December is here and I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season from all of us at Foothill Station. As a reminder, this is typically the season when criminal activity increases. While you are out doing your holiday shopping, please remember to take extra steps to prevent criminals from taking advantage of you. Keep holiday purchases locked in the trunk, not in plain sight. Keep an eye on your purses, wallets, and especially your credit cards. Help us to reduce crime by keeping you and your family safe and eliminating easy targets.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, we must remind everyone to celebrate the holidays safely and responsibly. While law enforcement, in partnership with the community, has made an impact on reducing random gunfire, the problem continues. We are once again asking the people of our community not to discharge a firearm into the air.
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season!
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
Senior Lead Officer Jon Walker (SLO 37)
818-634-0652
E-mail: 25680@lapd.lacity.org
During the month of December, burglary from motor vehicle and grand theft auto are still the number one crimes. Crime in Pacoima as a whole is down.
One of the major complaints from the month of November was excessive noise and public nuisance. The Foothill Area Vice Unit has been actively working both locations and complaints have drastically dropped off.
Also during this period, Foothill Senior Lead Officers, along with the County Health Department, conducted an illegal vender task force targeting mobile taco trucks in the area. We detained several in the area that were closed due to unsanitary conditions and health violations. Even though these trucks seem to be legitimate businesses, they cause numerous problems. These problems include but are not limited to food poisoning, traffic problems, trash dumping, excessive noise, blocking the sidewalks and cutting into established business revenue.
I have also noticed an upswing in businesses being run out of residences in my area. These businesses are impacting the neighborhood by parking their commercial vehicles in the streets, also their employees parking in the residential neighborhoods. I have met with City Prosecutor A.P. Diaz who has contacted Building and Safety. Together we will attempt address and minimize this problem.
Senior Lead Officer Adriana Munguia (SLO 53)
818-634-0685
E-mail: 30116@lapd.lacity.org
Hello everyone. Well the Holiday season is here and time for everyone to be extra careful. Unfortunately, these are desperate times for a lot of people and some have crossed over to committing crimes just to survive. Everyone has to be aware at all times of their surroundings and look out for one another. Talk to your neighbors and help each other out. You who live in the area have the power to make it a nice place to live.
On a good note, Foothill Station is having a Toy give-away for the community on December 16th at 6:00 pm. Please donate new toys and drop them off at the Community Relations Office if you can. Or, if you are in need for toys for your child/children, join us on the 16th to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Take care and be safe out there.
EN ESPANOL
Saludos a todos. Con las festividades ya aqui, es tiempo que todos se cuiden mas. Desafortunadamente, estos tiempos son muy duros para muchas personas. Y como a veces pasa, gente comete crimenes para poder sobrevivir. Tienen que estar mas alertos y cuidarse uno al otro. Hablen con sus vecinos y ayudense. Ustedes que viven aqui en esta communidad, tienen el poder de hacer la area un buen lugar para vivir y crezer a sus hijos.
La estasion de Foothill va a dar jugetes para la communidad el 16 de Diciembre a las 6:00pm. Si pueden, Por favor donen jugetes nuevos y llevenlos a la estacion de Policia de Foothill. Si ustedes necesitan juguetes para sus hijo/hijos, vengan ese dia a recibir y celebrar el espiritu de Navidad. Muchas gracias y cuidense.
CRIME TRENDS
We still have a problem with property crimes, especially burglary from motor vehicles. Second, we have grand theft autos. I know I sound like a broken record but personal property is still being left in plain sight. This is an invitation to anyone passing by to take it. Please hide electronic equipment, bags, money, make-up and any item worth anything including, loose change. Pass the word. As a Community, we need to help each other. Let’s not let this problem get out of control. Also, remember to lock your cars and park them in lighted or secured areas.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Be alert to strangers in your neighborhood.
If possible, obtain an alarm or lock for your car.
If someone is “hanging around” on 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
There are different locations for the community to attend a neighborhood watch meeting. Please make it a point to attend any of the following and do your part for your neighborhood.
