As highlighted on the City's Facebook page, Sunnyvale was recently ranked as the Safest City in America by Smart Asset in an article written by Nick Wallace. The article was geared towards people looking to relocate, buying a home or seeking to attend college. The study measured violent crime, vehicle accidents, drug use and excessive drinking to determine ranking amongs the largest 200 cities in the United States. Detailed information about the article can be found at https://smartasset.com/mortgage/safest-cities-in-america

Some may debate the measurements used to determine the rankings or point out that other factors should be included to determine safety. However, there should be no debate that the City of Sunnyvale continues to be a very safe community and one that is sought after to live, work and play. The safety of the

community does not occur as a result of any one group or any one action, but rather by ongoing community engagement, education, awareness, and proactive preventative steps to safeguard persons and property.

While it always feels good to be highlighted in a positive national survey, we know that we cannot remain idle when it comes to community safety. In regards to criminal activity, the department knows that property related crimes tend to increase each year during the holidays. Criminals know that people are in more of a hurry during the holidays and sometimes forget to safeguard property whether it's in a vehicle or at home. As we have done over the last three years, DPS is deploying additional resources in the form of a Burglary Suppression Unit (BSU) during the holiday season to specifically address the expected increase in property crimes. The BSU will be deployed during times and days specifically identified by our Crime Analyst where there is greater likelihood for success.

Please be sure to take a few extra minutes during the holidays to secure your homes and do not leave valuable inside your vehicles for any period of time. Also, if you see suspicious behavior or circumstances, please contact DPS immediately. Happy holidays to all and congratulations for the national recognition!

Chief Grgurina

TEL (408) 730-7140
TDD (408) 730-7501

or email to: pubsfty@sunnyvale.ca.gov

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH, 2015

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

No person should suffer the tragedy of losing someone as a result of drunk, drugged, or distracted driving, but for far too long the danger of impaired driving has robbed people of the comfort of knowing that when they or a loved one leaves home they will return safely. Impaired driving puts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk, and each year it claims the lives of thousands of Americans. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit to preventing these incidents by acting responsibly and by promoting responsible behavior in those around us. Together, we can enhance public safety and work to ensure a happy, healthy life for all our people.

During the holidays -- a season that includes a spike in travel and celebrations that may include alcohol -- and throughout the year, we must remain vigilant and aware of drivers that are distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drunk drivers kill more than 10,000 people annually, and about one-third of traffic deaths in the United States involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. Driving under the influence of drugs, an increasingly common occurrence, carries the same risks as drunk driving and is just as avoidable. And driving distracted, including while using a cell phone, can lead to tragic outcomes that are also preventable. Every American can play a role in reducing the frequency of these incidents by speaking out and warning others of the dangers associated with impaired driving, taking away the keys of would-be drivers they know to be intoxicated, and reminding drivers they are riding with to stay focused on the road and to limit distractions. It is also critical for drivers and passengers alike to wear seatbelts regardless of how far they are traveling.

Across our Nation, State and local law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to prevent and respond to impaired driving. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, occurring from December 16, 2015, through January 1, 2016, seeks to raise awareness of the dangers associated with drunk and drugged driving and aims to prevent as many of these tragedies from occurring as possible. At the Federal level, my Administration remains committed to doing our part. This year, we released an updated National Drug Control Strategy, which aims to reduce drugged driving by encouraging States to enact drugged driving laws and improve efforts to identify these impaired drivers. We also continue to support the efforts of the tireless advocates working to stop drunk driving, and we will keep pushing to equip law enforcement with the tools needed to end and prevent incidents of impaired driving. For more information, visit www.Distraction.gov, www.NHTSA.gov/DriveSober, and www.WhiteHouse.gov/ONDCP/DruggedDriving.

As we gather with friends and loved ones this month, I encourage all Americans to enjoy their time together responsibly. It is important to the health and safety of us all to plan ahead by designating a non-drinking driver, staying in place if impaired, and arranging for alternative means of transportation. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, let us pledge to always drive sober and alert and to avoid distractions behind the wheel. Together, we can help ensure all our people are able to enjoy the holiday spirit and make memories with those they care about while safeguarding the well-being of everyone on the road.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 2015 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. I urge all Americans to make responsible decisions and take appropriate measures to prevent impaired driving.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.

BARACK OBAMA

Help Put Criminals Out Of Business This Holiday Season By Following These Safety Tips

During the holiday season, criminals often have increased opportunities to commit theft and other crimes. We know nothing can ruin the holiday spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime, so we hope to help you protect your home and family by sharing the following safety tips.

