REQUEST FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY REGARDING THE HOMELESS CRISIShttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sheriff_Statment_Header_2021-1024x249.jpg1024249SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
REQUEST FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY REGARDING THE HOMELESS CRISIS AND REFUSAL BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO RESPOND
August 2, 2021
On June 23, 2021, I sent the Board of Supervisors a letter outlining the severity of the homeless crisis and requesting a local state of emergency be declared.
On JuOn June 28, 2021, I received a letter from County Counsel (Rodrigo A. Castro-Silva), which was generic, downplayed the issue, and contained no response from the Board of Supervisors.
On July 28, 2021, I sent the Board of Supervisors another letter which stated in part the “robust services” being provided are not working. I asked the Board of Supervisors to directly respond to the issue, rather than County Counsel. I further stated, “Despite whatever dissagreements you may have with me, we must unite together on this important topic to save lives.” Additionally, “If I do not receive a response, I will assume County Counsel’s response is the position you are taking in the matter, and I intend on making the June 28, 2021, correspondence public.”
On July 30, 2021, I receivedOn July 30, 2021, I received another letter from County Counsel (Rodrigo A. Castro-Silva), titled “Inappropriate Disclosure of Priviledged Attorney-Client Communications.” The letter ended by stating, “the attorney-client privilege may be waived only by the holder of the privilege, which is the Board.” Yet still no response from the Board.
II have been a vocal critic of the failures of elected officials in regard to the homeless crissis and the homeless industrial complex which has been created. If you believe our elected leaders need to display the same transparency they demand of others, then ask them why they refuse to respond and want the correspondence on this issue kept secret.
DEPUTY INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVING DAVID ORDAZ JR.
July 30, 2021
On March 14, 2021, deputies responded to a call of a man with a knife who was under the influence of drugs and wanted to commit “suicide by cop.” Tragically, David Ordaz Jr. died as a result of wounds sustained in a deputy involved shooting. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. This event was captured on body worn camera video and a critical incident video of the event has been posted at LASD.org under our Transparency Promise webpage. I want to clearly state I have grave concerns regarding this deputy involved shooting. One of the deputies has been relieved of duty and their peace officer powers have been suspended, pending the outcome of this investigation.
Upon completion of the investigation, it will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney – Justice System Integrity Division, who will determine the legality of the shooting. Additionally, the investigation will be shared with Los Angeles FBI Field Office for their review.
LA County Health Officer order to mask while indoorshttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sheriff_Statment_Header_2021-1024x249.jpg1024249SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ORDER MODIFICATION MASKING WHILE INDOORS
July 16, 2021
Forcing the vaccinated and those who already contracted COVID-19 to wear masks indoors is not backed by science and contradicts the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) has authority to enforce the order, but the underfunded/defunded Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will not expend our limited resources and instead ask for voluntary compliance. We encourage the DPH to work collaboratively with the Board of Supervisors and law enforcement to establish mandates that are both achievable and supported by science.
Sheriff Addresses the Homeless Crisis in Los Angeles Countyhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff Villanueva Addresses the Homeless Crisis and Provides Statistics in Los Angeles County
On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Lieutenant Geoffrey Deedrick from the Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST), along with business owners from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, held a press conference to address the homeless crisis in Los Angeles County and the direct effect on businesses throughout Los Angeles County and the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Sheriff Villanueva showed various clips of news reports that portrayed the homeless crisis on the Venice Beach Boardwalk and explained that regulating public space and public safety are necessary to combat the homeless crisis.
Sheriff Villanueva stated that Venice Beach is within Los Angeles County and is the second most popular tourist destination in Southern California. The tourism industry brings approximately 50 million visitors to Los Angeles per year, contributing an estimated18 billion dollars to the local economy.
