November 2014 - Vol.07, No.11 

Protecting Yourself - and, Your ATM Card

One of today's biggest concerns is Identity Theft, where a criminal steals your account information and then runs up charges and other bills in your name. These criminals often begin their theft with stolen ATM information. To protect your identity and ensure your personal safety, the Santa Clara Police Department has compiled some awareness tips and safety precautions.

* Protect your ATM card as if it were cash, a credit card or checks. Report lost or stolen cards immediately.

* Safeguard your Personal Identification Number (PIN). ATM fraud is most often committed by individuals who know the ATM cardholder.

* Don't give the number to anyone.

* Don't write your PIN on your card or keep it in your wallet.

* Avoid using numbers that are easily identified (e.g. birth date, etc.).

* Never leave your receipt behind - even with an incomplete transaction. Discarded ATM receipts are a primary means of identity theft and account fraud. Even at home, receipts can be a source for identity thieves - they rummage through the trash to find account numbers and other personal information. Shred receipts before discarding them.

* For your personal safety, minimize your time at the ATM machine.

* Utilize an ATM located inside an open business whenever possible.

* Avoid using street ATMs during night time hours. If you access the ATM at night, make sure there is ample lighting and the ATM is clearly visible from the street. Tell your bank about overgrown bushes, poor lighting or anything else you feel compromises personal safety and security at the ATM.

* Be wary of a new ATM scam called "skimming," where thieves attach realistic-looking electronic devices to the ATM designed to capture your card information and PIN. If an ATM card reader appears unusual or bulky compared to other ATMs, check with the credit union or use another ATM.

* Check your bank statement on a routine basis for unauthorized ATM withdraws. Be sure to report unauthorized ATM activity to your bank immediately.

* Report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1.

If a stranger comes to the door, beware!

Criminals sometimes pose a couriers delivering gifts. And it's not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of other's generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there is no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren't satisfied, don't give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead.

Don't let holiday stress get the best of your holiday spirit. Mare time to get together with family, friends, and neighbors. And think about reaching out in the spirit of the season and helping someone who's less fortunate or lonely. Do your part to make the holiday a safe and happy time for everybody-expect criminals.

Take a holiday inventory

The holidays are a good time to update or create your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identity stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file. Make sure things like TVs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silverware, computers, home office equipment, and power tools are on the list. Remember to check it twice!

For more holiday safety tips, please go to those websites:


 http://www.cdc.gov/family/parentautumn/index.htm

On September 19, Department of Public Safety Captain Vince Chetcuti graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy.  

 

The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders that serves to improve the administration of justice in law enforcement agencies for the purpose of raising law enforcement standards, knowledge and agency cooperation throughout the world. The course of study includes graduate and undergraduate college courses in the area of law, behavioral science, forensic science, leadership development, terrorism, communication, and health/fitness. Coursework is completed over a 10 week period in Quantico, Virginia.  

 

Captain Chetcuti was presented his graduation certificate by FBI Director James B. Comey who is 6'9" tall during the closing ceremonies. Congratulations Captain Chetcuti!

 

On October 6, Department of Public Safety Deputy Chief Steve Drewniany was presented with the "Micki Rainey Memorial Award" at the California Peace Officers' Association (CPOA) Annual Conference.  

 

The award represents outstanding service and dedication to the law enforcement profession. CPOA President, Chief Richard Lucero from the Fremont Police Department, spoke of the significant work done by Deputy Chief Drewniany throughout the year related to the enhancement of emergency medical services regulations and training for peace officers in California. This work was prompted in response to emerging threats to our communities such as active shooter events, major traumatic incidents and the response to general emergency medical services requests from the public.  

 

Chief Lucero also highlighted Deputy Chief Drewniany's leadership in bringing public safety entities together for the purpose of improving response to mass casualty events. As a result of his ongoing efforts, Deputy Chief Drewniany is recognized statewide for his expertise in public safety. Congratulations Deputy Chief Drewniany!  

 

On Sunday, September 7, the Sunnyvale Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team participated in the 2014 Urban Shield exercise. This year's exercise was held at a secure location inside the NASA Ames Research facility in Mountain View and included 13 teams, forming seven Task Forces. The participating USAR teams' abilities were tested in four timed technical rescue scenarios based on responses to hazardous materials, land and water based search and rescue incidents with a nexus to terrorism and the use of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) agents. The scenarios were held during a 12-hour operational period.

 

The Sunnyvale USAR team (two lieutenants and eight officers) joined forces with 10 members of the Napa Inter-Agency Rescue Team. The team was evaluated on individual technical skills as well as how the two teams operated together in a multi-agency response to large-scale events.

 

The Sunnyvale/Napa USAR team performed extremely well throughout the day, repeatedly receiving praise from the various site captains and evaluators at each scenario. At the end of the weekend, the Sunnyvale/Napa USAR team placed 3rd overall.

 

PSO Andrew Herbert came to Sunnyvale Public Safety in 2013 after working for 4.5 years as an officer with the San Jose Police Department. He attended Bucknell University for two years and then finished his Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy Studies at Duke University.

 

Andrew's dad wrestled in high school, so when he was a kid, his dad showed him some basic moves. Andrew didn't get seriously involved in the sport until his junior year in high school. He played a variety of sports growing up, but was drawn to the primal one- on-one aspect of wrestling. "There's no equipment involved and it tests so many different physical skills - strength, quickness, endurance, flexibility and mental toughness," Andrew explains. His high school did not have a wrestling team so he searched for a local team that would allow him to train with them. At a nearby high school, Coach Mike DeNatale took him in and he became part of the team. He was able to compete in tournaments and exhibition matches, but was limited in other competitions since he was not a student at that school.

