http://www.intheav.com/Patricia K. Shawnointheav.comintheav.com RSS-generatorhttp://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2010/07/20/down-again-palmdale-s-crime-rate-continues-to-dropIn what is becoming a consistent and positive trend, the City of Palmdale and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Palmdale Station officials have announced that crime statistics for the second quarter of 2010 are down once again. Officials report an 8 percent decrease in the number of Part I crimes reported. Thefts were down 11 percent and burglaries decreased by 16 percent. “Last year we formulated a plan to attack burglaries,” said Palmdale Station Lt. Don Ford. “As we continue on that course, we’ve seen burglaries drop another 16 percent. Robberies have crept up, with 15 more incidents reported than last year. So, a plan was put in place to deal with the increase. In the three weeks the plan has been operating, the number of robberies is the same as the same period last year. We will continue to attack this issue with patrol and specialized resources being redirected by using near real time crime analysis and the coordination of Lieutenant Bob Jonsen through the Antelope Valley Crime Fighting Initiative,” said Ford. The number of rapes reported dropped 7 percent. “Earlier this year we noted that rapes were up slightly,” Ford said. “Our analysis revealed almost all suspects were known to the victim, so we embarked on a prevention and education plan with Palmdale City staff and Neighborhood Watch groups.” Arson incidents increased from the previous year. “There are several causes for the increase,” Ford explained. “Several cars were burned, as well as a few vacant houses. We often see an increase in this type of crime during hard economic times and closely examine each case for evidence of insurance fraud. We have also seen several cases of juveniles setting fires, including five cases involving children from age 4 to 12 playing with fire and two more cases involving teens setting small fires at school. In addition, there were also at least two fires tied to domestic violence incidents,” said Ford. There were also more homicides in the second quarter of 2010 than in the second quarter of 2009. “Three of the four murders in Palmdale this year have been related to domestic violence,” said Ford. “These tragedies should remind us that in stressful times, everyone should seek help and support from friends and professional counselors before emotions erupt into violence.” “I am particularly impressed by the great morale and hard work of the City staff and deputy sheriffs assigned here,” Ford said. “ In spite of early parole releases from the state, clogged courts and continuing economic pressures on governments and citizens, the deputies, code enforcement and public safety staff have continued to focus on moving forward.” ”This is a trend we never grow tired of seeing,” said Palmdale’s Director of Public Safety and Community Relations Anne Ambrose. “It’s something that is the culmination of years of proactive strategies, such as the much heralded Partners Against Crime program, and a very dynamic relationship between law enforcement, City staff and our residents.” “I am extremely encouraged to see that the overall trend in crime continues to decline,” said Palmdale Station Captain Bobby Denham. “It’s a reflection of the combined efforts of the LA County Sheriff’s, City staff and everyone who participates in our more than 400 Neighborhood Watch groups. I want to encourage people to get involved and participate, partner and be active in their community.” “The more we engage our residents with our City staff and Sheriff’s Department, the better the numbers are,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “We already have the best Sheriffs in the world, and when you combine that with an incredibly dedicated and competent staff and an engaged citizenry, you get eye-opening results as we see here in Palmdale. It’s a winning combination,” Ledford said. “It is gratifying to observe the continued fall of the majority of crime in our City, as it is a testament to the continued team work of our citizens, sheriff deputies, and City leadership,” said Palmdale Councilmember Mike Dispenza. “This is a significant fall in a short time and makes me proud of all who have contributed to this success. Our work is not over until every person in our community can say they do not bare the scars of crime and can truly live peaceably in our City. Keep up the great work.” “Public safety is a top priority in Palmdale, and it really shows with results like this,” said Palmdale City Manager Steve Williams. “We will continue to work together with residents, law enforcement and City staff to bring the crime rate down and continue to make Palmdale an even safer City.” Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:56:34 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2010/05/27/steve-knight-fights-placement-of-child-killer-in-lancasterMay 25, 2010 Matthew Cate, Secretary California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation 1515 S Street, Suite 502 South Sacramento, CA 95811 Dear Secretary Cate: To confirm our conversation earlier today, I want to more formally express to you and the department my strongest opposition to a plan by the California Youth Authority to transfer a convicted child molester and killer into a halfway house in the City of Lancaster. Donald Schmidt, now 38 years old, has no family or historical connection to the any community in the 36th Assembly District, and should by law be released in Santa Cruz County where he was incarcerated and has family ties. I can see no good reason or benefit for this individual to be housed in a Lancaster neighborhood for any length of time, even with the stated but non-binding intention of resettling him to Northern or Central California within six months. I urge your immediate intervention in stopping this administrative injustice, which seems to be driven by expediency rather than good public policy. Donald Schmidt is rightly perceived as an ongoing threat to any community in which he may reside, and the parole resources needed to monitor his activities simply are not available in my District. I look forward to your timely finding that the planned placement of Donald Schmidt is being rescinded. I know I have the support of the entire community in opposing this planned placement, and that you have heard or will hear soon from many elected officials representing constituents in the District. Sincerely, Steve KnightThu, 27 May 2010 16:22:42 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2010/05/18/league-of-women-voters-avNot so long ago we all marveled by the news scenes showing Afghanis waiting in very long lines to vote and proudly displaying their purple thumbs after they had done so. A very stark contrast exists when we can walk right up to the table in our polling places; no waiting necessary. Here in the Antelope Valley we have a shockingly dismal voter turnout rate of only about 12-14% of registered voters, not necessarily of all who are eligible. When one thinks about the number of men and women who have given their lives for the system of government we enjoy, not to mention the pioneers who endured so much to settle and civilize our great country, it is unbelievable that so many don't value those sacrifices so much as to even vote regularly. Possibly an even bigger problem is that voters are deciding laws that affect us all without really understanding the repercussions of these votes. They don’t understand that mandating money be spent in one way takes funding from something else or that social program that sounds good is already being covered by another one. A few years ago people voted to limit the amount developers have to pay for infrastructure necessities like schools and parks. Did voters realize what they were doing? It is for this reason that we need a local League of Women Voters here in the AV. For the past 90 years the League's army of volunteers has worked on not only increasing voter participation but also a greater understanding of pending legislation. The League has remained steadfast in being a non-partisan organization that neither supports nor opposes candidates or parties. If you are interested in helping with this effort, please join us at Camille’s on Palmdale Blvd. the first Saturday of every month at 10 am. Talking about the problem hasn’t helped – let’s start doing something. (And BTW - you don't have to be a woman to join!)Tue, 18 May 2010 16:50:53 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2010/05/06/meg-on-gunsI have seen numerous comments on various internet sites that accuse, in one form or another, California Governor candidate Meg Whitman of being "anti-gun". And it is this question that tops the list of all that are asked of me about her. So when I had the chance to speak to her recently, I used the opportunity to ask her what she felt about guns, and especially the bill sponsored by Assembly member Knight that would allow citizens to carry concealed weapons. Her response: "I don't know where this rumor started but I have always supported the 2nd Amendment 100%. As far as CCW is concerned there is no question in my mind that citizens should be able to carry their own guns. The criminals have them, why not the rest of us?" Hopefully this issue can rest and now on to the next one.Thu, 06 May 2010 16:27:07 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2010/04/27/meg-on-illegal-immigrationCalifornia has the most to gain from sensible immigration reform, and the most to lose from the failed status quo. We need common-sense solutions to the problem of illegal immigration while preserving the many benefits our state derives from legal immigration. Too often, the rhetoric surrounding this issue has been overly divisive and disrespectful to Latino American citizens. The country needs to have a thoughtful debate about how we stop the tide of illegal immigration that strains budgets and angers taxpayers. But the immigration debate must take place in a measured way that reflects our national aspirations toward tolerance, hope and opportunity. As a Republican, I believe it's important to both continue our rich tradition of protecting the rule of law while diligently reaching out to the millions of Latinos who share our values. While I am a strong proponent of legal immigration, I am 100% opposed to granting amnesty to immigrants who entered the country illegally. It is the wrong policy for California, it is the wrong policy for America, and it is grossly unfair to those immigrants who have followed the law to obtain legal status. The truth is we are always going to have a problem with illegal immigration as long as there is a demand for undocumented