Unhealthful Air Quality Forecast

Although Orange County is NOT under a smoke advisory at this time, many areas are being impacted by smoke from the Etiwanda Fire.  For more information, please see the Press Release from the SCAQMD below:

 

April 30, 2014

PRESS RELEASE -

Unhealthful Air Quality Forecast due to the Etiwanda Fire Burning near Rancho Cucamonga

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a smoke advisory today for portions of western San Bernardino and Riverside counties and eastern Los Angeles County. Air quality may reach the Unhealthy range or higher in these areas due to the Etiwanda Fire.

 

Smoke production from the fire has been high at times with winds of 70 mph to 80 mph reported. Cities that may experience Unhealthy air quality include: Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Ontario, Chino, Chino Hills, Riverside, Norco and Corona. Cities in the Pomona/Walnut Valley including Diamond Bar, Walnut, Pomona, San Dimas, La Verne and Claremont may also experience Unhealthy air quality levels.

 

All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke.  This includes areas where residents can see or smell smoke.

 

In any area impacted by smoke:

 

Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors.  Keep windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter.  Run your air conditioner if you have one.  Do not use a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.  To avoid worsening the health effects of wildfire smoke, don’t use indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces.

 

For anyone not able to avoid a smoky area, a special N95 or P100 respirator mask worn properly may help protect against the fine particles in smoke.  Paper or surgical masks do not protect the wearer from smoke.  To learn more on how to properly wear a special respirator mask and help protect from wildfire smoke, go to

 

http://www.arb.ca.gov/videos/impacts_of_smoke.htm and http://www.arb.ca.gov/carpa/toolkit/data-to-mes/wildfire-smoke-guide.pdf.

 

To subscribe to air quality alerts, advisories and forecasts by e-mail, go to AirAlerts.org.

 

To view current air quality conditions by region in an interactive map, see http://www3.aqmd.gov/webappl/gisaqi2/home.aspx.

 

For more tips on avoiding health impacts from smoke, see http://www.aqmd.gov/ej/CAC/wildfire_safety_tips.htm on SCAQMD’s website.

 

SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

 

Remember... Today is Drug Take Back Day!

Drug Take Back Day

Today from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Los Alamitos Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Los Alamitos Police Department at 3201 Katella Avenue. Liquid medications and needles (sharps) will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Tomorrow is Drug Take Back Day!

Drug Take Back Day

Tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Los Alamitos Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Los Alamitos Police Department at 3201 Katella Avenue. Liquid medications and needles (sharps) will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Relief Crossing Guards Needed

The City of Los Alamitos is currently looking for part-time, relief Crossing Guards to assist with occasional coverage when needed.  Applications can be found on the City of Los Alamitos website, www.cityoflosalamitos.org or you may contact the police department at 562-431-2255, extension 401 with further questions. To review the job description, please click here.  

Drug Take Back Day

Drug Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Los Alamitos Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Los Alamitos Police Department at 3201 Katella Avenue. Liquid medications and needles (sharps) will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Weekly Crime Summary

A new Weekly Crime Summary is available for  April 6 - April 12.

The most recent Weekly Crime Summaries will be listed on the homepage of our website, http://www.losalamitospolice.org/

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2014

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is April 13 - 19, 2014

Fifty years ago officers were notified of pending calls when a beacon was lit on top of a tower.  Today, police dispatch services are provided by West Cities Police Communications Center, a Joint Powers Authority serving Los Alamitos, Cypress, and Seal Beach.

Operating on one of the largest interoperable radio systems in the world (Orange County’s 800 MHz), and serving a combined population of the cities totaling approximately 100,000, the women and men of West-Comm provide professional communications services.  

These highly trained and dedicated professionals provide a vital link in public safety, ensuring public requests are identified and prioritized, and field personnel are supported in their mutual mission to provide a safe place to live, work, and do business.  

In a crisis, the dispatcher may be the most important person you may never meet.  Thank a dispatcher this week!

