SCV Sheriff - News Room

Open Registration - VIDA Class 18

2009-07-09T17:21:15-07:00

VIDA: Our Youth - Our Future - Funded by the City of Santa Clarita and established in February 2006, the award winning VIDA Program or Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives, is a 16-week program designed to assist "at-risk" youth between the ages of 12 and 17 by redirecting negative behavior into positive alternatives. In providing the program, the City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station recognize the importance of offering counseling, family action, community service, physical training, team building, and career guidance to wayward youth in our community. All this is done in an effort to help redirect negative behavior of our youth, who may be tempted to explore gang affiliation, drug use, or crime.

"By putting positive influences around these youth, we can help them realize their self-worth, establish goals and avoid gangs, drugs, crime and negative influences," said Captain La Berge. He added, "We must do our part with our youth, as they are the future of this great community."

Every Thursday night this month (July 2009), Deputy Tim Ferrone of the VIDA Program will host VIDA Registration Night At the Sequoia Charter School - 21445 Centre Pointe Parkway, Canyon Country. This registration night is required, even if a pre-registration application was previously completed on-line. The youth applicant does not need to be present at the time of registration. The registration event begins at 7:00 p.m. and offers an opportunity for family members and those who are interested in the program to attend, ask questions, get information about the program and even register for the next class which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, August 22, 2009. You must attend an open registration event to be eligible for a spot in the class.

All members of the press are invited to attend the registration event and are also welcome to cover any portion of the program. All members of the public who are interested in the VIDA Program are also welcome to attend. For additional information, or to get involved with "Our Youth - Our Future," contact Deputy Timothy Ferrone of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 510-0881 or visit the VIDA web page at SCVSheriff.com and fill out the on-line information application at the following link: VIDA Information and Interest Application.

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. Four other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal, Santa Clarita Valley Nonprofit News Center, and The West Ranch Beacon. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.

Letter from the Captain - 4th of July Safety

2009-07-02T10:40:00-07:00

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.

SCV Sheriffs & CHP Officers Seen Racing

2009-06-26T14:21:01-07:00

The race may be over, but there is no finish line when it comes to helping abused children!

Hundreds of community members, business leaders, Deputy Sheriff's, Firefighters, California Highway Patrol Officers, American Medical Response personnel, friends, and family members joined at the Racer's Edge Indoor Karting facility Thursday night to raise money for abused children and other causes -

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Santa Clarita Valley Station joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the California Highway Patrol, and American Medical Response at the First Annual "Fast and Furious First Responders" fund-raising event last night.

Representatives from the emergency services agencies volunteered their time and, in partnership with Racer's Edge, brought an indoor kart racing challenge to local government, the public, and business entities. The first responders challenged each other and offered a unique opportunity for the public to race against a police officer, deputy sheriff, paramedic or firefighter - all for a great cause. The common goal of the event was to raise money to help victims of some of the worst cases of child abuse and neglect in Los Angeles County - as well as other charities.

Santa Clarita Sheriff's Station was joined by an estimated 400 people throughout the evening Thursday at the five hour charity event. More than 200 people actually raced, while others cheered them on and enjoyed the music, food, and prizes.

By the time the checkered flag was dropped, the event had raised more than $6,000 for the Racer's Edge local business, a substantial portion of which will be donated to four different non-profit charitable organizations as follows:

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department: "999 for Kids Program"
California Highway Patrol - "Newhall Area Squad Club" (support for fallen officers' families)
Los Angeles County Fire Department: "Explorer Post 6 Program"
American Medical Response: "The American Cancer Society"

Local sheriff's officials are calling the event a resounding successes and estimate that nearly $2,000 will be donated to the "999 for Kids" Program.

Every year the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, and other sheriff's stations throughout Los Angeles County host events in support of the annual "999 for Kids" fund-raiser. If people in the community need emergency help, they call 9-1-1, but if deputies need emergency help they radio "999." In 1985 the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Department of Children and Family Services joined together and organized the "999 for Kids" Program as a way to help abused kids.

This organization was developed in an effort to help children who are victims of the most severe cases of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence. The Specialized Medical Placement Unit and Deaf Services Unit of the Department of Children and Family Services are responsible for the care of more than 1,000 of these children who benefit from the "999 for Kids" Program. The number of children has been increasing each year. Although tax dollars provide for the basic needs for these children, there are no funds available for the needs that go beyond basic care.

