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September 2015 - Vol.08, No.09
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Event Calendar
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Sept. 19
Sept. 23
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Mercury Thermometer Exchange and MedDrop Pharmaceutical Disposal event Sunnyvale Senior Center
Sept 30
Challenge Team Meets 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Sept. 26
Knock Out Litter in Sunnyvale - Gateway Neighborhood Center and
Sunnyvale PAL
9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
October 10
Firefighters Pancake Breakfast at Station 2, 8:00 - 11:00 am.
October 13
Fire Safety Poster Contest Finalists' Luncheon and Awards at City Council
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Message from the Chief
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 "Welcome back to school!" Probably a phrase most kids are not overly excited to hear, but music to the ears of a lot of parents. By now, most families have fallen back into school routines and are well into homework and other extra circular activities. The same is true for the Department of Public Safety's Crime Prevention Unit, whose members have been working hard, along with school staff to prepare for another year of school. We are pleased to let you know that our Crime Prevention Unit is once again fully staffed with one Public Safety Lieutenant, four Public Safety Officers, one Public Safety Specialist, one Senior Office Assistant and a cadre of volunteers. Each Public Safety Officer assigned to this unit works in the role as a Neighborhood Resource Officer (NRO). This position is slightly different than a traditional School Resource Officer (SRO) in that these officers are also responsible for neighborhood issues surrounding each of the schools for which they provide assistance. For a complete description of our program and current list of our staff, please visit our website at http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/PublicSafety/DPSDivisions/BureauofSpecialOperations/CrimePreventionUnit/WhatisanNRO.aspx
We are committed to working closely with the school staff, students, parents and neighborhoods to provide a safe and enjoyable environment at each of the schools within our city.  One of our biggest concerns at the beginning of each school year is the safe transport of all students to and from school as everyone learns new pedestrian and vehicle routes. Please be sure to build in extra time for transportation, and make every effort to practice vehicle and pedestrian safety around each of the schools. The City of Sunnyvale, through the Department of Public Safety, remains committed to this effort through the assistance of the Crime Prevention Unit, Traffic Unit and the Patrol Bureau. There are currently 45 locations throughout the city in which the need for crossing guards have been identified. Currently, the department employs 35 part-time crossing guards and is actively recruiting for vacant positions. If you or anyone you know may be interested in this important part-time position, please contact the Crossing Guard Unit at (408) 730-7192 or email ebrewer@sunnyvale.ca.gov. The current vacant crossing guard locations are staffed by sworn or professional field staff on a daily basis based upon availability. We are very thankful for the commitment and dedication shown by each of our current crossing guards and know that they make a valuable contribution to our community on a daily basis. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable start to the new school year!
Chief Grgurina
TEL (408) 730-7140
TDD (408) 730-7501
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National Preparedness Month
|  National Preparedness Month: What You Can Do?
If an emergency occurred tomorrow, would you be ready? September is National Preparedness Month. National Preparedness Month aims to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.
 National Preparedness Month is a time to prepare yourself and those in your care for emergencies and disasters, both large scale and smaller local events. We know that emergencies can happen unexpectedly in communities just like yours, to people like you. We've seen tornado outbreaks, river floods and flash floods, historic earthquakes, tsunamis, and even water main breaks and power outages that impact communities for days at a time. As commendable as they may be in their profession of assisting those in need, police, fire and rescue may not always be able to reach you quickly in an emergency or disaster. The most important step you can take in helping your local responders is being able to take care of yourself and those in your care for at least a short period of time following an incident; the more people who are prepared, the quicker the community will recover.
You are not helpless in the face of an emergency. With just a few simple steps, you can Be a Force of Nature by knowing your risk, taking action and being an example in your community. Know your risk
Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. It is important to understand potential risks where you live.
What you can do: - Bookmark weather.gov to stay informed on severe weather.
- Learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts, messages that will be sent to your phone during an emergency.
- Get practical tips on preparing for disaster at ready.gov.
 Take action Make sure that you and your family are prepared for an emergency. Ensure that you can go for at least three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or other local services.
What you can do: - Prepare a disaster supply kit with at least three days of food and water.
- Create a Family Emergency Plan, so that your family knows how to communicate during an emergency.
- Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.