labor. We need to build an "economic fence" with a strong e-verification system that holds employers accountable for only hiring documented workers. The lure of well-paying jobs is the ultimate magnet attracting illegal immigrants to our state. To remove it, we have to give employers the tools they need to do the right thing, and then we must strictly enforce the law. We also need to crack down through legislation on sanctuary cities like San Francisco that shield illegal immigrants from federal immigration laws. But the real key to this issue rests in the hands of Congress and the president. The bottom line is we need more federal Border Patrol resources at the Mexican border. The California congressional delegation needs to work together with other border-state representatives to get something done on border security once and for all. California's governor must also work hard to ensure that the state is reimbursed for the costs of incarcerating illegal immigrants in our prisons. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and our powerful congressional delegation need to be pushed to use the purse strings they control to repay California for what it is owed. Taken together, these steps would make a significant difference in reducing the burdens of illegal immigration without casting unneeded and discourteous aspersions on Latino American citizens and driving them away from the Republican Party. I have been criticized for opposing Proposition 187, which was on the California ballot in 1994. It is true that I am opposed to cutting off public education and healthcare services to immigrant children. I do not believe that kids should be punished for the sins of their parents. But I do understand the frustration in California that led to the passage of Proposition 187. Our schools have class sizes that are too big. We need comprehensive reform of our K-12 education system to drive money out of Sacramento and down to local school districts. Our education resources must be dedicated to the advancement of our children, not wasted on bureaucracy. We must ensure that our children receive a world-class education so they can compete for jobs in the high-growth sectors of the economy, and that means standing up to the education establishment and elevating performance standards. And we must ensure that English is taught to all children in our schools. The immigration issue touches many of California's core priorities, and it must be a priority of the state's governor. Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:47:21 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2010/03/16/marvin-cristAs most of you know, I live in Palmdale and because of this I don’t get much involved in Lancaster politics. Since decisions made in one city do affect the other I am interested however in who gets elected, even if only as a spectator. My goal is not to tell you for whom to vote, that is a personal and important decision only you can make. What I do want to do is clear some of the confusion and misstatements of facts concerning one of the council candidates, Marvin Crist. For many years Marv has been the president of the Antelope Valley Sheriff’s Boosters. This group raises money for many of the things the Lancaster Deputies need but never have enough budget to buy. Every year he co-sponsors the Fallen Heroes Ride that raises money for the families of Deputies who have lost their lives in service to our community. You should also know that, along with his good friend Ron Emard, Marv also sponsors “Thunder on the Lot” which raises over $100K each year to benefit Antelope Valley kids. He doesn’t seek kudos or limelight for what he does; he just quietly goes about doing all of this work simply because it’s the right thing to do. Some of you might recall a few years ago I was raising money for the Antelope Valley Fallen Heroes Memorial that now sits in front of the mall. For that effort we staged a variety show and dinner. In order to maximize profit I needed the food and alcohol donated and who stepped up and made that happen? Marv Crist. Very few people who were there that night knew what an integral part he played in making it such a success. (There are indeed a number of people I can say the same about including our own Ray Cuneff who served as emcee for the evening) Some of you also know that Marv is the owner/creator of this very blog site, and to be honest, it is so humorous when someone writes that he has “censored” or “banned” someone. Anyone who knows him knows the very reason he created this site was just so people could have a place to freely express their thoughts on social and political issues WITHOUT censorship. The only time he has removed a post is when it violates a law, such as copying and pasting an entire article from another publication, and the handful of times he has blocked a blogger is when they in some way threatened another with physical violence or incited others to do so. As far as controversial subjects are concerned – that is exactly what he WANTS on this site. Who would read it if it didn’t? Marv and I have had numerous conversations on lots of different topics and while we may not always agree, I have never found him to be anything but honest, fair, and truly passionate, not just for Lancaster, but the entire Antelope Valley. And it’s because of those disagreements that I can say without a doubt he is nobody’s puppet. He