Since I did not get an article into last month's newsletter, I want to take time to say, "Well done!" to everyone on the hard work that was put in on the shotgun proposal. This issue was more than just shotguns. This was about whether or not we're looked upon as a legitimate police department. All of the press we received, both for and against, never contested the fact that we are cops. When has the Los Angeles Police Department ever come out in public to support us? When the president of PORAC gets on a plane and flies to Los Angeles to speak on our behalf, then you realize how far we've come and what your POA does for you. Even though this proposal had its internal detractors, it's encouraging to see what the POA and senior staff can accomplish when we work together. Hopefully this is not the last time.

This has been a busy month for many of our members and some congratulations are in order. Congratulations to Detective Jerry Timms on being honored at the dedication ceremony for Gardena Police Department's new Medal of Valor monument. In 1977, while working for Gardena Police Department, Jerry was involved in a gun battle with suspects who had robbed and seriously injured an elderly female. Though outnumbered by the armed suspects, he refused to retreat and was able to accurately return fire on a suspect who had set up an ambush on another officer. For performance above and beyond the call of duty he was awarded the Medal of Valor. He was the first police officer in Gardena to receive the honor. It looked good for the Department when Jerry was present in his Class A uniform. Hopefully, the Department will start to recognize officers who have acted courageously and gone above and beyond the call.

Congratulations are also in order for Detective Sandy Sandoval on his recent appointment to the P.O.S.T. advisory committee. This is the committee that advises the P.O.S.T. commissioners and is the second rung of the P.O.S.T. ladder. Sandy's appointment is particularly impressive because the committee has been restricted to 830.1 and 830.2 officers in the past. Sandy is the first non-municipal person selected. The final two selectees came down to Sandy and someone from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. By a unanimous vote of 11-0 the commissioners elected Sandy. Well done.

As for discipline, your POA continues to fight for your rights. Thanks in part to the hard work of Bino Hernandez, John Lewis and those officers willing to stand up for themselves, we continue to win our grievances in Arbitration. I believe each win brings about a small bit of positive change. You do not have to tolerate unreasonable discipline, and your POA is here to back you up. If you have any questions on whether or not "they" (whoever they may be) can legally do "that", call me. I can be reached through the POA office at (800) 541-9395.

Everyone take care, Stay safe and Know your rights.

Hello Everyone. Progress is slow but any progress is probably good. A lot of things are being said but nothing concrete has happened yet. Remember, with people considering improvements in this program, we should be making extra efforts to look good. Don't let your haircut go for too long, keep your mustaches trimmed and keep a shine on your shoes. If your uniforms are torn or worn out don't wear them anymore. Keep clean-shaven and, please, don't wear printed tee-shirts under your uniform (you're not fooling anyone). Starting May 1st we can wear summer uniforms. Uniform shorts are expensive, about $40 or $50. It couldn't hurt to ask your school if they can afford to buy them for you.

To anybody who had a cow when they read my last letter, the answer is, "No, I don't think asking for badges the way I described is too much." Especially considering the fact that I, as a PSA, was issued a metal badge that reads, "Los Angeles Unified School District Police Department Security." The only difference is it goes on my hat, not on my chest.