Be an example
Be a positive influence on your community by sharing your preparedness story. Let your friends and family know that you're prepared for an emergency - and that they should be prepared too. Research has shown that many people won't prepare until they see others doing so.
What you can do: - Share your preparedness story on Facebook so that friends and family will know what you'll do in case of disaster.
- Tell the world you're prepared on Twitter using hashtag #NATLPREP.
- Get involved with your local American Red Cross Chapter or train with a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
You don't know when an emergency might occur. These simple steps will help you be prepared for the worst. |
DPS Participates in Fundraiser Benefiting Families of Firefighters Killed in the Line of Duty
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On Saturday August 29, four members of DPS participated in the "Hotshots 19 Memorial Workout" hosted by Crossfit Palo Alto. The event was a fundraiser for the families of the 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives fighting a wildfire in Yarnell, Arizona on June 30, 2013. The workout consisted of six rounds for time of the following exercises:
30 Air Squats
19 Power Cleans 135/95
7 Strict Pullups
Run 400 meters
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Crossfit Palo Alto owners/coaches Tim and Kristen Dymmel organized this event to show support and raise awareness of the dangerous of Wildland firefighting. Kristen is a former Wildland Hotshot Firefighter and a former Public Safety Officer for DPS. Firefighters from several local agencies participated in the event along with members of the Crossfit community. More than $3,600 was raised and all proceeds were donated to the families of the fallen Hotshots. Additional information can be found at https://hotshots19.crossfit.com/ or at http://www.crossfitpaloalto.com/. Pictured L to R: Chief Grgurina, PSO Ashe, PSO Abernathy, Lt. Mata
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DPS DUI Checkpoint and Saturation DUI Patrols
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 On August 22, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., DPS Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint at the intersection of Mathilda Ave. and San Aleso Ave., along with special DUI Roving Saturation Patrols during the months of August and September. During the DUI/Driver's License checkpoint night, 891 vehicles went through the checkpoint; 154 vehicles were screened, and six were arrested for DUI. Over the course of the past three years, there were 372 DUI collisions in Sunnyvale with 85 of those collisions resulting in injuries. Fortunately, none of these collisions have resulted in a fatality.
In California, this deadly crime led to 802 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities in 2012 with 29 percent of all deaths caused by a drunk driver. A DUI checkpoint is a proven effective method to lower these numbers. Additionally, drivers will be checked to ensure that they have a valid driver's license. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.
The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety reminds everyone that they can assist in preventing this crime from ever occurring. If you are planning a gathering or celebration with alcohol included, or if you are out on the town, plan ahead and designate a non-drinking sober driver. A DUI and drug-impaired arrest can costs up to $10,000 or even more, including time in jail, the loss or your drivers license and high insurance rates.
These enforcement efforts are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Remember, everyone is encouraged to help keep our roadways safe; Report Drunk Drivers - Call 911! |
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
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On September 11 at 9:03 a.m., the 14th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Department of Public Safety conducted a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Fire Station 2 to honor all those who died. The ceremony included a staff line-up, the raising and lowering of the flag to half-staff, the playing of Taps, bagpipes playing Amazing Graze and a bell ceremony. The flag remained at half-staff for the remainder of the day in memory of those killed in the 9/11 attacks.
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Tip a Cop at Faultline Brewing Company
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 On August 20, public safety officers traded in their handcuffs for serving trays at the last Tip a Cop for Special Olympics for the year. Faultline Brewing Company hosted the event at both lunch and dinner. Officers assisted with food service, clearing tables and refilling drinks for tips to donate to Special Olympics. Special Olympics athletes Lindsay Mibach, Mark Rentfrow, Eriks and Mike Bailey were on hand to greet guests and provide information about Special Olympics programs. This year's event brought in $5,836 including a generous donation of $1,562 from Faultline Brewing Company. This final Tip a Cop for the year boosts Public Safety's 2014-2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign fundraising total to $25,514.10 -  enough money to sponsor 51 athletes for an entire year of sports training and competition! This is a record breaker for Sunnyvale! The Department of Public Safety extends its appreciation to all the wonderful community members that came out to support this year's events - your participation will help provide life changing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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 Help make a difference in the lives of Sunnyvale youth. Meet new friends, increase personal fitness level, learn new sports and coaching skills and see another perspective of Crime Prevention and community engagement. The Sunnyvale Police Activities League is looking for volunteers to assist with its after school boxing program which runs Monday - Thursday, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and provides healthy activity for youth and positive role models. Work side by side with Public Safety Officers and professional boxing coaches to make a difference in the lives of Sunnyvale youth. Coaches and Assistant Coaches Coach or assist coaches with specific training programs. Currently available: Boxing. Typical Hours: 5-20 hours per week. Training provided by existing team of coaches and public safety personnel. Volunteers will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge in their specialized sport and to learn new skills in the other sports available.