The San Fernando Gardens Neighborhood Watch meeting is on December 18 at 5 p.m. at 10982 Lehigh Ave. They are also having a Toy Drive that same day at 4:00pm. The Haddon Neighborhood Watch meeting will be held on December 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Haddon Elementary, located at 10115 Haddon Ave. The Shelter Isle Estates Neighborhood Watch meeting and Toy Drive will be on December 19 at 6:30 p.m. at 10965 Glenoaks Blvd. The Hansen Hills Neighborhood Watch meeting will be on December 12 at 6:30 pm at the Community Center located at 11243 Glenoaks Blvd. 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. Watch for pedestrians when picking up or dropping off your child. Be respectful of other vehicles and follow the traffic laws.
If there are any problem traffic areas that you would like to have patrolled, please call Valley Traffic at 818-644-8142.
Senior Lead Officer Larry Martinez (SLO 65)
818-634-0705
E-mail: 31179@lapd.lacity.org
When you look back over this past year, we as a community have had to endure some very tough times. Our country is going through hard economic times and people are losing their jobs and retirement money. We had some pretty bad fires with people losing everything. As I have worked with everyone in the community this past year, I am very proud to say that we are a community that takes pride on improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods. I have a community member that wants to walk door to door and invite them to start a neighborhood watch group. I have another person who is trying to start a community security group that will patrol the streets at night. Thank you to everyone for their hard work and dedication this past year. I look forward to working with everyone in 2009.
HOLIDAY CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
The rush and good will that surround the holidays can increase the opportunities for criminal activity. The Los Angeles Police Department suggests these simple tips to assist you in having a safe and happy holiday season.
When shopping:
Be ALERT and AWARE of your surroundings. Pay attention to who is around you & what activities are happening. Don’t leave the safety of a building or your vehicle until you have ensured all is secure & safe. Trust your instincts; if you feel uncomfortable with a place or person(s), get away.
Park in a well lit area.
Remember to lock your vehicle!! Keep vehicle doors & windows locked while you are in it & especially when you are not! Use anti-theft steering wheel clubs or locks as well. A thief is looking for easy targets & anything you can do to deter them from choosing your car, the better. Females: Do not leave anything in your car that indicates you are the driver.
Minimize the number of valuables left in your vehicle and keep valuables, electronics (including cell phones and DVDs), gifts and other “theft attractors” out of sight.
Protect your purse or wallet and clean out any unnecessary items before leaving home. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or extra credit cards. Carry only those cards that you will need to use that day. Keep a master list of all cards so if your wallet is stolen, they can be reported promptly to the appropriate banking facility. Do not carry social security cards, passports or birth certificates.
Never leave your purse, wallet or cell phone unattended in a public place. Do not place these items in your shopping cart.
Don’t overburden yourself with packages while shopping. Ask the store to hold your packages until you are finished shopping.
Shop with a buddy – there is safety in numbers.
Role-play with children about what should happen in the event you are separated.
Have your keys out and ready when you return to your vehicle. Do not leave your car unattended with the motor running or with the keys in the ignition – even for the very short time needed to do a quick errand or pay for fuel.
Only make online purchases from trusted, secure websites. Look for “https” in the web address to verify security.
Do not take packages out to your car and continue shopping.
At Home:
Make sure all doors & windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.) and use them!
Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or that are activated by sensors.
Place gifts where they can’t be seen from the outside. Close curtains at night.
Avoid opening the door to strangers. Legitimate delivery people will be able to show identification.
Investigate charities before donating by calling the Secretary of State’s office or the charity’s main office.
Be sure to mail cards with money, checks or gift certificates from the Post Office or a blue US Postal Service collection box.
If traveling, use timers for lights and radios while you’re away. Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or Block Watch member to watch your home. Remember to make arrangements for mail and newspapers.
Keep all-important papers in a locked fire proof box.
Do not leave anything unsecured in yard or on your porch.
When Driving:
Recognize that the holidays can cause stress – keep emotions under control while driving. Give other drivers plenty of space and always leave yourself a route to avoid an accident.
If you attend parties where alcohol is served, remember to use a designated driver.
Prepare for winter driving conditions and equip your vehicle with cold weather emergency supplies. Minimize distractions such as talking on a cell phone.
Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue, especially when driving long distances. If you get tired, stop and rest until you’re able to drive with full attention.
