SCV Sheriff - News Room

Letter from the Captain - 4th of July Safety

A letter from Captain Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station pertaining to 4th of July Safety has been posted on the station's website.  The opening paragraphs can be read below and the entire letter can be found at the following link: Captain's Letter: 4th of July Safety.

LETTER FROM THE CAPTAIN
SANTA CLARITA VALLEY SHERIFF’S STATION

4TH OF JULY SAFETY

Greetings!

The City of Santa Clarita, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs station believe that 4th of July celebrations are an important reminder of how precious our freedoms are. That’s why there are numerous local events, including professional fireworks displays that provide residents with safe and fun celebrations and entertainment for families and friends. 

While we encourage families to celebrate and enjoy their Independence Day celebrations, we would like to  remind everyone that with freedom comes the responsibility to follow the laws and be conscientious neighbors.  Every  year, hundreds of families ignore the fireworks law and purchase fireworks from  outside the Santa Clarita area.  They bring them home to light on the 4th of July and that is illegal!. Read more...

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Message from the Captain - SCV Sheriff

A new message from Captain Anthony La Berge has been posted on the station's website.  The opening paragraph can be read below and the entire message can be found at the following link: Captain's Message - July 2008.

MESSAGE FROM THE CAPTAIN
ANTHONY LA BERGE
SANTA CLARITA VALLEY SHERIFF’S STATION

JULY 2008

Greetings!

With the commitment of the City of Santa Clarita to keep public safety a top priority, we have made some great progress toward improving and enhancing every level of our service and infrastructure at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station over the past several months. The 2008-2009 Public Safety Contract with the City of Santa Clarita went into effect July 1st and we have added two Patrol Deputies, which will help us improve responsiveness and crime prevention efforts.  We have also added one Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Deputy to help keep our local roadways safe and free from large and potentially unsafe commercial vehicles. Over the past several months we have worked hard to target and dismantle the active gangs in the Santa Clarita Valley.  Read more...

Shred for Free and Protect Your Identity

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station and the City of Santa Clarita have teamed up to bring Santa Clarita residents the first annual Safe and Secure Community Shred and E-Waste Disposal Day - Saturday, July 26, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station - 23740 Magic Mountain Parkway, Santa Clarita. 

IDENTITY THEFT is one of the fastest growing crimes in America.  Shredding your personal papers and unwanted financial documents is one of the best ways to protect yourself.  That's why the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, the City of Santa Clarita, and local businesses; Confidential Data Destruction Company, Costco, and Target have teamed up to bring this FREE shred and e-waste disposal day to the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley. 

"Working together through programs like this one, we hope to raise awareness of how we can better protect ourselves against identity theft and rid our homes and offices of unwanted clutter at the same time," said Captain Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. 

Representatives and sheriff's officials working the day of the event will accept up to five boxes per car of all types of paper, empty binders, unwanted or expired credit cards, and computer disks (staples and paper clips are not a problem).  Also accepted to be destroyed will be electronic items and appliances including computer equipment, office equipment, consumer electronics, household appliances, batteries, and much more. 

Simply read, print, and follow the directions on this flyer: Safe and Secure Community Shred and E-Waste Disposal Day and we will safely and securely dispose of your items for you.  Page two of the flier outlines the top tips for avoiding identity theft.  These tips can also be found on the Safety Tips portion of our Web site at SCVSheriff.com.

Remember, Santa Clarita residents will not be easy targets!  We will work together, stay proactive, protect our identities, and stay informed, all in a concerted effort to help prevent crime.  Residents, business leaders, community representatives, and media professionals are invited and encouraged to attend the event.  We hope to see you there!     

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release or deputy interviews, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Fun in the Sun Chili Cook-off Event

"Lets get cookin'!  The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's annual "Fun in the Sun Chili Cook-off" will take place at the Jack Bones Equestrian Center, which is located near the Pitches Detention Center in Castaic, on Saturday, August 30th, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. all to help several great causes -

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department annual “Fun in the Sun Chili Cook-off” event is expected to draw thousands of area residents.  Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Special Olympics - Santa Clarita and the the Heads Up - Therapy On Horseback program which provides therapy and assistance to children and adults with varying disabilities.