That's why your Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, with the support of the the City of Santa Clarita, the County of Los Angeles, Racer's Edge Indoor Karting, Starbucks Coffee Company, Home Depot, Lowe's, Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Miss SCV Royal Court, Regal Entertainment Group - Valencia Stadium 12, Princess Cruises, Wolf's Towing and Auto Repair, California Pizza Kitchen, Marie Callender's, All Corked Up, KHTS-AM-1220, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, along with all the generous residents in the Santa Clarita Valley, all stepped in to help make this event a success.

The "999 for Kids" Program raises money for the purpose of purchasing special items and services for these children, i.e., sport wheelchairs, computers, special education classes, medically-oriented toys and games, and a yearly holiday party. A few examples of how some of the funds were spent in the past are:

Piano lessons for a child who is blind.
The purchase of a specialized tricycle for a child with a seizure disorder, severe developmental delays and cerebral palsy.
A gastro-intestinal feeding switch and pump for a child with cerebral palsy.
The purchase of a television/VCR/DVD combo for a child with a chronic lung disease.
Purchase of a bicycle and helmet fro a child with sickle cell anemia.

The "999 for Kids" Program is an opportunity for a corporation or individuals to join others in providing much needed funds for this very special program. Of course, most contributions and donations are tax deductible.

"We got into law enforcement and emergency services because we want to help people," said Captain Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Sheriff's Station. "Participating in events like this, that we know are helping children and others in need, is just an extension of what we do - it's in us," he added.

The race is never over when it comes to helping abused children!

The top five finishers with the fastest single lap times at the event were as follows:

*Ryan Drake - City of Santa Clarita - 24.41 seconds
*Andrew Schlottman - undetermined agency or entity - 24.52 seconds
*Larry Verdugo - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - 24.58 seconds
*Ryan Resella - City of Santa Clarita - 24.63 seconds
Chris Cabral - California Highway Patrol - 24.65 seconds

*Trophies will be presented to those who had the four overall fastest lap times at a later date.

There was also a "Pit Crew Challenge" to see how fast one person could change two real race car tires. That event was won by Deputy Michael Lorenzi of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station with a time of 41.58 seconds. Mike won a one year season pass to Racer's Edge, which he donated to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Explorer Program.

If you are interested in donating to the "999 for Kids" Program, but did not have time to attend this event you can join us next year or do it now by visiting their Web site: "999 for Kids" or by contacting Deputy Mike Lorenzi at (661) 799-5160 or Deputy David Shoemaker at (661) 510-1289 if you would like to see the funds donated on your behalf directly through the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.

For questions regarding this Press Release, contact Sergeant Darren Harris at (661) 799-5814.

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.

SCV Search and Rescue Activated - Overdue Hiker **UPDATE**

2009-06-25T17:22:04-07:00

**UPDATE** Thursday - June 25, 2009 - 4:30 p.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - ANF:

The overdue hiker was found by a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue Team at 4:30 p.m. He was in the area of the Cienega Campground, which is located at the end of Templin Highway, east of the Interstate 5 Freeway.  He was slightly dehydrated, but is doing well.

No further information is available at this time.

*********************************************************************************************************************

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Search and Rescue Team was activated late last night after a woman reported to that her boyfriend was more than 3 days overdue in returning from a planned hiking trip in the Warm Springs Mountain area of the Angeles National Forest. The hiker, Donald Lee, age 60, of Lake Hughes had set out alone on a planned 3 day hike on Friday, June 19, 2009, and was scheduled to return Sunday. He had a cell phone conversation with his girlfriend on Sunday indicating that he had injured his knee, but was able to lighten his pack and continue hiking. That was the last contact with him.  His girlfriend became concerned when he did not return and she has not been able to contact him.

After receiving the call, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team, comprised of an elite group of volunteers, formed and trained to assist the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in search and rescue operations, converged on the area after 11:00 p.m. last night.

The operation has continued throughout the night and at first light this morning a helicopter from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau was brought into the area to assist in the search. Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Off-Road Motorcycle Team also geared up this morning and headed to the area to assist in the search.

After a countywide search and rescue notification was issued, additional resources from throughout Los Angeles County are being brought into the area to assist in the search, including deputies on all terrain vehicles from the Palmdale Sheriff's Station, and volunteer search and rescue members from the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station - Montrose Search and Rescue Team. The Sheriff Department's Emergency Services Detail has also been notified.

