A Message from Sean Paden

Dear Fullerton Voters:

I want you to know that the false attacks on Councilman Greg Sebourn by the allies of Larry Bennett and Doug Chaffee in a recent mailer are shamefully misleading.

The vote that the Fullerton police union claims Greg Sebourn made “against transparency” is completely false.

Here are the facts:  On June 17, 2014 Greg voted FOR transparency and it was Doug Chaffee, Larry Bennett’s ally on the City Council, who voted against it.

At issue is an ordinance called COIN. Two versions were proposed and Greg voted for one of them. The version Greg voted against exempted citizens’ oversight of labor negotiations of Fullerton’s police union.

Let that sink in a minute folks. The police unions just spent at least $15,000 on a direct mailer criticizing Greg for wanting their labor negotiations to occur out in the open – and they want you to believe that was a vote against transparency. Do not believe any of it.

Another deceptive attack was circulated in a scurrilous robo-call last week.  I have known Greg Sebourn for four years now and have attended almost all of the council meetings on which he has been a member. He is a man of good character and integrity and would never stoop to spreading the kind of falsehoods that are being spread about him.

Fullerton voters, please do not be fooled by these deceitful mailers and phone messages.

On Tuesday, November 4, please cast your vote FOR transparency in city government.

Sincerely,
Sean Paden
Candidate for Fullerton City Council
 

Proudly Vote for Greg Sebourn and Sean Paden
on Tuesday, November 4.

Who monkeyed with the agenda?

'Tis a good question.

At the October 2, 2012 meeting, just prior to the adjournment, Council Member Doug Chaffee moved to agendize discussing the position of the chief of police in the next open meeting.  Up to that time all discussions regarding the position have taken place behind closed doors during the closed session meetings.

Mayor Sharon Quirk-Silva, who is running against Assembly Member Chris Norby, said she would only go along with Chaffee's motion if it was to discuss the matter and not vote on it.

It bears repeating.  The Mayor said she would approve agendizing the discussion of the position so long as there was no vote taken.  Council Member Chaffee said, "well then why don't we just have a general discussion on the topic."

It was the clearly stated direction from the Mayor to City Manager Joe Felz to place on the agenda a public discussion regarding the position of chief of police.

If I sound like a broken record, play back the City's video at about 4:05:00.  

http://fullerton.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=400

With this clear direction given, why did the item get agendized with the following language:

During the Staff / Council Communications portion of the October 2, 2012 City Council meeting, staff received direction to agendize City Council discussion regarding entering into negotiations with Acting Chief Hughes for the position of Chief of Police. Recommendation by the City Manager’s Office: Pleasure of the City Council.

Who came up with that?  Who decided that the discussion was "regarding entering into negotiations with Acting Chief Hughes"?

The Mayor agreed to agendize discussing the position but was reluctant to do so until after the election.  Chaffee responded, "then why don't we just have a general discussion on the topic...?"

The Mayor replied, "I can support having a conversation about it, agendizing it for our next meeting, October 16th, but not committing to a vote until the second meeting in November.  Then I think that way we are moving something forward as far as specifics but we're not voting on it, so I could support that.  Is that clear enough?"

"Yes" said Chaffee.

So again I ask, why does the City Council agenda state that the item is a discussion regarding entering into negotiations?

Shouldn't we be discussing terms and conditions?

Since Council Member Chaffee wants to discuss the position publicly, shouldn't the Council discuss what the terms of employment would be for the position?

Or is Fullerton so desperate to hire a police chief that the Council should select a chief before figuring out what the terms should be?  This would be a first.

The agenda memo says that the position has been pending for several reasons, specifically: "further consideration of the position classification; the conclusion of several reports regarding the status of the Fullerton Police Department; and the potential consideration of an informal analysis by the Orange County Sheriff Department."

With those unanswered questions lingering, why would the Council discuss directing the City Manager to begin negotiating with anyone?

And back to my initial question, who misunderstood the "clear" direction from the Mayor and monkeyed with the agenda?

Fullerton Police Department Open House - Oct. 20 10AM-2PM

Fear Mongering, Part 2

I never thought my previous post on the title subject would lead to a second post on the issue but I think perhaps now would be a good time to do so.

If you recall, I mentioned that fear is used as a means of control.

As an elected council member my fear is limited to making a poor decision that has unforeseen and negative consequences.  I fear that I will wake up on a Wednesday morning to find out that the previous night's decision would have a drastic negative impact.  But decide, I must; that is what your elected officials must do.

So with each decision, with each blog post, with each public appearance, I run the risk of saying or doing something that will have a negative impact and that, to some degree, makes me fearful.

However, I must keep a level head and remind myself and those around me that I am human and inclined to act as such.  "Be humble" I say to myself.

And if I should say too much, stumble or miss a step, the press is there to remind me of who I represent.  While we can certainly argue the role of the press and the various biases that each media outlet may have, it is of the utmost importance that all of us remember the role of the press.  In my opinion and that of many, the press serves the people equally as much as government itself.  The modern press is able to tell the public that which government would rather not share.

