LAPD Blog

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces $9.2 Million in Grants to Combat Gang Violence in California Communities

 

Click here for podcast

Friday December 17, 2024 – Continuing his commitment to combat gang violence in California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, joined by Chief Charlie Beck, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Sheriff Lee Baca, and other mayors and law enforcement representatives, announced over $9.2 million in competitive grants have been awarded to 24 cities throughout the state under the Governor’s California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) initiative.
 
“My Administration is committed to fighting gang violence with a comprehensive approach that will keep our youth on the right track with early intervention and coordinated anti-gang efforts,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “These grants will help support California’s local communities to prevent and fight gang violence, making our streets safer.”
 
The Governor’s Office of Gang and Youth Violence Policy (OGYVP) received proposals from 36 cities and selected the 24 recipients through a competitive grant process. Applications were rated by expert panels on the basis of more than 20 objective factors, including the number of gang-related homicides and other crimes, demographic information and use of evidence-based practices. The expert panels were made up of representatives from sheriff, police and probation departments, local government, state grant administrators and schools and community-based organizations. In accordance with state budget language, the city of Los Angeles received $1 million through a non-competitive grant.
 
“Part of the Governor’s anti-gang initiative is to bring additional resources to our local communities to help combat gang violence and prevent at-risk youth from joining gangs,” said Paul Seave, director of the Governor's OGYVP. “These grants will assist local anti-gang efforts, particularly those implementing strategies that have been proven to be effective.”
 
Governor Schwarzenegger is committed to combating gang violence in California and, in 2007, introduced his CalGRIP initiative to confront the dramatic increase in gangs across the state and their proliferation in suburban and rural areas. CalGRIP combines funding from different programs and directs it towards local anti-gang efforts focused on intervention, suppression and prevention. Since CalGRIP started in 2007, grants totaling more than $59 million in grants have been awarded to support efforts to reduce gang and youth violence including providing job training and education programs.
 
The grants awarded today are the fourth round of grants under CalGRIP as part of the Governor’s initiative to address gang violence in a smart way at the local level. Cities are responsible for defining problems and solutions including prevention, intervention and enforcement strategies, and they must match the state’s grant. Through the Governor’s OGYVP, the state will work with cities to implement proven evidence-based practices. Several grantees will implement the Safe Community Partnership model that has been proven to save lives showing a 25 to over 60 percent reduction in homicides in cities around the nation such as Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis and Stockton. Many other cities will implement programs proven to reduce recidivism among high-risk youth. In order to implement these programs, cities are encouraged to partner with county agencies, educational agencies and community-based organizations.
 
Earlier this year, the Governor announced over $9.2 million in the third round of competitive grants awarded to 24 cities throughout California to help combat and prevent gang violence in these communities. The Governor also joined federal, state and local law enforcement officials in Salinas earlier this year, where they announced the arrests of more than 30 gang members as part of a state, federal and local coordinated investigation into gang activity in the area.
 
As part of the CalGRIP initiative, the Governor announced more than $7.5 million in grants awarded throughout the state to help at-risk youth expand their education, job training and employment opportunities. Additionally, the Governor announced $3 million in federal stimulus money for the Bridges to Success program last March, which is designed to open career paths for youths most likely to drop out of school. The goal of the program is to help link at-risk youths with real-world jobs that offer a taste of the career opportunities available to them if they complete their education.
 
Below is the list of awardees that will receive a combined total of over $9.2 million in competitive grants:
 
NORTHERN COUNTIES $502,079
 
Shasta County
Redding                      $186,981
 
Sonoma County
Santa Rosa                  $315,098
 
BAY AREA $1,107,927        
 
Alameda County
Hayward                     $369,309
Oakland                      $369,309
 
Contra Costa
Richmond                   $369,309
 
CENTRAL COAST $1,846,466
 
Monterey County
Gonzales                     $369,309
Salinas                         $369,230
 
