LASDHQ

SHERIFF PRESENTS CHECK TO POMONA VALLEY HOSPITAL 1024 487 SIB Staff

SHERIFF PRESENTS CHECK TO POMONA VALLEY HOSPITAL

In an ongoing effort to increase public awareness about the fight against breast cancer, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva presented a $10,500.00 check to the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Breast Health Center.

Proceeds were generated through the Pink Patch Project, a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association (LACPCA) and over 500 public safety agencies throughout the United States. As part of this program, participating agencies sell their commemorative pink patches not only to public safety personnel but also to the community. In addition to pink patches, other merchandise, including T-shirts, challenge coins, and stuffed animals, is sold to generate funds. Last year face masks were added to the list. Proceeds from the sale of these items go to fund breast cancer education, research, and treatment.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the community’s support of the Pink Patch Project,” said Richard E. Yochum, FACHE, President/CEO of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. “The funds raised help us to provide free resources to those in our community affected by cancer, including Nurse Navigators for patients, support groups, a wig program, creative journaling and exercise classes, as well as investments in advanced technologies, such as our SmartCurve breast stabilization system, which reduces pain during mammograms, and the DigniCap Scalp Cooling System that reduces the risk of hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.”

Maria Perez, a former patient of PVHMC, shared her story of survival: “When they tell you ‘you have stage IV cancer’ and when you see your kids, and you see that you’re going to leave them by themselves, who is going to take care of them? I pushed myself to come here.” 

Sheriff Villanueva, a cancer survivor himself, added: “Early detection, prevention, and intervention is the key to success, and we want to encourage and facilitate any which way we can to give all the resources to the community to facilitate treatment.”

Please visit www.lasdpatch.com to purchase pink patches and other merchandise. Proceeds from the sale of these items will directly benefit cancer research and treatment.

LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
SHERIFF PROVIDES UPDATE ON TIGER WOODS TRAFFIC COLLISION 768 170 SIB Staff

SHERIFF PROVIDES UPDATE ON TIGER WOODS TRAFFIC COLLISION

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva along with Captain James Powers announced that the primary cause of the collision involving golfer Tiger Woods was driving at a speed unsafe for the road conditions and the inability to negotiate the curve of the roadway.

On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, Tiger Woods was involved in a traffic collision on Hawthorne Blvd., in Rancho Palos Verdes. According to the vehicle’s event data recorder, estimated speeds at the first area of impact were 84 to 87 mph and when the vehicle made a final impact on a tree the speed was 75 mph.

Villanueva stated that no citations were issued and there were no signs of impairment. Contrary to various reports, Mr. Woods did not receive preferential treatment and the primary concern after the crash was providing the medical care needed to survive his life-threatening injuries.

Captain Powers reiterated that there was no evidence of impairment, no odor of alcohol, no open containers in the vehicle, no narcotics or evidence of medication on the vehicle or in his person. Also, due to the traumatic nature of his injuries, it would have been inappropriate to administer a sobriety test. Since there was no observation by a peace officer or no independent witnesses, a citation was not issued. Cell phone records were not reviewed because the only factors of the accident were speed and the failure to maintain the curvature of the roadway. There was no probable cause to obtain bloodwork at the hospital because based on the facts, there was no evidence of intoxication or impairment.

According to the event data recorder, it is believed that Tiger Woods inadvertently hit the accelerator instead of the brakes.

To view the traffic report of the collision please click here.

Operation Homebound 1024 949 SIB Staff

Operation Homebound

Operation Homebound

UPDATE: Great News, LASD’s Operation Homebound has resumed!

On January 7, 2021, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva put “Operation Homebound” into motion.  A program designed to vaccinate the most underrepresented, homebound, and underserved disabled residents in our communities, including those experiencing homelessness.

Deputy paramedics preparing vaccines for a home bound resident.

We are administering the Johnson & Johnson (1 shot only) vaccine utilizing our deputy sheriff personnel who are certified paramedics and emergency medical technicians.  LASD is working with local community based organizations like “Integrated Community Collaborative” and “Disability Voices United” to connect with LA County residents most in need, go to their residences, and provide them this life-saving opportunity.

If you fall into this category and need our help, please contact your local Sheriff’s patrol station, or send an email to the Sheriffs Information Bureau at sibmedia24@lasd.org or call (213) 229-1700, to receive more information about #OperationHomebound.

Deputy at a residence performing a welfare check on an elderly person.
A LASD welfare check may save a loved one’s life or provide peace of mind during this pandemic.