Sometimes the government (an all encompassing term which could include public employees, elected and appointed officials, etc.) makes an embarrassing mistake, like when Fullerton police officers mistakenly raided the wrong house.  Sometimes government withholds information because of ongoing investigations, like when the Fullerton Police Department refused to release the video of police confronting Kelly Thomas on July 5th.  In these two examples the public by and large knew of the incidents' occurrence and even some details.  However, it takes a complete disclosure of the evidence to paint an accurate picture of the events.  Since former Fullerton Police officers have certain rights of appeal with respect to their employment, I will not comment further on that case.

In both cases, though, the press had a specific role to play in sharing information with the public.  While the press can request information all day every day, it takes the government (again a broad term) to provide the press with the information.  We have the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that guarantees that the press can operate without interference from government.

But what about when a government has information which the public would take great interest in if the press knew of its existence and were to report it.  What if the government chose not to release it or even make its existence known?  This is where the importance of an elected representative can make all of the difference.  Having officials willing to open their doors to the press and the media and allow for complete, and sometimes even embarrassing, transparency is in my opinion the only way to ensure an honest government that places the citizens first.  Fear of the truth is power to some and terror to others.

"The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them." --Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 1787.

Police Oversight, Meeting Tonight at Library

Thanks to Matt Leslie for reminding me about tonight's meeting.  Here is Matt's blog post...

by Matt Leslie 

Citizen Committee Seeks Civilian Oversight of Fullerton Police Department in the Wake of Beating Death of Kelly Thomas, Reports of Abuse by Officers, Recent and Impending Lawsuits against FPD

FULLERTON, CA, The Police Oversight Proposal Committee (POPC) will host a public presentation on methods of police oversight Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Fullerton Public Library Conference Center. The public are invited to attend. There is no admission charge.   

Read more HERE... 

 

Release the Phone Call

There has been much discussion of late regarding the call to the Fullerton Police Department which resulted in officers making contact with Kelly Thomas on July 5, 2011.

A member of the media has made an official request for the recorded phone call, which was not a 911 call.  That request was forwarded to the Orange County District Attorney's Office for their input.  The response from the DA basically says that the call evidence in a criminal case, the investigation of which is still ongoing.

In my opinion, there are very few records which are not open to public scrutiny.  The recording in question is should be released to the public just like any 911 recordings.  I cannot see any reason for it to be kept secret.

If the District Attorney feels it should be suppressed while the matter is further investigated, I suggest he obtain a court order barring its release to the public.  Without such an order, I can see no legal way nor a logical reason for the City of Fullerton to stand in the way of the release.

Letter from OC DA to Fullerton PD.

OC Register Columnist Avoids the Obvious

OC Register columnist David Whiting shows the same trait as the Fullerton City Council members being recalled- denial.

Whiting gives his impression of the Fullerton recall election and the reaction of the public since the video was released.

While Whiting is entitled to express his opinion, he chose to use his creative writing skills over his journalist skills to express his support of the three doomed council members Jones, Bankhead, and McKinley.

I suppose when the facts are present, one need only close their eyes and the facts go away.  I'm sure my toddler would agree.

Unfortunately, sticking one's head in the sand doesn't resolve anything.  It only drags out the inevitable demise that is certain to follow.

Whiting gives the before and after impressions of the soon-to-be ex-councilmen and uses some mild quotes. He ignores, as city council candidate Matt Rowe pointed out, numerous tasteless, insensitive, and demeaning comments made by McKinley.  Bankhead and Jones also made plenty of similar remarks that have reflected poorly on our city.

From Matt's Facebook post at the OC Register on-line:

Here's some better quotes for Councilman McKinley.
---
Theme: Compassion
On sexual assault and the FPD (Rincon).
"Those ladies weren't people like this." 
This is not compassion. This is judgement. Does Pat McKinley side with the victims here or with the officer? You decide, then read the next one.
"It was just inappropriate touching. Not a good thing, but it ain't a dangerous thing."
This is not compassion. Pat McKinley actively dismissed what it feels like to be sexually assaulted and defended the officer's actions. Need more, read below. 

