Point Fermin Watch Dog Blog

Harbor Area Police Community Advisory Board Meeting (October 15, 2009)

2009-11-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

Harbor Area Police Community Advisory Board Meeting
(October 15, 2009)

Sergeant Catherine Plows (host)

Captain Billy Hayes gave an update:
- two homicides on Lomita Blvd. near the desolate oil yards
- there have been 21 felony arrests in our area for various violations
- our area is still a place which has code “296” sex offenders. the police department continues to monitor them, some have been sent back to prison
- 20th and Pacific Ave has been a hot spot for criminal activity
- similarly, like the Fourth of July every officer is deployed on duty. it will be the same this Halloween
- surveillance cameras in neighborhoods like the Point Fermin Neighborhood Watch area

Guest, Joan T. McNamara, Assistant Commanding Officer, CTCIB, - in charge of counter terrorism in the harbor and part of the national anti-terrorism advisory board for the President
- gave the first national presentation of the new iWatch program.
- updated us on S.A.R.S. (Suspicious Activity Report) to education police departments about anti-terrorism.
- the iWatch program is a national program to educate the Neighborhood Watch groups and the general public.
- gave history of her participation with Secretary Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, under President George W. Bush who also co-author of the USA PATRIOT Act.
- reviewed what Code “2201” is
- there are 22 Federal investigating agencies in the United States
- overview of Los Angeles Police Dept S.A.R.S. program (Suspicious Activity Report) so they can open terrorist cases
- mechanisms to prompt local police to check a person’s nationality, criminal record, …
- she showed two PSA (Public Service Announcement) movies about iWatch

What constitutes calling the police?
1. If you see someone taking photos of non-esthetic value, security fencing, city infrastructure; dropping off suspicious packages...
2. If so, initiate call to local police
3. S.A.R.S. report generated
4. An investigation is opened

- surveillance cameras in neighborhoods update. linking the police department to them. on apr (?) link ip address
- whose the contact? (not sure). the department is still in the process of building a security room for surveillance. the harbor department has given a $52,000.00 grant for the project.

web site for iWatch:
http://www.lapdonline.org/iwatchla
and
www.iwatchla.org

SARS reporting program is the number one priority in the United States.

There have been issues with LAPD Crime Maps
http://www.lapdcrimemaps.org/
The LAPD Crime Maps uses geo-coding to plot crimes
Please, contact your senior lead officer to confirm crime on LAPD Crime Maps to verify that the crime truly occurred in our area.

Comments from citizens for Commander Joan McNamara and Captain Billy Hayes

- iWatch should be tempered without hysteria from citizens.
- arrest those who are known criminals in known crime areas first
- fix the internal problems on response times and contacting the LAPD Watch Commander on duty
Response from Captain Billy Hayes, police would like to eradicate crimes on a permanent basis, so longer term investigations are being performed.

- there was a complaint of police non-presence on Paseo Del Mar.
Response from Captain Billy Hayes, he introduced traffic officer for the South Harbor area and Officer Brian Cook.

- Suggestion went out to attend Neighborhood Watch meetings.

- Mona and Leslie worked on CPAD

- Lonna Calhoun, President, COPE Preparedness, Point of Distribution, flu (Swine Flu) shots on Saturday & Sunday, Bagdonovich Park 9-5 for people who do not insurance. Wilmington Rec Center
If you would like to volunteer, contact: Lonna@COPE-Preparedness.org
http://www.copss-ca.org/

Next meeting November 19th, 2009.

2009_09_16 Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin

2009-11-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

2009_09_16
Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin

http://pointferminwatchdog.blogspot.com/

Bruno Schmidt ran the meeting for L.A.P.D. Senior Lead Officer Brian Cook who is sitting in for Officer Joe Buscaino who is absent on assignment.

We discussed…

Meeting places, because Point Fermin Elementary School wants to charge $100.00 every 3 months to use the auditorium. So, possible new meeting places,
Point Fermin Park, Cabrillo Marina next to hotel, Angel’s Gate Park in a bungalow.

Another possibility would be locating funds to pay school to use the auditorium for meetings, they want $100.00 every 3 months

A mention of the next Point Fermin Homeowners Association meeting on Saturday at Point Fermin Park Community Building

Community Continuity program in case of emergency. Victor & Jennifer Maldonado attended the "Community Continuity — Prepare, Protect & Sustain our Harbor Communities — Phase One."
Being prepared for a catastrophic event from a San Andreas Fault earthquake:

Although, San Pedro is not projected to receive major damage during a major earthquake from the San Andreas Fault, San Pedro is projected to be affected due to the infrastructure collapse of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino & San Gabriel counties, for example, transportation due to freeway bridge collapses, disruption of vital services like unavailable gas, telephone, water...

We would like to begin the organization of a Community Emergency Response Team for the Point Fermin area beginning with a CERT certification.
http://www.cert-la.com/index.shtml
We would need a location to be certified, like the YMCA, hotel or Cabrillo Bath House.
Updates to follow.

Ways to get the message out, Call Random Lengths, placing flyers up at LightHouse cafe, Pacific Diner, Beach City Market...