The people of Los Angeles County are being directly and indirectly affected by the homeless crisis. According to the Los Angeles County Homeless Count, ten years ago, the homeless count was approximately 40,000 and today that number doubled to approximately 80,000. Various measures, including Measure H, have passed to help the homeless. But some non-profit organizations intended to assist the homeless are more of a benefit to executive officers, directors, physicians, etc. Some nonprofit organizations (such as Share Your Share Inc. and Safe Place for Youth) have no financial data available. While billions of dollars are destined to help the homeless, very little money gets to the source of the problem. In the last ten years, six and a half billion dollars was destined to the homeless, and no progress was done. Instead, the number of homeless individuals doubled in the last ten years.
Bob Carlson, owner of a skateboard and snowboard brand founded in Venice, has lived in the popular city for 30 years and has seen firsthand what the homeless population has done to Venice Beach. A few years ago, he had the necessity to hire a full time security guard, and two weeks ago the security guard was viciously attacked on the parking lot of his business when he told a homeless man that he could not drink on the parking lot. He was so badly wounded that he almost bled to death. It took the Los Angeles Police Department almost an hour to respond. Doctors informed Carlson that two vital arteries were barely missed and his employee was lucky to be alive. Carlson said the people in Venice Beach are “on their own” and thanked Sheriff Villanueva for his efforts.
The Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team is a dedicated group of law enforcement professionals who are making a difference in the well-being of the homeless, one person at a time. The HOST team consists of a lieutenant, one sergeant, and four deputies. From its inception, the mission of HOST was to positively impact the homeless crisis in Los Angeles County, while enhancing public safety and preserving the rights and dignity of persons experiencing homelessness. Their approach is simple, yet effective. Their outreach efforts include contacting the homeless and assisting them in accepting services to include transportation and relocation, among others.
Sheriff Villanueva concluded the press conference by sharing that on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, he sent a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors requesting them to declare a local state of emergency regarding the homeless crisis in Los Angeles County, stating, “Enough is enough. We need to kick it into high gear.”
Potential Release of Sexually Violent Predator Calvin Grassmier into the Crescenta Valley Communityhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sheriff_Statment_Header_2021-1024x249.jpg1024249SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
POTENTIAL RELEASE OF SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR CALVIN GRASSMIER INTO THE CRESCENTA VALLEY COMMUNITY
As the Sheriff of Los Angeles County, my primary concern is for the safety and security of the residents of our communities. Releasing violent sexual predators, such as Calvin Grassmier, into our communities makes us all less safe, as well as places an unnecessary burden on public safety resources. I urge the Superior Court to look at alternative areas where Calvin Grassmier can be placed, other than residential communities in Los Angeles.
LASD expands visitation to all facilities on June 5, 2021https://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Post_visitations_open_060221.jpg900600SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
LASD has expanded visitation to all facilities starting Saturday, June 5.
Due to the nature of the pandemic, guidelines and requirements are subject to change at any time. Please check this website frequently for updated information.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, the visitation process and requirements have changed. If requirements are not satisfied, you will be asked to leave, and the appointment will be canceled. Visitation appointments can also be canceled if an inmate is not eligible to receive visits due to a medical quarantine or other factors.
Requirements
All visits must be scheduled in advanced. There will be no walk-in appointment allowed or scheduled at facilities.
Visitors will be screened for symptoms, such as fever, cough, or loss of taste. Visitors will be turned away if they have symptoms or are under quarantine or isolation orders.
Visitors must wear a mask at all times and maintain at least six feet of distance, or they will be asked to leave.
Only one adult visitor OR one adult with one child will be allowed. If more people show up, the entire visit will be canceled for everyone.
Visitors subject to a quarantine or isolation order will have their appointment canceled.
Visitors will have to show proof of a full COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test within the last three days, or proof of previous infection. Otherwise, the visit will be canceled.
For additional information, please review the Department of Public Health’s visitation guidelines.