Drug Take Back Day

Drug Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Los Alamitos Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Los Alamitos Police Department at 3201 Katella Avenue. Liquid medications and needles (sharps) will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Relief Crossing Guards Needed

The City of Los Alamitos is currently looking for part-time, relief Crossing Guards to assist with occasional coverage when needed.  Applications can be found on the City of Los Alamitos website, www.cityoflosalamitos.org or you may contact the police department at 562-431-2255, extension 401 with further questions. To review the job description, please click here.

Pedestrian Safety Resources - CA DMV

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities are on the rise. While every pedestrian is at risk, older adults and children have a higher likelihood of being injured or killed while traveling by foot, wheelchair or stroller.  To heighten the awareness of drivers, bicyclists and walkers alike, the following resources offer tips and advice for pedestrian safety and awareness.



CA DMV Tips and Resources

Fraudulent Attempt to Collect Money

Public Advisory:

In an attempt to deceive community members and fraudulently collect money from unsuspecting victims , a person identifying himself as “Major Barret” is soliciting donations by telephone for a charitable fundraiser on behalf of a fictitious organization named the Los Alamitos Police Sheriff’s Association. Targeting the elderly and others who believe the legitimacy of the caller. Scam artists will use official titles and renditions of government agencies to dupe their victims. The Los Alamitos Police Department does not solicit monetary donations and asks the public to be wary of phone calls and persons seeking donations.

If you have been a victim of such a crime, please contact the police department’s non-emergency phone number at (562) 594-7232.

Sharing the Road with Bicycles and Motorcycles - CA DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) promotes public safety by continuing its commitment to inspiring generations of safe bicyclists. In addition to bicycle safety, DMV also connects the bicycle community with the Caltrans Bike Program and a summary of Codes & Laws related to the operation of bicycles. Come join us in making California a safer place to ride your bike!

CA DMV Tips and Resources

Fraudulent Attempt to Collect Money

Public Advisory:

In an attempt to deceive community members and fraudulently collect money from unsuspecting victims , a person identifying himself as “Major Barret” is soliciting donations by telephone for a charitable fundraiser on behalf of a fictitious organization named the Los Alamitos Police Sheriff’s Association. Targeting the elderly and others who believe the legitimacy of the caller. Scam artists will use official titles and renditions of government agencies to dupe their victims. The Los Alamitos Police Department does not solicit monetary donations and asks the public to be wary of phone calls and persons seeking donations.

If you have been a victim of such a crime, please contact the police department’s non-emergency phone number at (562) 594-7232.

RV Defensive Driving Techniques - CA DMV

The California DMV reminds us that defensive driving, especially with recreational vehicles, requires us to think ahead.  Check out this list of defensive driving techniques.

CA DMV Tips

@CA_DMV

You Drive, You Text, You Pay

Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America's roadways. In 2012 alone, 3,328 were killed in distracted driving crashes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the effort to stop texting and cell phone use behind the wheel. Since 2009, we have held two national distracted driving summits, banned texting and cell phone use for commercial drivers, encouraged states to adopt tough laws, and launched several campaigns to raise public awareness about the issue.

Distraction.gov is your resource for learning more about distracted driving. Get the facts, get involved, and help us keep America's roadways safe.

http://www.nhtsa.gov

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Public Advisory - Fraudulent Attempt to Collect Money

Public Advisory:

In an attempt to deceive community members and fraudulently collect money from unsuspecting victims , a person identifying himself as “Major Barret” is soliciting donations by telephone for a charitable fundraiser on behalf of a fictitious organization named the Los Alamitos Police Sheriff’s Association.  Targeting the elderly and others who believe the legitimacy of the caller.  Scam artists will use official titles and  renditions of government agencies to dupe their victims.  The Los Alamitos Police Department does not solicit monetary donations and  asks the public to be wary of phone calls and persons seeking donations.  