Requirements: Candidates must be 18 years old or older and must be fingerprinted. Specific skills or training in boxing are required for coaches, but assistants can be trained. We are looking for individuals with a strong interest and commitment to building life champions. Bilingual preferred, but not required.
Club Assistants
Looking for two or three volunteers to greet, check in participants, confirm and assist with registration, answer questions, assist coaches and participants as needed.
Typical Hours: 5-20 hours per week. Training provided by Dept. of Public Safety personnel and volunteer coaches.
Requirements: Candidates must be 18 years old or older and must be fingerprinted. To apply or if you have questions, send an email to volunteerresources@sunnyvale.ca.gov. State which position you're interested in doing.
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Discover Angling Fishing Trip
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 On July 30, DPS partnered with Discover Angling and Sunnyvale PAL to take 17 Sunnyvale youth and six mentors fishing on Half Moon Bay. Discover Angling facilitated chartering the fishing boat, the Hulicat, with Captain Tom Matusch. They also provided all the fishing gear, seasoned anglers to assist the youth, snacks and lunch.Everyone met bright and early at the Gateway Neighborhood Center and then headed up to Half Moon Bay to board the Hulicat by 7:30 a.m. Half Moon Bay was overcast with comfortable temperatures and nice, calm seas. As the day progressed, the sun came out and everyone enjoyed the gorgeous weather. On the way out to the fishing sport, whales were seen breaching - what an awesome surprise! We also saw several Mola mola, or ocean sunfish. Mola mola, is the heaviest known bony fish in the world. It has an average adult weight between 247 and 1,000 kg. They float at the surface of the water often with one fin "waving" at passersby.  Seasoned sailor, Captain Tom Matucsh knew just where to stop the Hulicat for prime rock fish catching! As soon as the Hulicat stopped, the Discover Angling team got to work pairing up with students and Sunnyvale mentors to get the lines in the water. Within moments, one student hauled up an enormous ling cod. Many more followed along with rock cod, flounder and a giant octopus, which was released. After everyone had caught their limit, the first mate got to work cleaning and packaging fish for all to take home.
At the end of the day, three prizes were awarded for the  bravest fisherman, the biggest fish caught and the most fish caught. Each winner received a brand new fishing pole to take home. For more information www.discoverangling.com and www.sunnyvalepal.org
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Jr. Giants 2015 Season Highlights
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 Participants in the third season of Sunnyvale PAL's Junior Giants experienced a number of special highlights, in addition to the free program of baseball and character development provided for 240 girls and boys in the Sunnyvale community.
A giveaway table available at Saturday morning games was a big hit. To get a prize, players, ranging in age from 5 to 13, had to answer questions about one or more Words of the Week (WOW) provided by the Giants: Health, Confidence, Education, Integrity, Leadership, Anti-Bullying, or Teamwork. Each WOW is discussed at practices and games, and families are encouraged to incorporate them in home activities.
An early season highlight for 90 players was receiving a free glove, donated by Buster Posey. During the question/answer session, a Sunnyvale player asked Buster why it was so easy for him to hit grand slams. Buster answered that it wasn't that easy, but then hit one that night.
Teams who completed their weekly reading requirements were treated to a day at AT&T Park for a Jr. Giants Festival. Players took batting practice on the field, sat in the dugout and ate healthy snacks, and did an obstacle course in the batting cages.
 The Sunnyvale league was invited to help on a Lego project that was presented before the Giants game on September 12. The players put together the backdrop to a Giants player, created out of Lego blocks. This will be displayed at AT&T Park.
