Mountain Views News          Saturday, December 6, 2014

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2014

SECTION B

 

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY


JIM MCDONNELL 
SWORN IN AS LASD 
SHERIFF:

HISTORY IN THE 
MAKING

ANTONOVICH INCOMING COUNTY MAYOR

HIGHLIGHTS COOPERATION AND REFORM FOR

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

By Joan Schmidt

 Yesterday my husband and I were honored 
to attend the Swearing-in Ceremony of Jim 
McDonnell as the new Sheriff of Los Angeles 
County. What a wealth of experience he brings 
with him! I met Jim MANY years ago when he 
was Assistant Chief of LAPD and attended one 
of LASD’s Clergy Counsel Seminars. Back then 
as a member of LAPD, he already was working 
with LASD not only in solving crimes, but in 
proactive projects. Years passed and I met Jim 
again when he was Chief of Police of Long Beach 
and attended the annual LASD Memorial Service 
in May that honors deputies/officers from ALL 
county agencies who have died in the line of duty.

 The Oath of Office Ceremony was awesome. 
We were welcomed by Presiding Superior Court 
Judge, David S. Wesley, Master of Ceremonies. 
There were three bagpipe players-from LAPD, 
Long Beach, and LASD-representing where 
Jim’s career has gone. After the Presentation 
of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and National 
Anthem, the Invocation was by Archbishop 
Jose Gomez, who prayed for the new Sheriff and 
the department to “grant him the humility to 
lead with understanding and mercy.”

 Supervisor Mike Antonovich, Mayor of LA 
County introduced Jim Mc Donnell… “On behalf 
of 88 cities and 134 unincorporated areas, we 
welcome our new Sheriff…he has the experience, 
tenacity and ability” to take on this position. 
The Supervisor could not have higher praise 
in his remarks, and the standing room only 
audience echoed Antonovich’ sentiments by their 
resounding standing ovation!

 McDonnell told us he was born of Irish 
immigrant parents in the Boston area. He came 
to southern California thirty years ago “with the 
dream to protect and serve the people”, which he 
has done quite well.

 McDonnell feels privileged to take the helm 
of LASD as the 32nd Sheriff. He mentioned 
friend Jackie Lacey, LA County DA and how she 
has helped him along the way; also many fine 
members from LASD. He pointed out that LA 
County-would be the EIGHTH largest state if it 
were a state! 

 He talked of the 18,000 men and women of 
LASD who “today I commit myself to the LASD 
future”.

 What impressed me most are his humility, and 
his no-nonsense, take charge attitude. There will 
be no “Passing the buck” I am sure. There will 
be accountability, and I foresee many positive 
changes.

 I also need to mention John Scott. Long ago, I 
met him and Sandra Hutchins, Commanders with 
LASD. They both retired, but Sandy was elected as 
Sheriff of Orange County and brought John with 
her as Undersheriff. Everyone has raved about 
the cleanup they did down there. However after 
Baca retired as LASD Sheriff, Sandy graciously 
“loaned” John Scott to LASD until the election, 
and he has done an awesome job here. There were 
many changes made and station commanders 
had to review all activity and then give accounts 
to higher ups. Everyone I have spoken with is very 
grateful to John Scott.

 Attending the Swearing-in were past/present 
Temple Station personnel-from Executive Aide 
Neil Tyler, Assistant Sheriff Richard Barrantes, 
Chief Roberta Abner, Captain Chris Reed, 
Captain Donnie Mauldin, Captain Corrone Jacob, 
Captain Steve Biagini, and Lt. Tom McNeil! I also 
saw many Chiefs of Police-Burbank’s Scott Las 
Chasse, So Pas Art Miller, Glendora Rob Castro, 
Pasadena Phil Sanchez, and Irwindale Rudy 
Lopez. 

The festivities ended with a poignant Benediction 
by Rabbi Abraham Cooper. It was indeed a 
splendid day and the beginning of a new era.