Report Suspicious Activity

The City has strict rules prohibiting unpermitted door-to-door solicitors. If you observe solicitors in your neighborhood knocking on doors trying to sell products, please report them to the Police Department right away, as they may be up to no good. These individuals may be scoping out the neighborhood in order to commit future crimes or might even attempt to break in when no one answers the door. Call (408) 730-7180 to report suspicious activity. If it's an emergency, dial 911.

Protect Your Valuables

ALWAYS secure your home and vehicle. Lock all doors and windows and set your alarm if you have one.
NEVER leave holiday gifts, cell phones, purses or other valuables in plain sight in your vehicle. It takes only seconds for a criminal to smash a car window and steal your belongings.
If shopping online, avoid having packages delivered to your home when no one is there to receive them. Los Altos Police have already received reports of packages being stolen from front doorsteps. Consider having packages delivered to a trusted friend, family member or neighbor who is home during the day. Some stores even offer in-store pick-up for items that are purchased online.

Protect Yourself

Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Limit the use of your cell phone in public areas.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, your passport, or your social security card.
Don't overburden yourself with packages and beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Criminals may try to distract you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
Carry your purse close to your body to prevent purse snatches. Place your wallet in your front pocket or in a coat pocket.
Park in well-lit areas. Lock your doors, close the windows and hide any shopping packages in the trunk.

Protect Your Home

If heading out for the night, consider leaving a light, TV or radio on to make it appear that someone is home.
Be extra diligent about locking doors and windows when you leave for any amount of time.
Don't display gifts where they can be seen through a window.

Traveling for the Holidays?

Fill out a vacation contact form on the City's website to notify the Police of when you plan to be away.
Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home and, if possible, park a car in your driveway from time-to-time.
Put timers on different lights throughout the interior and exterior of your home.
Stop newspaper and mail delivery, or make arrangements for someone you trust to collect these items for you.
Don't leave a descriptive voicemail on your answering machine informing people that you're away on vacation.
Don't include your last name on your mailbox. A burglar can look up your home phone number in the directory and call while in front of your house to confirm that you are away before breaking in.

After the Holidays...

Don't pile up empty boxes from your new computer, stereo, flat screen TV, or other expensive items on the street for potential criminals to see. Break down the boxes and put them in a bin.
Write down serial numbers for items purchased and keep them in a safe place.
Take photos of jewelry and other expensive items and keep them in a safe place.

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety wishes you a happy and safe holiday season!

Coffee with a Cop

On Tuesday, December 1, the Department of Public Safety held its third Coffee with a Cop event at Starbucks on the corner of Fremont Ave. and Mary Ave. Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The

program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

Rides for Toys

On Saturday, November 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunnyvale DPS partnered with Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS) for the annual Rides for Toys event. The event was especially important this year because the Family Giving Tree organization, that had supported SCS in past years, changed its focus to smaller organizations. This meant fewer toys would be available for SCS provide to its families this year.

Children and family members who donated a new unwrapped toy(s) received a ride on a Sunnyvale fire engine. This gave community members the opportunity to meet their local firefighters and learn more about fire prevention while helping their fellow citizens with donations. Sunnyvale DPS Fire Team B from Fire Stations 3, 4 and 6 supported this event along with SCS volunteers, Neighborhood Resource Officers, Explorer Post 417. This year's event coordinators were

Lt. Jim Choi and PSO Dan Moskowitz

This very special community event took place in the Toys R Us parking lot on El Camino Real and was a great success. More than 500 participants donated 460 toys, cash donations of $505 a $50 gift card. One of the participants, a 6 year-old boy, had a special connection to DPS. In 2009, PSO Frank Bellucci JR and (Retired) PSO Ron Levy delivered him at 1063 Morse.

Fire Academy 2015-2 Graduation

On December 4, the City of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety and the City of Palo Alto Fire Department graduated a total of 15 new Firefighters from the Fire Academy - 13 from the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety and two from the Palo Alto Fire Department. The 16-week training program was hosted by Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety at the Sunnyvale DPS Station 2 Training Center.

The Fire Academy shared resources from both Fire Departments in order to facilitate the 16-week program. Recruits got hands-on experience and entry-level instruction to all aspects of basic firefighting operations. Each day of the program included intense physical and mental challenges, which developed our new firefighters to a standard entry level recruit in the short time frame of four months.

Graduation was held at the Juniper Networks Aspiration Dome in Sunnyvale.