Buckle up! That means passengers and kids, too!!
Be patient! Give yourself extra time for travel, especially in rain. Even in dry conditions, traffic during the holidays is heavier than normal and it will take longer than you expect to get around.
After the Holidays:
Photograph and record the serial numbers of new items and add them to your inventory.
Pay close attention to bills and report any unauthorized charges.
Place used boxes in the trash on the day your trash is picked up. Open boxes left outside advertise all the new items in your home. Cut down the empty boxes and put them in the recycle bin.
Senior Lead Officer Luis Aguilar (SLO 71)
818-634-0624
E-mail: 35882@lapd.lacity.org
Happy Holidays Arleta! The most wonderful time of year is upon us. Great moments shared with family and friends make for great memories. This time of year also brings out the worst in some people. The criminal-minded use this time of year to take advantage of us hard working folks and at times even those that generally would not commit a crime do so out of desperation and necessity. BE AWARE of your surroundings in the coming weeks, especially after shopping. Watch for vehicles that may appear to be following you home. Park in well lit areas and have your vehicle keys ready and in your hand when you approach your car. Walk in an assertive and vigilant manner, with your head up and AWARE of your surroundings. Look inside your vehicle, particularly the back seat area prior to getting into it. Be safe Arleta!
Arleta, we are fast approaching our split from Foothill Division. Remember that beginning January 4, 2009, all of you who live west of the 5 Freeway will receive police service from our Mission Area officers. Those to the east of the 5 Freeway will continue to receive police service from Foothill Area. The telephone number for Mission Area is (818) 838-9800. I will be transitioning along with you to Mission Area and therefore my telephone number will change. I will provide that number to you once I am made aware of it.
We have been experiencing calls in our office from many of you who want to report a crime in progress. Please call 911 if there is an emergency or 877-275-5273 for non-emergencies if you need police service. Time is valuable during these times and we may not be available or may be unable to respond to your request at that time.
Please feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions or concerns at any time and I will get back to you as soon as I possibly can. I am here to help.
CRIME TRENDS
Burglaries from motor vehicles (car break-ins), Grand Theft Autos and residential burglaries continue to be the thorn in our side. They seem to be occurring during all hours of the day and night. We need to be extra watchful during night hours (6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.). Our residential burglaries are occurring during daytime hours, when you are assumed not to be home. Be on the lookout for teenagers with backpacks during hours in which they should be in school. If it looks suspicious, call 877-275-5273 to get a patrol car dispatched to the area. That is our non-emergency dispatch number.
Remember, car break-ins are usually crimes of opportunity and if we make it easy for criminals by leaving valuables inside cars, they will surely make a victim of someone. Please lock and secure your vehicles whenever you leave them unattended. We are trying very hard to do our part, however, the community (all of you) has to do its part to prevent these crimes from happening. Prevention is the best tool.
Secure your homes whenever you go out, by locking all doors and windows. Use window locks and wooden dowels along the window rail so that they can’t be opened from the outside. Use locks on all exterior gates. Talk to your neighbors and exchange phone numbers so you can look out for one another. Start neighborhood watch programs in your neighborhood (call me for information). Let’s not make it easy for the criminals.
We have experienced a rash of vandalisms throughout Foothill Area. We are asking for your help in apprehending the individuals responsible for breaking the rear windows on vehicles parked on our streets. If you observe any suspicious activity or have any information please call Foothill Station and ask to speak to a detective.
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. If someone is knocking on doors on your block, call Foothill Desk Immediately.
Report suspicious activity in your area. Call Foothill Desk Immediately.
ALWAYS CALL 911 when observing unknown suspects breaking in to any vehicle or home, especially if you know the owners are at work or on vacation.
