October 2015 - Vol.08, No.10 
In This Issue
National Cyber Security Awareness Month
Halloween Safety Tips
DPS Receives Grant For Special Traffic Enforcement And Crash Prevention
Firefighters Pancake Breakfast
Casa de Amigos Concert to Benefit Sunnyvale PAL
In Memory of PSO Charles Morris
Sunnyvale Community Services Holiday Efforts Need Community Support
2015 Power Pull
2015 Knock Out Litter
Curtis Lee Sanders Fall Classic Event
ASSET OF THE MONTH
Nixle
Event Calendar
Message from the Chief
It has been an extremely busy month for the members of DPS, and there are no signs of the pace slowing down anytime soon. The department responded as part of the County Wide Strike Team to the Butte, Valley and Mad River Complex Wildland fires. Our personnel and each of the members of the County Strike Team performed very well under difficult circumstances. Fortunately, all returned home safely and were able to reunite with their families. In addition to the operational calls for service across the organization, department members facilitated and participated in numerous large scale training exercises. The training exercises were designed to test the department preparation, communication and physical response to a variety of public safety events. The Office of Emergency Services, SWAT and HAZMAT Teams all participated in the Annual Urban Shield Training Exercise. The SWAT Team also participated in the Annual Santa Clara County Sheriffs Best of the West competition, where they performed very well. All members of the department contributed to the success and mutual aid efforts by picking up the extra work load or supporting the efforts in a variety of other ways.

As we head into the winter months, the department will be focusing on the deployment of three new ladder trucks, the opening of the new Fire Station and Training Center, preparation for Suberbowl 50 and on-going training for a large number of new employees and employees being assigned to a variety of specialty assignments. As these projects and efforts move forward, we will provide more comprehensive information to keep everyone updated. In the meantime, please continue to follow department activities through our various social media platforms on Nixle (http://local.nixle.com/sunnyvale-department-of-public-safety/), Twitter (@SunnyvaleDPS), Nextdoor (https://nextdoor.com/city/feed/) and here at Beyond the Badge (http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs090/1102146311877/archive/1102609312957.html). Wishing everyone and enjoyable and safe month of October!


Chief Grgurina
         
TEL (408) 730-7140
TDD (408) 730-7501            
or email to: [email protected]    
National Cyber Security Awareness Month      
We now live in a world that is more connected than ever before. The Internet touches almost all aspects of everyone's daily life, whether we realize it or not. We connect with friends and family, conduct business and banking online and rely on many services, like transportation and electricity, that are supported with online systems. Technology has spearheaded advancements in healthcare, education, business, music, government, and many other industries. As technology advances, our lives become easier and more connected. However, being constantly connected brings increased risk of theft, fraud, and abuse. No country, industry, community, or individual is immune to cyber risks. As a nation, we face constant cyber threats against our critical infrastructure and economy. As individuals, cybersecurity risks can threaten our finances, identity, and privacy. Since our way of life depends on critical infrastructure and the digital technology that operates it, cybersecurity is one of our country's most important national security priorities, and we each have a role to play-cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.

Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity to our nation, President Obama designated October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. National Cyber Security Awareness Month is designed to engage and educate public and private sector partners through events and initiatives with the goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity and increasing the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyber incident. National Cyber Security Awareness Month takes place each October.

Year-Round Tips and Resources
Americans can follow simple steps to keep themselves, their assets, and their personal information safe online. Here are a few tips all Internet users can leverage to practice cybersecurity during National Cyber Security Awareness Month and throughout the year:
  • Set strong passwords and don't share them with anyone.
  • Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.
  • Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends, and community about Internet safety.
  • Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.
  • Be cautious about what you receive or read online-if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
For tips and resources you can use and share throughout the year, visit the DHS Stop.Think.Connect.  Toolkit and find resources for the following demographics:
Halloween Safety Tips

Givers of Treats
  • Make sure path to your door is clear and well lit for Trick-or-Treaters.
  • Do not give homemade or unwrapped treats to children.
Motorists of Brooms
  • Be extra alert and exercise extreme caution when driving.
Ghosts, Goblins and Witches
  • No wexting (walking and texting). Be observant of others and the traffic around you.
  • Look in all directions before crossing the street and obey all traffic signals. Walk, never run across the street. Use sidewalks, not the street, for walking.
  • Carry flashlights and/or add reflective tape to costumes and bags.
  • Set a time limit for your children to trick-or-treat. Designate a specific route for them to take.
  • An adult should always accompany younger children. Be sure children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not.
  • Never trick-or-treat alone, safety in numbers.
  • Do not go inside anyone's home. Remain on the porch at all times.
  • Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Teach children how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
  • Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police at 9-1-1 or (408)-736-6244 from a cell phone.
  • For more safety tips, visit the Sunnyvale Police Department or call the Crime Prevention Unit at (408)-730-7140 
DPS Receives Grant For Special Traffic Enforcement And Crash Prevention   
The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety has been awarded an $81,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries.  Sunnyvale DPS will use the funding as part of the city's ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.
 
Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising in California as more people use these non-motorized means of transportation.  Locally, the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety has investigated 312 fatal and injury collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists during the past three (3) years. In 2013, California witnessed 701 pedestrian and 141 bicyclists killed that year while nationally 4,735 pedestrians and 743 bicyclists were killed. 
 
The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety is proud of their long partnership with OTS, and will be using this grant funding and other resources to reach the vision OTS shares with public safety agencies throughout the State - "Toward zero deaths, every 1 counts."

Activities the grant will fund include:
  • Educational presentations
  • DUI checkpoints
  • DUI saturation patrols
  • Distracted driving enforcement
  • Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement
  • Speed, red light, and stop sign enforcement
  • Compilation of DUI "Hot Sheets," identifying worst-of-the-worst DUI offenders
  • Specialized DUI and drugged driving training such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE)
Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Firefighters Pancake Breakfast   
The Sunnyvale Firefighters Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, October 10 drew more than 900 guests and raised $5,500 for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. The annual event is co-sponsored by the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety and the Sunnyvale Public Safety Officers Association at Sunnyvale Fire Station #2 on the corner of Wolfe Rd and Arques Ave. In addition to breakfast, event highlights included fire engine rides, fire tower tours, crime prevention and fire prevention information, Sparky the Fire Dog, an antique fire engine, the Sunnyvale Amateur Radio Emergency Services (SARES), Sunnyvale Neighbors Actively Prepare (SNAP) and the Mobile Emergency Operation Center (MEOC).

The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF) is a California-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing burns and fires and providing services to those who have been affected by a burn injury www.aarbf.org

Casa de Amigos Concert to Benefit Sunnyvale PAL 
Casa de Amigos held its annual Concert to Benefit Sunnyvale PAL on Saturday, August 10. The event kicked off with a home fair with vendors, food trucks from Los Tolucas and H.Butler BBQ, and music by DJ Anthony Catori and Jeff Turner Music. Much excitement surrounded the amazing raffle prizes which included a flat screen TV, an Apple Watch and a GoPro among many other awesome gifts. There was even a free children's drawing with more than 40 chances to win anything from legos to the grand prize of an XBox.

As the afternoon festivities came to a close and Casa de Amigos General Manager Brian Pierce completed the drawings, focus was turned to the main stage in anticipation of the headlining act Papa Do Run Run. But, before they hit the stage, Councilman Jim Davis approached the microphone to read a proclamation from Mayor Jim Griffith congratulating the Police Activities League and encouraging all citizens to support Sunnyvale PAL programs and the valuable service they provide.

Sunnyvale PAL exists to build and strengthen relationships between youth and public safety personnel. PAL helps to prevent juvenile crime and violence by providing civic, athletic, recreational and educational opportunities that might not otherwise be available the youth they serve. PAL offers a wide range of youth programs including boxing, Junior Giants, Kick, Lead, Dream Soccer Camp, fishing trips, college tours, work site tours. All of which help to instill the self-esteem, sportsmanship and leadership skills critical for both early development and lifetime achievement.

The proclamation was met by cheers of support from the crowd. And then the music played! Papa Do Run Run performed Beach Boys surf music to a delighted audience. Many people got on their feet and started to dance. At the intermission, Brian Pierce took the mic to present a giant check to Sunnyvale PAL representing the $20,000 raised that day through sponsorship, raffle tickets and food sales.

In Memory of PSO Charles Morris
Forty-three years ago, PSO Charles Morris was the second Sunnyvale Public Safety Officer killed in the line of duty. In his memory, all City flags were flown at half-staff on Wednesday, September 23, and all officers were requested to wear black ribbons on their badges in his memory.
 
At about 6:45 a.m. on Saturday morning, September 23, 1972, Officer Morris responded to a burglar alarm at a drug store at 824 W. El Camino Real. He confronted two roof-top burglary suspects to the rear of the store. Officer Morris was awaiting the arrival of back-up officers when one of the suspects engaged in a struggle with him. During the struggle, the suspect fatally shot him and then fled. Both suspects were arrested a short time later.
 
