Do Captions Sell the Paper?

The SGVTribune ran a story about John Anderson on May 13th using the caption ”Alleged shooter of Monrovia cop denies charges”.  Later in the same day, the paper changed their tune and retitled the story to “Not-guilty plea in officer shooting”.  Perhaps phone calls or emails were received with opinions like mine that the original title was a little offensive to those of us in Law Enforcement.  None the less, the paper made a decision to make the modified title a bit more respectful to the men and women on the street.

John Anderson is a convicted felon.  He shot at and tried to KILL Sgt. Dan Verna, Monrovia PD, on March 30th while attempting to flee.  Sgt. Verna was hit by Anderson’s gun fire and was wounded. 

We use the term “cop” all the time.  The issue is not so much the use of the word, but the context in connection to the Attempted Murder of a Police Officer! 

Monrovia CM Starts a Blog

Well, on the face, this what the weekly City Manager’s Report seems to be turning into.  Or perhaps a diary of sorts.  There needs to be some form of comment section for it to be considered a blog.  Maybe that will be installed next week.

It is ironic that Mr. Ochoa sees fit to rant and belittle community members on a City sponsored web site while blasting the MPOA for hiring a mouth piece such as Dammeier or denying the impact a blog such as the “FC Blog” is having in the arena.  The difference is that the MPOA is not using City funds and time to push their agenda forward.  We don’t see Officers making public statements or using City time to further their negotiations.  But we certainly to see the City Manager misusing his position and City funds in this manner.  Accountability?  We would certainly see discipline for ANY Officer acting in this manner.  What say you?

 

Microbrew Heats Up

Cool weather must be the key to successful Microbrew events; that and not handing out beer steins.  The last two events seemed to run smooth and without a hitch.  Today was a slightly different story at Santa Anita.  KROQ hosted their Microbres in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby simulcast.  Word was that 8000-9000 beer fans celebrated in the infield of the race track and with warmer temperatures the beverage of choice was flowing.  Toward the end of the day, fights began to break out and security dove in.  The crowd became energized and the decision was made to halt beer flow.  Officers on the ground called for assistance and a couple dozen officers from outside agencies responded as mutual aid to help clear the infield.  No steins were tossed this time, however, the need to cease the event was obvious.

So the question to SART is…Does Marketing and money run the show or does the patrons security and well being of all attending the event become the focus and primary goal.  The Microbrew should be a great time for all.  No doubt!  Control the beer flow a little better, make sure of the “7th inning” cut off and increase your security presence in the pits.  Great money maker but there has to be some balance!

If you have any photos from the event, leave a link in the comments…

 

MPOA Hits the Skyline

Monrovia POA has launched a very public campaign, hitting the skyline above the 210 freeway.  The billboard is facing west bound traffic, south side of the freeway, just east of Irwindale Avenue.  “Caution…Approaching Monrovia…”

This is sure to catch some attention.  I’m sure that folks on the FC Blog will have some opinions on the topic.  The SGVT ran an article early today on the topic.  Have not seen it yet, however, they list a second billboard in the area of Live Oak/Peck.

MPOA, Is a Recall Worth the Cost and Effort?

Monrovia POA ran a recent phone query posing the question to their community of whether or not they support a recall election of the City Council.  I would imagine that this will give them a base from which to gauge public opinion on which council member is supported or opposed.  In theory, that is.  And I have to ask the question; Is a recall worth the effort at this point?  Mayor Hammond did indeed challenge the MPOA to recall him but I’m sure that he knows full well that the effort takes time and money.  Time and money that can be spent on well orchestrated PAC actions backing new candidates!  So, from this angle, the phone query would appear to be simply that, a query.  Time is running and time will tell.

The FC Blog has the beginnings of a spirited conversation of the topic running as we speak.

NY Blog Snags Auto Theft Suspect

This story was found buried in the Editor’s Corner Blog and is most entertaining.  The story should lead to a nomination for “dumbest” bad guy award.  Read the NY Times account of how the bloggers helped nab the crook and recover the stolen car.  Quite interesting. 

Santa Anita and KROQ Team Up for Kentucky Derby

Santa Anita Race Track will be open for off track betting on Saturday, May 3rd.  The Kentucky Derby will be the hot race of the day and SART has teamed with KROQ for a Microbrew in the infield.  Off track betting lures a much smaller crowd than live racing, but KROQ will bring quite a number of fans for the brewfest.  There are even a couple of MySpace accounts just for the Microbrewfest, HERE and HERE.

The last event went off without a hitch a couple weeks back and there was a significant crowd.  SART, organizers and APD have been working together to make everything run smooth.

City Freezes Police Officer Vacancies

Barely a month has gone by since this POST, lauding the recruitment efforts of the Department and the swearing in of 7 new Police Officers.  True, time changes things I guess.  The City has reviewed the finances and decided to place a hold on hiring as a money saving effort.  Today, we will see a test with about 60 applicants, however, the test will only establish a list to proceed with at a later date.  With the recruits in the academy and a few already in process, we will hopefully reach a point where staffing levels are adequate to fill patrol and traffic quickly.  One step forward, one step back.  Many agencies are in a similar boat right now with most tossing blame to the economy and decreasing State funds.

Can You Be Bribed to Post?

Our friends over at the FC Blog are holding a contest.  Win a $100 i-Tunes gift card just for replying with a post on one of the blog entries… HERE!  Poke around their site.  There are many interesting comments and articles to digest.

UPDATE!!!  I have been so corrected… iTunes!

APOA Blog

The Arcadia Police Officers’ Association furthers their collective community outreach with a new Information Blog.  The APOA started up a website back in 2007 which has had in excess of 6000 visitors.  The website has been maintained by the APOA and is very professional in content and appearance.  We hope the blog is well received and acts as another conduit between the community and the Department.