On Kelly Thomas.
"You can't get six people around one guy."
This is not compassion. This is attacking witnesses to the crime. As the video demonstrates, you can certainly get six officers on one guy. They piled on and crushed Kelly to death. Again, this is not compassion, this is Pat McKinley defending the FPD on national television. Need more?
"I've had my eyes bloused a few times myself... facial injuries are not life threatening."
This is not compassion. This is Pat McKinley minimizing the injuries that Kelly Thomas received. He's making a foray into medicine and is not acting appropriately for a councilman. No eye blousing every received by Pat McKinley should EVER be compared to Kelly Thomas's injuries. Need more?
"I can guarantee neither of these officers intended for Kelly Thomas to die. They had no intention of murdering him."
THIS IS NOT COMPASSION. This is Pat McKinley, again, sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. He has no idea what the officers' intent was. Here he is AGAIN advocating for the FPD and not advocating for a citizen of Fullerton, a victim of the FPD. Still need more?
"This should be an interesting trial and Mr Barnett is an extremely competent lawyer, and he has said that he has other information."
This is not compassion. This is Pat McKinley alluding to evidence held by the defense that may exonerate the officers. He has no business stating this, true or untrue. He's supposed to be advocating for citizens, for Fullerton, and for victims of crime inside the city limits. Making a statement about how good the defense attorney is and how interesting he's going to make the trial is not compassion. If it is, it's only for the FPD.
---
Theme: Police Discipline:
"I probably hired them all."
Yup. You probably trained them, too. Not exactly who I want ensuring my rights aren't violated.
"We changed the entire culture of the department."
I have no doubt you did.
"We put Rincon on administrative leave, immediately."
Really? This is a lie. Pat McKinley left Rincon on the job after receiving multiple complaints. He assaulted many many women. What did Pat McKinley do about it? He left him on the street, retired, then blamed the incoming police chief. View it yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg3uCUnivlU&feature=youtu.be
---
I have no idea why the person writing this article wrote what they did. What I can tell you is that we're not all on the same page. The quotes presented by the author, at best, occurred weeks and months after Kelly was killed. What the author should be presenting is what the council members said before the press got a hold of the case. That's the justification for the recall.
I guess this really sums up the reporter's journalistic ability: "As one speaker in council chambers put it, 'The world is watching this meeting.' I'm not so sure about the world."
The speaker was Ron Thomas. The world is most definitely watching. 10 million views and counting.
YES ON RECALL.

Well said Matt!  

Sticking our head in the sands of Fullerton have left us with over $1-BILLION of debt, no less than a dozen law suits, several former police employees incarcerated or on trial, accounting gimmicks and misappropriation of public funds, illegal taxes, and a blood on our streets.  \

The only cure for Fullerton's failed leadership is to replace the council with competent and caring leaders who will not look the other way while Rome is burning.

CAUSE: head in sand, EFFECT: (see images below)

A DUI crash mock-up. Unlike many

other Fullerton images, no one died

or was injured in this picture.

Attempted Kidnapping...8 days ago!

Below is a notice I received from the Fullerton PD's iWatch Alert System that sends subscribers  emails or text messages about criminal activity in your neighborhood.  I signed up for all of the neighborhoods so I could understand how much crime there is in Fullerton.

What troubles me is that a kidnapping is among the worst crimes a community will face and the fact that one was attempted and the public not notified has me asking why.

Why didn't the Fullerton Police department send out a press release on this attempted kidnapping?  Was the department too distracted by other events?  Which events?  

Anyway, in the interest of protecting the public from crazed murderous kidnappers, here is the alert, albeit 8 days old:

There was an attempted kidnapping of a woman on May 8 at approximately 10:50 AM in the 400 block of S. Lemon St.  As the woman was walking to school a large white truck containing 2 occupants drove past her. One of the occupants yelled at her and said “hey” out of the window. The truck passed her a second time and nothing was said. When the victim saw the truck for the third time it was parked. A suspect walked up from behind her and grabbed her arm. The victim hit the suspect and walked away from him very fast. When the suspect caught up to the victim again he put his hand underneath her jacket and said "if you run or if you scream I am going to shoot you." The victim was able to run away safely.

I am glad the victim was able to get away on her own.  Perhaps if the FPD would have released this IMMEDIATELY, the public could have helped be the eyes and ears for the officers.  The crime should have been on the news that afternoon.  Radio stations should have been reporting it.  But instead the FPD keeps the event quiet until a week has passed.  

Why did they wait?  

Was it fear of creating fear?  

Was it just not important?  

What reason could they have for not telling us about this?  

I thought the people, you know voters and taxpayers, were pretty pissed off at last night's council meeting.  Blunders like this won't help the public's perception of our police department or restore the lost trust.

Fullerton Observer Still in Twilight Zone

Somehow the Fullerton Observer screwed up my statement and printed that I said I would be dismantling the FPD and bringing in the Sheriff's Department.

Here is what I said and you can check it out on the Friends for Fullerton's Future website:

"One of the things that has been proposed is basically dismantling the Fullerton Police Department and bringing in the Orange County Sheriff's Department.  Some have said that it would save us a ton of money, and indeed it might, but it may have other ramifications as well.  We might be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire." 

That was my response to a question at the League of Women Voters Forum last week about repairing Fullerton's tarnished and bruised reputation. I also spoke about accountability, something the FPD has lacked for nearly two decades until recently when several police officers and at least one non-sworn employee found themselves on the wrong side of the law.  

So, since the Observer is bent on distorting the facts, I will spell it out:  ALL OPTIONS MUST BE CONSIDERED.

That doesn't mean SEBOURN will toss out Fullerton's police officers nor does it mean SEBOURN will ask the OC Sheriff's Department to serve Fullerton.  It DOES mean that I will look at all of these options and give everyone a voice at the dais to make their case.  Major changes like this should not be made without careful consideration of the facts, and we just don't have all of them yet.