Deputy Chief Drewniany Receives Distinguished Service Award

On December 2, Sunnyvale DPS Deputy Chief Steve Drewniany received the Distinguished Service Award from the California Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual for distinguished service or achievement affecting statewide EMS over an extended period of time.

Deputy Chief Drewniany was nominated by the California Police Chiefs Association. The nomination highlighted his 35 years of dedicated and sustained service, unique insight and knowledge of California EMS and his effective response in addressing EMS related issues with California's law enforcement community. Deputy Chief Drewniany's knowledge of EMS issues, combined with his service on the EMS Commission have afforded him the unique ability to straddle the law enforcement - EMS professions and effectively articulate EMS issues to the law enforcement community. He has regularly convened work-groups for new public safety first-aid regulations and recently signed legislation.

Deputy Chief Drewniany is pictured with Sunnyvale DPS Chief Frank Grgurina and El Cerrito Police Chief Slyvia Moir, 2nd Vice President of the California Police Chiefs Association.

Reason for the Season Donation Drive

The Sunnyvale Challenge Team invites you, your family and your co-workers to be part of a community effort to help those in need. One small can of food, one coat or blanket could warm the hearts of an entire family during this holiday season. We are also accepting new and gently used children's books to be donated to organizations supporting youth literacy initiatives.

WHEN: December 16, 2015, 7:00 am to 10:00 am.

WHERE: Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (parking lot), 700 All America Way, Sunnyvale CA 94086

WHAT: Food Items (non-perishable), warm coats, sleeping bags and/or blankets, king and queen size sheets and pots/pans.

The Sunnyvale Challenge Team is a community based effort, coordinated through the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, that brings members of the region together to steer kids and families away from the negative influences of drugs and gangs. The group supports the efforts of our schools and non-profits to engage our youth in positive activities designed to build respect for themselves and their community.

Please contact the Public Safety Crime Prevention Unit for more info; (408)730-7140/ TDD (408)730-7501

In Memory of PSO Ed Roth

Thirty-five years ago, PSO Edward Roth became the fourth Public Safety Officer killed in the line of duty. In his memory, all City flags were flown at half-staff on Sunday, November 29, and all officers wore black ribbons on their badges in his memory.

On Saturday morning November 29, 1980, a structure fire was reported at 395 N. Pastoria Avenue. This was the Saturday of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This location is a commercial area and the building was of the "tilt-up" type construction. PSO Roth was normally assigned to Truck Company 4 but was off duty that day. He heard the fire call and responded from his home. Upon arrival, PSO Roth was assigned to ventilate the roof. While he was on the roof, it collapsed and he fell into the fire, suffering fatal injuries.

Officer Roth was 44 years old and had been on the department for sixteen years. His wife and two children survived him.

A Bookshelf in Every Home

This fall Reach Potential Movement (RPM) had the opportunity to partner with Dori Fontaine of Sunnyvale Public Safety/Sunnyvale PAL, Kaitlyn Wider of Heart 2 Heart Teens and Barb of Mountain View/Los Altos Young Lives, at the Young Parent Program (YPP) at Fremont Union High School District Office.

The YPP helps students develop good parenting skills and prepare for productive adult life while seeking a high school diploma or GED certificate. RPM Program Coordinator, Malia Pires commented, "I love that Laura Gonzales and her team at YPP empower students to do their best through a support system and by removing barriers to continuing their education." Some examples of this are:

Providing free childcare while students are in class
Partnering with Community organizations like Sunnyvale PAL, RPM, SafeKids and Heart 2 Heart Teens
Offering workshops, classes and materials on parenting skills
Focusing on education and academic achievement; bringing in tutors, resources, projects, etc

As a Community partner RPM brought its signature program, A Bookshelf in Every Home, to YPP. Together, we had the opportunity to work hands-on with a group of students, sharing the importance of speaking and reading to young children and the effects it has on their brain development and the parent-child bonding relationship. Each student was able to complete their very own custom crate bookshelf, by painting, stamping, gluing, labeling, etc.

While the bookshelves were drying the students were able to go book "shopping", and select up to 10 new or gently used books to take home and place in their bookshelf. Ms. Pires explained, "All crates and materials were made possible by generous RPM donors and we are so grateful, they allow us to impact lives and align with our motto A dream in every heart, a diploma in every hand." After the shopping was completed the project would wrap up successfully with the student's works of Art (their bookshelves) in one hand and their masterpieces (their child) in the other.