Every Junior Giants league chooses a player and coach for the prestigious Willie Mac Award, which recognizes teamwork, inspiration, enthusiasm and leadership. This year, 12 year old Alfredo Castaneda and coach Scott Morton, recently retired Superintendent of Parks for the City of Sunnyvale and a Junior Giants coach for the past three years, were chosen. Both were honored on the field before games at AT&T Park and will receive awards in November at a special luncheon.
A program like this depends on volunteers, and Sunnyvale PAL is fortunate to have 50 volunteer coaches, assistant coaches, team parents, a commissioner and coordinator to provide a fun and enlightening summer for 240 Junior Giants players. If you are interested in being involved next year, contact Carolyn@Sunnyvalepal.com
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Sunnyvale PAL Youth and Horses Showcase
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ASSET OF THE MONTH
| Asset #7: Youth perceive that adults in the community value children and youth.
COMMUNITY VALUES YOUTH
Research shows that youth who feel valued in their community enjoy better mental health; a greater sense of personal control and optimism; reduced delinquency, violence, and fighting; less substance abuse; and higher academic performance.  All adults in the community have a role to play in showing their support for youth. If young people perceive that they are valued only by the adults that they know, they are not fully connected to their community and miss the benefits that such a connection can provide. But, it can be difficult for even the best-intentioned adults to explicitly communicate that they value youth: frequently, adults feel that youth already know that they're valued and appreciated. The following discussions topics can help you work with young people to identify the ways that the community does, and does not; provide them with the empowerment associated with this asset:
- Do you ever encounter adults who have negative perceptions about people your age? Do you know how to respond politely but effectively to their criticism or comments?
- Are there good places for kids your age to hang out after school and on the weekends? If there aren't, what kind of place would you like to see?
- Do you feel that adults at school and other organizations give you an opportunity to voice your opinion? Can you suggest some ways that adults could provide opportunities for youth to provide feedback and suggestions about programs.
Community Values Youth is intrinsically linked with other external assets-the more that adults provide children with support, empowerment, boundaries, and positive expectations, the more children and youth will feel that they are welcomed and valued by the community at large. In other words, the more effective that we are as a community at building assets in general, the more effective we will be at raising the levels of this woefully lacking asset.
ACTIVITIES
The activities below are a starting point to help adults find ways to show youth that they are valued
and appreciated.
FOR FAMILIES 
- One way to help young people understand that they are valued is as simple as pointing out that many of the programs, activities, and facilities they enjoy-e.g., libraries, parks, and playgrounds-are created and maintained by the community.
- Your children can participate in civic life regarding issues that concern them. Help them identify issues that affect young people and write letters to newspapers or government officials about ways to address their concerns.
- Encourage your children to write letters of appreciation to the organizations and businesses that treat young people well. Doing so will encourage them to continue their efforts, and your child's letter may be publicly displayed.
AT SCHOOL OR IN YOUTH PROGRAMS 
- Ask businesses in the community to show support for your program. In addition to financial donations and sponsorships, they can display artwork, host tours of their facility, or find other ways to demonstrate that they care about the youth in the community. (Doing so makes good business sense today's youth are Tomorrow's customers!)
- With older children and teens, discuss whether the community has good places for kids and teens to hang out, and whether there are more positive opportunities for younger kids than for older ones. Use the results to create an action plan to make adults in the community more aware of the issue.
- Invite distinguished members of the community to attend performances and events.
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Nixle
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What is Nixle?
Nixle is a free community messaging system which utilizes a secure network to ensure creditability and reliability of information. DPS will use the NIXLE system to notify residents about important events happening within, or affecting the city. Residents receive updates via text, web, and email to stay informed of important notifications.
How can I sign-up for Nixle notifications?
- Go to www.nixle.com
- Click on "Sign Up Free!"
- Enter information on this screen (There is no need to enter home phone since the cell will be used for text alerts)
- Your account is started. Go to "Settings" and sign up for "Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety." Just be sure to click "Save" when completed. (You can sign up for other agencies by using either their name or a zip code to receive alerts.)
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| |  For questions and comments about the Sunnyvale DPS newsletter Beyond the Badge, you can e-mail us at: DFontaine@sunnyvale.ca.gov
© 2010-2015 City of Sunnyvale, CA |
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