The OC Sheriff's Department has a reputation of corruption as well from the top down.  In all fairness, every police agency struggles with corruption, though some dismiss it as "misconduct".  

And if you read the Observer's mid May issue, you might be wondering who "Doug Sebourn" is.  Me too.  He might be some long lost cousin or just an imaginary candidate.  Hard to say with the Observer.

Fullerton PD Warns of Sex Predator in North Fullerton!

On 03-15-12, at approximately 0948 hours, a female was walking in the area of Calle Don Juan north of Las Palmas Street in the city of Fullerton. The male suspect approached her from behind and he grabbed her buttocks and he then grabbed her groin.

The suspect ran away and possibly into the area of Flintridge and Las Palmas Streets. There was a silver sedan seen leaving this area shortly after the suspect entered the cul-de-sac. The suspect was not seen inside the vehicle nor was there any other information on the vehicle description.

There was a previous case reported that occurred on 02-23-12 at approximately 0845 hours, in the area of Las Palmas and Flintridge Streets also on a Thursday. The suspect description was the same. During this incident, the victim was walking a stroller, when the suspect approached her from behind. The suspect kissed the victim by force and he grabbed her groin area. The victim screamed and the suspect fled.

The suspect description:
Male Hispanic, 5’0”-5'6", 160-170lbs
black mustache, 20’s-30's
medium brown skin.

Wearing dark clothing: Black long sleeve shirt/ sweater Black beanie and black pants.

If you are a witness to the above incidents or if you have any additional information regarding the suspect or the incident, please contact Detective Flores at: 714-738-6754 or the Fullerton Police Department at: 714-738-6800.

Fullerton PD would like you to be aware sexual predator information in the attached flyer.

Click to read or download

Irony and Semantics - The Fullerton Police Department

Its truly ironic that only one day after I posted comments from FPD regarding burglaries and the need for residents to lock up their valuables, that we find out one of their own has been arrested for burglarizing the FPD property room.

Click here for the OC Register's story.

Wondering how many more bad apples will fall from the FPD tree, I asked Acting Chief Dan Hughes if it was safe to say that FPD was trying to clean house.

"I would rather phrase it as I promised if I learned of any suspected conduct by an employee at the police department that violated public trust, I would immediately investigate and take decisive action.  Hopefully, the community will recognize I intend to keep my promises."

Ok, Chief, that's one way to look at it.  


I like Chief Hughes; I think he is sincere about his job and the public's trust.  I'm also acutely aware that he has some level of culpability in the culture of corruption within FPD.

That said, how can two people seeing the same thing not agree on what to call it? Is not the sky blue??

As it turns out, what I see as a culture of corruption I think Hughes and the FPD command staff sees as a deficiency in training or perhaps ignorance. Gennaco's report thus far seems to support the "deficiency in training" mindset while the rest of us listening to the OC District Attorney's rehash of the same event -"see my fists? They are getting ready to fuck you up"- and it supports a clear case of corruption preceded by and followed with actions not supported by any departmental policy.

Lecturing to a classroom filled with police recruits on following policies to keep your job, a police chief once noted, "Why create a police policy? If you have a written policy, you have to follow it." Implied was the notion that employment is more important than doing what is right.  It uses ignorance as an excuse while we all know that ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse for violating the law.

I don't know what all of the issues are within the Fullerton Police Department but it is clear that some employees are corrupt.  Not dealing with the problem for 17 or 18 years has made it much worse.  Not having specific written policies all these years has also contributed to the culture.

But I do know that a few more of those bad apples will fall before the public's trust is restored.  And shaking the tree hard is Dan Hughes.  

Fullerton PD Offers Some Friendly Advice

After hearing about the recent burglaries in North Fullerton, I asked FPD Sergeant Goodrich to comment on the difficulties of solving thefts and what people can do to deter thefts.  Below is Sergeant Goodrich's response which closely mirrors the recommendations on the FPD website:

Unfortunately, property crimes across this country, not just in Fullerton, are difficult to solve.  There is often little to no evidence, and personal items are often challenging to trace.  Even those items like serialized property are rarely identified by owners because they neglect to record the serial numbers themselves.  They assume the number(s) are on a receipt, or the store would have them.  It is also difficult to look for “46 inch Sharp TV” on Craig’s List when there are no serial numbers to check it with.  When we do have evidence, like fingerprints or possible DNA, it is processed and sometimes comes up as a match.  This will typically lead to an arrest warrant, or at least questioning.  When we detect trends in time and place, we can deploy units to conduct surveillance of an area.  Our detectives also meet with detectives from other agencies to talk about potential trends.  We use our detectives, patrol officers, as well as our crime analyst to identify trends. As far as safeguards and precautions, the first is easy: lock your doors and windows.  You would be surprised how often a burglar gains entry into a house through an unlocked rear sliding glass door or window.  Keeping your garage door closed is also helpful.  Many thefts occur when the resident is home, but with the garage door open.  Also, record the serial numbers of serialized electronics so that if the items are stolen, the police can input that information into the computer. Alarms can be helpful in getting the police to a home, but probably not in time to catch the thieves.  There is usually a significant delay, and the thief will know he/she tripped an alarm by the sounds and other cues.  I don’t have information on the effectiveness of dogs as a deterrent.   I do know that many burglaries happen when the thief gains access from the rear yard, so anything that would make a burglar think twice about going in a back yard would probably be beneficial. I also do not have information on whether the residents in the burglaries mentioned below had dogs or alarms or not.