has his own ideas, his own mind and is not afraid to tell anyone straight out exactly what he thinks. Check out his website at marvincrist.com (Before the rumors start let me state very clearly I am not working on his campaign nor have I discussed writing this blog with him) Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:24:59 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2010/02/04/here-we-go-againThe California state legislature, blatantly and unapologetically, is again planning to take local funds to fund their financial mismanagement. In fiscal year 2009-10 the state is "borrowing" $1.9 million in property taxes from the city of Palmdale (I don't have the figures for Lancaster but I'm sure they are similar)and seizing $11.6 million from the Palmdale Redevelopment Agency. These funds are critical to provide for police and fire, emergency response, parks, our library, and the services we all rely on. The League of Women Voters wants to put a stop to this once and for all so they are sponsoring a petition drive to get a state constitutional amendment to prevent the state from taking local funds. I have several copies of this petition and can get more. Please help in this effort by circulating a petition at your place of work, club, or any organization in which you belong. Please pm me and I will bring, or mail, you a copy. Let's tell the state legislature it's time for them to spend responsibly and leave our local funds alone! Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:18:15 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2010/02/01/casino-nightThe Palmdale Sheriff Boosters is raising money to build the "Palmdale Sheriff Station Memorial Patio". This will be built in the back of the station so that families of the Deputies can barbecue and enjoy spending time together. The kick-off event for this fundraising effort will be a casino night on March 17th 6pm at the Chimbole Cultural Center. Tickets are $30 and if you send me a pm I'll see that you get as many as you need. Bear in mind that we only have 300 tickets and they will go fast. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:31:50 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2009/12/10/circular-economyIt's a slow day in a little East Texas town. The sun is beating down, and the streets are deserted. Times are tough, everybody is in debt, and everybody lives on credit...... On this particular day a rich tourist from back east is driving through town. He stops at the motel and lays a $100 bill on the desk saying he wants to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to pick one to spend the night. As soon as the man walks upstairs, the owner grabs the bill and runs next door to pay his debt to the butcher. The butcher takes the $100 and runs down the street to retire his debt to the pig farmer. The pig farmer takes the $100 and heads off to pay his bill at the supplier of feed and fuel. The guy at the Farmer's Co-op takes the $100 and runs to pay his debt to the local prostitute, who has also been facing hard times and has had to offer her "services" on credit. The hooker rushes to the hotel and pays off her room bill with the hotel owner. The hotel proprietor then places the $100 back on the counter so the rich traveler will not suspect anything. At that moment the traveler comes down the stairs, picks up the $100 bill, states that the rooms are not satisfactory, pockets the money, and leaves town. No one produced anything. No one earned anything. However, the whole town is now out of debt and now looks to the future with a lot more optimism. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the United States Government is conducting business today. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:37:51 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2009/11/03/funny-sad-true-storySome of you will recall that yesterday I wrote something in here about my dismay with people arguing over stupid stuff with DBW instead of being outraged about the State of California STEALING an additional 10% income tax from those that go out and work every day. A few minutes ago my husband came home from work and while helping me plate dinner says "Did you know that next week they're going to start taking an additional 10% income tax?" "Yes, honey I know - I blogged about it yesterday and the additional deductions already started." Then I get twelve minutes of: "Are we going to let them get away with this?" "Where are all the protests?" "Is this even legal?" "Is it permanent?" "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME???" Have we become such a state of ninnies that we let people steal from us and we just allow it? And before the Dems in here respond with 'it's a loan' I will ask them - if I borrow your car without your permission, is that a loan or is it theft? Californians may not get it but according to the news right now voters in Virgina and the very blue New Jersey understand it perfectly. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:28:58 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2009/10/02/told-you-this-wouldn-t-workFrom "The Week": The 600 mile long fence being built along the US-Mexico border is seven years behind schedule, millions of dollars over budget, and will cost taxpayers $6.5 billion to maintain during the next 20 years, government auditors report. The Government Accountability Office also noted that the infrared cameras used in the virtual part of the fence fail repeatedly, especially in sandstorms or bad weather. The fence was supposed to be completed this year, but won't be finished until 2016. The GAO said there have been more than 3,000 breaches in completed portions of the fence, which cost about $1,300 each to repair. Border crossers have learned to cut through the fence with tools, climb over it with ladders, or use vehicles to smash through it. (insert punchline drumbeat here)Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:38:03 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2009/09/30/fallen-heroes-memorial-rideThis Sunday, October 4th will be the annual Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride. Registration begins at 7am Ride starts at 10am. $30/person $40/couple Poker Run-50/50 Raffle-Regular Raffle and Auction-Hot Rods-Live Music-Food and Drinks All proceeds benefit the surviving families of Los Angeles County Sheriffs, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and US Forest Service (Angeles National Forest) The event takes place at Antelope Valley Harley Davidson. You can participate in the ride in either a car or on a motorcycle. If you don't want to ride you can still help by working the event. Call Robbie Royster at 272-2520 for more details. (Last year I was a "beer puller" - who knows what I'll be doing this year but it doesn't matter because I know it'll be fun!!)Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:59:33 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2009/09/09/fallen-heroesYou are cordially invited to attend the: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony 2009 What: We will honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and honor our recent fallen Firefighters, Captain Tedmund Hall and Specialist Arnaldo Quinones When: Friday, September 11, at 9:45 am Where: Antelope Valley Mall (main entrance) Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:33:38 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2009/08/31/insanityThe definition of insanity is repeatedly doing the same thing, exactly the same way, and expecting a different result. The following was sent to me by email and it certainly gives us food for thought. The U.S. Post Service was established in 1775 - they've had 234 years to get it right; it is broke, and even though heavily subsidized, it can't compete with private sector FedExp and UPS services. Social Security was established in 1935 - they've had 74 years to get it right; it is broke. Fannie Mae was established in 1938 - they've had 71 years to get it right; it is broke. Freddie Mac was established in 1970 - they've had 39 years to get it right; it is broke. Together Fannie and Freddie have now led the entire world into the worst economic collapse in 80 years. The War on Poverty was started in 1964 - they've had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our hard earned money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor"; it hasn't worked. Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965 - they've had 44 years to get it right; they are both broke; and now our government dares to mention them as models for all US health care. AMTRAK was established in 1970 - they've had 39 years to get it right; last year they bailed it out as it continues to run at a loss! This year, a trillion dollars was committed in the massive political payoff called the Stimulus Bill of 2009; it shows NO sign of working; it's been used to increase the size of governments across America, and raise government salaries while the rest of us suffer from economic hardships. It has yet to create a single new private sector job. Our national debt projections (approaching $10 trillion) have increased 400% in the last six months. "Cash for Clunkers" was established in 2009 and went broke in 2009 - - after 80% of the cars purchased turned out to be produced by foreign companies, and dealers nationwide are buried under bureaucratic paperwork demanded by a government that is not yet paying them what was promised. So with a perfect 100% failure rate and a record that proves that each and every "service" shoved down our throats by an over-reaching government turns into disaster, how could any informed American trust our government to run or even set policies for America's health care system - - 17% of our economy? Maybe each of us has a personal responsibility to let others in on this brilliant record before 2010, and then help remove from office those who are voting to destroy capitalism and destroy our grandchildren's future. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:38:30 +0000http://www.intheav.com/blogs/PKShaw/2009/08/28/tasting-palmdaleFor those of you who love good food here is an event you will really appreciate! "A Taste of Palmdale" Thursday September 3rd 5 - 9:30 pm Poncitlan Square $25 advance $35 at the door The Palmdale Chamber of Commerce invites restaurants and caterers to serve their specialties while attendees stroll from booth to booth sampling tasty treats. The park is resplendent with outdoor seating and dinner music provided by 'Cheap Sax'. I went to the first one last year and couldn't believe how good it was and am told this year will be even better! You can purchase tickets online at www.palmdalechamber.org Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:08:59 +0000