Searchers are focusing their efforts on a 30 mile radius on Warm Springs Mountain.

Anyone with information regarding this overdue hiker is asked to immediately dial 9-1-1 or contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121. Press inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Harris of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 510-1827.

The operation is continuing and there is no further information available at this time.

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. Four other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal, Santa Clarita Valley Nonprofit News Center, and The West Ranch Beacon.

SCV Search and Rescue Activated - Overdue Hiker

2009-06-25T10:06:56-07:00

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Search and Rescue Team was activated late last night after a woman reported to that her boyfriend was more than 3 days overdue in returning from a planned hiking trip in the Warm Springs Mountain area of the Angeles National Forest. The hiker, Donald Lee, age 60, of Lake Hughes had set out alone on a planned 3 day hike on Friday, June 19, 2009, and was scheduled to return Sunday. He had a cell phone conversation with his girlfriend on Sunday indicating that he had injured his knee, but was able to lighten his pack and continue hiking. That was the last contact with him.  His girlfriend became concerned when he did not return and she has not been able to contact him.

After receiving the call, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team, comprised of an elite group of volunteers, formed and trained to assist the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in search and rescue operations, converged on the area after 11:00 p.m. last night.

The operation has continued throughout the night and at first light this morning a helicopter from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau was brought into the area to assist in the search. Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Off-Road Motorcycle Team also geared up this morning and headed to the area to assist in the search.

After a countywide search and rescue notification was issued, additional resources from throughout Los Angeles County are being brought into the area to assist in the search, including deputies on all terrain vehicles from the Palmdale Sheriff's Station, and volunteer search and rescue members from the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station - Montrose Search and Rescue Team. The Sheriff Department's Emergency Services Detail has also been notified.

Searchers are focusing their efforts on a 30 mile radius on Warm Springs Mountain.

Anyone with information regarding this overdue hiker is asked to immediately dial 9-1-1 or contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121. Press inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Harris of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 510-1827.

The operation is continuing and there is no further information available at this time.

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. Four other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal, Santa Clarita Valley Nonprofit News Center, and The West Ranch Beacon.

Attempted Bank Robbery - Stevenson Ranch

2009-06-24T16:37:56-07:00

Tuesday - June 23, 2009 - 5:00 p.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - Stevenson Ranch:

Public assistance sought - Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Robbery and Assault team are investigating an attempted robbery which occurred yesterday afternoon at a bank in the 25800 block of The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch.

A female adult (pictured below) entered the bank, implied that someone was going to kill her, and demanded money from the teller.  The female left the location without obtaining anything after the teller walked away from his window.  Detectives are seeking public assistance in identifying and locating the woman and have released the attached photo from the attempted robbery. The woman depicted here is being sought for questioning only at this time and detectives want to determine if she is a suspect in the attempted robbery or was being forced to act against her will. Detectives are encouraging the woman to come forward and talk to them.



The woman has blond hair, appeared to be in her 30's, is approximately 5'06" tall, weighs an estimated 150 pounds, and was wearing a black t-shirt with an undetermined white graphic logo on it.  At the time of the incident the woman was wearing dark sunglasses and was carrying a dark purse which she never took her hand out of.

Several deputies immediately converged on the area and searched for the suspect, but she was not located.

Anyone with information regarding this crime or the whereabouts of the woman depicted here is asked to immediately dial 9-1-1 or contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121. Press inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Harris of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 799-5814.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time. -ref 10721

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. Four other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal, Santa Clarita Valley Nonprofit News Center, and The West Ranch Beacon. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.

**Law enforcement note: The person(s) identified in this release should not be arrested or transported. Contact the investigating detective to determine appropriate action to be taken.

An Alarming Problem With Local Businesses

2009-06-19T17:24:21-07:00

An Alarming Problem with Local Businesses

By Sergeant A.J. Rotella

City of Santa Clarita – Sheriff’s Business Alliance

The Santa Clarita Sheriff ’s Station responds to nearly 5,000 false alarms each year. These alarms require Deputies to respond quickly, often to learn once they arrive that the alarm was activated in error and there was an apparent malfunction. While alarm systems can be an effective tool for crime prevention, roughly 99 percent of all alarm activations are false.