FPD Acting Chief Dan Hughes says this video offers a good look at how burglars operate.
 http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/investigative/rolling-30s-the-knock-knock-burglars-20100215

North Fullerton Hit With Residential Burglaries

A friend alerted me to a rash of burglaries in North Fullerton and wanted to know what was going on.

As it turns out, there were several residential burglaries:

400 block of Cienega – February 1, 2012 between 5:30pm and 8:30pm
2000 block of Seaview – February 2, 2012 between 8am and 11:15am
400 block of E. Las Palmas – February 3, 2012 between 11:45am and 12pm
600 block of Santa Barbara – February 3, 2012 between 4pm and 7pm
2800 block of Sunny Wood – February 7, 2012 between 9:30am and 10:15am
900 block of Oakwood – February 8, 2012 between 8am and 11:15am
400 block of Pebble Beach – February 20, 2012 between 7:15am-5:15pm

"The only possible suspect information we have at the moment came from the burglary on Sunny Wood," said Fullerton Police's Sergeant Andrew Goodrich.  "There was a black older model mid-size pick-up truck, possibly a Nissan or Toyota , seen near the house at the time of the burglary. A neighbor reports a partial license plate ending in 065."


FPD Crime Map

 The Police Department's website offers the following tips:

Outside Your Home Protect your home by starting where the burglars usually start - outside.

Landscaping
Look around. Are large trees near the house? Prune lower limbs that could help a thief climb in second floor windows. Trim trees and bushes so a burglar cannot use them for cover. High wooden fences also allow a burglar to work unnoticed. Remember to lock up ladders and tools. Ask your neighbors to do the same. Trellises look great, but place them where they cannot be used as ladders to the second floor.

Lighting
Criminals avoid the spotlight. Porches, yards, and all entrances to your home and garage should be well lit. Ask your police or sheriff's department for suggestions about lighting.

Your House Number
Make sure law enforcement or fire agencies can locate your house in an emergency. Your house number should be clearly visible from the street day and night. Use numbers that are 6 inches high and made of reflective materials or black numerals against a white background. Avoid script numbers - they can be confusing. If your house is some distance from the road, post the number at the driveway entrance. If you live on a corner, make sure the number faces the street named in your address.

Windows
You can buy special key locks for windows at a hardware store. Ask for locks best suited to your type of windows and get the installation instructions. Keep the keys away from the windows, but make sure everyone in the house knows where to find them in case of an emergency. Be sure to check with your local law enforcement agency or housing officials to see if they restrict installation of these locks. An easy, inexpensive way to secure double-hung windows is to use a nail. Drill an angled hole through the top frame of the lower window partially into the frame of the upper window. Then insert a nail or an eyebolt. The window cannot be opened until you remove the nail. Make a second set of holes with windows partially open so you can have ventilation without inviting intruders. For sliding windows, try the preventative tips suggested for sliding doors.

Doors
Hinged Doors
Entry doors should be solid core wood (at least 1 3/4 inches thick) or metal. Most hollow core doors can be easily broken through. They offer little protection, no matter what locks you use. Your door should fit its frame tightly - with no more than 1/8-inch clearance between the door and frame. If the gap is too large, replace the door. If that is too expensive, bolt a sturdy metal strip to the door edge. You boost your protection and save energy. Any hardware dealer can show you the kind of strip to use. Doors with decorative glass panels or windows are an easy mark. It takes only seconds to break the glass and unlock the door. If you do not want to replace the door, install a break-resistant plastic panel or decorative grill over the glass. Attach the grills with non-removable screws. Most door hinges are on the inside, safe from a burglar's tools. If hinges are on the outside, the hinge pins can be easily removed and the door taken out of the frame. To protect such doors, replace hinges with new ones with non-removable pins.

Sliding glass doors

Burglars look for sliding glass doors because they are easy to open. Several types of locks are made especially for these glass doors. The existing lock can be bolstered by placing a solid strip of wood in the track of the closed door. That helps block the door even if the lock is broken. Determined thieves may lift the door off its tracks. Use these preventative tips:

• Adjust rollers so the door cannot be pushed up enough to lift it off the track.
• Insert screws along the upper track of the door. Leave enough room for the door to slide, but not enough space to lift the door out.
• Drill a hole and insert a nail through the inside frame and part way through the metal door frame. You can remove the nail, but a burglar cannot.