The application was signed for Neighborhood Watch signs, placing them up

Crime stats, L.A.P.D. were presented
28th & Alma Street incident
In our area:
Violent attack on 27th Street & alley between Peck Ave & Carolina Street

19th & Pacific, 7-11 convenience store permitted to be built

More helicopter watches in our area

26th & Kerckhoff Ave. has been a problem

A big THANK YOU to Janice Hahn’s office who stepped in to assist with the quality of life issues at 28xx Carolina Street. There have been numerous and ongoing complaints of noise, fighting, drunkenness, threats, alleged drug dealing & also an alleged auto repair business/front. This address has been a quality of life issue for well over two years. Janice Hahn’s office was involved & shut down the alleged auto repair business — as an observation, it cannot be overstated how dramatic a change can be affected by enforcing a simple code violation.

The corner of 26th Street & Denison problems of noise, fights.

For all non-emergency calls, Non-Emergency business number 213-928-8223

Problem at 26xx Kerckhoff riding load motorcycle at all hours of the night.

Graffiti in neighborhood.
Graffiti Removal Request System
http://www.lacity.org/BPW/OCS/grsr.htm
Get number to clean it up, or, take a picture of it then remove graffiti immediately.

Look into notifying the Fort MacArthur Base to attend meetings or put in their newsletters

Fireworks at night have been a problem.

For illegal auto repair businesses or dumping of oil and/or pollutants call,
Department of Building and
Safety Code Enforcement:
Bob Dunn
Tel : (310) 732-4532
BOB.DUNN@LACITY.ORG

For assistance in our district call Janice Hahn’s offices
Ana Dragin, MPA
Community Advocate for San Pedro
Councilwoman Janice Hahn
15th District, City of Los Angeles

To file a complaint, phone numbers for the correct department/information :
866-452-2489 call center for city of los angeles
or
311

Meeting 4/15/09 Tax Day

2009-04-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

2009_04
Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin

http://pointferminwatchdog.blogspot.com/

Bruno Schmidt ran the meeting for L.A.P.D. Senior Lead Officer Joe Buscaino who was absent on assignment.

Special guests, Los Angeles Fire Department members, Captain Two Urban Search & Rescue Ernie Ojeda Fire Station 88 & Firefighter Paul Del Pinto who is a hazardous materials expert from Fire Station 48 (16th & Grand). Captain Two of Urban Search & Rescue, Ernie Ojeda, was a first responder to the New York, Twin Towers terrorist incident on September 11th and is also a first responder for FEMA on violent hurricanes such as Katrina. Both men gave tips during the meeting.

Mr. Schmidt reviewed last meeting's notes & updated us on the happenings since our last meeting.

A big thanks goes out to our police department who on March 8th, on Denison & 28th Street made key arrests of a man and a women who were burglary suspects! Stolen goods were recovered.
Details: Police were called to a "man and woman dispute." When officers arrived, the man who was at the scene fit the description of a burglary suspect — knuckles tattooed "F**K LAPD." The female at the scene told the officers that she might be wanted for not returning her rental car on time. When she directed the officers to the rental car, there were numerous stolen items in the vehicles such as: Sony Playstations, cellphones, watches, necklaces, bracelets, cameras and numerous backpacks. Also found in the vehicle were a ski mask, gloves and numerous flashlights.

Discussions, we'll look into having a link from sanpedro.com to announce Neighborhood watch meetings.

Ways to disseminate information, for example, emails, flyers, announcement boards, place flyers at Beach City Market, Light House Cafe, Pacific Diner, an announcement was placed for parents in student newsletter at Point Fermin Elementary School, suggestion of decals for business storefront windows, maybe using Yahoo Groups with moderators (registration required), flyers at new police station opening, flyers at fire station 48, mounting neighborhood signs

A tip was made that perhaps using the phone number of 911 on a cell phone might not be the most efficient way to report an emergency due to the delays in being switched to the appropriate department, if possible when at home use your landline in your house instead of your cell phone, there will be less of a delay.

(877) 275-5273 san pedro police non-emergency number

There was a major car keying incident from 28th-26th street on multiple vehicles

Several complaints have been recorded concerning chronic partying/drunkeness on the 28xx block of Carolina Street. Police have been out on several occasions. Some neighbors are also complaining they are being threaten by the revelers

Obligation to call the police if small children are involved

Several complaints regarding barking dogs.
Los Angeles Animal Services
Telephone:  888-4LAPET1 888-452-7381 FAX 213-847-0555
To eliminate a barking dog problem please go online to:
http://www.laanimalservices.com/serv_barkingdog.htm
"It is against the law for a dog owner, or anyone in control or custody of a dog, to allow the dog to make excessive noise, after receiving a legal notice of the noise complaint and a request to make it stop. The term “excessive noise” means noise which is unreasonably annoying, disturbing, offensive, or which unreasonably interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property of one or more persons occupying property in the community or neighborhood. This law does not apply to a commercial animal establishment with a legal permit. (LAMC 53.63)"

Harbor Area Community Police Station, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, on April 25th 2009, 6:00 P.M. 2175 John S. Gibson Boulevard, San Pedro

Lastly, a quick summery by Victor & Jennifer Maldonado from the project "Community Continuity — Prepare, Protect & Sustain our Harbor Communities — Phase One."
Being prepared for a catastrophic event from a San Andreas Fault earthquake:

Although, San Pedro is not projected to receive major damage during a major earthquake from the San Andreas Fault, San Pedro is projected to be affected due to the infrastructure collapse of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino & San Gabriel counties, for example, transportation due to freeway bridge collapses, disruption of vital services like unavailable gas, telephone, water...