In his first speech as Mayor of the Los Angeles 
County Board of Supervisors, Mayor Michael 
D. Antonovich promised to work closely with 
the new board colleagues, the sheriff and county 
departments to build upon past achievements 
while improving and enhancing foster care, 
public safety, municipal services, streamlining 
government, enhancing interdepartmental 
communication and establishing greater 
accountability 

 “While 2015 presents numerous challenges it 
also provides many opportunities to build upon 
past successes and chart new trails,” said Mayor 
Antonovich. 

 The Board of Supervisors serves as the “Mayor 
and City Council” for the 134 unincorporated 
communities in Los Angeles County with more 
than 1.5 million residents. 

Children’s Services

· Expand dental health programs and promote 
healthy behaviors that will serve to reduce 
childhood obesity and the health risks 
associated with unhealthy lifestyles

· Build upon the county’s emancipated youth 
employment program by challenging our 88 
cities, sanitation districts, school districts, 
the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 
Metrolink, AQMD, Southern California 
Association of Governments, the ports and 
other government agencies and the business 
community to initiate similar employment 
programs for emancipated foster youth 
countywide.

· Strengthen the countywide safety net to 
protect children at risk of abuse and neglect 
through improved information-sharing; 
reinvigoration of the service integration 
branch; and improved training for qualified 
social workers.

· Adequately staff DCFS offices.

· Work with the Los Angeles County Office 
of Education and the Workforce Investment 
Board to provide additional training for foster 
youth with a focus on vocational education and 
S-T-E-M (science-technology-engineering-
math) programs. 

· Increase opportunities for youth at the Los 
Angeles County High School for the Arts.

Public Safety

· Enhance public safety and accountability 
working with law enforcement to address the 
recurrent problems of realignment.

· Collaborate with Sheriff Jim McDonnell 
to implement the new jail plan which will 
also include treatment for the incarcerated 
mentally ill.

· Complete the implementation of the 
remaining recommendations of the Citizens 
Commission on Jail Violence and improve jail 
conditions as a whole.

· Continue successful law enforcement 
programs such as DISARM. 

· Increase patrols in unincorporated areas. 

Governance and Efficiency

· Improve governance by enhancing our 
partnerships with the quality and productivity 
commission and the economy and efficiency 
commission to achieve future county savings 
and further streamline our government.

· Reform the governance structure to break 
down silos, enhance interdepartmental 
communication and establish greater 
accountability. 

Economic Growth

· Encourage economic growth and 
development to achieve regional economic 
vitality and create an environment where 
business can thrive.

· Support local economic development efforts 
with national and international partners to 
bring new businesses to the county as done 
with BYD electric bus and car manufacturer 
and railcar manufacturer Kinkisharyo.

· Support inland ports to relieve truck 
congestion; expanding traffic synchronization; 
and supporting a regional network of airports 
including Palmdale, Ontario, Bob Hope and 
LAX. 

· Streamline the county permitting and 
procurement processes thru technology and 
e-government, and provide incentives for 
small businesses to be competitive. 

· Create additional employment opportunities 
for veterans.

· Make Los Angeles County an employer 
of choice where employee productivity 
is enhanced thru training and improved 
workplace programs.

Emergency Services

· Enhance earthquake preparedness

· Add several in-service emergency vehicles 
to enhance the fire department in fire 
suppression, emergency medical services and 
urban search and rescue.

Health and Mental Health Services

· Improve access to critical trauma care by 
establishing a trauma center in the 

San Gabriel Valley

· Fully implement Laura’s Law to significantly 
improve the lives of participants, reduce 
incarceration and homelessness, and enhance 
public safety.

· Advocate for mental health programs and 
laws that provide for individualized care, with 
emphasis on the homeless and veterans.

· Ensure the Los Angeles homeless services 
agency and the CEO homeless programs are 
coordinated. 

· Coordinate a cost effective and efficient 
system of services from the departments of 
health services, mental health, and public 
health.

· Expand oral health programs and promoting 
healthy behaviors that will serve to reduce 
childhood obesity and the significant health 
risks associated with the unhealthy lifestyles 
of the youth. 