The chili cook-off was first hosted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department 24 years ago, and has grown to include dozens of sponsors and vendors.  It has become one of the largest and fun-filled summer weekend events in the Santa Clarita Valley.  This year, participants will enjoy live bands, an antique car display, equine demonstrations, military displays and a Texas Hold ‘em event.  Additionally, there will be games for all ages, and, of course, plentiful chili and other delicacies. 

In addition to dozens of chili booths, Cowboy Cantina Steakhouse and Barbecue will provide items from their western-style menu at reasonable prices.  Other vendors will also be providing various beverages and refreshments. 

Fun In the Sun Chili Cook-off “chili cards” will be sold the day of the event for $5 each, entitling tasting of the various chili event entries. 

The Jack Bones Equestrian Center is accessible via the Parker Road exit off the northbound Interstate 5 to Castaic Road south.  Continue ½ mile to Tapia Canyon Road east, and follow the signs to the event.

Additional sponsorships and vendors for the event are welcome, and are encouraged to contact Tabitha Youngstrom via e-mail or at (661) 294-6309.

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release or deputy interviews, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Keeping Our Youth Safe - Curfew Operation

Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's COBRA Team, which handles gang and juvenile crime issues, conducted a two day curfew enforcement operation this past weekend.  The purpose of the operation was to send a "safety first" message to youth in the community.  Through the operation, deputies also hope to help raise parental awareness regarding the potential dangers associated with allowing unsupervised teenagers to be out in the community during late night hours.

In the City of Santa Clarita, the curfew ordinance applies to those 17 years old and younger and makes it unlawful for any minor to remain upon any public street, public building, place of amusement or eating place, vacant lot, or unsupervised place between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Certain provisions of this ordinance require parents to know the whereabouts of their minor children during these late hours. The minor must be accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian unless they are handling a specific errand at the direction of the parent or legal guardian, without any detour or stop.

An exception to this requirement is if the minor is engaged in an employment activity, or going to or returning home from an employment activity, without any detour or stop. Other conditions, other than emergency type situations, would allow a minor to remain away from home after hours if they are attending an official school, religious, or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the City of Santa Clarita, a civic organization, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor.

Additional information pertaining to the curfew law in the Santa Clarita Valley can be found at the following link: Captain's Letter - Curfew.

During the operation deputies issued 10 citations for Curfew violations, one citation for Marijuana Possession and one citation for Minor in Possession of an Alcoholic Beverage.

The operation was paid for by funding obtained by the City of Santa Clarita through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant offered by the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Additional operations are planned for the coming summer months to help keep our youth and our community safe! The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station urges all parents to stay involved and talk with teenagers about the importance of personal safety and making good choices.

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Local Auto Dealership Helps Stop Auto Theft Ring

Saturday - June 21, 2008 - 3:45 p.m. - Valencia:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley! - Working on a tip from a local car dealership, Santa Clarita Sheriff’s arrested three suspects in a car theft ring that stole up to 15 vehicles from car dealerships in Santa Monica, Van Nuys, Reseda, Woodland Hills, and Thousand Oaks.

After attending a recent crime prevention class dealing with auto theft through fraud hosted by the City of Santa Clarita’s Sheriff’s Business Alliance on June 5, 2008, one local car dealership smelled something fishy with a customer attempting to buy a luxury car. The 24 year old man, claimed to be a U.S. Navy SEAL and was now working for a successful record producer. The man attempted to purchase a brand new Cadillac CTS using a 3rd party check drawn on a Rhode Island bank account, with a Massachusetts Drivers License.

Michael Roth, General Sales Manager at Parkway Cadillac in Santa Clarita, knew that if something sounded too good to be true, it probably was. He quickly contacted Sergeant A.J. Rotella, Business Relations Liaison for the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Department and provided the information on the suspect and the documentation that he had provided to purchase the vehicle.

Sgt. Rotella unraveled a tangled trail of fraudulent deals that the suspect, Dunbar Jordan Tuason, 24 of Simi Valley had been making for the past two months with his accomplices, Samuel Atkinson, 29 of Sherman Oaks, and Lisa Visin, 40 of Simi Valley.