We would like to begin the organization of a Community Emergency Response Team for the Point Fermin area beginning with a CERT certification.
http://www.cert-la.com/index.shtml
We would need a location to be certified, like the YMCA, hotel or Cabrillo Bath House.
Updates to follow.

Next meeting third Wednesday of June 2009

lapdonline.org

02/2009 Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin

2009-03-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

2009_02
Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin

http://pointferminwatchdog.blogspot.com/

L.A.P.D. Officer Joe Buscaino was present

In the month of January there was a spike in burglary break.

A break at 33xx Peck Ave. feb 15 until 5pm until the next day at 6pm

Public Service Announcement:
Attention, all GPS owners please stow away your GPS from your cars there has been a spike in GPS theft

Special duty police patrols have been operating at night to watch neighborhoods in an attempt to catch those participating in criminal activity during the night hours. Arrests from these patrols have been made near 14th & Mesa and also at 30th & Grand

Several complaints have been received regarding the 2700 block of South Pacific Avenue

meth, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, still a problem in our neighborhood

the house 31xx kerhoff has been shut down

Harbor Community Police Station facility grand opening in April

January saw an increase in property crimes in the harbor community

2 individuals have been arrested and are in custody for the homicide behind the Pacific Diner

1 (877) ask-lapd

"san pedro today" is the new newspaper

apply to receive the neighborhood watch signs:

lapdonline.org

Neighborhood Watch Meeting Update 1/21/09

2009-01-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin

http://pointferminwatchdog.blogspot.com/

L.A.P.D. Officer Joe Buscaino was present with special guest:
Detective Lou Paglialonga, Los Angeles Police Department's Harbor Division
Lou is a property crime investigator who lived in San Pedro

Detective Lou Paglialonga's contact information,
310-367-9735
email: 30329@lapd.lacity.org

Officer Joe Buscaino's contact information,
email: 33537@lapd.lacity.org

Jan 11-17 hit hard. 2 burglaries: 1 from 12mid-6am and 1 from 6pm-11pm

1 car stolen

Detective Lou Paglialonga's (of Property Crimes) points of interest were to consider getting the word out to others about how to prevent crime in our neighborhoods:
burglaries at home, autos, personality theft all of the harbor area detectives are part of Detective Lou Paglialonga's team in our area most burglars are truant offenders

a few traits to look out for about them:
they'll walk through neighborhoods to see if anyone is home, usually in a group
some of these kids who are not in school are doing the crimes so call if u see them not in school
prevent thefts by not leaving ladders laying around, make it more difficult for anyone to break in
be careful who you let into your house
think prevention, get the word out, do not leave your windows open, doors, don't leave belongings in car
remove electrical extension cords going through windows
if leaving your house for any extended period of time, do not leave doors open
of note, homes with dogs usually do not get robbed
hide surveillance cameras
report cars that do not belong in your neighborhood
let neighbor know when you leave on a trip
mark your property, ipods, laptops,...with driver's license. police can use this identification to return your property
do not leave your valuables in your car, crime could be reduced by practicing this
using a club to protect car
always report the break in to your car
sometimes kids will through rocks at window to see if anyone is home - 40th street carolina place has been a problem
there are special juvenile officers to deal with juvenile crimes/suspects
"we tip" line is anonymous
"text a tip" is anonymous
remember to temper the information given at the meetings with balance in your lives

chip to get in cars gta (?)

problems:
door to door solicitors, must have a valid permit from the City of Los Angeles and registered
some narcotic violators ride bikes because they don't have licenses
curfew task force - some of the kids are from other areas
criminal homeless, transients, quality task force at the end of the month, make sure there are no encampments in your areas
running stop signs has been a problem
let motor officers know about traffic violations
living in RVs off of Hamilton

Los Angeles Police Department Anonymous Crime Tip Program Public
www.lapdonline.org/get_involved/pdf_view/39390

Los Angeles Police Department Anonymous Crime Tip Program
Public Fact Sheet

In response to demand from the public for secure and anonymous ways to submit crime tips to the
authorities, the Los Angeles Police Department has developed two new anonymous tip services for use by
the public. They are:
1. Text-a-tip Service:
User types “LAPD” plus their tip on their cell phone or PDA and texts it to “CRIMES” (274637). The
text message is encrypted and an alias is generated, masking the identity of the sender from the
police. The police have no way of determining the user’s identity.

2. New Web Tip link
Users go to www.lapdonline.org and follow the link for “Anonymous Web Tips.”
The user then fills in a form and submits it via the Internet. The tip goes through a secure server
where, again the identity of the sender is masked from the detectives receiving the Web tip.
Call 911 in an emergency…
If you see a crime in progress or need to report an emergency, please call 911.
These new crime tip services are for non-emergency investigative information only and will not generate a
radio call or summon the police to your location.
Delete your text-a-tip messages…
For your safety, you should always delete all text messages to and from “CRIMES” (27463) from your in
box and your out box.
Note: The program is available on most, but not all major wireless carriers, therefore we cannot guarantee
this program will work for all participants. Although the program is complimentary to participants,
standard text messaging rates may apply. Check with your carrier and wireless plan for details.