Often, there are repeated problems with the same alarm systems. In fact, 80 percent of reported false alarms are caused by fewer than 20 percent of local businesses that have alarm systems. With a continued increase in alarm systems locally, your Sheriff’s Department has become inundated with false alarms. These added alarm calls result in delayed response times to other calls for service as well as depleting valuable patrol resources that work diligently to keep our community safe.

The City’s goal is to reduce the number of false alarm calls, thus allowing the Sheriff’s Department to focus on other calls. A False Alarm Ordinance was adopted by the City Council in 1997, to help reduce the number of false alarms received each year. This program affects both residential and business alarm owners. Owners of alarm systems are urged to become familiar with their alarm systems and stay in close contact with their alarm company.

The Sheriff's Business Alliance offers a "False Alarm Prevention" guide which is available online at this link: False Alarm Brochure or at the front counter of the Sheriff's Station. This guide offers several tips. and resources to help both business managers and residents properly manage their alarm systems to avoid false alarms.

Effective July 1st, 2009, the City of Santa Clarita will adopt a new cost recovery model for false alarm incidents. The City will continue to subsidize the Sheriff’s response for business by waiving two false alarm fees each calendar year, per alarm location. The third false burglary alarm incident will be charged at $255, fourth at $400 and fifth and subsequent false alarm incidents will be charged at the full cost recovery amount of $600. The City has also made a distinction in fees for false robbery and panic alarms. The new robbery alarm fees will be $300 for the 3rd call for service, $600 for the 4th call, and the full cost recovery of $800 for 5th and subsequent false robbery alarm call. The difference in these fee amounts is due to the resources that respond to the very different calls for service. In the response to a robbery alarm call, more Deputies respond due to the potential violent act of a person at the location with a weapon, versus a burglary alarm call where it likely is a property related crime.

The fees are higher and increase with frequency of false alarms, in an effort to recoup the actual costs of responding to the alarms, and to provide fairness and equity for businesses that have one or two false alarms versus those businesses that generate dozens of false alarms each year. A study of the false alarms in Santa Clarita showed that the fines were paid, the behavior causing the false alarms did not significantly change, and the number of false alarm incidents from the previous year fell less than 1%.

“This is not an effort to raise money through alarm fees,” stated Captain Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. “Simply put, we need to get the attention of alarm owners who mismanage their alarms. The resources of our Deputies who are responding to these errant alarms could be better spent protecting our Santa Clarita community and responding to priority calls for service. The number of false alarms responses takes almost four full-time deputies out of the field each day.”

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 on Business Crime Prevention topics, please visit the City of Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Business Alliance on the Internet at the following link: City of Santa Clarita - Sheriff's Business Alliance.

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. Residents should also visit www.crimereports.com to keep up with the types of incidents that are being reported in and around their neighborhood.

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

More Drug Dealers Go To Jail!

2009-06-17T09:36:55-07:00

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley! Say No To Drugs In The SCV or Say Yes To Jail! Narcotics Detectives Take-Down Two More Suspected Drug Dealers - Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's Headquarters Narcotics Bureau, assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station area, took down two suspected drug dealers at a residence in the 27200 block of Santa Clarita Road, Saugus.  After an extensive investigation, the detectives moved in on the location with a search warrant in hand Monday afternoon.

The timing was perfect and Inside detectives found their two suspected dealers, along with a half pound of cocaine, over a pound of marijuana, a small indoor marijuana grow, a large quantity of ecstasy, and several thousand dollars in cash.

Best of all, the suspected drug dealers, Michael Montero, MH/29 and Gilbert Pedraza, MH/27, both of Saugus, are behind bars facing very serious felony charges.  Five juveniles at the location were taken into protective custody. Some neighbors in the area were very appreciative to see the duo fall and applauded the effort of the deputies who returned peace to the neighborhood.

Both suspects were hauled away in handcuffs and were booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. Montero was booked on felony charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale and Child Endangerment. He also had an existing felony warrant for drug sales. He is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail pending future court proceedings. Pedraza was booked on felony charges of Possession of Marijuana for Sale, Cultivation of Marijuana, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail pending future court proceedings. -ref 01172

"As I said in April, just after these specialized narcotics enforcement resources took down more drug dealers, these highly trained team members are the best of the best," said Captain Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.  "Drug dealers better get the message - If you are dealing in illegal narcotics in the Santa Clarita Valley this team will track you down, they will come knocking when you least expect it, and they will put you behind bars," he added.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time.

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. Four other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal, Santa Clarita Valley Nonprofit News Center, and The West Ranch Beacon. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.