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 December 9th. This meeting will be the Holiday Pot Luck and a guest speaker is tentatively scheduled to be present. The location will continue to be at the Beachy Elementary School auditorium (9757 Beachy Ave.). If you want to get involved in your community, please join us at the neighborhood watch meetings. We meet the second Tuesday of every month. We need as many of you as we can get. Coming to the meeting is a good way to find out what is going on in Arleta and a good way to take ownership of your community. The time of the meeting is 6:30 p.m. Please remember that by participating in the meetings, you are part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Everyone needs to get involved to make Arleta and the West Pacoima area a great place for all of us to live and work. 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 SLOW DOWN when driving through school zones or when you see children traveling to and from school. Drive defensively, as kids can be unpredictable and can make sudden moves into the street when you least expect it. Avoid a tragedy! I will not be tolerant of excessive speed around schools and will stop and issue citations if I observe any unsafe driving. On the flipside, I will also be looking out for school kids who endanger themselves or are causing hazards.
Help me out if there is any problem traffic areas that you would like to have patrolled, or feel that need extra attention please call Valley Traffic at 818-644-8000 and ask to speak to Officer Carbajal. Also, if you notice that a vehicle has been parked in one spot for several days, or if you believe it is abandoned, please call 311 from your home phone so parking enforcement can respond to issue it a citation or tow it away. They will mark the vehicle and return after 72-hours, if the vehicle is still in the same spot, they will have it towed.
Senior Lead Officer Richard Wall (SLO 89)
818-634-0754
E-mail: 30204@lapd.lacity.org
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 someone 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
We have combined both Sunland and Tujunga for future Neighborhood Watch meetings. Last time we had 32 people show up and it was a great success. Our next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday Dec 16 at 7747 Foothill Blvd. Park in the rear by the park. We will have a Gang Unit officer speak at the next meeting about the new Gang injunction against TVR. We just can’t complain about wanting change. Everyone needs to get involved to make Tujunga 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 in 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.
Senior Lead Officer Michelle Rodriguez (SLO 97)
818-634-0755
E-mail: 31020@lapd.lacity.org
COMMUNITY EVENTS
First of all, a special thanks to all who participated with the Mayor’s Day of Service. Sun Valley had three locations that were beautified. Eighty trees were planted on Old San Fernando Road north and south of Branford Street. This area has been a long, ongoing project that is taking shape and looking great. Prior to the big day, Sun Valley Graffiti Busters cleaned the entire area, and 1,140 bags of trash and debris were removed. They also painted out tagging throughout the area. At 4:00 a.m., Sun Valley Graffiti Busters watered all the plants and trees and delivered the mulch. Without their help, the area would not have been ready for planting. Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and worked so hard to make the improvements to this area. It greatly improved the look and will enhance those who frequent the area.
The second area was on Glenoaks Boulevard and Roscoe Boulevard. Green and Clean were there to assist. These young people worked very hard digging holes, planting native, drought tolerant plants. We also had a lesson on the correct way to plant, place mulch and how to water properly. The center median looked wonderful. Since this is a main thoroughfare where many vehicles traveling by honked their horns and gave us the thumbs up while making the improvements. It was a very positive experience, especially when you receive such positive feedback from the community members.
The third location was in Sun Valley, but on the North Hollywood side on Laurel Canyon
Boulevard and Webb Avenue. That median has needed some lovin’ for quite some time. Community member Virginia Beck has put her heart and soul into this project and was able to see this beautification project actually come to pass. It was an exciting day for all who have been involved in this process.
Now, that we have these areas looking so good, it is time for one of my big projects. You’ll have have to wait to see what it is. . .
SAFETY TRAVEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS
AAA put out an article stating that, for example, in 2006 – 108 people were killed in California in the days surrounding the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays. And during those time periods, the California Highway Patrol made a total of 4,502 driving under the influence arrests. In fact, the CHP considers the risk level high enough that it designates the winter holidays as maximum enforcement periods. This holiday season, at peak times up to 80 percent of uniformed CHP personnel will be on the road, working to enforce the speed limit and seat belt use and to remove drunk drivers from the roads. The Los Angeles Police Department will also be out in force to help keep the roads safe.
Here’s what you can do to stay safe while on the roads, traveling during the holidays and protect your eyesight all at the same time:
If you are hosting a holiday party, take steps to help your guests stay safe. Ensure that your guests aren’t drinking and driving. See that they have rides so that they can safely get home as well as others on the roadway.
