SCE Urges Conservation as High Temperatures Prompt State Agency to Call ‘Flex Alert’
With triple digit temperatures forecast through many parts of Southern California during the next few days, Southern California Edison urges customers to conserve power. A "Flex Alert" has been declared by the California Independent System Operator for Tuesday through Thursday.
Californians should reduce their energy use during the late afternoon when air conditioners drive consumption to the highest point of the day.
Conservation Tips:
• Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees
• Use electric fans instead of air conditioners when practical
• Turn off unused appliances
• Shut off lights when leaving a room
• Close your drapes and blinds to keep direct sunlight during hot
periods
• Operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances
during the early morning and evening hours
• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work
processors to morning or evening hours
For more information: http://www.sce.com
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Catalytic Converter Thefts
As precious metals prices soar, catalytic converters are now valuable targets for thieves who are targeting an obscure component of automotive exhaust systems in thefts that can be accomplished in less than a minute. The component is the catalytic converter, which has been a mandatory part of exhaust systems since 1975. Police across the country say they have seen a dramatic rise in thefts of the components in recent months.
Catalytic converters have only small traces of the metals - platinum, palladium and rhodium - but there's enough in them for a thief to resell stolen units for up to $200 a piece. Rhodium is among the most expensive metals on Earth, commanding as much as $6,000 an ounce on the open market.
Easy to find means easy to steal. The converters are inviting targets because they're easy to grab. Mounted on the exterior undercarriage of vehicles, they can be removed in about a minute or less, with any standard metal cutting tool. An enterprising thief in a crowded parking lot or garage can make off with enough converters to clear $2,000 or $3,000 in half an hour.
The Toyota 4-Runner is the most common target of thieves, according to Los Angeles Police Department’s Burglary Unit, which issued a public warning about what it called a "new disturbing trend." The 4-Runner sits high off the ground, and its converter is attached with four bolts that are easily sawed or cut off, making it simple for thieves to duck underneath the vehicle, steal the converter. The Kia Sportage, with a similar profile, is also popular. They're the easiest to get under and the easiest to remove. But any vehicle made after 1975 is a potential target. This is certainly something that could happen in your driveway.
Since January of this year, the Los Alamitos Police Department has had 24 reported thefts of catalytic converters and the majority of these have been Toyotas. Every neighborhood in the City has been victimized, but locations where vehicles are routinely parked on the street are the most vulnerable.
Catalytic converters have only small traces of the metals - platinum, palladium and rhodium - but there's enough in them for a thief to resell stolen units for up to $200 a piece. Rhodium is among the most expensive metals on Earth, commanding as much as $6,000 an ounce on the open market.
Easy to find means easy to steal. The converters are inviting targets because they're easy to grab. Mounted on the exterior undercarriage of vehicles, they can be removed in about a minute or less, with any standard metal cutting tool. An enterprising thief in a crowded parking lot or garage can make off with enough converters to clear $2,000 or $3,000 in half an hour.
The Toyota 4-Runner is the most common target of thieves, according to Los Angeles Police Department’s Burglary Unit, which issued a public warning about what it called a "new disturbing trend." The 4-Runner sits high off the ground, and its converter is attached with four bolts that are easily sawed or cut off, making it simple for thieves to duck underneath the vehicle, steal the converter. The Kia Sportage, with a similar profile, is also popular. They're the easiest to get under and the easiest to remove. But any vehicle made after 1975 is a potential target. This is certainly something that could happen in your driveway.
Since January of this year, the Los Alamitos Police Department has had 24 reported thefts of catalytic converters and the majority of these have been Toyotas. Every neighborhood in the City has been victimized, but locations where vehicles are routinely parked on the street are the most vulnerable.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Police Chief takes Oath of Allegiance
On June 19, 2008, Todd Mattern swore his oath of allegiance as he began his tenure as the 8th Police Chief of the City of Los Alamitos. Chief Mattern was surrounded by nearly 200 family, friends, City officials, fellow law enforcement professionals, members of the community, and the proud members of his Police Department.
After serving as Interim Chief since the retirement of the prior Chief in March 2007, the former Police Captain will take the highest rank in the Department in which he has served for almost 22 years. Chief Mattern becomes the first Police Chief in Los Alamitos to be promoted from within the ranks of the Department.
Having spent his entire life in West Orange County, Chief Mattern relates well to the community's values. He grew up in Cypress where he served as a Police Explorer and Reserve Officer. He currently resides only a few miles from the Los Alamitos Police Department and is frequently seen at community events. He has been married for 22 years and has two grown children.
Chief Mattern values integrity and professionalism. Although he holds his staff to a high standard, he is mild mannered and known for being fair. Mattern exudes pride when he speaks of the members of the Los Alamitos Police Department. He believes in them and is proud of their commitment to the community and the law enforcement profession.