Santa Cruz County
Watsonville                 $369,309
 
San Benito County
Hollister                      $369,309
 
Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara              $369,309
 
CENTRAL VALLEY $1,068,093
 
Sacramento County
Sacramento                 $369,309
 
Fresno County                       
Fresno                         $369,309
 
Kern County
Bakersfield                  $329,475
 
LOS ANGELES COUNTY $2,107,927
 
Los Angeles                $1,000,000
Hawthorne                  $369,309
Long Beach                 $369,309
Pasadena                     $369,309
 
SOUTHERN COUNTIES $2,582,508
 
Orange County
Fullerton                      $369,309
Santa Ana                   $369,309
 
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino           $366,654
 
San Diego County
Chula Vista                 $369,309
Oceanside                   $369,309
San Diego                   $369,309
 
Ventura County
Oxnard                       $369,309
 
TOTAL          $9.215 MILLION

 

Chief Beck Honored by California Forensic Science Institute

Chief Beck Award podcast

December 10, 2010 – In a small ceremony held at the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science in California State University, Los Angeles campus, Police Chief Charlie Beck was honored by the California Forensic Science Institute for his contributions in influencing Scientific Investigation Division operations and addressing their resource needs. 

"I thank everybody for their help in doing this. It would not have happened without the whole City family, the whole community of Los Angeles, and victims' advocates," Chief Beck said. "I just want to thank everybody for their support and the ability to get this award."

The other honorees included California Governor elect Jerry Brown, Ms. Janice Fukai of the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defenders Office, and Mr. Arthur Kassel, President of the Eagle and Badge Foundation.

  The California Forensic Science Institute is a partnership among California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and the Los Angeles Police Department with a mission to serve the Los Angeles Regional Crime Laboratory.

 

Public’s Help Needed to Put Names to Faces - RHD Releases More than 100 Images Recovered in the Possession of Serial Murder Suspect

Los Angeles:  Today, more than 100 images recovered in the possession of a serial murder suspect were made public. Detectives hope to put names to the faces of the women and learn more about their contact with the suspect known as the “Grim Sleeper.”

On July 8, 2010, 57-year-old Lonnie David Franklin Jr., was arrested for a series of murders, ten women and one man, dating back to 1985.  In the hours and days that followed, detectives and evidence technicians recovered thousands of items of evidence.  Many of the items seized were photographs and videotapes.

LAPD investigators have assembled a group of images from the photographs and videotapes.  The Department cares about the welfare of these women and is hoping both the public and other law enforcement agencies will be able to provide information on their identities and whereabouts.

The images depict the likeness of women or a unique feature.  It is believed that some of the images are duplicate photos of some of the women.  Investigators also believe that many, if not all of the women, had some form of contact with Lonnie David Franklin Jr., the suspected serial murderer, known in the media as the “Grim Sleeper.”

Robbery Homicide Detective Dennis Kilcoyne said, "We have a responsibility to identify these women.  They may be alive and well, but we need to be certain."  

The photographs can be viewed at the Los Angeles Police Department’s official website: www.LAPDonline.org.  Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Notes from December 14, 2024 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck stated the Department lost Police Officer Kent Carter in an off-duty traffic collision over the weekend.  He said he was deeply saddened by the news of his death and added he was the third Police Officer killed in an off-duty collision this year.

•    The entire Board of Police Commissioners recessed to discuss the public employee performance evaluation of Police Chief Charlie Beck.  Police Commission President John Mack said they were not at liberty to discuss publicly what was said in closed session but did say they were very pleased with the job Chief Beck was doing and he is a leader who leads by example.

•    The Department’s report, dated November 30, 2010, relative to City Council Motion relative to Controller’s Audit of the Photo Red Light Program (City Council File No. 10-1502), as given by Assistant Chief Michael Moore, was approved and transmitted to the Audits and governmental Efficiency and Public Safety Committees.  Chief Moore informed the Board the camera system is part of an overall strategy to curtail red light infractions.  He said it has allowed the Department to increase its enforcement significantly.  With regards to effectiveness Chief Moore stated since the program’s implementation there has been a 63% reduction in traffic collisions in the 32 intersections where the cameras are present.  He added the system should not be seen as a revenue generator but rather a tool to improve traffic safety.  Chief Moore went on to say the court’s lack of forwarding delinquent accounts to the DMV for the placement of holds on vehicle registrations and drivers licenses has led to the huge shortfall of fines collected.  He concluded by saying the intersection selection criteria for the placement of the photo red light cameras should be revisited.