Welfare Checks

 Are you concerned about a home bound family member, neighbor or friend who is either elderly or at risk during the face of this pandemic and you live in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction?  We can help you by conducting a welfare check.

A “welfare check” is the term The Sheriff’s Department has for conducting a safety and wellness check of a person if you have not heard from or seen in a reasonable amount of time.  

If you believe a loved one may be at risk or know someone who may not have the resources to get their essential needs such as groceries, medical prescriptions or mental assistance please locate the information for your nearest Sheriff’s Station by visiting https://lasd.org/stations/.  

When you call the station, a dispatcher will enter a call for service and deputies on patrol will drive to your loved ones home and attempt to make contact. 

Examples of high-risk persons include the elderly community or those who suffer from blood disorders, chronic liver disease, compromised immune system, current or recent pregnancy, metabolic disorder, heart disease, lung disease, or neurological conditions. Remember we are all in this together this service has always been provided to the communities we serve, however it is even more vital today. It can save lives and offer peace of mind for the requestor. 

We are all in this together, and LA isn’t LA without all of us. Stay Safer at home, and do your part to flatten the curve. 
For up to date information regarding #COVID19 please visit https://lasd.org/covid19updates/

picture of Chief LaJuana Haselrig presented a generous donation to Freddie Muse Jr., President/C.E.O. of The Men’s Cancer Network
Court Services held its inaugural “Movember Fundraiser” 900 650 SIB Staff

Court Services held its inaugural “Movember Fundraiser”

Court Services held its inaugural “Movember Fundraiser”

For the month of November of 2020, Court Services held its inaugural “Movember Fundraiser” with the objective of raising awareness of men’s health issues, and partnering with difference-makers within Los Angeles County.

November has been designated as Movember, and in support of men’s health issues, supporters are encouraged to grow a moustache during the month of November. In correlation with the moustache theme, Sergeant Pedro Magdaleno Jr. designed a distinguished and collectable, Challenge Coin. The challenge coin displays the inaugural fundraiser year of 2020, and is complemented by a strong handle-bar moustache on the backside of the coin.

Front side of the coin has the sheriff's star siting over the American flag and the California State flag, the words "A Tradition of Service" along the bottom. The back of the coin has the LASD Cancer Awareness patch with a moustache underneith it, The words "Movember to Remember, Bringing Awareness to Men's Health Runs around the coin.

Court Services is committed to serving the community we work in. We strive to network with people who are displaying their passion to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Los Angeles County. Therefore, the profits from this fundraiser was donated to The Men’s Cancer Network, in the City of Los Angeles. The Men’s Cancer Network has been busy in the community: They offer health education, statistical literature, virtual forums, testimonials, website services, cancer screenings, and a host of other resources available to the public.

On behalf of The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Court Services Division, Chief LaJuana Haselrig presented a generous donation to Freddie Muse Jr., President/C.E.O. of The Men’s Cancer Network.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this worthy fundraiser. We are making a difference, where it counts, when it counts.

Sheriff Villanueva speaking at a podium surrounded by Consulates from the Asian and Pacific Island nations of LA County
Zero Tolerance For Hate Crimes In Los Angeles County 800 408 SIB Staff

Zero Tolerance For Hate Crimes In Los Angeles County

Press Conference: Sheriff Villanueva, Along With Local Asian Community Groups, Call For Zero Tolerance For Any Hate Crimes And Incidents In Los Angeles County

On Thursday, March 25, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference in front of the Hall of Justice to announce his support for the Asian community.  He was joined by; Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Akira Muto; Honorary Consul General of Cambodia in Los Angeles, Mr. Kim Chha Hout; Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, Kyung Jae Park; Mayor of Monterey Park, Yvonne Yin; Mayor of San Gabriel, Chin Ho Liao, the support of Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles, Zhang Ping, the Sheriff’s Community Advisory Council, and other highly respected community leaders.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a significant rise in hate crimes against the Asian-American community. The fatal shooting of eight people, including six women of Asian descent, in Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, is the latest attack against Asian-Americans, and it shook the nation. Unfortunately, it was not an isolated incident. On Sunday, March 21, 2021, a man disrupted a ‘Stop Asian Hate’ protest in Diamond Bar by driving through a group of protesters while hurling insults against China.

Sheriff Villanueva called for zero tolerance for hate crimes in Los Angeles County, especially towards Asian Americans. He urged people to report crime by calling 911 if it is an emergency, contacting a local law enforcement agency, or remaining anonymous by calling LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222 or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

Undersheriff Tim Murakami talked about his experience as a 4th generation Asian-American. He explained that historically, the Asian community has been very quiet. For the most part, they accept things, overlook them and move on. He urged the community to stand up as a group and realize “they’re Americans, they have the right to be here, they have the right to be respected and the right to be protected.”