How to Submit a Tip via Text Messaging
To text a tip to the Los Angeles Police Department, you must have text messaging enabled on your phone
and subscribe to a participating cell phone carrier. To begin your tip session, text the word "LAPD" to the
number 27463, which spells the word "CRIMES" on your phone's keypad.
While handset menus differ by carrier or model, here are some basic steps on how to compose a text
message containing

Find "Messaging" or "SMS" on your phone's main menu.
1. Create a new txt message or send txt or SMS text.
2. When composing your message:
o Enter the number 274637 as the mobile # or in the "to" line
o Then, in the message body, type word LAPD, a space, and then your crime tip information
(LAPD is not case-sensitive)
3. Hit "Send" to send the message.
4. You will receive a response from Crime Stoppers shortly, which will start the secure txt dialogue.
When you complete your tip submission, for your safety, you should always delete all text messages to
and from 274637 from your text message in box and out box.

What is Text Messaging and How Do I Know If I Can Send or Receive a Text?
Text messaging is also known as SMS or "short message service." Text messaging is a way to
communicate on your mobile by sending or receiving plain text messages. To determine if you can send
text messages, it is best to contact your wireless provider or refer to your mobile device's manual.
You will not be asked to reveal your identity to the Police in order to provide information about a violent
crime and the Police will not be able to trace the text message in any way.
A special computer server will encrypt your message and mask your identity before sending your tip to the
Police. This service is truly anonymous.
Types of Crimes to Submit
The LAPD wants information on every type of crime, not just those covered in the media. The text tip line
is not traced, and we are not interested in the user's identity. We believe these new anonymous forms of
providing tips to the Police offer a way for callers to rid their neighborhoods of crime SAFELY.
When to Submit a Tip
You may submit a tip anytime, anywhere, 24/7.
Cost to Send
Although the LAPD service is free and requires no purchase or fee for participation, standard messaging
rates and other fees may apply. Check your mobile plan for more details.
Help
At any time, from your mobile phone, send a text message with the word "HELP" to CRIMES (274637) for
program information. This is for operational information, not to solicit help from the LAPD.
Privacy
No mobile phone information is collected by the Los Angeles Police Department as part of this program.
Your text-a-tip is completely anonymous to the Los Angeles Police Department and is only identifiable via
a four-digit tip code that will be provided to you. Any information you submit is directed to the LAPD’s
Regional Crime Center detectives, who will disseminate the information to the appropriate LAPD
investigative officers.
To Stop the Program
To stop the program at any time, which will prevent LAPD from being able to securely respond back to
you, you can opt out via text message. Send a text message with the word "STOP" to CRIMES (274637).
You'll receive a one-time opt-out confirmation text message. If you choose to, you can submit a text tip
again at a later time by texting the word LAPD along with your tip to CRIMES (274637)

Big thanks to Joe for bringing in Detective Lou Paglialonga! :)

Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin area 11/19/08

2008-12-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin area

http://pointferminwatchdog.blogspot.com/

Please forgive me for getting this out a little late. I had foot surgery on 11/19 and have been a little bed-ridden and behind. But I'm back. Carol Anne Schmidt

L.A.P.D. Officer Joe Buscaino was present with special guest City Attorney and Neighborhood Prosecutor, Justin Houterman, (323) 789-2701

Big thanks to Joe for bringing in Mr. Houterman! :)

Officer Joe Buscaino's update:
- Crime report for our area web site —
to receive an up to date interactive map of our area, go to http://www.lapdcrimemaps.org/
type in your address, select date and mileage range to get results

- residential break-in at 3004 South Carolina Street, during the day (time of break-in unknown at this time),
entry -- windows left open
- there has been an increase in grand theft auto and break-ins to automobiles 3% and 4% increase respectively, the police is asking for our help to bring number down on this crime by keeping items out of sight when cars are parked
- theft by misinformation is another crime on the rise, for example, a person will damage a car and ask owner to exchange information and then take their money
- police is asking for a goal of 5% crime reduction, the metro police and motorcycle patrol have been brought in to assist with this goal
- the person who has in the past be caught watching people in the neighborhood is now using a motorized scooter to get around

Joe also briefed us on Quality of Life Issues program
- inspecting catering trucks, closing outdoor restaurants from unlicensed restaurants run from front of homes (quality of life issue), working in conjunction with health inspectors and with Building and Safety Department, making crime arrests,

- narcotic arrests are still being made in our area, meth and meth paraphernalia

-- Officer Joe Buscaino introduced City Attorney & Neighborhood Prosecutor, Justin Houterman who spoke to us
about the Quality of Life Issues

Mr. Houterman is in charge of filing the following issues for the City of Los Angeles, (323) 789-2701 - office
Mr. Houterman gave us a summary of what he does
- recycling theft (although this is not at the top of the list for important issues these still get filed), city realizes this is a concern
- files charges against those who drug deal
- looks into complaints about homes suspected of being used to sell illegal narcotics and abate by closing properties, adding security lighting, request security guards to enforce the law and stop the problems in the neighborhood, usually property owners cooperate with changes that are mandated
- unfortunately, there can be no specific comments concerning ongoing investigations, but, once filed with court it is public information
- Mr. Houterman detailed what happens to properties when there are issues
- be patient, in the civil world the process can be slow due to motions, filings,...
- when to call the police — loud music, drug dealing, fighting, break-ins...
- retribution can be an issue so call police and call anonymously
- restraining orders can be issued

