Area Traffic Cops Begin Click It Or Ticket Fundraising Effort
Okay, the title of this post is a little bit sarcastic. I am, in fact, a huge proponent of seatbelts and if you are not wearing them at this point you are just an absolute idiot.
The California Highway Patrol citation helped launch the annual Click It or Ticket campaign across the state on Monday to strap motorists into their seats.
More than 150 law enforcement agencies – including Los Angeles police and Sheriff’s deputies – took to the roads on the prowl for unbelted drivers.
The annual Click It campaign runs through June 6 and resumes before Thanksgiving. And fines and fees for failing to buckle up have never been higher.
The penalty for first-time offenders who ignore their seatbelt rose this year from $132 to $142. Not buckling up a child under 16 can set a motorist back $445.
“Seat belt usage is the No. 1 most important thing a driver can do to save their lives in case of a crash,” said Chris Cochran, a spokesman for the California Office of Traffic Safety.
The Click It or Ticket campaign began five years ago with signs posted across the state.
Please read the full article on the Daily News’ website.
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LAPD Issues Urgent Warning To Woodland Hills Residents
Well, not sure what to make of this exactly. Maybe the guy just really needed directions to Chipotle. Wherever you live, it’s always safer to walk in pairs, especially for women. Live it, people.
LAPD Topanga writes:
Threat to Children Suspect
Citizens of Woodland Hills area: Be on the lookout for a suspect who was annoying a child.
The victim (female, 17 yrs) was walking in the vicinity of Martha Street and Jumila Avenue when the suspect drove up in his vehicle and yelled to the victim, “I want to talk to you.” The suspect exited his vehicle and grabbed the victim by the arm. The victim pulled away from the suspect and ran away screaming. The suspect then fled in his vehicle.
Suspect: Male/Hispanic, Black hair, 5-09 to 5-11, 160-180lbs 30-35 years. Short cropped hair, with a well-groomed appearance.
Suspect vehicle: Newer model Mercedes, 4-door, silver or gray color, unknown license plate number.
If you are approached by or see the suspect please call 911 immediately. Anyone with information regarding the suspect is asked to contact Detective Alviani, at Topanga Police Station (818) 756-3371. During off-hours, contact the Detective Information Desk at 877 LAPD 247. CALLERS MAY REMAIN ANONYMOUS. To send anonymous web tips, log onto http://www.lapdonline.org/and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”
Please pass this on to friends and neighbors and encourage them to sign up for E-Policing and Nixle alerts.
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LAPD Topanga Station Warns Us To Watch Out For Door-To-Door Scumbags
We are again seeing a crime trend in the West San Fernando Valley with male suspects, 18-30 years old, posing as magazine salesman, curb painters or attempting to sell other goods or services.
After being rejected by the homeowner, they will aggressively demand money. Or, if they find out you are not home, they may try to burglarize your home.
We suggest that you do not open your door, but make them aware that someone is home. If they continue to knock or attempt to break in, call 911.
If they leave safely, monitor their activity and alert other neighbors. If they act suspiciously, make note of their physical description, clothing and license plate, if possible. Then contact police, non-emergency dispatch a 1-877-275-5273 (1-877-ASK-LAPD).
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Timely Daily News Article Encourages Crossing Guard Safety and Features Serrania Avenue Elementary
Serrania Avenue Elementary School
A quite timely and relevant piece in the Daily News encourages parents and other drivers to be cautious, courteous, and respectful of children and crossing guards at our area schools.
Prominently featured in the article is Chatsworth retiree Ernest Baysinger who helps kids cross the street to and from Serrania Avenue Elementary in Woodland Hills.
A good article, and poignant considering recent incidents in our area.
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Disturbing pedestrian fatality trend emerging in West Valley and beyond
Beginning last last Saturday with the death of Dean Greenwalt at the intersection of Don Pio Drive and Ventura Blvd, in what would certainly be classified as a homicide as opposed to an accident, a disturbing pattern is emerging with regards to fatal incidents involve pedestrians in West Valley Crosswalks.
As last night’s Daily News article points out:
Greenwalt’s death marks the first of three pedestrian tragedies involving vehicles this week in the west San Fernando Valley.
A 75-year-old man died at a local hospital Thursday after being struck by a car at 11:10 a.m. as he walked in a crosswalk at Variel Avenue and Sherman Way, said Detective Bill Bustos.
A 52-year-old La Habra man also died at a local hospital Thursday after he was struck by a 70-year-old man from Calabasas who lost consciousness behind the wheel. Authorities are investigating the medical reasons behind the crash and have not issued a citation.
The La Habra man was standing on the sidewalk at the corner of Dumez Road and Topanga Canyon Boulevard when he was struck.
But these haven’t been the only incidents in the the Valley this week. Two pedestrians were struck near Aura Ave and Roscoe Blvd. in Northridge on Friday. It’s hard not to really look closely at these incidents and see something of a societal problem. I think perhaps we all need to take a second and perhaps give counsel to some of the older people in our lives, and make sure they are exercising due caution in their lives out there on our dangerous Los Angeles roadways. Make sure they remain aware of their surroundings. We also need to put pressure on law enforcement agencies to break off pursuits when they become dangerous.
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