A Partnership In Crime Prevention

2009-06-16T16:38:14-07:00

Monday - June 15, 2009 - 2:35 p.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - Canyon Country:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley!  Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station and the City of Santa Clarita's Sheriff's Business Alliance, working in direct partnership with representatives from a local retail business, proved to be too powerful of a partnership for a local crime duo -

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station has been actively investigating a number of incidents of commercial burglary and grand theft occurring at local area Target stores in Valencia and Canyon Country. At least four incidents of crime, apparently being perpetrated by the same individuals, had been reported over the past three weeks resulting in the theft of thousands of dollars worth of portable electronics and other items. Each incident was caught on highly sophisticated video surveillance systems and that information was shared between all the concerned investigative entities and patrol deputies from the Santa Clarita Sheriff's Station.

All the hard work and partnership paid off Monday afternoon at the Target store located at 19105 Golden Valley Road, Canyon Country, when loss prevention officials spotted the male suspect and a female accomplice in the store.  The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station was immediately called in and deputies did not waste any time in apprehending the two as they were leaving the store.

Deputies report that the two suspects were in possession of methamphetamine and counterfeit United States Currency. Deputies took the suspects' 11 month old baby boy into protective custody.

Further investigation resulted in the search of the suspects hotel room at Extended Stay America, 24940 West Pico Canyon Road, Sunset Point, where deputies recovered more than 40 items they suspect were stolen during other incidents of commercial burglary and theft in the Santa Clarita Valley. Among the items recovered were computers, cameras, video games, two-way radios, tools, carving knives, an IPOD and dozens of other items.  Deputies also recovered more counterfeit United States Currency and more than 200 papers containing identification and credit card information belonging to other individuals. Additional follow-up investigative operations are expected in the coming days.

Both suspects, Richard Hetherington, MW/41, and Pamela Schaffer, FW/39, of Canyon Country were transported to and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. Suspect Hetherington was booked on felony charges of Burglary, Identity Theft, Possession of Counterfeit United States Currency, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He is being held in lieu of $130,000 bail pending future court proceedings. Suspect Schaffer was booked on felony charges of Burglary, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Identity Theft. She also had several outstanding warrants for theft and is being held in lieu of more than $340,000 bail pending future court proceedings.

“This is another example of how proactive our Sheriff’s Department is in their partnership with the businesses in the City of Santa Clarita,” stated Mayor Frank Ferry of the City of Santa Clarita. “These criminals need to realize that it's just not worth it. With the technology, communication, and community involvement being so good, they are going to get caught.”

Anyone with information regarding these suspects or the crimes is asked to contact Detective Jeffrey Jackson of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 799-5151.

The investigation is continuing and there is no further information available at this time.  -ref 08981, 08999, 09950, 10201

For more information on Business Crime Prevention topics, please visit the City of Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Business Alliance on the Internet at the following link: City of Santa Clarita - Sheriff's Business Alliance.

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. Residents should also visit www.crimereports.com to keep up with the types of incidents that are being reported in and around their neighborhood.

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

LA Sheriffs & City Host Police & Fire Games

2009-06-13T10:32:00-07:00

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, with the support of the County of Los Angeles and the City of Santa Clarita, will host the 2009 Western States Police and Fire Games beginning this Saturday June 13th, 2009 -

The City of Santa Clarita and Santa Clarita Sheriff's Station proudly welcome more than 5,000 police, sheriff, and fire personnel from 417 emergency public service agencies to the Santa Clarita Valley for the 2009 Western States Police and Fire Games (WSPFG). Many participants have already arrived in Santa Clarita and others are on their way, some from as far away as New Hampshire, Hawaii, and Florida, and still others from the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. All told, more than 10,000 participants and their family members are expected in town for the games, including nearly 500 from the Los Angeles Police Department, more than 350 from the California Department of Corrections, and over 100 from the San Francisco Police Department.

The participants will compete in more than 50 individual sporting events, including boxing, baseball, football, hockey, basketball, and swimming, just to name a few. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Athletic Association (LASAA) is the proud sponsor of the games.

"Lets be the best host city ever! Come on out and get involved with supporting these top notch athletes in VERY competitive sporting events or attend one of the many social functions and welcome our public service neighbors," said Captain Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.

All the events and functions are FREE for the public to attend and are sure to offer some great competition and entertainment.