•    The Department’s report, dated November 30, 2010, relative to Devonshire Area Gang Enforcement Detail Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID No. 10-124), was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated November 15, 2010, relative to Recommendation for the Medal of Valor, was approved.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics December  11, 2010

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                              269*                292          -7.9%
Rape                                     763                 780          -2.2%
Robbery                              10367             11525         -10.0%
Agg Assaults **                     8826               10078        -12.4%
Total Violent Crimes            20225              22675        -10.8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                               16100            17271          -6.8%
BTFV                                    25886            27468         -5.8%
Personal/Other Theft            25166            26533          -5.2%
Auto Theft                            15699            17055          -8.0%
Total Property Crimes        82,851          88,327         -6.2%
Total Part I Crimes             103,076      111,002        -7.1%

* Numbers reflects a change in reclassification for Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines and numbers are adjusted accordingly.

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults



Wilmington Man Shot and Killed

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Harbor Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of a suspect(s) who shot and killed a 29-year-old male in the Wilmington area.

On Sunday, December 12, 2010, at around 10:20 a.m., Harbor area patrol officers received a 9-1-1 call of shots fired in the 1100 block of Alton Street.  When the officers arrived at the scene, they found Jose Mercado lying on the ground, a gunshot wound to his head. 

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics rushed the victim to a local hospital where he died.

There is no suspect description and detectives are trying to understand what prompted the shooting.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Harbor Area Homicide Detectives Cortez or Burzmato at 310-726-7889 or 310- 726-7880.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Off Duty LAPD Officer Dies in a Tragic Accident

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is mourning the death of Emergency Operation Divisions Officer Kent Carter, who died in a tragic traffic collision in Santa Ana.

On Dec. 12, 2010, at around 4:30 p.m., Carter was riding his 2007 Suzuki motorcycle, northbound on Santiago Canyon Road, south of Jeffrey Road when his bike veered onto the opposite lane into oncoming traffic. He collided with another motorcyclist, riding a 1999 Honda, who was traveling southbound on Santiago Canyon Road. The Honda motorcycle came to rest in the northbound lane.

Immediately following the first collision, Carter was struck a second time by a man riding a 2007 Honda motorcycle, traveling southbound on Santiago Road, along with a female passenger.The man and his passenger were ejected from their motorcycle and came to rest on the southbound lane of Santiago Canyon Road. Carter’s bike came to rest on the right shoulder.

Medical personnel responded to the scene and treated the driver of the 2007 Honda and his female passenger for serious injuries.They were transported to a local hospital. Carter and the driver of the 1999 Honda were both pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. 

The California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.  

Officer Kent Carter worked for the LAPD for over 29 years and his work ethic is legendary. He was hired by the Department on February 23, 1981.The first decade of his career was spent working patrol in Divisions including Wilshire, Rampart, 77th, and time working as a vice officer. Carter’s hard work earned him a position at Training Division where he trained thousands of officers. His method of instruction was legendary and to this day held in high regard from those who learned from him.  

In 1998, Carter was assigned to LAPD’s Labor Relations Division, now under Emergency Operations Division and had been working there ever since. He was a veteran labor relations officer who was responsible for Building and Trades and also worked with numerous unions across the city. Lieutenant Andrew Neiman of Emergency Operations Division explains, “Kent was the most gracious, warm, and considerate individual I have ever met. He loved his family, loved life, and was looking forward to a wonderful retirement in a year. His passing will create a huge void in the Department.” 

Officer Kent Carter is survived by his wife Sharon, his 27 year-old son Preston, 25 year-old daughter Courtney, and his brother Darryl Carter who is a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff.

GIVE WISELY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Los Angeles:  Tis the season when charities approach Angelenos with donation appeals. While selecting one charity over another is always difficult, the lagging economy means the selection is more difficult than ever.There are more charities and less money to donate to them.

