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January 2016 - Vol.09, No.01
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Event Calendar
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Explorer Post 417 Meeting
January 27
Challenge Team Sunnyvale meeting 7:00 a.m.
DPS Headquarters
January 30
Pizza for Pints Blood Drive, Sunnyvale Teen Advisory Committee (Flyer)
February 3
February 13
Dodge Ackerman Memorial Bouts hosted by Sunnyvale PAL at Gateway Neighborhood Center ( Flyer)
February 14
Valentine's Day
February 15
Presidents' Day
City Offices Closed
February 17
Explorer Post 417 Meeting
February 24
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Message from the Chief
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 Part 1 crime statistics for 2015 have been calculated and the overall totals are slightly below the statistics from 2014. Part 1 crimes are reported in two categories: violent crimes and property crimes. Aggravated assault, rape, murder and robbery are classified as violent crimes. Arson, burglary, larceny/theft and motor vehicle theft are classified as property crimes. In Sunnyvale, Part 1 crimes decreased by .4% with a total of 2530 crimes in 2015 versus 2540 in 2014. Notable statistics involved the crimes of rape and robbery. There were 29 rapes reported in 2015 versus 14 in the previous year. Detectives attributed the increase to a number of delayed reported incidents. In all but one of the cases, the suspect was known to the victim. In the single unknown suspect case, the suspect was arrested. Robberies were decreased by approximately 30% (61 in 2015 versus 88 in 2014). Detectives attributed the reduction to a prolific robbery crew which was very active in 2014 and arrested late in the year through a multi-agency effort. For more information about year-end crime statistics and monthly information, please visit our website at http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/PublicSafety/PublicSafetyStatistics.aspx
Overall, property crimes such as residential burglary continue to be an area of concern and focus for the department. As mentioned in last month's message, the department deployed a burglary suppression detail to combat increases in property crimes during the holiday season. The detail was comprised of five Public Safety Officers and one Public Safety Lieutenant. The operational deployment period was November 30 through December 23. Throughout the operation the detail made more than 180 lawful contacts, resulting in the arrests of 35 individuals for crimes ranging from outstanding arrest warrants to in-progress residential burglary charges. The success of the detail was based upon the use of detailed crime analysis in conjunction with the plainclothes and unmarked vehicle operations and citizen involvement. Please continue to call and report suspicious activity!
Changing subjects, the countdown to Super Bowl 50 has officially started. Although neither of the local teams will be participating, the National Football League (NFL) is anticipating that this will be the largest event in its history. The large numbers of visitor and activity associated with the event will surely have an impact on our community. Please know that the City of Sunnyvale and the Department of Public Safety have been involved in the regional safety planning for the event and will be taking extra measures to provide additional public safety services within our community throughout the Super Bowl period. Please be sure to follow us on our various social media platforms (Nixle/Twitter) to receive up to date public safety information. We encourage all of our residents to plan for extra time when traveling during the period and ask that you consider using mass transportation. Finally, if you see something suspicious, please contact DPS immediately at 408-730-7100 for non-emergencies and 9-1-1 for emergencies. Wishing all a safe and enjoyable year!
TEL (408) 730-7140
TDD (408) 730-7501
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January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
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Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against his/her will.
Sex trafficking has been found in a wide variety of venues within the sex industry, including residential brothels, escort services, fake massage businesses, strip clubs, and street prostitution.
Labor trafficking has been found in diverse labor settings including, domestic work, small businesses, large farms, and factories.
Are you or someone you know being trafficked? Is human trafficking happening in your community? Is the situation you may have encountered human trafficking?
The following is a list of potential red flags and indicators of human trafficking to help you recognize the signs. If you see any of these red flags, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-373-7888 for specialized victim services referrals or to report the situation. Click here to learn more about reporting potential human trafficking situations. The presence of these red flags is an indication that further assessment may be necessary to identify a potential human trafficking situation. This list is not exhaustive and represents only a selection of possible indicators. Also, the red flags in this list may not be present in all trafficking cases and are not cumulative. Indicators reference conditions a potential victim might exhibit. Common Work and Living Conditions:  - Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes
- Is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp / manager
- Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips
- Works excessively long and/or unusual hours
- Is not allowed breaks or suffers under unusual restrictions at work
- Owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off
- Was recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of his/her work
- High security measures exist in the work and/or living locations (e.g. opaque windows, boarded up windows, bars on windows, barbed wire, security cameras, etc.)