 

Andrew was inspired by great wrestlers such as Dan Gable whom he met while attending the University of Iowa Wrestling Camp and Cael Sanderson whom he met at the Bobby Douglas Wrestling Camp in Santa Clara. Andrew's first two years of college wrestling were at Bucknell. The majority of his teammates had been wrestling since they were five or six years old and Andrew said his skills were very green compared with theirs. Coaches Tim Wittman and Greg Haladay, both Penn State University All-Americans, took him under their wings and mentored him. They spent extra time training Andrew and getting him prepared to compete at the Division 1 Level. After two years, Bucknell dropped its wrestling program. Andrew transferred to Duke where Coach Clar Anderson, a national champion from Oklahoma State University, became an influential mentor. Andrew completed a full college wrestling career progressing from a relatively inexperienced third string freshman to a competitive starting senior. He competed in nearly 100 matches throughout his time in college.

 

While training at a club in San Jose, one of Andrew's training partners, Cody Hinojosa, mentioned that he works out with the Fremont High School team and that they had a very good heavyweight on the team. Cody introduced Andrew to the program where he met Coach Daniel McCune, Coach Duus and the promising young heavyweight Gary Miltenberger.

 

Gary Miltenberger grew up in Sunnyvale and began wrestling in eighth grade. He initially tried the sport because friends said he should. It was fun so he continued. In high school, Gary said, "the coaches were very good at convincing us we have the potential for greatness." Regarding training with Andrew, Gary explains, "Working with Andrew is really helpful. He is incredibly strong with good positioning."

 

Andrew began volunteering at the program as a training partner and mentor to Gary last spring. Andrew said both he and Gary benefitted by from training with Coach Duus whose wealth of high level competition experience provided a golden opportunity.

 

Gary finished an impressive senior season where he placed 7th in California and 8th at High School Senior Nationals. Andrew and Gary trained extensively in preparation of the Junior Nationals Freestyle and Greco summer tournaments and also to prepare him for his college career. Gary earned a scholarship to wrestle for George Mason University in Virginia.

 

During spring and Summer Andrew trained with the team whenever he had time. He currently works out two to three days a week. With pre-season approaching, he plans to return to volunteer regularly with this year's group of young wrestlers.

 

Sunnyvale Wrestling Club's Fall season is underway. Practices are Sundays 9:00 - 10:30 a.m., Mondays 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., Tuesdays 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Wednesdays 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays 3:30 - 5:30 p.m..There is no fee to join.

 

All ages are encouraged to participate, but the focus is on middle school and older. Youth younger than middle school should bring a workout partner. Sunnyvale Wrestling Club is working on building an elementary school league. The club competes with the Santa Clara Valley Wrestling Association under CA USA Wrestling.  

 

For more information about Sunnyvale Wrestling Club, please visit their website at http://www.sunnyvalewrestlingclub.com or email info@sunnyvalewrestlingclub.com  with questions. Sunnyvale Wrestling is a 501c3 and is always grateful for sponsors: Razoo

http://www.razoo.com/story/Sunnyvalewrestlingclub  

 

 

The Elks Hoop Shoot®  event began as a local program by the Corvallis, Ore., Elks in 1946. This is the 40th year of the national competition and nearly three million boys and girls are expected to participate this year.

 

The Elks "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest is the largest and most visible of the many youth activities sponsored by Elks Lodges. The Elks National Free Throw Program is open to all boys and girls, ages 8 through 13. The Elks "Hoop Shoot" highlights the Elks commitment to America's youth. Six national champions are named - one boy and one girl in each of three categories: ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. The winners at this level each receive a trophy and their names are inscribed on a plaque at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.  The Hoop Shoot provides a character-building, competitive experience for all kids. Through each of the levels of competition, kids support one another while learning from their unique strengths. Contestants regard meeting new friends as one of the top benefits of participating in the Hoop Shoot.

 

At the invitation of Vice Principal Andrew Masur, Sunnyvale Elks Lodge 2128, with the assistance of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Officer Todd Fekete held their Hoop Shoot on October 21st at Peterson Middle School in Sunnyvale. Of the 10-11 and 12-13 year old students who competed during their lunch hour, 12 top winners (three in each category) will be announced at the school site shortly, and thereafter awarded their prizes and an invitation to compete in the West Central District Hoop Shoot, being held in Watsonville, CA in January 2015.  

 

Public Safety received a noise complaint regarding numerous airplanes towing banners above  Levi's Stadium. Staff learned the planes are not hired by the City of Santa Clara or the 49ers. The planes, which are called "Banner Towers," are hired by companies to advertise products and services.  

 

A representative of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said if pilots stay 1,000 feet above the highest populated building they are flying over, these flight patterns are legal. The FAA provided the number, (408) 291-7681, for residents to call if they have questions about airplane noise. The number is to the San Jose Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).  

 

We spoke with a FSDO manager who confirmed the planes are operating legally, and the San Jose Airport is monitoring noise levels. If residents have noise complaints, the FSDO is referring people to http://www.flysanjose.com . Click on "Environment," and choose "File a noise complaint." Submit the e-form and San Jose Airport staff will review the form, investigate and take appropriate action if warranted.