Animal Shelters

· Improve the condition of all animal shelters 
throughout the county. 

Breaking News From LA County Sheriff’s Department

500 VICTIMS DREAMS ARE SHATTERED 
AS THEY FALL PREY TO A LOAN 
MODIFICATION REAL ESTATE SCAM

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Real 
Estate Fraud Team received a call in September 
2009, from Pico Sheriff’s Station. The station was 
dealing with a group of individuals (all Spanish 
speaking) who claimed that they were losing their 
homes and had paid a company named “Safe 
Haven” (also known as Your Dreams Come True) 
to help stop the foreclosure on their properties. 
Safe Haven posed as a loan modification 
and foreclosure consultant company, but the 
entire premiss of their business was a scam. 

The Real Estate Team responded to the Safe Haven 
business office in Pico Rivera and served search 
warrants which led to the seizure of thousands of 
fraudulent documents and paper work showing 
clouded titles on the victim’s homes. All the homes 
were being foreclosed on and all of the victims 
money had been taken/misused by the suspects.

After the investigation began, the Sheriff’s 
Department notified and worked closely with the 
Los Angeles County Department of Consumer 
Affairs, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office 
and the California State Bar. The investigation 
was lengthy and involved more than 500 Spanish 
Speaking victims, most of whom were lured to 
the business after hearing an advertisement, 
on Christian Spanish radio, for the company.

After several years of investigation and 
numerous search warrants, the case was filed 
with the District Attorney’s Major Fraud, 
Real Estate Fraud Section on May 10, 2013. 

On September 3, 2014, Suspect Alex Canjura 
accepted a plea agreement and was sentenced 
to 5 years State Prison which he started serving 
immediately. Suspects Alex Jurado, Erika 
Perez and Oswaldo Flores each entered into 
plea agreements and were released on bond.

On Friday December 5, 2014, suspects Alex 
Jurado, Erika Perez and Oswaldo Flores were 
sentenced in Los Angeles Superior Court for 
their roles in the “Safe Haven” and “Your Dreams 
Come True” real estate fraud case. Immediately 
after sentencing the suspects surrendered 
themselves and were taken into custody.

Additionally, one of the attorneys involved in 
the operation, Tanmay Mistray was charged 
with 13 counts of professional misconduct, 
with mitigating and aggravating factors 
and was disbarred from the practice of law. 

Suspects Alex Canjura and Alex Jurardo each 
accepted plea agreements to serve 5 years in 
State Prison, while Erika Perez and Oswaldo 
Flores each accepted plea agreements to serve 
16 months in local custody. Restitution was 
ordered in the amount of 4.5 million dollars. 

Suspect Candy Cabrera, who was also filed upon, fled 
Canada upon learning of her pending extradition, 
and is a fugitive in her native country of Nicaragua. 

Anyone with information about this incident 
is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles 
County Sheriff's Department's Fraud and 
Cyber Crimes Bureau at (562) 946-7217. If you 
prefer to provide information anonymously, 
you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing 
(800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters 
TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or 
by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

ADVISORY: CITIZENS CAN 
NOW FILE LIMITED INCIDENT 
REPORTS WITH SHERIFF’S 
DEPARTMENT ONLINE, 24/7 

Beginning December 2, 2014, the Los Angeles 
County Sheriff’s Department will accept limited 
property-related reports online. The Sheriff’s Online 
Reporting and Tracking System (SORTS) has been 
created for the convenience of the public we serve. 
Citizens can submit these reports via computer or a 
smartphone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through 
the use of technology, citizens can submit a report 
to document limited property-related incidents and 
receive a copy of the report via email. SORTS is not 
intended to replace our current tradition of service 
to the public, but to enhance it by providing an 
additional option. 

 No emergency reports or tips will be taken through 
this system. 

 All LASD Stations and units will be processing 
these reports individually. Contact your local 
Sheriff’s Station with questions you may have 
regarding the use of SORTS.

 Go to www.lasd.org and click on the “File a Report 
Online” icon for more information.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com