Poor Mental Health or Abnormal Behavior: - Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid
- Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement
- Avoids eye contact
Poor Physical Health: - Lacks medical care and/or is denied medical services by employer
- Appears malnourished or shows signs of repeated exposure to harmful chemicals
- Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture
Lack of Control: - Has few or no personal possessions
- Is not in control of his/her own money, no financial records, or bank account
- Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (ID or passport)
- Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)
Other: - Claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where he/she is staying/address
- Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or of what city he/she is in
- Loss of sense of time
- Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story
Note: According to federal law, any minor under the age of 18 engaging in commercial sex is a victim of sex trafficking, regardless of the presence of force, fraud, or coercion.
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What Do Mentors Do that Matters?Sometimes we think of mentors narrowly as those who sign up through a formal program to spend time with a young person. In addition to these formal mentors, informal or everyday mentors can be any trustworthy adult who offers support, guidance, and encouragement to help young people overcome challenges and become their best selves.
What specific actions can adults take in their relationships with young people that help youth learn, grow, and thrive? Search Institute's newest research on developmental relationships identifies five essential actions that lay the foundation for a powerful mentoring relationship: - Express Care:
Young people value relationships with adults who show they genuinely like them and want the best for them. These relationships help youth know they really matter.
- Challenge Growth:
Young people value relationships with adults who insist that they do their best to learn and improve.
- Provide Support:
Young people value relationships with adults who offer tangible, appropriate feedback and guidance in completing tasks and achieving goals--without taking over and doing it for them.
- Share Power:
Young people value relationships with adults in which they feel their voice is heard and they share in making decisions that affect them. This helps youth develop self-confidence and self-direction.
- Expand Possibility:
Young people value trustworthy adults who help them broaden their horizons and connect them to opportunities for growth and discovery.
When youth have strong relationships with trusted adults in addition to their parents, they are more able to overcome challenges, engage in school, and thrive in life. Click here for more information.
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New California laws in 2016
|  There are several new laws, and changes to existing laws, that took effect on January 1, 2016. Below are some that you should know about:
Vehicle Related Infraction or Misdemeanor Identification Law
It is already an established law that upon demand of a peace officer at a lawful traffic stop or Driver's License / Sobriety Checkpoint, a driver must give the required documents to the officer, and may not merely exhibit them through rolled-up glass. By doing so, this allows the officer to physically examine the driver's license and make sure that all of the anti-forgery elements are present.
Effective January 1, 2016, the legislature requires that a driver must show a peace officer an unobstructed view of his or her full face for examination when stopped for a vehicle code infraction or misdemeanor. While a driver's license is useful as identification, it is only conclusive if the officer is able to compare the picture on the license to the presenter's face. The full text of AB346 is available on the California Legislative Information website.
Motorized Skateboard Riders - Be Sure to Read Up
If you received a motorized skateboard for the holidays, you may want to read up on the new laws surrounding the boards. Beginning January 1, 2016, the AB 604 will restrict the use of "electrically motorized skateboards" in public facilities and require them to be operated with safety equipment (e.g. helmets). In addition, riders must be 16 years old to operate them, wear equipment to help with visibility at night and travel less than 35 miles per hour. It is also illegal to ride or operate one while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For a complete summary of transportation-related laws coming into effect, refer to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
New law regarding wear a headset / earplugs while operation a motor vehicle
SB 491 (Transportation Committee) makes it unlawful to wear a headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears, while operating a motor vehicle or a bicycle. This prohibition does not apply to persons operating authorized emergency vehicles, construction equipment and refuse or waste equipment while wearing a headset or safety earplugs.
For a complete summary of transportation-related laws coming into effect, refer to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
California Has Added Yellow Alert Notices
California now has four alert notices. Amber Alerts are used for child abduction notices. Blue Alerts are issued after a violent attack on a law enforcement officer. Silver Alerts are disseminated to find missing senior citizens or missing individuals with a developmental disability.
The legislature has now added Yellow Alert for hit and run incidents that result in serious injury or death. Like Amber, Blue and Silver alerts, the Yellow Alert program will post information on electronic changeable message signs along highways throughout the state. These alerts will provide law enforcement with another tool to apprehend drivers who leave a crash scene before authorities arrive.
If you are a witness to a traffic collision, pull completely off the road, turn on your emergency flashers and contact 9-1-1 immediately.
For a complete summary of transportation-related laws coming into effect, refer to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Click here for a complete list of 2016 new California laws.
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Receive Real-Time Alerts During Super Bowl 50
|  The Bay Area's Joint Information Center (JIC) Encourages Residents and Visitors to Text SB50 to 888777 for important updates throughout Super Bowl 50.