The three suspects had been very busy purchasing vehicles from at least ten different dealerships in Santa Monica, Woodland Hills, Reseda, Van Nuys and Thousand Oaks. The suspects had a taste for luxury vehicles, placing orders for a $150,000 Porsche Turbo Cabriolet and $85,000 Porsche Cayenne on the same day at one dealership. The suspects also purchased several other vehicles including Cadillac Escalades and CTS models, Lexus ISF's, BMW M5, Honda Accord, Audi RS4 and Audi A4.

After coordinating with the Sheriff’s Department, the suspects were invited to purchase a vehicle from the Santa Clarita dealership and all three arrived with their fraudulent checks in hand. After a few minutes of negotiations, the three were ready to drive off in their brand new 2008 Cadillac CTS.  What they did not expect was the waiting Deputies who quickly took them into custody, without incident.

Deputies were surprised to find that the vehicle that the suspects had arrived at the dealership in was obtained through fraudulent means only hours prior at a Reseda car dealership, which was unaware that they had been scammed by these criminals. That stolen car was also recovered at the scene, along with additional evidence which will led the investigation to other dealerships throughout Los Angeles.

All three suspects were booked at the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station on multiple felony charges which included Grand Theft Auto, Theft through Fraudulent Actions, Conspiracy to Commit Fraud, and Burglary. Each is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail pending future court proceedings.

The investigation was turned over to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's Taskforce for Regional Auto-theft Prevention (TRAP) Detectives who quickly responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.  Through their interviews and subsequent searches of the suspects residences in Sherman Oaks and Simi Valley, the TRAP Detectives recovered two additional stolen motorcycles and a stolen BMW 328.

“This is an excellent example of the strong working relationship that the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s has with our local business community,” explains Anthony La Berge, Captain of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. "We are proactive in educating our businesses and residents on how to prevent crime and work quickly and effectively to solve the crime before it becomes a problem in our City.”

Santa Clarita Mayor Bob Kellar, a local businessman in Santa Clarita, was very pleased with the cooperation between the car dealerships and the Sheriff’s Department. “The only way to solve crime in our communities and to keep us safe is for everyone to become involved,” stated Mayor Kellar. “We must be vigilant in our fight against the criminals that prey upon our businesses and residents. Mike Roth and his dealership are to be commended for taking a solid stand today to put an end to a crime ring and keep that crime out of the Santa Clarita Valley.”

TRAP Detective Kevin Hirano and the North County TRAP Team will be investigating this case. They are seeking additional information from other likely victims in the Los Angeles and Ventura areas. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Hirano at (818) 830-6977.

The Sheriff’s Department would like to remind everyone that “Preventing Crime in the City of Santa Clarita is Everyone’s Business.”

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Sergeant AJ Rotella, City of Santa Clarita Sheriff's Business Alliance at (661) 476-7215.

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Public Health News - Heat Advisory

The following advisory was issued by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health:

For Immediate Release:
June 18, 2008

Heat Advisory: Stay Safe in Hot Temperatures
Today and throughout the weekend, the desert, the valleys, and the mountains are expected to reach triple digits

LOS ANGELES – High temperatures are forecasted for today and this weekend throughout Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County Health Officer and Public Health Director, Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, would like to remind everyone that precautions should be taken, especially by those people sensitive to the heat.

“While people don't need to be told it's hot outside, they do need to be reminded how to take care of themselves, children, the elderly, and their pets when the weather gets hotter," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "When temperatures are high, prolonged sun exposure may cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

“Never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in closed vehicles, even with the windows ‘cracked’, because temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels."

If you plan to be outdoors, take precautions to protect yourself from the heat. Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be moved to a cooler, shaded place and given water or sport drinks. More severe symptoms such as diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke and requires immediate medical attention.

Several tips for beating the heat include:

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink water or sports drinks often (do not wait until you are thirsty), and avoid drinking alcohol.
• Offer help to those in your neighborhood with limited access to air conditioning and transportation, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently or take them to a location with air conditioning.
• During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you don't have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool.
• Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun hours, if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.
• Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from sun damage.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Public Health News - Air Quality Alert

The following advisory was issued by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health:

For Immediate Release:
June 18, 2008

AIR QUALITY ALERT:
Air quality is unhealthy for sensitive individuals in the Santa Clarita Valley

LOS ANGELES – According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, today’s air quality in the Santa Clarita Valley will be unhealthy for sensitive individuals. Other areas of LA County, including the East and West San Gabriel Valley are not expected to have air quality reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive individuals.