Locks
Deadbolt Locks
A deadbolt lock can provide good protection. When you turn the key, the lock mechanism slides a strong metal bolt from the door into the frame. When you buy a deadbolt lock, make sure:

• The bolt extends at least 1 inch from the edge of the door (has a 1-inch throw).
• The connecting screws that hold the lock together are on the inside of the door.
• The strike plate is attached to the door frame with screws that measure at least 3 inches.
• The cylinder has a steel guard - a ring around the key section. The cylinder guard should be tapered or rotated around the key to prevent wrenching if twisted.

Double-Cylinder Deadbolt Locks
To improve security on a door with glass panels, use a double-cylinder deadbolt lock. These locks can only be opened with a key from either side. Keep keys near the door, but not within reach of the glass panel. That way intruders cannot get in, but you and your family can get out quickly in case of fire or other emergency. Check with your local law enforcement agency or housing officials before you install this lock. Some communities restrict its use.

Padlocks
Padlocks are typically used for garages, sheds, and workshops. Look for a sturdy padlock that does not release the key until the padlock is locked. Be sure the padlock is case-hardened with a 3/8-inch shackle so it can resist bolt cutters. A double-locking design can prevent the shackle being pried away from its case. Remember that a padlock is only as good as the hasp on which it is mounted. The hasp should be secured with bolts that are concealed when the padlock is locked. All the hardware in the world will not protect you if you open your door without checking who is on the other side. Buy an inexpensive viewer. Tell your children and their babysitters not to open the door to strangers

Remember, always use your locks. Even a five-minute trip to the store is long enough for a burglar to enter you home.

Keys

Victims report that as many as half of all burglaries take place without forced entry. In many cases, the burglar used a key. Be sure your keys do not fall into the wrong hands.

• Never carry identification tags on your key ring or holder.
• When you move into a new home have the locks re-keyed or changed. A locksmith can do this or, if you are handy with tools, you can change the lock yourself.
• Know who has every key to your home. Do not give keys to maintenance or delivery people.
• Do not hide your key outside. Burglars know all the hiding places.

Security Alarms
If you desire additional security, you might consider a burglar alarm system. Be sure you deal with a reputable firm that provides approved systems. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Burglar alarms in Fullerton require a permit and annual renewal. For further information, contact the Police Community Services Bureau and speak to the Alarm Coordinator at 738-3103.  (Greg's comment: The Better Business Bureau is not a good source for alarm company credentials.  Alarm companies and their employees are regulated by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (http://www.bsis.ca.gov/) (800) 952-5210.  There are also several professional associations which may be helpful.) 

Fullerton Police Chief Michael Sellers to Retire (for good?)

Fullerton City Manager Joe Felz today (Feb. 3) announced that Michael F. Sellers has informed the city that he will retire from his position as chief of the Fullerton Police Department.

           

The retirement will be effective Feb. 18.

           

Felz, who wished Sellers well, said the retirement will help the department and the city in the process of moving forward.   He added no decision has been made as to a permanent replacement.

           

“We will be reviewing our options with the Council in the coming months and will determine the best course for the city in finding a replacement,” Felz said.

           

Police Capt. Dan Hughes, a 28-year veteran of the department, will serve as acting chief until a decision is made on a permanent replacement.

           

Sellers, who became Fullerton’s chief in May 2009, has been on medical leave since Aug. 9, 2011. The announcement of his retirement coincides with resolution of Sellers’ workers’ compensation claim.

           

That resolution involves a payment of $127,500 to Sellers, plus $22,500 in legal fees. In addition, it relieves the city from any future responsibility for medical costs related to the claim.  

           

William McCormick, the attorney who represented the City of Fullerton in the workers compensation claim, said he is pleased with the outcome of the case. “Chief Sellers’ treating doctor and an independent doctor both said he was unable to return to work at his job, and the settlement ended any potential liability for future medical treatment costs, which could be significant,” McCormick said.           

           

Sellers will be eligible for an industrial disability retirement based on findings from his doctor, as well as from the city’s doctor, who determined Sellers is disabled from performing his job as Fullerton’s police chief.

Sellers began his career in law enforcement in 1976 when he joined the La Palma Police Department. He left La Palma in 1995 for a captain’s position with the Los Alamitos Police Department. In 1997, he was made chief of the Seal Beach Police Department. He accepted the post of Laguna Beach chief of police in 2005.

He left Laguna Beach to become Fullerton’s chief of police.

Fullerton Police Ask for Public's Help

Acting Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes is asking for the public's help in identifying a vandal caught on camera.
 

The video is of a person committing a vandalism to a business in the 1100 block of  West Orangethorpe that detectives have been unable to identify. 

"I am hopeful," says Acting Chief Hughes "that someone from your neighborhood [West Fullerton] will be able to identify him and contact Detective Jim Bolden at 714-738-6757."

Hughes says that detectives recently obtained and served a search warrant for a residence in West Fullerton after obtaining probable cause to believe the resident was involved in many acts of graffiti in the area.  The suspect in this case is currently a juvenile but Acting Chief Hughes says the juvenile will be prosecuted as an adult if arrested again within a few months.