The Charitable Services Section of the Los Angeles Police Commission advises Angelenos to do their homework-- Give, but Give Wisely. In Los Angeles, certain tools can make it easier to research charities.

Research should include identifying the nonprofits’ services and the proportion of donations they apply to administrative costs. Avoid becoming a victim of charitable fraud and take the following steps:

Ask to see the charity’s Police Commission Information Card. This card is issued by the Los Angeles Police Commission to charities that are soliciting funding within the City of Los Angeles. It is issued, as per the Los Angeles Municipal Code, to IRS designated 501(c) 3 nonprofits and others who solicit on behalf of those nonprofits.  Under the tax code, the donations are tax-deductable. The Police Commission Information Card contains such information as the charity’s contact names, valid dates for solicitation, and the revenue and expenses the charity reported for a similar past event. Mailed solicitations must include a copy of the Police Commission Information Card.

Evaluate the charity. Answer the following questions before donating:

·    Are the charity’s expenses uncomfortably high? How much revenue  goes toward the cause itself? The Information Card contains the results of similar past events. Also, ask the charity for a financial statement or check its Federal Form 990.

·    Is the charity legitimate? Check with the Charitable Services Section and on the Internet for the organization’s Web site and the State of California Attorney General’s office (see below for Web Site).

·    Is the solicitor legitimate? Does the solicitor possess a valid Police Commission Information Card? Contact the charity to verify the solicitor. Beware of sound-a-likes – check with the agency they claim to represent. Alert your local police station if they are soliciting illegally.

·    Will the charity take noncash payments? It is highly recommended that you donate with a check or credit card. However, it is best not to give any personal information over the telephone.

Contact the Police Commission Charitable Services Section. The Police Commission Charitable Services Section is here to assist with your questions this holiday season and throughout the year.  The section may be reached at 213 996-1260.

For further information about Giving Wisely or the Los Angeles Municipal Code ordinance governing charities, visit the Charitable Services Section Web site at www.lapdonline.org. Search for “charitable” and click on “charitable services section.”

Use other online resources. For instance, the California State Attorney General’s Web site at www.ag.ca.gov has additional information regarding your charity.

60-Year-Old Man Killed in Hit and Run

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Valley Traffic detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating the driver who fatally injured a 60-year-old male driver in Sun Valley.

On Friday, December 10, 2010, at about 6:30 p.m., a three car traffic collision occurred on Lankershim Boulevard south of Tuxford Street.  A white 2009 Chrysler mini-van, traveling in a northerly direction on Lankershim Boulevard crossed into opposing lanes of traffic, and collided head-on with a 1980 gold Chevrolet Chevette, fatally injuring the driver.  The Chevette was also hit from behind by a 1988 grey Toyota Tercel.

The driver of the Chevette was pronounced dead at scene by Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel.  His name has not yet been released pending notification of his family. No other injuries have been reported at this time.

Investigators are looking for the driver of the white mini-van who left the scene on foot without rendering help or providing identifying information as required by law. The driver of the Toyota, later identified as a 46-year-old Oscar Contreras, also left the scene in his car.  Contreras was arrested a short time later by police and booked for manslaughter and leaving the scene of a traffic collision. He is held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

The investigation is continuing and Valley Traffic detectives would like to talk to witnesses who may have observed the accident, or anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the driver.  He is described as a male white, 30 to 35 years of age, standing about 5 feet and 10 inches tall.  He has a thin build with a shaved head.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Krajchir at 818-644-8034 or 818- 644-8000.   During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Man Found Shot in Parking Lot

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Robbery-Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information about a shooting that left one man dead in the Hollenbeck area.

On December 4, 2010, at about 7 p.m., LAPD Hollenbeck Area patrol unit received a radio call involving a possible armed suspect(s) in the 1500 block of Murchinson Street.  Officers arrived at the scene and found the victim, 41-year-old, Robert Gonzalez with a gunshot wound.  He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

Detective’s have no suspect information and few leads.   Investigators have not yet determined the motive for the shooting. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division, Detectives Jenks or Zorilla at 213- 486-6860.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.