Los Angeles County Health Officer and Public Health Director, Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, advises people living or working in the Santa Clarita Valley with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory disease to minimize outdoor activities. Also, children with sensitive conditions, including asthma, other chronic respiratory diseases or heart disease, should stay indoors as much as possible.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Letter from the Captain - 4th of July Safety

A new letter from Captain Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station pertaining to 4th of July Safety has been posted on the station's website.  The opening paragraphs can be read below and the entire letter can be found at the following link: Captain's Letter: 4th of July Safety.

LETTER FROM THE CAPTAIN
SANTA CLARITA VALLEY SHERIFF’S STATION

4TH OF JULY SAFETY

Greetings!

The City of Santa Clarita, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs station believe that 4th of July celebrations are an important reminder of how precious our freedoms are. That’s why there are numerous local events, including professional fireworks displays that provide residents with safe and fun celebrations and entertainment for families and friends. 

While we encourage families to celebrate and enjoy their Independence Day celebrations, we would like to  remind everyone that with freedom comes the responsibility to follow the laws and be conscientious neighbors.  Every  year, hundreds of families ignore the fireworks law and purchase fireworks from  outside the Santa Clarita area.  They bring them home to light on the 4th of July and that is illegal!. Read more...

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Bear Sightings - Saugus

Friday - June 13, 2008 - 10:30 p.m. - Saugus:

Deputies responded to two calls of reported bear sightings in the wash area near the 28000 block of Placerview Trail and the 28000 block of North High Ridge Drive, Saugus, Friday morning.  After thoroughly checking the area, the deputies were unable to locate the bear at that time and the residents that spotted the bear indicated it was headed back into the hills. 

Late last night, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station received additional bear sighting calls near Kathleen Avenue and Copper Hill Drive, Saugus.  Deputies quickly responded and located the bear in the backyard of a residence.  The deputies were able to chase the bear out of the backyard.  They contained and tracked the bear near the neighborhoods for more than two hours, before eventually chasing and coaxing it back into the mountains. 

The California Department of Fish and Game responded and assisted the deputies in managing the incident.  The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station is anticipating additional sightings and are advising residents in the area to be aware and follow some precautions outlined in this press release. 

The California Department of Fish and Game offers the following safety tips and ways to keep the bears out of the neighborhoods in their "Keep Me Wild" brochure pertaining to California Black Bears: 

Keep Me Wild - California Black Bears

Stash Your Food and Trash

Bears and other animals are attracted to anything edible or smelly.

• Store garbage in bear-proof containers, or store garbage in your garage until pick-up.
• Keep food indoors or in airtight and odor-free containers.
• Put away picnic leftovers; clean BBQ grills.
• Keep pet food inside, and bird feeders away.
• Pick up fallen tree fruit as soon as possible, or protect fruit trees with electric fencing.
• Remove cosmetic fragrances and other attractants, including bird feeders and compost piles.
• Install or request bear-proof trash containers.

Bear Country Precautions

• Keep a close watch on children, and teach them what to do if they encounter a bear.
• While hiking, make noise to avoid a surprise encounter with a bear.
• Never keep food in your tent.
• Store food and toiletries in bear-proof containers or in an airtight container in the trunk of your vehicle.
• Keep a clean camp by cleaning up and storing food and garbage immediately after meals.
• Use bear-proof garbage cans whenever possible or store your garbage in a secure location with your food.
• Never approach a bear or pick up a bear cub.
• If you encounter a bear, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to appear as large as possible.
• If attacked, fight back.
• If a bear attacks a person, immediately call 9-1-1.

When wild animals are allowed to feed on human food and garbage, they lose their natural ways - often resulting in death for the animal.

Please respect and protect wild animals.
Keep them wild.

Residents should call the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121 if a bear is spotted nearing a populated area in the Santa Clarita Valley.  If it is poses immediate danger to any person you should promptly call 9-1-1 and be prepared to provide detailed information to the dispatcher pertaining to the location of the animal.

Additional information on living in bear country and the California Department of Fish and Game's complete brochure and safety tips can be found at the following link: "Keep Me Wild" California Black Bear information.

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.