In addition to earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Long Beach, Mattern is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. Prior to promoting, he was an adjunct faculty member at the Criminal Justice Training Center at Golden West College. As a Training Advisor, he enjoyed mentoring new recruits and helping to shape their careers.
After serving as Interim Chief since the retirement of the prior Chief in March 2007, the former Police Captain will take the highest rank in the Department in which he has served for almost 22 years. Chief Mattern becomes the first Police Chief in Los Alamitos to be promoted from within the ranks of the Department.
Having spent his entire life in West Orange County, Chief Mattern relates well to the community's values. He grew up in Cypress where he served as a Police Explorer and Reserve Officer. He currently resides only a few miles from the Los Alamitos Police Department and is frequently seen at community events. He has been married for 22 years and has two grown children.
Chief Mattern values integrity and professionalism. Although he holds his staff to a high standard, he is mild mannered and known for being fair. Mattern exudes pride when he speaks of the members of the Los Alamitos Police Department. He believes in them and is proud of their commitment to the community and the law enforcement profession.
In addition to earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Long Beach, Mattern is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. Prior to promoting, he was an adjunct faculty member at the Criminal Justice Training Center at Golden West College. As a Training Advisor, he enjoyed mentoring new recruits and helping to shape their careers.
Monday, March 17, 2008
CERT Class Begins April 3 - Sign Up Now!
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A DISASTER?
West County CERT offers its 5th presentation and welcomes the City of Westminster to the team!
West County CERT, which includes the cities of Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Westminster and the Orange County Fire Authority, will be hosting its fifth CERT class in the City of Cypress beginning Thursday April 3rd, 2008 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
CERT, which stands for Community Emergency Response Team, is an eight week 24 hour course that will meet consecutively on Thursday nights through May 22nd, 2008. Students will learn skills in basic first aid, fire suppression, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology, all of which will be critical during a significant event such as an earthquake, fire, or tsunami.
All members of the public who are above the age of 15 are encouraged to attend. Class size is limited to 60 students, and it is anticipated that reserved seating will reach capacity quickly!
For more information about the class or to reserve your seat, please contact the Los Alamitos Police Department Emergency Services Coordinator Sergeant Bruce McAlpine at (562) 431 - 2255 ext. 445 or visit http://www.westcountycert.com/ for details.
West County CERT offers its 5th presentation and welcomes the City of Westminster to the team!
West County CERT, which includes the cities of Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Westminster and the Orange County Fire Authority, will be hosting its fifth CERT class in the City of Cypress beginning Thursday April 3rd, 2008 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
CERT, which stands for Community Emergency Response Team, is an eight week 24 hour course that will meet consecutively on Thursday nights through May 22nd, 2008. Students will learn skills in basic first aid, fire suppression, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology, all of which will be critical during a significant event such as an earthquake, fire, or tsunami.
All members of the public who are above the age of 15 are encouraged to attend. Class size is limited to 60 students, and it is anticipated that reserved seating will reach capacity quickly!
For more information about the class or to reserve your seat, please contact the Los Alamitos Police Department Emergency Services Coordinator Sergeant Bruce McAlpine at (562) 431 - 2255 ext. 445 or visit http://www.westcountycert.com/ for details.
CERT Poster
CERT Registration Form
Monday, January 14, 2008
Litter Prevention
Local Cub Scout Pack 667, Den 5, want to remind everyone of the following:
Please keep our community beautiful, clean and safe for people, pets and nature -
Be kind, pick up what you find and don't litter
Please keep our community beautiful, clean and safe for people, pets and nature -
Be kind, pick up what you find and don't litter
Thursday, September 13, 2007
September is National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sponsors national Preparedness Month 2007. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action.