If you have been a victim of such a crime, please contact the police department’s non-emergency phone number at (562) 594-7232.

If You are Texting, You are Not Driving

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

www.distraction.gov

Drug Take Back Day

Drug Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Los Alamitos Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Los Alamitos Police Department at 3201 Katella Avenue. Liquid medications and needles (sharps) will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Crime Victims' Resource

CrimeVictims.gov

Get Help: The following resources are intended to help victims of crime. If you or someone you know needs victim assistance, find out how to get help by clicking on one of the links below.

Online Directory of Crime Victim Services—Database that can be searched locally, nationally, and internationally for public, private, nonprofit, and community agencies that provide assistance and services in the victim’s local area.

Help for Crime Victims—Provides information on how to contact victim assistance and compensation programs in your state, as well as links to resources, organizations, and publications.

Victim Assistance and Compensation Programs—Interactive map that connects you to crime victim services and compensation programs that help reimburse victims for out-of-pocket costs through their state’s Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) administrative office, which is funded by the Office for Victims of Crime.

Helplines: Toll-Free Telephone Numbers—Hotlines and 1-800 numbers for national victim serving organizations, clearinghouses, and referral organizations.




April 6 to April 12, 2014 is National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Relief Crossing Guards Needed

The City of Los Alamitos is currently looking for part-time, relief Crossing Guards to assist with occasional coverage when needed.  Applications can be found on the City of Los Alamitos website, www.cityoflosalamitos.org or you may contact the police department at 562-431-2255, extension 401 with further questions. To review the job description, please click here.   

One Cost of Distracted Driving

The DMV reminds everyone that the citation cost for a first time texting or hand-held cell phone violation is about $162.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 6 to April 12

Each April, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.



In 2014, NCVRW will be observed April 6–12, 2014 and the theme is "30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice."



National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Victims' Rights - Orange County District Attorney Office

Victims' Rights - Superior Court of California, County of Orange

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

As part of April's Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign, the Los Alamitos Police Department will be joining with over 200 other local law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol in a month long "zero tolerance" enforcement and education campaign to curb those texting or operating hand-held cell phones while driving.  To learn more about this, please click here.

Drowsy Driving is Distracted Driving

The CA Office of Traffic Safety reminds us that if you're tired then pull over to a safe location, recline your seat and close your eyes for 20 minutes. Make sure you don't stop on the freeway or any other roadway.

April 6 is Drowsy Driver Awareness Day

@OTS_CA

Buzzed Driving is Impaired Driving - CA DMV

The California DMV reminds us to designate a sober driver for your group before the drinking begins.

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving!

@CA_DMV

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The CDC reminds us that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Sexual violence is a very serious public health problem that affects millions of women and men. In the United States, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped in their lifetime and nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced other forms of sexual violence at some point in their lives.

Don't Be A Zombie!

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month!

Heroin Use Misery Spreads in US - AP

Two recent stories regarding heroin use:


AP - On a beautiful Sunday last October, Detective Dan Douglas stood in a suburban Minnesota home and looked down at a lifeless 20-year-old — a needle mark in his arm, a syringe in his pocket. It didn't take long for Douglas to realize that the man, fresh out of treatment, was his second heroin overdose that day.

"You just drive away and go, 'Well, here we go again,'" says the veteran cop.

AP Story


KABC - Heroin addiction is on the rise nationwide and in Southern California. It can be a deadly high, and young people are the most vulnerable.

"Black tar" heroin was recently seized during a drug raid in Simi Valley. Law enforcement officials say they are seeing an alarming number of kids ages 18 and younger addicted to heroin.

KABC Story


Drug Abuse strikes all ages, communities, demographics, and socio-economic levels.

Find more information at www.drugabuse.gov

What's the Big Deal?

Here's some of the "why" behind the distracted driving warnings.

It's Not Worth It!

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Graphic courtesy Monrovia PD / Huntington Park PD

Are You Totally Unprepared?