The photographs below depict some of the graffiti instruments detectives discovered during the execution of the search warrant. 

To report ANY crime in progress, including vandalism, call 911.  If you have information that may help investigators, please contact Detective Jim Bolden at 714-738-6757.

To report graffiti to the Graffiti Removal Crew, call (714) 738-3108 or email them at graffitih@ci.fullerton.ca.us.

Fullerton's Acting Chief Speaks Out About Kelly Thomas Case

Acting Chief of Police Dan Hughes spoke with Tracy Woods at the Voice of OC and explained some of the behind the scenes events that were happening Julyu 5th, 2010.

Woods reports:

As he was driving from his home to the station that night, he called the leaders of the department's internal affairs and major crimes units to let them know something had happened.

"I told them, 'You need to be handling this as if it is an officer-involved shooting,' " he said. He also told them to call the district attorney's office so they could send out investigators.

Then he talked to the police department's public information officer, Andrew Goodrich, notified the captain in charge of investigations, telling him to get investigators to work immediately. He told them also to call the DA's office, and finally he called Chief Sellers.

"All of this within 15 minutes," he repeats. "I did not know that he [Thomas] was going to die."

Read the entire story HERE...

Justice American Style

What would you do if a man who had been arguing with you just hours before came to your door with a gun?

Probably the same thing an un-named Fullerton resident allegedly did on Saterday when the resident allegedly shot the alleged gunman with a shotgun allegedly loaded with birdshot.

According to the Orange County Register, the birdshot bad guy, Isaac Chavez, checked into Lakewood Regional Medical Center where he was promptly arrested.

Chavez, 25, was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats, and violating parole. 

The unidentified shooter has not been charged.

If you have any information on the shooting, contact the Fullerton Police at (714) 738-6800 and then email me at GregSebourn@yahoo.com.

Fullerton PD Shares Recent Police Activities

In what I think is a concerted effort by the Fullerton Police Department to share information, here are three recent FPD stories you may not have heard.  The first two are from FPD Press Releases while the third is an update from Acting Chief Dan Hughes.

On a side note, I have been criticized for my support of the Fullerton Police Department's efforts to rid the City of graffiti.  It seems some believe that tagging and vandalism are minor crimes not worthy of policing.  What many are forgetting is that this effort to to gain the upper hand on taggers is was initiated by the residents of West Fullerton.  They insisted that the FPD take these costly crimes seriously which they have.  I appreciate city leaders who listen to and respond to the residents.  Acting Chief Dan Hughes is doing everything he can to put uniforms on Fullerton's streets including placing himself on patrol in an effort to give residents the level of service they are demanding.  Until someone can prove otherwise, I believe the effort is genuine and commendable, especially considering the current state of the Police Department left in the wake of the invisible Chief Sellers and a culture of corruption reminiscent of LAPD's Rampart scandal courtesy of retired FPD chief turned council member, Pat McKinley.

_____________________

Subject: Police find marijuana plants in home where put bull attacked 2-year-old

Contact: Sgt. Andrew Goodrich, Fullerton Police Department    (714) 738-6838

Police and paramedics responded to a residence in the 2500 block of Larkwood last night (Dec 26) regarding a pit bull who had bitten a 2-year-old child at a home.

Fullerton Police Sgt. Andrew Goodrich said that the mother ran to a nearby neighbor with her 2 year old son and asked the neighbor to call the paramedics. Fullerton Fire responded, treated the toddler, and transported him to an area trauma center. While at the hospital, the victim was treated for a 7” laceration on his head.

The mother was house sitting for a friend, and does not live at the residence. She stepped outside the room for a moment, and then heard growling and a scream from her child. When she ran back into the room, she saw the dog standing over her child, and the child bleeding from the head.

Animal Control responded and took custody of the dog, a pit bull terrier. While searching the house for the dog, officers found a significant quantity of marijuana growing and being processed inside. The homeowner was contacted, and no arrests have been made.

Detectives are investigating both the marijuana cultivation and the possible child endangerment.

________________________

Subject: Police arrest man in interrupted burglary case after pursuit
Contact: Sgt. Andrew Goodrich, Fullerton Police Department    (714) 738-6838

Police arrested a man for residential burglary today (Dec 27) after a vehicle pursuit that started in Fullerton and ended in La Mirada. Two suspects are still outstanding.

Fullerton Police Sgt. Andrew Goodrich said that at about 12:30pm, a 12-year-old home alone called the police after three suspects entered his house, thinking no one was home. The suspects first knocked on the door, and the 12-year-old didn’t respond because he didn’t know the people. When it appeared no one was home, the suspects went into the back yard, and entered from the rear.

With the 12-year-old still on the line with dispatchers, officers responded with lights and sirens to the residence. The suspects fled in their car just as officers arrived.

