What's Happening in LA Cities? | December 2011
Season of Giving: La Verne Officials Continue 86-Year-Old Christmas Tradition
The La Verne Fire Department's 86th annual Christmas Day program is a cherished tradition in the city of La Verne and once again it was a success this year. Early Christmas morning, Council members Robin Carder, Donna Redman and Mayor Don Kendrick joined fire administrators, firefighters and apprentices, six Santa Clauses, and 150 city employees and community volunteers at the city’s Public Safety Facility, where they gathered to prepare for the day’s festivities. The contingent of volunteers made its way down every street in the city to deliver 10,500 bags of fruit, nuts and candy to local residents. The La Verne Firefighters Association, the city of La Verne and residents' donations paid for the treats.
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Glendale Police, Community Lend a Helping Hand to Brighten Family’s Christmas
The Glendale Police Department and the local community made one family’s Christmas a little brighter in the city of Glendale. The Lawrence family was down on its luck with high medical bills, a stolen car, and little savings. The family recently moved to Glendale and the community has provided a warm welcome with donations of food, a Christmas tree, and car seats since they were stolen along with the family’s car. Police did find the car and in addition a vehicle was donated to the family. In response to the generosity, Mrs. Lawrence commented, “You forget how much goodness is still out there.”
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Riding Off into the Sunset: Azusa’s First Latino Police Chief Retires
The city of Azusa’s first Latino Police Chief is hanging up his spurs after 29 years with the department. City officials are honoring Robert "Bob" Garcia’s decision to leave the force in light of his commendable and effective career. The Pasadena Star reports that former City Manager Fran Delach commented, “[Garcia] means what he says, says what he means and stands by it. I think he's a great guy and I think Azusa is a safer place." Garcia was first hired by the city’s police department at the age of 22 and he worked his way up the ranks. Notably, Garcia helped lead an effort to target gang activity in the city with assistance from federal authorities.
Read more here.