Sheriff Villanueva reminded everyone that everyone is looking for the same things in life, security and a sense of belonging at the end of the day. “If you’re a recent arrival or you’ve been here for generations, all of you are welcome in Los Angeles County. We welcome you in this great nation of us,” he concluded.

Family Seeks Public’s Assistance In Locating Those Responsible for the Murder of Their Loved One; Detectives AnnounceD $10K Reward 1024 819 SIB Staff

Family Seeks Public’s Assistance In Locating Those Responsible for the Murder of Their Loved One; Detectives AnnounceD $10K Reward

On Thursday, March 18, 2021, Homicide Bureau detectives announced a $10,000 reward during a press conference in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shooting death of Rodney Donaldson Jr. The reward was sponsored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District.

On Saturday, January 2, 2021, at approximately 8:35 p.m., Rodney Donaldson Jr., was out for a walk when he was shot and killed by unknown suspects in the 500 block of North Kemp Avenue in the City of Compton.  A 2001-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, black in color, was seen fleeing the area after the shooting.

Deputies and paramedics arrived at the scene and transported Rodney to the hospital, where several days later he succumbed to his injuries at the age of 28. Rodney earned a Business Degree from Benedict College in South Carolina and also played football. He worked full time and lived at home with his family. 

“He was a productive young man in this society. He was a university graduate, was employed full time and had plans to continue to advance his life. He had no criminal history,” said Rodney’s Aunt Joycelyn Donaldson. Rodney’s Great-Uncle, Isaac Dumas, also thanked the public for any assistance with his great-nephews case, and pleaded to those responsible by saying “I just ask that you do the right thing.”

If you have information about this senseless murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.  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/.

LASD WILL RESUME PARKING ENFORCEMENT ON APRIL 1, 2021 823 502 SIB Staff

LASD WILL RESUME PARKING ENFORCEMENT ON APRIL 1, 2021

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT PARKING ENFORCEMENT RESUMES APRIL 01, 2021

Beginning APRIL 01, 2021, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Parking Enforcement Detail will again ENFORCE ALL PARKING VIOLATIONS and reinstate the issuance of street sweeping citations, expired registration citations, as well as towing vehicles that have been warned via a “Red Tag” or any other vehicle in violation of the parking law of the state of California as well as the County of Los Angeles.

To avoid receiving a parking citation or having a vehicle towed, we urge drivers to be mindful of this change. 

RESUMED ENFORCEMENT WILL INCLUDE:

  • Street sweeping: All streets with posted signs for street sweeping will be enforced, per 15.20.07(2) LACVC
  • Expired registration: Vehicles with expired registration will be cited for 4000(a)(1) CVC; registrations expired in excess of six months, in violation of 4000(a)(1) CVC, will be towed, per 22651 (o)(1)(a) CVC,
  • Indigent Payment Plan: Anyone in need of financial assistance to pay citations, can make arrangement though the following: 

Phone: (866) 561-9744

Online: www.lasheriffparking.com

Mail:     Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

              P.O. Box 30629

              Los Angeles, CA 90030-0629

  • Red tag warnings: Red tag warnings will be issued to vehicles parked within the public right-of-way not displaying signs of movement, such as excessive dirt, spider webs, and debris underneath and around the tires, flat tires, missing parts, and vandalism.

If a vehicle has not been moved after 72 hours’ notice has been given, a citation for Abandonment Prohibited – 22523 (a)(b) CVC will be issued and the vehicle will be towed immediately, per 22651(k) CVC.

Sheriff standing with staff in the hall of the Hall of Justice building
LASD employees are now Mirroring LA County Demographics 600 600 SIB Staff

LASD employees are now Mirroring LA County Demographics

LA County Sheriff’s Department employees are now Mirroring LA County Demographics

Since taking office, Sheriff Villanueva’s vision of LASD’s hiring practices have resulted in sworn personnel representing what our communities look like.   Currently, the LA County demographics are reflected in all ranks from entry level deputy to the top ranks.  Sheriff Villanueva oversees the LASD which is comprised of approximately 9,800 sworn personnel, 18,000 total personnel who serve throughout Los Angeles County, a County with over 10 million residents, and spread out over 4,000 square miles.