The City of Santa Clara Police Department, operating the Joint Information Center (JIC) for Super Bowl 50, is rolling out a new text alert and notification system to keep citizens and fans safe and informed in the days leading up to and during Super Bowl 50. The JIC is comprised of many agencies and organizations throughout the Bay Area working together to ensure coordinated communication.
The JIC will offer subscribers safety, weather, traffic and emergency alerts from Nixle throughout the buildup to game day activities at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA on February 7, 2016. Residents, visitors, Super Bowl fans and attendees can simply text the word SB50 to 888777 to receive the information. Current subscribers will still receive their regular local alerts from Nixle, but can opt-in to SB50 for Super Bowl specific information.
The JIC will be working with city officials, agencies and organizations across the San Francisco Bay Area to promote and deploy the system so that community members will receive the most relevant alerts.
The alerts, powered by Nixle Community Engagement from Everbridge, align with the Bay Area's commitment to safety and security over the course of Super Bowl 50.
For more information, please visit: http://www.nixle.com/SB50/
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Local Vet Raises Money for K-9 Vests
|  Dr. Ken Sawyer of Murphy Avenue Vet Clinic held an unique fundraiser to earn money for Sunnyvale DPS to purchase two new K-9 ballistic vests. Dr. Sawyer ran the event on Facebook and upped the anti by offering to wear sparkly pink Hello Kitty scrubs for a day for each $100 donation raised. By the end of the fundraiser, "Pink Kitties for Hardcore Doggies" brought in more than $5,000, enough money to purchase ballistic vests for two Sunnyvale canines. In addition, Dr. Sawyer was living in those sparkly pink Hello Kitty scrubs for nearly two months!
Thank you Dr. Sawyer!
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| DPS was in the holiday spirit during the months of November and December with the Lakewood Village Holiday Parade, Cops Care Cancer Foundation's Fantasy Flight, the Downtown Tree Lighting, Fire Station Toy Drive and Rides for Toys.
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Apex Adventures Ropes Course with Fremont High School Students
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 On December 1, 2015, 14 students and several staff members from Fremont High School bundled up and headed to the ropes course at Baylands Park for a day of fun, challenge, and teambuilding. A team of professionals from Apex Adventures hosted the ropes course, which is quickly becoming an annual tradition for FHS students. The students were drawn from four intervention classes at Fremont that offer varying levels of academic and social emotional support. It was a diverse group of students and adults, many of whom had never met each other before the day's activities.
The brisk morning began with some teambuilding activities designed to help students learn each other's names, begin to work together, and learn to trust one another. Slowly students began to warm up to each other, laughing and working together to solve challenges. Students began to emerge as leaders, while others were observed to support each other with kind words of encouragement or a helping hand. It was a great opportunity for students to interact with law enforcement and staff members in a friendly, relaxed environment.
 After lunch, students and staff strapped on their helmets and harnesses and started on the high ropes course. The Apex team encouraged all students to participate using the catchphrase, "challenge by choice", indicating that students were encouraged to push themselves but would not be forced to try anything unless they wanted to. The high ropes course allowed students to move out of their "comfort zone", and into their "stretch zone", and all students participated in some capacity. Some students chose to not climb the course, but were able to participate by being stellar belayers--keeping their classmates safe from the ground. Other students pushed themselves further than they thought was possible; trusting their classmates to keep them safe as they climbed across suspended cables or up giant ladders. One student reported that the high ropes were "hard because when you had to stand up your feet started shaking a lot", but he pushed through the fear and was even able to complete the "leap of faith" - an activity where students climb a telephone poll then leap off to hit a buoy suspended in the air.
The ropes course was a great success, and all students left with big smiles, tired bodies, and new friends. One student remarked, "It was a really fun experience and I met a lot of great people." Students cultivated trust and formed lasting bonds with classmates and staff members that will help to facilitate academic and social emotional success. The ropes course experience imparted life lessons that extend far beyond the day, as students are able to see how rewarding it can be to push beyond their comfort zone, how capable they are of achieving more than they thought was possible, and how supporting each other through challenges allows everyone to grow and thrive.
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 Willie McCovey is a former San Francisco Giants player who was known for his dedication, integrity, enthusiasm, spirit, leadership and teamwork. As a result, the Giants established the Willie Mac Award, presented annually to the Giants player who embodies these qualities.
The Junior Giants program also has a Willie Mac Award, given to a player and a coach in each league that exemplifies the character shown by McCovey. For the 2015 season, the Sunnyvale League chose Alfredo Castaneda Flores and Scott Morton as recipients.