Both Officer Buscaino and Mr. Houterman behooved us to do what's right in our neighborhoods to make them a great place to live and reiterated that the police are here to help us

Update on speed bumps, the City has said it is feasible to put in 3 speed bumps on Carolina Street from 26th to 30th but that 70% of neighbor endorsements will be needed from head-of-household

Joe mentioned that the police has been viewing our blog and interested in http://www.pointferminwatchdog.blogspot.com/

Mr. Houterman commented on cameras in the neighborhoods and that when the new Harbor Division police station opens there will be more information on this

Next meeting:
3rd wednesday january 21st, 2009

WARNING FOR ALL PARENTS ACROSS SAN PEDRO:

2008-10-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

WARNING FOR ALL PARENTS ACROSS SAN PEDRO: IF IT WASN?T FOR ONE VALIANT HERO, WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO THIS GIRL? THINK ABOUT IT; PLEASE WATCH FOR ALL KIDS, AS THIS PERSON DID, AND DO THE RIGHT THING

By Diana L. Chapman

My friend?s daughter ? who is in my carpool-- called and warned me right away Wednesday that school officials were keeping the kid?s inside the campus after school. The reason: a potential abduction nearly occurred in broad daylight near two of our most populated schools ? Dana Middle School and San Pedro High.

?Look for me inside the campus,? the 11-year-old spouted, not realizing that the story would send chills up and down my spine. It?s always been one of my biggest fears that a child I know could get kidnapped, including my own son.

Once I picked up my friend?s daughter, I asked if the middle school sent a warning home. She immediately pulled out a folded letter from the school. I?m pleased to say they did write a warning ? a little late, but thank God they did it. I?m assuming it took time for them to sort out the story, because a letter was sent home yesterday, on Oct. 13.

According to the letter, last Wednesday (Oct. 8), ?two Latino males, ages 20-30, driving in a two door, dark (shiny) blue Dodge pick-up truck, approached? a San Pedro High female student, making ?inappropriate remarks,? which I?m sure were of a sexual nature, and then the male passenger jumped out and tried to pull the student into the truck.

The suspects were both described as bald.

All I could think of was how terrified this girl must have been when those men tried to grab and drag her at the not-so-quiet 14th and Cabrillo streets about 5 p.m. which just shows how belligerent, brazen and fearless these guys are. At 5 p.m. at 14th and Cabrillo, there are still often dozens of kids around ? between the Boys and Girls Club and the schools ? games at Daniel?s Field, officials leaving the school and adults coming to pick up their children.

That doesn?t even mention 5 o?clock traffic, people coming home, residents shopping at Von's and running errands.

And here were these guys fearlessly trying to snatch a younghigh school girl into their vehicle.

This is why ? while so many people complain about parents driving their kids to school instead of allowing them to walk -- I completely understand why we all do it. What if this was your kid? Would you ever forgive yourself?

Fortunately for this girl, an adult intervened to help her ?fend him off? and I applaud whoever this person was. I?d like to thank him or her myself ? because this is the kind of person we need to help protect our kids. And thank God, again, that someone was brave and had the courage to not sit and wait until the police arrived.

But if this adult had waited, I shudder to think what might have happened.

A report has been filed with the Los Angeles Police Department ? and if you have any information regarding this matter, please call the school at (310) 241-1106 or the police department?s Harbor Division at (310) 548-7605.

While the Dana letter encouraged parents not to alarm their children, it does express an important point we need to make to all of our kids no matter what age they are.

?We do not want your children to be alarmed,? wrote Mary Argandona, an assistant principal at Dana Middle School, ?yet, as always, we ask that you stress with your children the need for them to be aware and alert of their surroundings at all times. All students walking home should do so in a group.?

Plus, I?m sad to say with the closure of the Daily Breeze supplement, More San Pedro, and it seems ? less coverage in the Daily Breeze of San Pedro crime ? we will have to rely on each other for this information.

Lately, I?ve been shocked to read in the small Daily Breeze crime blog about people being shot in the back repeatedly and other horrific shooting incidents that are no longer making as big news it in the big newspaper where we all look for our information.

Therefore, I recommend to parents, students and officials that e-mail blasts on stories like this are imperative to keep our residents -- and our children -- safe. Please pass this story on ? especially if you have friends whose children walk to school.

And that doesn't matter if it's Torrance, Wilmington or Palos Verdes. Everywhere potential incidents like this can happen.

This just gives me one more reason to tell my son ? who just can?t understand it ? why I make him call the minute he arrives somewhere and the minute he leaves. Over cautious? Absolutely. But then I don?t want to find out the hard way if I?m not.

And even then, there are no guarantees.

Forward this story -------------------------------PLEASE!

Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin area 10/15/08

2008-10-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin area

http://pointferminwatchdog.blogspot.com/

topics

1. l.a.p.d. officer joe buscaino was absent, Carol Anne Schmidt headed the meeting and updated us.

2. l.a.p.d caught 3 individuals who allegedly broke into a house on the 3000 block and kerckhoff, (location of robbery was a house for sale)

3. in harbor area, all crime is down except for motor vehicle theft and burglaries from motor vehicles

4. please review the Halloween brochure from l.a.p.d.