  RACE2020 LASD SWORN RACE DEMOGRAPHICS2019 LA COUNTY RACE DEMOGRAPHICS * CensusReporter.org
White31.2%26%
Black7.5%8%
Asian5.5%15%
Hispanic52.5%49%
Other3.3%2%

During Sheriff Villanueva’s tenure there has also been equity in promotions at the Executive ranks.  For example, Sheriff Villanueva has appointed one Hispanic and one Asian to the Undersheriff position, a rank designating the second in command of the Sheriff’s Department, which is currently held by Undersheriff Timothy K. Murakami.

At the Division Chief level, this is the first time in the history of the Department there are four African American Division Chiefs. 

As of January 31, 2021, the Executive ranks from Captain to Chief were represented by 26 females, compared to 94 males, which resulted in 21.66% female and 78.33% male representation.  Department females account for 18.3% of LASD personnel at all ranks (The national average is 11.9%). 

Under Sheriff Villanueva’s leadership, sworn personnel and the leadership of the LASD are truly reflective of the communities that we serve throughout LA County.

Deputy Albanese
End of watch – deputy thomas j. albanese 1024 1024 SIB Staff

End of watch – deputy thomas j. albanese

On Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 8:58 AM, Deputy Thomas J. Albanese, 41, was killed in an unfortunate traffic collision at the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Paramount Boulevard in the City of Lakewood. Deputy Albanese was traveling northbound on Paramount Boulevard, approaching Del Amo, when he attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle ahead of him.

As Deputy Albanese entered the intersection, he was struck by a sedan traveling westbound on Del Amo Boulevard. The force of the collision was extreme, and Deputy Albanese died instantly. Deputy Albanese was a seven-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department. He started his career with the Sheriff’s Department as a Security Assistant in 2013 in the Aero Bureau. In 2015, he took an oath of office to serve his duties as a peace officer faithfully and was assigned to Men’s Central Jail. He went to patrol at Transit Services Bureau and then transferred to Lakewood Station as a Field Training Officer.

Deputy Albanese’s last assignment was as a Pico Rivera Station Motor Deputy but was working overtime at the Lakewood Station when the tragic accident occurred. In addition to his short but impressive career with the Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Albanese was part of the Marine Corps, serving from March 2001 through March 2010. He served four tours in Iraq and was highly decorated.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, “Thomas touched the lives of many people while working in the Department. He received several commendations for his work in patrol and helping the citizens of Los Angeles County.”Deputy Albanese is survived by his wife of 12 years, Erica, and his two young boys. He will be greatly missed by all of us in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Family.

LA COUNTY SHERIFF VILLANUEVA LAUNCHES THE “WAGE THEFT TASK FORCE” 1024 683 SIB Staff

LA COUNTY SHERIFF VILLANUEVA LAUNCHES THE “WAGE THEFT TASK FORCE”

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF ALEX VILLANUEVA LAUNCHES THE “WAGE THEFT TASK FORCE”


Today, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva launched the first of its kind “Wage Theft Task Force” to protect undocumented and documented workers in Southern California.  “Rebuilding trust with our community, in particular the undocumented, is crucial to public safety, I want those wage theft victims to know that their immigration status does not matter,” said Sheriff Alex Villanueva.  This Wage Theft Task Force is a collaboration with the California Labor Commission, the LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs, the LA County District Attorney’s Office, the LA County Federation of Labor and several community groups.

According to a UCLA Labor Center Study, low wage earners are the most vulnerable and a whopping $28 million dollars is stolen every week in Los Angeles County alone due to wage theft by unscrupulous employers.  California Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower said, “I applaud Sheriff Villanueva for his leadership to stand up for hard working Angelinos and partner with my office to build a targeted judgment enforcement task force.”

Potential victims of wage theft are urged to reach out to a LASD patrol station to file a complaint, which will be referred to our Special Victims Bureau to investigate.  Upon completion of their investigation, the case may be referred to the DA’s Office and/or the California Labor Commission.  Attorneys will decide if this is a criminal matter or not; however, all victims (regardless of the criminal nature of their case) will be referred to the Office of Immigrant Affairs for further support.  Eventually, after a judge renders a decision and if it is in favor of the victim, LASD will serve the court order to help the victim recover his/her stolen wages.

Virgilio Gonzalez was a live-in healthcare worker for the elderly disabled in a congregate setting.  Virgilio says he was a victim of wage theft and in 2018 after filing a report with the Labor Commission, he received a judgment for nearly $70,000.00 in back pay.  “Wage theft hurt me and my family, it is a crime, and I hope nobody else has to go through what I did,” said Mr. Gonzalez.

LASD is committed to transparency, accountability and public safety for all including the undocumented.

If you are a victim of Wage Theft or know someone who is, click here for more information.