Officers began chasing the suspects, who collided with a car at the intersection of Gilbert and Malvern. The suspects continued westbound on Malvern, eventually crashing into a fire hydrant in La Mirada, near

La Mirada Blvd.

and Imperial Hwy. Officers’ set-up a perimeter to search for the suspects, and eventually located Deon William Oden, 23, from Los Angeles. Oden was booked at the Fullerton Jail for burglary, felony evading, felony hit & run, and other charges.

“This method of residential burglary, sometimes referred to as “knock-knock bandits”, is becoming more common. We want to remind residents that depending upon the situation, advising someone who is at your door that you are home without opening the door is something people should consider”, said Fullerton Police Captain Dan Hughes.

The two other suspects are still outstanding. They are described as a black female in her 30s, and the other is a black male.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective Michael Hines at (714) 773-5765, or the front desk of the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6716.

___________________

Last week FPD arrested Eric Avina, 19 yr old from Fullerton, for possession of vandalism implements. Avina is on probation and has been identified as “REKS” of the LFL tagging crew.  “REKS” has been very active on the west side of town and FPD is working with his probation officer in an effort to obtain a significant jail sentence for a violation of his probation.  A juvenile with the moniker of “RATE” or “RATER” was also arrested last week for vandalism, possession of vandalism tools, and possession of stolen property. Detective Bolden observed the juvenile placing “slappies” on several signs and the suspect was in possession of more than 20 U.S. Postal mail stickers that were going to be placed on various properties.

"I believe we are making some significant progress with this tagging crew," said Acting Chief Dan Hughes. "We are committed to relentlessly pursuing these individuals until their behavior stops."

Captain Dan Hughes Named Acting Fullerton Police Chief

A press release in my email inbox indicates Fullerton Police Captain Dan Hughes has been named Acting Chief of Fullerton's Police Department effective January 3, 2012.

Last night I gave my continued support to Acting Chief Kevin Hamilton and Captain Dan Hughes for their combined efforts to address quality of life issues and communicating police activities and events to me.  Both have been actively working to clean up the numerous messes left by their predecessors.

Hughes will continue the significant reformation taking place in the Police Department.  He supports the formation of a community advisory committee to help advise and give direction to the Chief of Police.

I am proud to have Acting Chief Hughes representing Fullerton and offer him my continued support.

I also wish Captain Kevin Hamilton well as he retires from the City.

Below is the official press release.

Police
Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE #27211

Subject :	Hughes named acting Fullerton police chief
Contact :	Sgt. Andrew Goodrich, Fullerton Police Department (714) 738-6838 Sylvia Palmer Mudrick, Public Information Coordinator, Fullerton City Manager’s Office (714) 738-6317

Capt. Dan Hughes, commander of the Fullerton Police Department’s patrol division, has been appointed acting police chief by City Manager Joe Felz.

The appointment will become effective Jan. 3.

He will replace Kevin Hamilton, who will resume his duties as captain in charge of the department’s detective division. He will also assist Hughes in the transition to the acting chief’s duties.

Felz explained the decision to appoint Hughes was prompted by Hamilton’s plans to retire soon, after 34 years with the Police Department. Hamilton, named acting chief in August, originally planned to retire this past summer, but put those plans on hold when Chief Michael Sellers was placed on extended medical leave by his doctor.

“Capt. Hamilton has done an outstanding job in assuming the acting police chief position at a very difficult time for the department and the city,” Felz said. “His efforts have been very much appreciated not only by the City Council and myself, but by the community as a whole.”

Hughes, a 28-year veteran of the police department, is a “hometown boy,” having been born and raised in Fullerton. He joined the Fullerton Police as a cadet in 1983, and became an officer in 1985. He was promoted to sergeant in 1996, lieutenant in 2006, and to patrol division captain in 2010.

Hughes holds an associate of science degree in criminal justice from Fullerton College, and both a bachelor of science degree in occupational studies and a master of science degree in emergency services administration from California State University, Long Beach.

Hughes is also a graduate of the Supervisory Leadership Institute and the International Association of Chiefs of Police leadership course “Leadership in Police Organizations.” In April, Hughes is scheduled to graduate Command College, which is an 18-month leadership and futures-oriented course designed for management in law enforcement.

Hughes serves on the board of directors of the Fullerton Boy’s and Girl’s Club, and is a member of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Fullerton Steering Committee, as well as the Fullerton Downtown Business Association and the Fullerton Downtown Working Group.

Hughes said he is looking forward to his new role, adding he takes great pride in the department. “I firmly believe the men and women of the Fullerton Police Department are some of the best law enforcement officers in Southern California,” he added.

Hughes said his initial steps as acting chief will be to continue “working on improving community trust and confidence in their Police Department.” One idea to this end that he wishes to explore is the possible formation of a community advisory committee to the chief of police.

He added he will also be working closely with his staff on completion of a review and update of department policies, procedures, and practices “to ensure our officers are making the proper ethical decisions and performing effectively, and that our supervisors are engaging more with our officers and the community in the field.”

Hughes and his wife, Kimberly, reside in Yorba Linda. They have three children – Christina, Austin and Grant. He is a member of the Yorba Linda Friends Church and is active in youth sports.