5. at around 3 p.m. on Friday, October 10th, on the 2600 blk of denison a house was broken into through open window/door
NOTE: of interest is the time of day that the break-in took place, it is similar to the following break-ins in neighborhood:
— daytime break-in on south-west corner green house of 29th and carolina street (through opened bathroom window) september 16, 2008 at around 3:00-4:15 p.m., no arrests
— daytime break-in, 2940 (?) kerckhoff about 7 weeks ago

6. mona gave update on her neighborhood
- on friday, october 10th, at around 8 p.m. a latino female was soliciting/selling att burglaries alarms, she entered a suv
- in the morning on friday, october 10th at 26th and carolina an arrest was made on 26st and carolina possibly related to the burglary that took place on the 3000 block and kerckhoff earlier in the day

7. complaint of a barking dog on 31st and kerckhoff, neighbor was briefed on the procedure to submit a complaint

8. executive meeting of the (?) update from mona, be aware of a new method of operation (M.O.) crime for harbor area — door knocking of residence while as 1-2 other individuals stand watch

9. individuals soliciting alarm system for sale in neighborhood, joe buscaino looked into this and said that l.a.p.d. was not involved, they have no license, no history of ever selling alarms

10. carol anne reviewed the Halloween brochure from l.a.p.d.,
the fire department at 16th and grand (fire station 48) gives out halloween candy so this is a safe place

11. jenni put in the publicity neighborhood watch in paper

12. the project to rid transient rv motor-homes in neighborhood has been successful in ridding transient rvs

13. car break-ins are happening during day and night

14. due to the approaching holiday season and the declining economy be on the alert to prevent more break-ins into cars, so, keep valuables out of car and out of sight

15. download application to install cameras, neighborhood watch section online

16. there is still a problem with kids crossing streets near dana middle school, principal Terry Ball and assistant principal Maria Dukesherer (310.241.1106) at Dana Middle School have been contacted and asked for suggestions/solutions to make children obey traffic lights and signs during before and after school hours, suggestions were to fine children of violations, place traffic police at corners, traffic control assistants

Dana Middle School
1501 South Cabrillo Avenue | San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 241-1100 | Fax: (310) 514-9925

17. next meeting with police to be held thursday, october 16, at harbor pistol range on gaffey street at 6:30 p.m.

18. dana junior high school has a new security guard for the first time

19. ask jenni for flyer to advertise next meeting before halloween

20. to call watch commander (in the event there is no response from LAPD) (877) 275-5273 front desk

21. squatters in neighborhood at last month at 700 blk of 20th street

22. To eliminate a barking dog problem please go here:
http://www.laanimalservices.com/serv_barkingdog.htm

Binocular Guy and His Dirt Bike

2008-10-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

Please forgive me for taking so long to send this announcement out. I just wanted to thank Joe Busciano for being the "Superb Senior Lead Officer" he is. I sent an e-mail last Monday about the (binocular) guy down the street from us riding his dirt bike at all hours of the night.

As I was driving home the next day Joe was over there to take care of the problem and successfully confiscated his unregistered dirt bike. It is now quiet in our neighborhood at night.

Thank you Joe! You are the greatest.

Please remember that our Neighborhood Watch group meets the 3rd Wed of every month (minus Dec). So I look forward to seeing you all again on October 15th at 6:30 at Point Fermin Elementary School. Jenny Maldonaldo has contacted the Daily Breeze and we hope to reach a broader amount of folks in our neighborhood.

9/17/08 Point Fermin Neighborhood Watch Meeting Notes

2008-09-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

update:

Burglaries from Motor Vehicles...is up not down

topics

1. carol anne emailed everyone how to start a neighborhood watch attachment
2. l.a.p.d. officer joe buscaino updated us
- crime is down 4% in every category except for car thefts
- tips, keep valuables out of sight, there is a handout (crime walk) that addresses issues about this
- area 587, as of 2 weeks ago key narcotic arrests were made in the area, since then thefts went down
- denison avenue block party response by police, joe was on curfew watch that night, permit was never pulled properly, no arrests made
- arrest made pertaining to arm robberies, gas stations, suspect was caught, black toyota 29 and cabrillo, swat team was called, responsible for many robberies in area
- key arrest made at 12 and alma last week
- denison avenue and kerckhoff, other key arrests
- Village Pub, is now a gang hangout at night (25th and western avenue), shooting, will look into their conditional use permit, 5 arrests made last night, increased police presence
- transient problem on Shepard street south of curb left of for sale sign, arrest made, will meet with janice hahn and property owner, owner told to clean it up, doug and girlfriend
- another transient problem where carolina street dead ends, arrest made
- curfew laws detail, areas being patrolled are point fermin park, streets, 34 and carolina, 11:30 p.m. at night 2 girls told to go home
- truancy detail, call joe immediately, kids must be in school between 8:30-1:30, electronic crimes, ipods, laptops,...are attributed to juveniles
- handouts, neighborhood watch sign, rona to follow-up about signs
- surveillance cameras, $1000.00 reward for neighborhood watch to catch graffiti vandals
— update (?) about neighborhood council meeting, committee, public safety meeting, police make vandalism report as oppose to graffiti, identify moniker, needs more research
- funds for surveillance cameras, $500.00 (?) per camera, costco 16 cameras for $900.00, scott, alex aviles abeaviles@juno.com
- denison and kerckhoff warrants issued, found drug paraphernalia, arrests made, if one property has more than 3 narcotics arrests in a period of time (?) at one location, city can get involved to abate property, problem property 3100 block of kerckhoff (accross from 3102)(?), justin houterman new city attorney (his position is like a senior lead officer, office will be out of harbor police station - mini twin towers, excellent facility)
Justin Houterman, (310) 548-7600 — South Bureau, Harbor
http://www.lacp.org/Articles%20-%20Main/Prosecutor.html