Sheriff Villanueva and Rocket Provide Tips on How to Stop Bullyinghttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Post_Sheriff_Rocket_AntiBullying.jpg800441SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Rocket Provide Children and Families Tips on How to Stop Bullying.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Rocket the Safety Spokesdog had a candid conversation on the topic of Bullying. Together they provided tips to children on how to stop bullying.
Watch Video of Rocket & Sheriff Alex Villanueva talks to kids about bullying – English
Bullying and Cyberbullying occurs in many forms, from verbal name-calling and teasing, to spreading rumors about someone, to physical intimidation or assault and finally cyberbullying. In this day and age, bullying is prevalent on the internet.
Sheriff Villanueva and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department take a stand against all types of bullying and would like to spread the word that bullying is wrong and we all need to work together to stop it from happening.
Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution! For more information, contact your local sheriff’s station or your local police.
For lots of resources on ways you can learn about Bullying and how to help stop it, click on the links below:
El Alguacil Alex Villanueva y Rocket Dan Consejos a Niños y Familias para Parar el Acoso o Abuso entre Niños
El Alguacil Alex Villanueva y Rocket tuvieron una amena conversación sobre el acoso o abuso entre niños. Ambos ofrecieron consejos para que los niños sepan cómo frenar el acoso.
Español
El abuso y acoso por las redes ocurre de diferentes formas, desde apodos feos y provocaciones, hasta difundir rumores acerca de alguien, intimidación o golpes y finalmente acoso por las redes. Hoy en día, el acoso por internet es muy común.
El Alguacil Alex Villanueva y el Departamento del Alguacil del Condado de Los Angeles están en contra de cualquier forma de acoso o abuso y quieren correr la voz y hacerles saber que el abuso no está bien y todos debemos trabajar juntos para que no suceda.
No seas parte del problema, ¡sé parte de la solución! Para más información comunícate con tu estación del alguacil o policía local.
Los siguientes enlaces contienen información para aprender más sobre el abuso o acoso y recursos para ayudar a frenarlo.
On Thursday, May 20, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Temple Station Captain Mark Reyes, Detective Sergeant Richard Lewis, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Frankie Sanchez, US Marshalls Service; and South El Monte Mayor Gloria Olmos, announced the arrest of the individual responsible for the brutal assault of an elderly Asian rideshare driver.
On Monday, May 10, 2021, at approximately 9:20 p.m. a gunman slid into the backseat of an elderly Asian ride share driver as he waited for his next ride at a gas station near the intersection of Rosemead Boulevard and Rush Street in South El Monte. The driver was struck in the face multiple times with a gun and robbed of more than $1,500 in cash. The victim suffered severe facial trauma and received medical treatment.
Since the attack was caught on dash cam video and was circulated widely on news outlets and social media, the public called in with information and made anonymous reports. Crime analysts began working on the case and identified the suspect. Within five days of learning of the crime, through a collaborative effort with the US Marshalls Service, 26 year-old Dandre Lorenz Powell, a resident of Downey, was arrested on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in the city of Paramount.
“A dangerous individual has been captured and taken off the streets. He has an extensive criminal history, is known to law enforcement and is currently on probation,” said Sheriff Villanueva.
If you have information about this senseless attack, or any other incidents involving the suspect, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Temple Station at (626) 292-3300. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.
Transparency, accountability, and service to others are the foundations of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. As peace officers, we have to preserve personal credibility, integrity and not bring discredit to the profession while serving our communities both on and off duty. If any Department member has information alleging misconduct or wrongdoing by other Department members, it is their duty to report the information to a supervisor immediately. A failure to do so is a violation of policy. It goes against our core values and mission. If someone has knowledge of another department member’s involvement in such behavior and does not immediately report it, they are also liable and treated as such. Any department member who is subjected to or witnesses harassment or a violation of department policy or law may report the matter to:
· The sheriff33.lasd.org website
· Report anonymously to 1-800-698-TALK
· Any department supervisor or manager
· Your respective union or bargaining unit
· The Intake Specialist Unit
· California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
Deputy York honored by Buena Park Police Departmenthttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Post_York_0.jpg900715SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
LASD Deputy Shayne Daniel York honored by The Buena Park Police Department
There is no pain greater than losing your best friend or someone you love and admire. It can leave behind a void in your life that seems impossible to fill and you are left with a broken heart for a lifetime.
