts on bikes, they are your friends and are there to help you.
Gang Activity
Florencia (F-13) and East Coast Crips (59, 62, 66, 68, 69 ECC) gangs seem to be Newton Area's most active, south of Slauson Avenue. The Newton Gang Impact Team (GIT) is doing a great job of dealing with the violent crime that brings fear into the community. GIT officers understand the community's concerns and do a great job of handling all the feuds and alliances, which come from neighboring rival gangs. It is this expertise that is keeping violent crime down in the area. Newton Area will continue its aggressive enforcement.
Quality of Life
Transients are a frequent concern to Newton businesses and residents. Senior Lead Officers continue to work with the Bureau of Street Services on many area (alley) clean ups. If you are aware of any locations that you would like to see addressed, please contact me by cell phone or email.
Traffic Problems
The problem intersection is Slauson Avenue at Broadway. While picking up or dropping off your child at school, please don't double park; follow the rules of the road. You must exercise extreme caution when bringing and picking up your children at school. Newton Area officers are watching. Buckle up and use caution!
Neighborhood / Business Watch Groups
I currently have two Neighborhood Watch and one School Watch Block Club in my area. A new block club is just starting up. If you would like to make a difference in your neighborhood, join one of my current block clubs or contact me to start your own. You can contact me by cell phone or email.
Upcoming Events
The Newton Area Community-Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) will meet on May 8, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.. The meeting will be held at Newton Station Community Room.
The Business Improvement District (BID) has scheduled its monthly meeting on May 9, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., at 655 East Florence Avenue. If you are a property/business owner in the area of the "Goodyear Tract," please come to the meeting to discuss quality of life issues.
Community information
There is a new Adult Literacy Center at Junipero Serra Library, located at 4607 South Main Street. The Center offers tutoring for adults (18 years or older), who wish to improve their English reading and writing skills (this is not an ESL class).
The program is student-goal driven. Although the program is FREE, students must make a minimum time commitment to meet with their tutors weekly for six months. There is a great demand (many students) for these services.
A Tutor Training Workshop is offered once a month, on Saturdays, in different libraries around Los Angeles. Prospective tutors must attend one workshop before they are assigned a student. Visitors are welcome. Please stop by. If you have any questions, please contact
Amy Hanrahan, at 323-234-1685 or 213-623-4078, Ext.10790
Reserve Police Officer
Coordinator - Officer Ken Aragon
323 846-3937
Start the process by attending an orientation held on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Personnel Department, 700 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. If you are interested, please contact Officer Aragon at the Newton Area Community Relations Office.
Explorer Program
Coordinators - Police Officers Dan Chau and Olga Lowe
323 846-3937
Youngsters (ages 14-21) with a desire to help the community, who maintain a 2.0 GPA, and want to learn to become future police officers are encouraged to join the LAPD Newton Explorer Program. Meetings are held every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Newton Area Community Room.
Important Numbers to Remember
Newton Front Desk 323 846-6547
Newton Detectives 322 846-5363
Narcotics Hotline 800 662-2878
Newton Gangs 323 846-6566
Newton Community Relations 323 846-3937
Graffiti Hotline 800 611-2489
City Information 311
LAPD non emergencies 877 ASK-LAPD (275-5273)
Trinity Park 213 485-4195
Councilwoman Jan Perry's Office 323 846-2651
3-1-1 is a Citywide toll free number for information and non-emergency services. The number provides immediate access to information and more than 1,500 City non-emergency services. Calls are answered 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by 3-1-1 agents who are trained to provide information or refer calls for service to the correct City agency.
Volunteer Program
Newton Area currently has openings for interested business people who may wish to help with an array of tasks here at the police station. Some of the identified duties include helping Area detectives, assisting with Area youth programs and promoting community unity to support the local police. If you are interested in joining our ranks, please contact Officers Aragon or
Talamentez, at 323 846-3937.
Graffiti and Illegal Dumping
The City has increased the graffiti and illegal dumping reward from $500 to $1,000 for anyone notifying police about vandalism suspects. Call Montes at 213-305-6131 for graffiti removal.
Bulky Item Pick-up
The Bureau of Sanitation will pick-up your bulky items on trash collection day. But first, call the center at 1-800-773-2489, Monday through Saturday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.
Schools
Please do not patronize illegal vendors outside of schools. Such activity causes traffic congestion.
Monthly meetings
Clergy meeting - 2nd Thursday of every month, Newton Station 9:00 AM
Knights & Ladies - 2nd Thursday of every month, Newton Station 7:00 PM
CPAB - 1st Thursday of every month – Newton Station 6:00 PM
Explorers - Every Tuesday, Newton Station 6:00 PM
Hispanic Outreach
This is program that is designed to bring about awareness of the availability of City services that are free to the community. This group meets quarterly, for information, call Elizabeth Guevara, at 213 748-0329.
newton community police station 