- son from address on kerckhoff was arrested, but now the relatives are taking over, crime intelligence unit
- still no speed bumps on carolina street

question (not asked) — school, police helicopter, port police, no notice to school

- daytime break-in, 2940 (?) kerkoff about 3 weeks ago
- daytime break-in on south-west corner green house of 29th and carolina street (through opened bathroom window) september 16, 2008 at around 3:00-4:15 p.m., no arrests
- joe advised us to check permit of door-to-door sales people, must have permit from city of los angeles to solicit
- marvin hermoso - looking at people through binoculars, has motorcycle, joe needs address, give joe an email

Update on Meeting Time Today!

2008-06-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that Senior Lead Officer Joe Buscaino won't be able to attend our meet at 6:30 on Wednesday however he will be able to attend at 5:30. So if you can please come at 5:30-we may have to have an informal meeting outside of the Point Fermin School auditorium if it's not open. For those of you who can't meet until 6:30 then come then and we'll update you.

Thanks for being flexible if possible.

Neighborhood Watch Sign and Speed Humps

2008-06-05T10:33:00.001-07:00

This link tells you how to apply for a neighborhood watch sign:
http://www.lapdonline.org/get_involved/content_basic_view/23477

Here is information on obtaining a speed hump:
http://ladot.lacity.org/tf_Speed_Humps.htm

The Page Tell you How to Get Neighborhood Watch Signs

2008-06-05T10:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.lapdonline.org/get_involved/content_basic_view/23477

delete this post

2008-06-05T10:13:00.001-07:00

City of LA web links

2008-05-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

Coming soon:

Weblinks for city of LA:

SpeedBump request
Neighborhood Watch Sign request
Parking Enforcement

Monthly Meeting Spot: Pt. Fermin K-6 MU Room

2008-05-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Just acquired city permit to use Pt. Fermin Elementary School every 3rd Wednesday of the Month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm for our Neighbhorhood Watch Meetings.

Point Fermin Neighborhood Watch 3/19 6:30pm

2008-03-16T09:27:00.001-07:00

San Pedro City Hall
638 S. Beacon St., ROOM 452
San Pedro, CA 90731

There is parking available in front of the building. Please be sure to bring identification to present to the guards of the building.

Invite your neighbors!

Meeting Place for Neighborhood Watch

2008-03-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

IF anyone could please help with finding a meeting place. This would be so helpful. I have heard that we can meet at the Corner Store.

Hi Carol, I would offer my home, but I can't fit more
than 10 or 12 people with the way my house is
designed. What about the Cabrillo bath house? It has
a very nice meeting room or the WigWam Indian room,
again a very nice meeting place, or would Angels Gate
give us a room? Or does anyone have a connection with
Fort MacArthur?? Maybe put it on the blog to see if
someone does, they might give us a room.

Carla

DWP Street Lights / Tree Trim

2008-03-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

If there is a tree blocking your Tax-paid streelight from shining on the street/cars, call DWP at 1-818-342-5397 or Toll Free 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). This would be for street lights on wooden telephone poles. The cement and steel poles are city of los angeles, call 311 for assistance.

In either case, explain to the operator that your tax paid, utility bill surcharge, street light illumination is being blocked by overgrown tree, they will come out and trim within 48 hours at no charge.

LAPD crime MAP- San Pedro

2008-03-10T19:59:00.001-07:00

Here's the link to see recent crimes in the LAPD report:

http://www.lapdonline.org/crimemap/

The map is interactive, just enter the dates to search and then move mouse to the color dot that indicates crime.

2008-03-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Step 2: Physical Security- Shrubbery Trim

The second portion of creating a safe, comfortable home is to trim all greenery away from windows and doors.

This is essential so that there a no "hidden" spots where someone can hide while forcing or breaking entry into your home. When trying to break in to a home, crooks try to use the elements such as overgrown shrubs, hedges, bushes, and trees to their advantage.

So, just trim back so that no one can hide next to your property and use your landscaping to hide their activities. This can be done while maximizing curb appeal. Many homes in the neighborhood are beautiful, but have overgrown greenery that needs to be trimmed back.

So, with spring here, it's the perfect time to trim back.

Results of Meeting 2/20/08

2008-03-06T16:44:00.000-08:00

Meeting began at 6:30 p.m. with Officer Joe Busciano reminding us that our area is 587. His cell number is 310-869-2168. Remember only the property owner can report a crime against his/her property. Take a picture and e-mail it to Officer Buscaino and he can take your report on line. His e-mail is 33537@lapd.lacity.org

There were 18 neighbors in attendance.