The games are filled with many side stories, such as the story of "Wongs" Softball Team and Deputy Robert "Bobby" Corrales. The "Wongs" team, made up of Deputy Sheriff's from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was a dominate and feared softball team for more than 15 years, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals at a number of events in several states while participating in the Police and Fire Games and other events. They shared all their successes with their dominate leader Bobby Corrales, known by many and his teammates as "Papa Wong."  Bobby, a veteran Deputy Sheriff, spent 24 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and lost a hard fought battle with leukemia on April 23, 2009. The former Wong team members, now further along in their careers, all got together and decided to come out of retirement and participate in the Santa Clarita games in memory of Bobby. They will take the field on Sunday, June 14th, for the first time without Bobby at 4:45 p.m. at Central Park. The team members could have entered in the "Senior" category, but instead opted to enter into the "Open" category to face the best in young softball talent and competition, and to show complete respect for the "Wongs" team that Bobby was so much a part of. The team intends to honor Bobby's family at the event and will wear a patch with Bobby's retired number on it, Bobby "Papa Wong" Corrales - #11. This is a story you are surely going to want to follow and be a part of. Go Wongs!

"This is for Bobby," said Wongs team member Randy Levinson. "He battled in life and everything he was a part of. He is known, loved, and respected by all those in the law enforcement softball world and beyond. Bobby gave 24 years of service to the residents of Los Angeles County and fought leukemia until the very end. The least we can do is represent Bobby and fight as hard as we can in this open division. Bobby wouldn't want or expect any less from us!"

For complete information on the 2009 Western States Police and Fire Games visit their Web site at http://www.wspfg2009.org/. See you at the games!

MORE INFORMATION ON THE GAMES

Community Events Open to Residents

Numerous entertainment events are scheduled to take place as part of the WSPFG during the evenings, providing opportunities for residents and competitor’s family members to enjoy the community and its diverse offerings.

Highlights for the week and opportunities for the community and residents to get involved with the games include the following:

My Classic Rock Band will be playing at Hyatt Regency Valencia opening day Saturday, June 13.
Bodybuilding is expected to attract hundreds of spectators Sunday, June 14, at the College of the Canyons, Performing Arts Center.
Boxing is always a crowd pleaser and one of the WSPFG’s most anticipated events. Boxing is schedule to take place Monday, June 15, Tuesday, June 16, Wednesday, June 17, and Friday, June 19 at Santa Clarita Studios.
Tuesday night, June 16 the community is invited to rock out at an outdoor free concert on Town Center Drive in front of the Hyatt Regency Valencia featuring classic rock band, Ace from 5:30 PM until 9:30 PM. Ace has been voted by Los Angeles Magazine as Los Angeles’ #1 "live" dance band in Southern California.
Thursday night, June 18 is “Law Enforcement and Firefighter Night” at Saddle Ranch Chop House in Universal City.

Get Involved

There are many ways for residents and businesses to get involved with the 2009 Western States Police & Fire Games, including exciting volunteer opportunities for adults 18 and older. Volunteer opportunities include registration, merchandise sales, score keeping, timekeeping, logistical and operational support. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and lunch. Business can also be a part of the Games, with visibility at the registration expo and through sponsorship opportunities. Volunteers and business owners interested in learning more should call (323) 526-5757 or visit WSPFG2009.org for more information.

Santa Clarita Background

Santa Clarita offers visitors the quintessential California experience. Abundant sunshine, a unique blend of urban sophistication and small town charm, historic elements, destination dining, signature shopping and a variety of world-class events, attractions and accommodations for all ages have made Santa Clarita a must see when visiting Southern California. As Santa Clarita is just minutes from Los Angeles and Ventura it makes it a great central location to experience all the region offers.

Background about the WSPFG

The WSPFG originated in 1967 as the California Police Olympics, but in the decades that followed branched out to include other states and the inclusion of the Fire Department. Since its inception the games have grown tremendously and have been hosted in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming among other states.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Athletic Association is responsible for sponsoring the 2009 event, in association with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, the County of Los Angeles, the City of Santa Clarita, the William S. Hart Union School District, and College of the Canyons.

For additional information about the WSPFG, including a full schedule of events and times, please visit WSPFG2009.org.

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. Four other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal, Santa Clarita Valley Nonprofit News Center, and The West Ranch Beacon. For local information regarding the games, interviews, or questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Darren Harris at (661) 510-1827.