PSO Morris was 34 years old and a three-year veteran of the Department of Public Safety. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Sunnyvale Community Services Holiday Efforts Need Community Support
Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS) does an amazing job supporting 1,700 low income Sunnyvale families during the holidays with food and gifts. Registered low income families visit SCS during the first two weeks of December to shop for food and gifts for their families. SCS staff and volunteers work throughout the year preparing for the event and transform the SCS warehouse into a holiday shopping wonderland. All families receive two weeks' worth of food and also receive gifts for all children 18 and under. Volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to plan for this holiday distribution and rely on the entire Sunnyvale Community for donations of food and gift items.

Toys for kids 7 - 11 years old are most in need this year. SCS accepts new, unwrapped toys and asks that they be retail value of $35 or more as these are the main gifts these children will receive. Favorite toys for this age group include Lego or other high quality building sets, Nerf Sets and recent Disney Themed items such as dolls and play sets.

This year's Rides for Toys event will be held on Saturday, November 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the Sunnyvale Toys R Us Parking lot. During this free special charity event, each child who donates a new, unwrapped toy will be given a ride on a Sunnyvale fire engine. A complete list of donation requests can be found on the SCS website at Wish List. Donations can be dropped off at 725 Kifer Rd. from 8:30 a.m. -  5:00 p.m. M-F and at any Sunnyvale Fire Station during November and December.

SCS works with Sunnyvale Safeway locations and Boy Scout Troops to bring in over 30,000 pounds of donated food in November and December. This year's Scouting for Food date is November 21, so be on the lookout for flyers in your neighborhood coordinating doorstop pickup.

2015 Power Pull  
2015-2016 Special Olympics Northern California's season kicked off with the Power Pull at California's Great America on Saturday, September 12. Teams from around the county competed in this event that raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics. This year, teams included: Sunnyvale Public Safety, Special Olympics Athletes, Campo di Bocce, JJ Albanese and Central Concrete.  

Each team had two attempts to pull a Central Concrete cement mixer weighing approximately 46,000 pounds and two attempts to pull a Sunnyvale DPS fire truck weighing approximately 67,000 pounds for a distance of 20 feet for time. The average of the two attempts = the score for each rig. The team with the fastest combined total won. This year's top team was JJ Albanese. 

Special Olympics Northern California provides athletic opportunities to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, instilling the confidence they need to succeed in life. www.sonc.org

2015 Knock Out Litter Event   
On September 26, 46 volunteers descended on three Sunnyvale neighborhoods at the fifth annual Knock Out Litter event. During the two-hour event, more than 800 pounds of litter and debris, and 2,225 cigarette butts were collected! This annual event is hosted by the Sunnyvale Police Activities League and Trinity Church in partnership with the City of Sunnyvale Environmental Services Department and the Public Safety Department's Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Preservation Units. This year's target locations were the areas surrounding the Gateway Neighborhood Center, and Bishop and San Miguel Elementary Schools.

Following the litter clean up event, the Sunnyvale Elks Lodge members provided a sweet reward for the volunteers - an ice cream sundae bar! Knock Out Litter was implemented to provide community service opportunities to the youth and families who benefit from the programs and services available through Sunnyvale PAL and the Gateway Neighborhood Center. For more information, contact [email protected] 

Curtis Lee Sanders Fall Classic Event  
Local non-profit, the Curtis Lee Sanders Foundation, holds their 'Fall Classic' softball tournament and  community event each year to raise money for kids who are in need of sports equipment. It's also a time to remember their dear friend, son and brother, Curtis. 
 
This year marks the 5th annual event, and an estimated 225 people showed up throughout the day between 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at Washington Park in Sunnyvale.  Friends, family and supporters of the Foundation came from near and far to show their love for Curtis and the organization that has been able to do so much for the community.
 
The event kicks off with a reunion feel as old friends who grew up in the neighborhood reconnect and take part in a friendly yet entertaining softball tournament. Just as Curtis offered in his life, the Foundation receives lots of help to put on this annual event. Bay Area Community Sports founder, Scott Vestnys, helped book and prep the field for the event and even participated as a player in the softball tournament!
 
In 2015, the softball games are now just background noise to what is really the main focus of the Fall Classic - the kids.  Fun activities, 'do it yourself' projects, a massive jump house and a visit from a Sunnyvale Fire Truck kept the kids happy along with some yummy treats provided by Frontier Snacks. 
 