Coastal Neighborhood Council Meeting, Monday 2/25, 6:30 p.m. at the Marina Community Center -
Scott Arnold, Scott Humbert and Abe Aviles will be making a presentation to the Coastal Neighborhood Council. Our neighborhood watch is seeking funds for cameras and other safety items to deter with the crimes, especially graffiti, in our area. Cameras are a legal way to prevent criminal activity as long as they record public areas only. It was decided a number of ways could determine the placement of the cameras/lights, etc:
flier to the area seeking problem areas and types of crimes being committed
ask Officer Joe Busciano about crimes reported in our area and where
light alleys and any other dark areas
ask property owners to donate rooftops for camera placement & internet connection cost appx .50 month
ask Fort Mac if they would install cameras on their property
ask Cox/phone companies to allow camera placement on poles & for internet access - good PR for them!
put up signs "You are being filmed"
ask Park Services how many officers are assigned to Point Fermin Park, how often do they patrol,
can more lights be placed in the park?

Suggestions homeowners can do to protect their property:
- report crimes
- install motion sensor lights
- keep trees and shrubs trimmed
- walk the neighborhood and meet your neighbors!
- report abandoned cars and parked motorhomes
- have DWP install more lights, cost appx $1 a day
- anti-graffiti paint costs about $80 a gallon, but paint washes away

Check out our blog - http://pointferminwatchdog.blogspot.com

Next meeting to be Wednesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. Meeting place to be determined. We would like to keep meeting place in our area, does anyone have a contact with Point Fermin School to see if we could meet there? Any other suggestions?

Meeting adjourned 7:30 p.m.

Kim Blanks
secretary

Omelette and Waffle Shop at 6:30 PM prompt Wed 6:30

2008-02-17T18:23:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let you know that the Point Fermin Neighborhood watch is this Wednesday the 20th at The Omelette and Waffle Shop at 6:30 PM prompt. 1103 S. Gaffey. We look forward to seeing you there! Tell your friends and neighbors.

http://www.omeletteandwaffleshop.com/

From Joe Buscaino Regarding Cameras

2008-02-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

Many thanks Kim for your efforts...

To all watch members: Please respond to Kim's email to decide where you want the camera and how many...my suggestion will be to place them in high density corridors i.e. Peck Ave., Shepard Ave, Carolina, Denison, Kerckhoff.

As for cost of cameras...someone at the meeting suggested we ask a neighbor in the Point Fermin area who already has a system in tack...unfortunately I do not remember the neighbor's name nor his address..

Joe Buscaino

Doug

The Point Fermin area has recently organized a neighborhood watch. We are planning on coming to your next Coast Council meeting asking for funds for cameras and equipment to help fight the graffiti they are having near the park. What do we need to bring? Do we need a letter stating what we will do with the funds or just a breakdown of the costs? Copies for all members? How do we get on your agenda?

Thanks
Kim Blanks

1st Step: Increase Physical Home Security

2008-02-01T15:27:00.000-08:00

Over the next few weeks, we will be blogging about basic steps that we need to perform to increase the physical security of our homes.

Easy, and inexpensive, with a great return for your "peace of mind".

So, this weekend, go to a home center or hardware store and purchase a flourescent exterior light fixture/bulb combination. (If you already have a porch/back door light fixture, skip this step). The basic black metal/glass bowl exterior light can be had for $4 at Home Depot, for example. A 6-pack of 60 watt output high-effiency bulbs that use 8-12 watts of electricity cost around $8 and will save $270 on electricity. Install the lights according to instructions...or get some one handy to help you for a few minutes.

If you already have light fixtures, then change the bulbs out or even install light-sensitive "automatic" on-at-night sensors.

Installing high-efficiency exterior lighting at your front and back door, that uses around 12 cents per evening per bulb is well worth it. I know many folks have motion-sensing lights that turn on with motion, but those typically use high-wattage "floodlight" bulbs and can irritate your neighbors. Lights can also be "shielded" from shining into your windows while still providing adaquate exterior lighting for your physical security. Light pollution is an issue...but so is cleaning graffiti and dealing with crime. One must make a choice. A safe neighborhood is worth 12 cents electricity per evening.

Additionally: LOCK your back or side door. Most all burglaries occur through a unlocked back door. By lighting your exterior and locking your doors, you have greatly increased being safe and reducing crime. Very rarely do burglaries occur through the front door!

Alarm System

2008-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

We have Brinks home alarm service and orginally signed up for $300. for 3 years I want to say and it was free installation. We also turn it on when we sleep and it does give us peace of mind. We have a sign out front and in my 13 years of living here we have never had a problem.

The First Point Fermin Watch Dog Blog

2008-01-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

I said I'd post a blog and I figured it out. Let's see how it goes. Below the email I sent today.

Well we had the first (of this group) Point Fermin Neighborhood Watch last night and all and all I think it was a great step towards neighborhood safety. And it was nice getting to know one another.

We have agreed to meet again on February 20th at 6:30PM (location to be determined) and then we intend to meet again at the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council Governing Board at Cabrillo Marina Community Building, Cabrillo Plaza, Berth 28 on 2/25/08 at 6:30 to let our voices be heard.

It seemed the main concern was graffiti and a few citizens have installed cameras to tape and record graffiti artists in higher tagged areas. There has been great success with this. A group was formed with Abe, Kim and Scott to discuss a plan for a wireless camera network.

I offered to put a Point Fermin blog together as a place we can go to stay in touch. I would like some suggestions as to the best place to host this blog. Your feedback is welcome and encouraged.