Wear your seat belt. Doing so reduces the risk of being fatally injured in a car crash by 45 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Seat belt use in California is at an all-time high – nearly 95 percent. Forty-three of the sixty people in the CHP’s jurisdiction who were killed during the (2006) winter holidays weren’t wearing their seat belts.
If you spot someone driving erratically or aggressively, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be ready to give a description of the vehicle and its license plate number, location and direction of travel. Your action could save lives.
During the upcoming long winter nights, you’ll probably do a lot of your commuting in the dark. We all wish we could see better during hours of darkness, but unfortunately, you can’t do anything to genuinely improve your ability to see at night, say medical experts. Your rods and cones – the photoreceptors in your retinas that work together to detect light at various wavelengths and intensities – are what they are.
Generally speaking, your ability to see at night deteriorates with age. For instance, a 50-year-old needs about twice as much light to see as well after dark as a 30-year-old. Even younger folks who don’t otherwise need glasses often suffer from a condition called night myopia – a tendency toward nearsightedness in low-light conditions.
Wear a hat and sunglasses during the day. Exposure to bright sunlight, especially at the beach or on the ski slopes, effectively “bleaches” the photoreceptors in your eyes and lengthens the time it takes them to adjust to the dark. Normal, your eyes reach full dark adaptation in about 30 minutes.
But studies show that as little as two to three hours of bright sunlight can delay adaptation by hours. The longer you stay in the sun, the worse your night vision gets. For instance, ten consecutive days of full-sun exposure can reduce your visual acuity, range, and contrast discrimination at night by 50 percent. Experts recommend wearing neutral-gray sunglasses and a hat with a brim during the day to maximize your vision at night.
Clean your windshield. Experts recommend cleaning your car’s windows inside and out, especially the windshield, at least once a week. Light is refracted through a dirty windshield, which intensifies glare. You see less reflection in clean glass. Wash your headlights, too. Even a thin layer of road grime can reduce the light they cast by as much as 90 percent.
Dim the dash lights. Keep the dimmer on your instrument panel adjusted so that the instruments remain safely legible, but no brighter. The lower the light inside your car, the better you can see outside.
Look away, look away. When oncoming headlights shine into your eyes, resist the temptation to look directly at them. Instead, cast your gaze toward the white line marking the edge of the pavement. The glare won’t be as blinding.
Adjust your mirrors. Flip your car’s center-mounted rearview mirror to its “night” setting, so you can eliminate reflected glare from headlights behind you.
Get your eyes checked regularly. According to medical experts, people under 40 should have an eye exam every three years; people in their 40s and 50s, every two years; and folks 60 and older, every year. Incipient cataracts are a prime cause of deteriorating night vision and glare sensitivity.
TEN IMPORTANT TIPS FOR SAFETY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Lock all of your doors and windows when you leave your home. Leave on lights in the evening and use a timer to alternate your lighting if you are away.
Do not carry personal items in your wallet or purse or car. Lock all personal information including Social Security cards, checks, passports, birth certificates and government documents in a locked, fireproof container.
Do not leave anything unsecured in the yard or on the porch.
Go to an ATM in the daylight, or use the ATM in any LAPD police station. Always cover the keypad when entering your pin number.
Keep items such as IPODs and MP3 players in your pocket, out of sight – not in your car either!
Park and lock your car in a well-lit area.
Never leave anything visible in the passenger compartment of your vehicle that even remotely appears valuable. Note: FEMALES, be careful not to leave anything in your vehicle that indicates that a woman drives the car. Avoid being the victim of a car- jacking or rape.
Complete all of your shopping prior to returning to your vehicle with packages. Hint: Allow the store/mall to hold packages until you are ready to leave. Ask the salesperson to help you carry packages if your hands are full.
Lock all packages in your vehicle’s trunk. After doing so, do not go back into the mall and continue shopping. You never know who is watching for the opportunity to now break into your car after you have gone back inside. You will return to find your car has been broken into and all your purchases have been taken.
Close your drapes or blinds at home, especially at night, so that no one can see the gifts under your tree.
Any information you may have pertaining to people you are familiar with who could be committing property crimes; or the whereabouts of possible stolen property, or would just like to learn more on how to PREVENT property crimes from happening in the first place – call Detective Kane at 818-834-3115.
valley bureau 