Speaking of treats, Chavez Supermarket catered an excellent meal which was personally seen through by General Manager, Beto Chavez. Curtis grew up with Beto at Cumberland Elementary school and also played High School football alongside him at Homestead. 
 
There was also a surprise visit by Curtis' 4th grade teacher at Cumberland, Mrs. Porter! What a thrill! She brought their class picture and pointed out several of Curtis' classmates who were present at the Fall Classic.
 
Lagunitas Brewery donated kegs for the cause and 12 Signs Wine provided bottles of wine as raffle prizes through a very interesting organization called Donation Match.
 
The event couldn't take place without volunteers.  This year, CLS hosted some very special employees from Sunnyvale tech company, Advanced Micro Devices.  The Foundation was the recipient of a grant from AMD in 2015 and the Fall Classic was also an opportunity for the employees to show up and give back to the community. 
 
These volunteers helped in every facet of the event including check-in, distribution of CLS wristbands, meal tickets and some fancy vinyl removable stickers donated by Sunnyvale company, Inprintz.  The kids section and food service was also manned by the AMDers and most of them brought their families out to enjoy the festivities.
 
Sports Basement is an exclusive partner of the Curtis Lee Sanders Foundation, as this is where the majority of the equipment is purchased at a discounted price for the children in need. They also donated gift cards for the winners of some fun challenges that took place between the softball games.
 
All in all, the event was another resounding success.
 
This is a nostalgic time for the Board Members and supporters of the Curtis Lee Sanders Foundation. There's something about being at Washington Park for a game; with the excitement of the children and energy in the air. It's really what this organization is all about - Community, Love and Support.
 
ASSET OF THE MONTH - Positive Family Communication 

Asset #2: Young person and her or his parent(s) communicate positively, and young person
is willing to seek advice and counsel from parent(s).
THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE FAMILY COMMUNICATION

Young people who experience positive family communication experience higher self-esteem, 
decreased substance use, less anxiety and depression, and greater school engagement. 
To help promote this valuable asset, October is Positive Family Communication month.

For positive family communication to occur, all family members must be comfortable sharing their 
needs, wishes, and concerns in an honest and trusting environment without fear of rejection. 
Establishing positive communication when children are young may help keep the channel open in 
adolescence. No matter how old your children are, it's never too late to start! 
Encourage your child to answer these questions honestly: 
  • Who do you enjoy talking with, and why?
  • What makes it easier to talk to family members, and what makes it more difficult?
  • Which topics are easiest for you to talk about with your parents, and which are more difficult? Why?
The communication skills that young people develop in their families help set the pattern of how 
they'll communicate for the rest their lives. Teaching your children to communicate effectively with 
friends, teachers, co-workers, parents, peers, and others is a lasting legacy that parents can give to 
their children.

ACTIVITIES
The activities below are a starting point to help adults find ways to show youth that they are valued
and appreciated.

FOR FAMILIES 
  • Create opportunities for unstructured communications. Sometimes the best conversations occur when you're side-by-side instead of face-to-face, such as when you're driving or working together in the kitchen.
  • At dinnertime, instead of asking "How was your day?" play Worst and Best, where everyone- including parents-takes turns sharing the worst thing and the best things that happened to them during the day.
  • Hold regular family meetings to check in with each other and discuss family issues like holidays or chores. Make sure everyone has an opportunity to participate.
  • Try having each parent set an "individual date" with each child where they spend time together away from home somewhere where they can talk, like a restaurant or coffee shop. This kind of one-to-one conversation makes it possible for a young person to discuss issues privately with their parent's undivided attention.
  • Listen more than you talk.
  • Positive family communication isn't just between parents and children-siblings should also be encouraged and supported to communicate with each other openly and effectively.
F OR ALL ADULTS 
  • Model positive, respectful communications at all times.
  • Talk to young peoples about the importance of family communication.
AT SCHOOL OR IN YOUTH PROGRAMS   
  • Send home a list of "conversation starters" with information about the value of positive family communication.
  • Assign homework that requires students to talk to parents or other family adults.
  • Create and deliver a unit on "family" that helps youth understand different kinds of families and appreciate their own.
 
This article was provided courtesy of Project Cornerstone. For more information, visit www.projectcornerstone.org.

 
Nixle

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?

  1. Go to www.nixle.com 
  2. Click on "Sign Up Free!"
  3. Enter information on this screen (There is no need to enter home phone since the cell will be used for text alerts)
  4. 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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