Alfredo played on a team of 11 to 13 year olds, and was nominated by his coach who observed his quiet leadership and steady contributions throughout the season. He was respected by his teammates and participated fully in the program. This included weekly reading assignments, incorporating healthy eating into his lifestyle, and learning anti-bullying techniques.
Coach Scott Morton was selected as Sunnyvale's other award winner. Scott has coached a team of 5 to 7 year olds for three years, and shared his coaching skills with teams in the league. As the Director of Parks for the City, Scott was instrumental in providing well-manicured fields for the league and ensured that coaches were trained in field maintenance. Scott's practices were always entertaining since his six foot frame towered over his small players, who responded well to his deep, booming voice.
Both Alfredo and Scott were honored at a special luncheon in November at AT&T Park, where they received personalized trophy bats and took photos with the Giants three World Series trophies.
Junior Giants is a free program for girls and boys aged 5 to 13, with many benefits and coaching support provided by the Giants (see jrgiants.org). Starting in February, Sunnyvale's league will start recruiting volunteer coaches for the 2016 season. If interested, email Carolyn@sunnyvalepal.org for more information.
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ASSET OF THE MONTH - Adult Role Models
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Asset #14: Parents and other adults model positive, responsible behavior.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ROLE MODELS
 People of all ages need to feel that that they can make a contribution and play a meaningful role in their community, whether it's at home, at school, or in the neighborhood. Research shows that youth who feel valued and useful have higher self- esteem, a greater sense of personal control, reduced delinquency, greater social and personal responsibility, reduced substance abuse, and better social skills.
- Higher levels of self esteem
- Reduced use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and hard drugs
- Improved high school graduation rates
- Greater aspirations and expectations for their careers
 A positive role model doesn't have to have any unusual characteristics or skills-you don't have to be a sports hero or a billionaire for youth to look up to you. In fact, most youth who have role models identified caring friends and relatives from their direct social environment as role models. Every single one of us has the potential to make a difference in the lives of young people-all that matters is your willingness to take the time to get to know a young person and let them get to know you, and to share your experience and knowledge. The following discussion topics can help young people recognize the role models that influence their lives:
- What's the difference between a hero and a role model?
- Are celebrities like sports stars, actors, and musicians good role models? Why or why not?
- Which adults whom you know do you admire? Why?
- What have you learned from adults that has helped or inspired you?
- What would you like to be able to talk about more with adults?
ACTIVITIES
The activities below are a starting point to help build and strengthen the asset of family support.
FOR ALL ADULTS 
- Make a point of talking about people you admire or who had a positive influence on you, and why. Ask a young person to do the same.
- Share stories and experiences that reflect positive values, such as when a friend treated you with honesty or a coworker behaved responsibly. This can help young people develop a better understanding of their own values and how to act in different situations.
- Take the time to pass on your special skills. Youth often appreciate the opportunity to learn new skills, even if they've never been exposed to them before.
- In conversation, provide opportunities for youth to discuss their view of the world.
- Model integrity by following through on any commitments that you make, especially with young people.
- Demonstrate positive responses to difficult situations, such as offering a sincere apology when appropriate, or trying again when you fail to achieve a goal.
FOR ADULTS WHO WORK DIRECTLY WITH YOUTH 
Adults who work with young people are potential role models; it's up to you to demonstrate the positive behaviors that will be expected of adults:
- Model hard work, a positive attitude, and respect for others. Avoid making negative comments about coworkers, sports teams and players, and others with whom you compare yourself or compete.
- Be sure that you and your staff "walk your talk" by modeling respect and trust among coworkers.
AT SCHOOL OR IN YOUTH PROGRAMS
- Throughout the month, discuss the importance of role models and what qualities are important.
- Have youth make a role model collage: First, have participants collect or create pictures and drawings of their role models. Then, have them cut out words or phrases that describe these role models from magazines and newspapers, or write the words or phrases themselves. Finally, glue the images and words onto construction paper or poster board, and hang the collage where the youth can be inspired by their creation each day.
- Help youth identify the difference between positive and negative role models in the media: First, hang two pieces of newsprint or poster board on the wall. Label one "Positive Role Models" and the other "Negative Role Models." Hand out different kinds of recent magazines and newspapers, including teen, news, sports, and entertainment magazines. Ask youth to cut out pictures of newsmakers and celebrities, and tape or glue the pictures under the appropriate category. Discuss who they chose and why; whether some of the people could appear in both categories; and how to judge whether a celebrity or newsmaker is a good role model.
- Discuss ways that the youth can be role models for younger children at school or in the program, and create opportunities for the older youth to spend positive time with the younger children, such as reading together or working together on projects.
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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
© 2010-2016 City of Sunnyvale, CA |
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