Throughout September, Homeland Security will work with a wide variety of organizations, including local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to highlight the importance of family emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS LINKS
Federal
Preparedness Month Center
http://www.ready.gov/america/npm07/index.html
US Readiness Center
http://www.ready.gov/
Department of Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/
FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/
Citizen’s Corps
http://www.citizencorps.gov/
California
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security
http://www.homeland.ca.gov/
Office of Emergency Services
http://www.oes.ca.gov/
Emergency Digital Information Service
http://www.edis.ca.gov/
County of Orange
County Readiness Center
http://www.readyoc.org/
Fire Authority
http://www.ocfa.org/
City of Los Alamitos
Emergency Preparation Center
http://www.losalamitospolice.org/support/emergencyprep.htm
West County CERT
http://westcountycert.com/
Red Cross
National
http://www.redcross.org/
County
http://www.oc-redcross.org/
Throughout September, Homeland Security will work with a wide variety of organizations, including local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to highlight the importance of family emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS LINKS
Federal
Preparedness Month Center
http://www.ready.gov/america/npm07/index.html
US Readiness Center
http://www.ready.gov/
Department of Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/
FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/
Citizen’s Corps
http://www.citizencorps.gov/
California
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security
http://www.homeland.ca.gov/
Office of Emergency Services
http://www.oes.ca.gov/
Emergency Digital Information Service
http://www.edis.ca.gov/
County of Orange
County Readiness Center
http://www.readyoc.org/
Fire Authority
http://www.ocfa.org/
City of Los Alamitos
Emergency Preparation Center
http://www.losalamitospolice.org/support/emergencyprep.htm
West County CERT
http://westcountycert.com/
Red Cross
National
http://www.redcross.org/
County
http://www.oc-redcross.org/
School Driving Tips
The Auto Club offers 10 Tips to Parents who drop-off and pick-up their children from school. Go to the following link to download the brochure:
www.losalamitospolice.org/operations/parentdropofftips.pdf
www.losalamitospolice.org/operations/parentdropofftips.pdf
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
9/11 Memorial
The Los Alamitos Police Department extends our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the many victims of the tragic events that occurred six years ago on this day. We hope everyone will take at least a moment of their day to reflect on these events and the lives cut short by this terrorist attack.We also hope that you will extend a thought or prayer of support to the many men and women of the armed forces who are serving our country in harm’s way. May they return home successful and safe.
http://www.losalamitospolice.org/special/9-11memory.htm
For information regarding Emergency Preparation and Terrorism, please visit these sites:
The Official website of the Federal Government http://www.usa.gov/
Department of Homeland Security http://www.ready.gov/
Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/
California Office of Emergency Services http://www.oes.ca.gov/
Orange County Preparation http://www.readyoc.com/
Image Source: Flight 93 Logo piece, Flight93MemorialProject.org, extracted 9/2004
Thursday, September 6, 2007
September is Campus Fire Safety Month
This is the season for families to send their high school graduates off to college. Please take a moment to discuss Safety issues, including Campus Fire Safety this month.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/college/
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/college/
School Traffic Safety - Plan Ahead and Slow Down
Article by Laura Herzog, News Enterprise
As summertime draws to an end and our children are getting ready to go back to school, the community is asked to plan ahead, and grant extra traveling time. In the hustle and bustle of busy schedules, we are many times in a hurry to get from point A to point B and we forget to plan extra time into our schedule. You may be thinking extra time for what? Our school-age children will be back gathering at some of the busiest intersections in our city.
“Crossing guards are the people in charge of the safety of our kids,” says Sgt. Sharon Kerbow of the Los Alamitos Police Department, “but a lot of times their directions are ignored. We want to remind drivers of how important these guards are to our children. They take their responsibility seriously, and if they give a direction to a driver, it’s for a good reason and it must be obeyed.”
Driving through an intersection after a crossing guard has stepped out into the crosswalk is a violation under California Vehicle Code (CVC) number 22101.Violaters can be ticketed, and the fine is $300-$350. “As long as the crossing guard has the sign up, there is no right turn,” says Kerbow. One of the most dangerous intersections is the corner of Bloomfield and Katella which is now staffed with two crossing guards and a camera.The Los Alamitos Police Department and the city’s crossing guards are united in making it safe for our children to travel to school and are reminding each member of the community of the importance of following the instructions of the crossing guards and obeying the law. “These crossing guards really are saints,” says Kerbow, “and people need to remember that they are the ones who are responsible for our children’s safety. Drivers must pay attention and follow their instructions, even if that means they have to wait longer perhaps through another cycle of traffic light.”
As summertime draws to an end and our children are getting ready to go back to school, the community is asked to plan ahead, and grant extra traveling time. In the hustle and bustle of busy schedules, we are many times in a hurry to get from point A to point B and we forget to plan extra time into our schedule. You may be thinking extra time for what? Our school-age children will be back gathering at some of the busiest intersections in our city.
“Crossing guards are the people in charge of the safety of our kids,” says Sgt. Sharon Kerbow of the Los Alamitos Police Department, “but a lot of times their directions are ignored. We want to remind drivers of how important these guards are to our children. They take their responsibility seriously, and if they give a direction to a driver, it’s for a good reason and it must be obeyed.”
Driving through an intersection after a crossing guard has stepped out into the crosswalk is a violation under California Vehicle Code (CVC) number 22101.Violaters can be ticketed, and the fine is $300-$350. “As long as the crossing guard has the sign up, there is no right turn,” says Kerbow. One of the most dangerous intersections is the corner of Bloomfield and Katella which is now staffed with two crossing guards and a camera.The Los Alamitos Police Department and the city’s crossing guards are united in making it safe for our children to travel to school and are reminding each member of the community of the importance of following the instructions of the crossing guards and obeying the law. “These crossing guards really are saints,” says Kerbow, “and people need to remember that they are the ones who are responsible for our children’s safety. Drivers must pay attention and follow their instructions, even if that means they have to wait longer perhaps through another cycle of traffic light.”
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