Oak Tree @ Santa Anita Opens Today

The Oak Tree race meet opens today at Santa Anita Park. Expect some traffic delays in the area of the track and mall. Peak traffic times will run between 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from about 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. S/B lanes of Colorado Place between Colorado St. and Huntington Dr. will be closed to thru traffic from about 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Traffic will be diverted E/B Colorado St.

Tuesday Tip - Secure Your Guns!

The death of a 2-year old in Vacaville last week serves as a dramatic reminder for the need for gun safety in the home. California law requires secure storage of firearms when children under 18 are likely to be present and you are in control of the premises. Definitions and exemptions can be found in Penal Code section 12035, Criminal Storage of a Firearm.

Gun safety starts at home. If weapons are present in a home, children need to be taught proper weapon handling and safety. Weapons need to be properly secured. In the event that a child finds a gun, the National Rifle Association Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program teaches children the following:

• STOP!
• Don't touch!
• Leave the area!
• Tell an adult!

The NRA also offers additional information for parents on gun safety, training and additional information HERE.

There is no excuse for having an unsecured weapon in your home. Gun safes are reasonably priced and are readily available. Use of a gun safe is preferred but many police departments offer simple gun locks for free. APD offers gun locks at our front counter. Check with your local agency for availability.

Arcadia Officers Arrest 3 for Burglary

A resident returned home to find two male burglary suspects in her home at about 12:40 PM today. The incident occurred in the 1100 block of Encanto. The pair ran from the home when confronted by the victim, dropping property as they fled. An alert passerby saw the pair running and followed them while calling APD. Officers detained the pair of suspects and a third suspect driver after they entered a vehicle a short distance away. Two 17-year old juveniles and a 25-year old Pasadena man were booked at APD for residential burglary.

Vehicle Crash Test - 2009 vs. 1959

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted this test to demonstrate the advances in motor vehicle safety over the last 50 years. In this test, a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air are both going 40 mph and the vehicles collide offset, driver side to driver side. Older may not prove better in this case.

Tuesday Tip - No Community is Immune

It is hard to believe that it has been 25 years since Richard Ramirez terrorized Los Angeles County. KABC7 aired a story recently that recaps the activity of the "Night Stalker" and his capture. Additional information can be found on the topic through Wikipedia and Crime Magazine.

Although Ramirez struck throughout LA County and the bay area, Arcadia and Monrovia saw multiple victims and crimes. It was not uncommon to see open windows and doors while driving around our community prior to the tragic crimes committed by Ramirez. During the height of his activity, homes were locked up tight and we seemed to pay more attention to safety in our residences. Many times predators look for easy targets and crimes are committed based on opportunity. Take the time to look around your home. Take steps to make your residence safe and less attractive for a crime of opportunity. Lock your doors and windows. Burglary prevention and home security tips can be found in a previous post on the topic HERE. Remember, no community is immune.

Juvenile Stabbed

A 17 year old male was stabbed at about 9:30 PM Saturday night on Huntington Drive near Santa Anita Avenue. The victim was walking with several other friends when he was allegedly stabbed in the abdomen by a male suspect as they passed on foot. The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested by Arcadia Police. A 61 year old male transient was booked at APD for assault with a deadly weapon. The victim was treated by AFD and transported to a local hospital.

Tuesday Tip - Teen Suicide Prevention

Teen suicide is not something that is not often openly addressed but is a reality in any community. Glendora faced this reality recently with the tragic death of a high school student. There are countless resources for teens and parents that are underutilized. Most medical plans offer some form of counseling, church and clergy, school counselors, private and public help lines, publications and even on-line. Don't ignore warning signs or life changing events that can trigger thoughts of suicide. See some of the links and resources below:

• Teen Line (310) 855-4673 or (800) 852-8336
• Suicide.org
• Crisis Hot Line Phone Numbers
• Teen Suicide WARNING SIGNS

We Will Never Forget

September 11, 2001

Take a moment today to remember those who lost their lives!

Arcadia Community Picnic This Saturday

Don't forget...the Arcadia Community Picnic will be held this Saturday, 09/12/09, from 4 PM t0 7 PM on the City Hall lawn.

Arcadia Elks Honor Local Police & Fire

Thanks to the BPOE Arcadia Elks Lodge #2025 for their annual Police, Fire, Sheriff and CHP Appreciation Luncheon today! Police and Fire personnel from Arcadia, Monrovia and Sierra Madre were in attendance today for the annual event. The Elks presented the Arcadia Police Explorer Post with a donation check as is their custom each year. Thanks to the Elks for remembering all of us!

Armed Robbery

Two armed suspects made off with about $100 in cash from Mail Box Postal at 411 E. Huntington Dr. at about 1145 AM today. The suspects were described as male African Americans in their 20's wearing dark clothing and armed with handguns. The duo was last seen running away on foot.

Police Reserve Coordinator of the Year

Congratulations to Detective Dan Crowther for being named Reserve Coordinator of the Year by the California Reserve Police Officers Association. On Friday, August 28, a contingent of APD employees attended the awards luncheon at the Towne and Country Inn in San Diego to support Dan as he received his award.

Dan was nominated by APD Reserve Police Officers for his dedication to the APD program, his innovative use of police reserves, and providing for on-going training of our staff. Receiving this recognition is quite an achievement when you take into consideration the number of Reserve Coordinators there are within police agencies throughout the State. Congratulations to Dan!

Weekend Activity Sampling

Robbery - A 67 year old female had her purse stolen from her arm while sitting on a bus bench near Duarte and Lovell last Friday. The strong arm robbery occurred at about 1230 hrs. The suspect was described as a male African American, about 25-30 years old, who ran to an awaiting black SUV.

Vehicle Burglary - Auto burglaries continue to be reported in the parking areas of the 24 Hour Fitness at First and Santa Clara despite two recent arrests. APD has conducted numerous patrols in the area and is working with the staff at location to increase security and awareness of the problem.

Residential Burglary - Several north end homes were victimized since last Friday in the 200 blk of E. Sycamore, the 700 blk of Carriage House, and the 200 blk of Carolwood.

Tuesday Tip - CSPD Crime Prevention Video

The Colorado Springs Police Department in Colorado Springs, CO, uploaded a 7 minute video to YouTube that is a very nice crime prevention piece. Although laws may differ from our town, the crime prevention techniques and concepts in the video are well worth your time to view. Take a look at the video HERE.

Happy Labor Day 2009

Tuesday Tip - Slow Down, School is in Session!

Arcadia High School students returned yesterday and Arcadia middle and elementary schools open today! School being back in session equates to additional traffic and hazards on our roadways. SLOW DOWN! Traffic and Patrol Officers will be paying extra attention to the streets near and around our schools. Speeding, unlawful turns, double parking, dropping off your child in the street...take your pick, we will be targeting you if you are not driving safely near our schools. As always, drive safely, drive smartly! Don't be part of the problem, help be the solution.