Malia added, "Although this was my first visit to YPP, I am confident it will not be my last."

JUNIOR GIANTS PHOTO SHOOT

After three successful seasons, Sunnyvale PAL's Junior Giants were asked to be the face of the Junior Giants for 2016. League Coordinator Carolyn Lutticken has regularly sent photos to the Giants, mentioning what a great bunch of players and volunteers are in Sunnyvale. The Giants agreed, and 30 players and six adult volunteers participated in a photo shoot at Lakewood Park on October 19. The Giants were very pleased with the participation and results. Photos will be used by the Giants Community Fund for next year's marketing materials, such as posters, flyers, and bobble head boxes, and will be used in media programs to promote the Junior Giants.

Sunnyvale's League Commissioner, Public Safety Officer Ross Spencer, is looking forward to another successful season in 2016, especially with Sunnyvale players and coaches appearing on the posters and flyers. The league works well because of the 50 volunteer coaches and parents who contribute to running the teams and making a difference in players' lives. If you are interested in participating in the 2016 season, email info@sunnyvalepal.com for more information.

Once the posters and flyers are distributed next April, many participants will be more than happy to sign autographs.

Photos courtesy of S.F. Giants

ASSET OF THE MONTH - Family Support

Asset #1: Family provides high levels of love and support.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY SUPPORT

Family support refers to the ways that parents, siblings, and extended family show love, encouragement, and comfort to each other-families are the cornerstone of the social support system
for youth. Because adolescents require greater autonomy and independence than younger children, effective family support for older youth takes a different form than in earlier years; however, their need for their families is still strong. Adults are challenged to find a balance between giving youth the support they need to navigate their adolescence and the independence they need to develop as individuals.

In their book Parenting Teens with Love and Logic, Foster Cline, M.D. and Jim Fay discuss the transition from parenting younger children-who typically require guidance and firm limits-to parenting adolescents, who benefit most from the freedom to make their own decisions within the boundaries of safe, reasonable limits. According to Cline and Fay, effective parenting in the teenage years requires clearly communicating expectations and consequences while allowing youth to make their own decisions and "own" the results...even if their choices are not the ones that we would have preferred.

The following discussion topics can be used to open a dialogue with young people about the ways that
they experience family support:

Does your family provide support in a way that's meaningful and easy for you to recognize? Why or why not?
Do you and your parents treat each other with the same kindness and dignity that you'd expect from your friends?
Does your family do things together on a regular basis? Are there any activities that you'd like to share (or be willing to share) with your family?

One of the most important things to realize about providing family support to older children is that they need the love and support every bit as much as younger children do, even if they claim that they don't. Although it can be challenging to remain connected to preteens and teenagers, the benefits of doing so are immense.

ACTIVITIES

The activities below are a starting point to help build and strengthen the asset of family support.

FOR FAMILIES

Make family rules together, and agree on rewards for following the rules and consequences for breaking them.
Try to eat at least one meal together every day, and set aside at least one evening or weekend day for the family to spend together in a pastime that everyone enjoys or finds valuable. Make the effort to maintain these traditions and rituals even if your children complain about them when they're older.
Be sure to recognize your children's unique talents and encourage their interests, even when they don't match yours. For example, if they're interested in animation, check to see if there's a convention or film festival in your region that you can attend together.
Look your children in the eyes when you talk to them, and give them all of your attention in conversation.
Be empathetic about their struggles and concerns-no matter how silly or trivial their problems seem to you, they are significant to your children.
Praise your children for doing a good job and point out when they're being helpful.
At least once a day, try to express that you appreciate and care about your children.
Be affectionate, but respect their space; older children especially may be uncomfortable about displays of affection in front of non-family members.

FOR ALL ADULTS

Talk with young people about their families and point out the ways that the children are supported and loved. Similarly, when you speak with parents, take time to notice and praise their efforts at providing family support for their children.
If you're an employer, help your staff provide emotional support for their families through release time, sick leave, and creating a positive environment where employees don't feel that having children is a liability at their job.
Sponsor activities and events in which the entire family can participate-for example, a picnic or carnival instead of a happy hour.

AT SCHOOL OR IN YOUTH PROGRAMS

Deliver a unit on families to help young people appreciate and respect all kinds of families.
Schedule events that bring families together, like open houses or family game nights.
If possible, schedule speakers and workshops on family life and associated issues.
Be sure that your staff recognition and acknowledgement of non-traditional families in which a child's primary caretakers may not be their biological parents.

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?

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
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