The “Totally Unprepared” campaign is a year-long collaborative effort between Cal OES, the California Seismic Safety Commission (CSSC) and the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) that is helping Californians better understand their risk of earthquakes and how to prepare for them.



April is Earthquake Preparedness Month
City of Los Alamitos Emergency Preparedness

Crime Summary

A new Weekly Crime Summary is available for March 23 - March 29.

The most recent Weekly Crime Summaries will be listed on the homepage of our website, http://www.losalamitospolice.org/

Measles Outbreak in Orange County

As of March 27, there were twenty-one confirmed measles cases in Orange County, the most reported by any county in California.  Orange County typically sees zero to one case of the measles a year.  In fact, there were only three (3) cases in total during the five years preceding this outbreak (2009-2013).

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease, but is one that can be prevented by vaccination.  Health officials expect that the measles outbreak will continue to spread, and remind people that the best way to prevent the measles is by getting vaccinated.  For further information, please clink here to see the press release from the County of Orange – Health Care Agency.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Cell Phones, Texting. It's Not Worth It. It's Just That Simple

There are plenty of facts, figures and details about distracted driving, but let’s get the plain and simple ones on the table first:

• 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention.
• Up to 6000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.
• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
• Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, far enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph.  Most crashes happen with less than 3 seconds reaction time.
• The act of talking on a cell phone, even hands free, can give you “inattention blindness,” where your brain isn’t seeing what’s right in front of you.  You aren’t even aware that you are driving impaired.  If you think you can handle both driving and talking on a cell phone or texting, you are kidding yourself and putting us all at risk.
• Want a bunch more good reasons?  Check out the Distracted Driving Fact Sheet.

Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel - especially texting and cell phone use, whether hands-free or handheld. Who’s doing it? Most of us. It has been estimated that, at any one time, over 10 percent of drivers are using a mobile device.

A ticket for $162 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.
What can you do? Most important, obey the law.  It’s there for a reason.  Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:

• Never text and drive
• Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel
• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving
• Make a pact with your family, spouse, and caregivers never to use the phone with kids in the car.
• No eating or drinking while driving
• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player or other devices while driving
• Pull over and stop to read maps.
• No grooming
• No reading
• No watching videos
• Try not to get too involved with passengers
• If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.

Some great places to learn more about distracted driving and what YOU can do:

National Safety Council  – Info, studies, tips on distracted driving
Focus Driven – advocates and families of distracted driving victims give you the facts, stories and tools you need.
Impact Teen Drivers – working to share with teens the dangers of reckless and distracted driving through their effective campaigns online and in schools.
Distracted.Gov – the US government’s official website on distracted driving.
No Phone Zone – Oprah Winfrey’s distracted driving website
NHTSA – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s distracted driving website
AAA – Info, studies, tips on distracted driving

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month, it has been recognized since the April 1906 San Francisco earthquake and continues to be supported by the state assembly urging all Californians and government agencies to engage in education, evaluation of seismic hazards, mitigation, safety activities, and the exchange of information related to earthquake preparedness with other states and nations.

 

Surprisingly, many Californians don't consider themselves at risk unless they live on or near the line of a well-known fault, such as the San Andreas or Hayward Fault. This misconception leaves millions of Californians unprepared for an earthquake.

 

Quick Facts:

• Major earthquakes registering magnitudes between 6.3 and 8.3 have occurred in California every 5.4 years, on average, for the past 200 years.
• The United States Geological Survey estimates that there is a 90 percent chance that a major earthquake will strike an urban area in California within the next 30 years.
• The majority of Californians live within 20 miles of a major earthquake fault.
• Being prepared could save your life!

While California is a world leader in emergency response and recovery capabilities, our responders can't do it alone. It is the responsibility of every individual to take action, get informed, and get actively involved in emergency preparedness.

California Earthquake Preparedness Month
City of Los Alamitos Emergency Preparedness