For the last 24 years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, along with his family, friends, and at the time his fiancée, have felt those exact emotions after losing Deputy Shayne Daniel York in 1997, when he was brutally murdered during a robbery in the city of Buena Park.
In a true act of brotherhood that exists in law enforcement, the LASD was humbled and appreciative to hear Deputy Shayne York was being memorialized by the Buena Park Police Department.
On Thursday, May 13, 2021, at approximately 9 a.m., the Buena Park Police Department unveiled a new Buena Park Police Department Fallen Officer’s Memorial site.
The memorial was created and dedicated to honor Buena Park’s Fallen officers: Detective Darrel “Bud” Cate, Corporal Tyler Matthew Pinchot, Officer Daniel Ryan Ackerman and Deputy Shayne Daniel York because he was murdered in the City of Buena Park.
Family, friends, and law enforcement officers attended the memorial to remember our fallen heroes. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Honor Guard performed a 21 gun salute while Buena Park’s Police Honor Guard guarded the memorial.
Sergeant Roger Plumlee, President of the Buena Park Police Association and one of the collaborators of the memorial said, “When we unveil this memorial, we will see something very beautiful made of stone, granite and bronze. The symbolism of the memorial is to remind the community and all who see it, of the loss we have suffered and the loss the families have suffered and who continue to do it today. When I look out and see everyone in uniform, I see a living memorial and its incumbent on of all us to keep the memory of these four men alive and share their stories.”
Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who attended the ceremony, started his speech by thanking Buena Park Police Chief Corey S. Sianez, distinguished guests and the families of the fallen Police Officers in the audience. “It’s a touching tribute to the sacrifice of each and everyone one of them (fallen officers) and of you the families,” he said. “First and foremost you will always be in our thoughts and prayers; it’s a tribute we will never forget. Everything we do is a testament to their sacrifice and everyone here standing in uniform, everyone doing the job runs the risk of losing their life. It’s a testament of just the difficulties of the job and the times we live in.”
Chief Corey S. Sianez said, “This unveiling could not have happened at a better time during National Peace Officers Memorial Week. The week set aside to remember and recognize those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. The names on this memorial represent not only those that have sacrifice their own lives, doing what they love to do and serving their communities, but also those that remember the Buena Park Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Family. We are brothers and we knew them well. Although you have not seen the memorial yet, but you will very soon. We designed it to reflect the diversity of our department.”
The memorial depicts a touching and embracing moment when police officers comfort a fallen officer’s child with the plaques engraved with the names of the fallen officers below it. The memorial reads, “Remembering Their Service, Honoring Their Sacrifice.”
Deputy Shayne York was brutally murdered on the night of August 14, 1997 in the city of Buena Park. Deputy York and his fiancée, who was also a deputy, were both off-duty and unarmed. They were in a hair salon when two suspects stormed into the location and ordered everyone to lie on the floor as they took their purses and wallets.
When the suspects discovered a badge in Deputy York’s wallet, they immediately executed him by shooting him in the back of the head. Deputy York was rushed to the hospital where he died from his wounds. Both suspects were caught a short time later and were convicted for the murder of Deputy York.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to send our sincerest thanks to the Buena Park Police Department for honoring our very own, Deputy Shayne York. The new memorial is a collaboration between Buena Park Police Department, Buena Park Police Association and the City of Buena Park. The goal of the new memorial is to capture the solemnity of the fallen officers but also the loss created from their ultimate sacrifice; leaving behind family, a law enforcement family and friends.
The new memorial stands directly in front of the Buena Park’s police station, and serves as a bitter reminder of the ultimate sacrifice police officers often take.
