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August 2016 - Vol.09, No.08
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Event Calendar
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Cupertino and Santa Clara Elementary Schools Start
Fremont Union High School District Starts
Aug 16 & 17
Sunnyvale Elementary Schools Starts
Aug 25
Tip a Cop at Faultline Brewing Company Lunch
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Dinner 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.(flyer)
Sept 1
Fire Safety Poster Contest Begins - Sunnyvale Public Schools K-5th Grade
Sept 9
Heidi Scramble Golf Tournament (flyer)
Tracy Golf & Country Club, 35200 S. Chrisman Rd. Tracy
Sept 13
Coffee with a Cop (flyer)
Starbuck's Cherry Orchard 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Sept 11
Law Enforcement Torch Run Plane Pull for Special Olympics Northern California www.powerpullso.com
Sept. 21
Sept. 23
Fire Safety Poster Contest Deadline
Sept. 28
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Message from the Chief
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On August 2, DPS and the community once again participated in National Night Out (NNO). NNO is an annual community-building campaign that seeks to promote police-community partnerships and increase neighborhood safety. This year seemed to carry more significance in light of the recent issues throughout the country. Fifteen parties varying in size and style were held throughout the city. Some were smaller gatherings held in driveways and local parks, while others were larger events at community centers. At each and every get-together, the members of the department really enjoyed interacting with the community. We were also very appreciative of the significant participation by City Council members, department directors, city staff and volunteers. The large group made it possible for attendance and engagement at all 15 parties.
Some of the common threads of discussion involved questions about how to receive information regarding local criminal activity and other department and citywide initiatives. We were happy to share the wide variety of communication platforms that make it easy for residents and guests to receive contemporary information about all types of activities occurring in the city. The following are sample of the current information sources:
www.nixle.com - Secure messaging system from DPS utilized to alert residents and guests about public safety activity occurring and other current information (i.e. Public Safety Weekly Blotter).
DPS on Twitter @SunnyvaleDPS - Information posted about significant public safety events and other public safety related items.
DPS on Nextdoor - Weekly blotter and other public safety related information posted on the city page.
City Manager's Blog - A bi-weekly summary of updates related to city projects, responses to City Council inquires, and events and activities of interest to the public, located on the City of Sunnyvale webpage at the following URL: http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Newsroom/CityManagersBlog.aspx
Coffee with a Cop - an informal meeting with members of DPS scheduled at various coffee shops throughout the City for the purpose of engaging with members of the community. No agendas or speeches, just an opportunity to interact and share information. The next event is scheduled for September 13 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.mm at the Cherry Orchard Starbucks located at 332 W. El Camino Real.
Crime Statistics - Annual and monthly crime statistics are posted on the department website at the following URL: http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/PublicSafety/PublicSafetyStatistics.aspx The majority of these information sources offer free subscription options that will automatically send a requester the information. Even with all this information available at your fingertips, we believe one of the biggest deterrent of crime is knowing your neighbors and looking out for one another. Based upon the interactions at the various NNO parties, it is clear why the City of Sunnyvale continues to enjoy a very safe and secure community.
TEL 408-730-7140
TDD 408-730-7501
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San Juan Homeless Encampment Clean-up
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Over the past few months, the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) received numerous complaints regarding excessive noise, campfires, crime, loitering, and litter at a large homeless encampment in the area of San Juan and Blythe Avenues. The encampment was located in an area with considerable overgrown foliage, making it difficult to see from the public street. It was bordered by residential duplexes, apartments, Santa Clara Water District property, and a PG&E easement. Approximately 40 people lived in the encampment.
DPS took a multi-faceted approach to ensure that the encampment was ultimately removed in a fair and humane manner, while taking into consideration the safety and security of the public. The first step included bringing together homeless advocates and stakeholders, such as Sunnyvale Community Services and the Downtown Streets Team, to provide outreach, resources, and support to the people living in the encampment. Anyone who wanted help was provided with the appropriate resources and referrals.
The second step was to determine the lawful owner of the property where the homeless encampment was located. Since there were many conflicting reports about who had legal ownership of the property, Neighborhood Preservation (NP) staff conducted an investigation. After working with the Water District, PG&E, duplex owners, Office of the Assessor, and Public Works Engineering, NP determined that the property was owned by four different duplex owners, who were all unaware.
NP and Patrol coordinated a meeting with all of the property owners to educate them on their responsibilities in accordance with applicable municipal codes. All four property owners were very cooperative and worked with staff to develop a plan to remove the encampment (after the inhabitants had vacated), trim the vegetation, and secure the properties to prevent a reoccurrence.
The third step was for Patrol to talk to the individuals who were camping on private property, at the direction of the property owners, and provide them with notice to remove their belongings and vacate the property. After a few days, most of the campers had vacated the property; however, the few who remained were issued warnings and then ultimately cited for trespassing. Shortly after the property was disbanded, the property owners brought in contractors to remove the remaining debris, thin out the vegetation, and install a fence to secure the property. As a result of a partnership among homeless advocates, DPS, and the property owners, the area is now clean, safe, and secure. While there is no easy solution to the homeless problem, it is heartening to know that there are a wide variety of resources available for those who seek assistance.
Before
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After
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Meet The Sunnyvale DPS Traffic Safety Unit
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 The primary goal of the Traffic Safety Unit is to ensure the safe and effective flow of vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic within the City of Sunnyvale. The Traffic Safety Unit accomplishes this goal by three means; education, engineering and enforcement.
The Traffic Safety Unit works with Neighborhood Resource Officers to educate students and the public in traffic safety concerns through events such as bike rodeos and school presentations. The traffic safety unit also works closely with the Traffic Engineering department to ensure that roadways have the necessary signage and striping, and that traffic signals are maintained. This helps to keep a safe and effective traffic flow, especially through residential and school areas. Lastly, the Traffic Safety Unit collaborates with the Santa Clara County Health Department's Safe Passage to School program. The Safe Passage to School program allows the Traffic Safety Unit to call upon a vast network of public and private resources to assist with juvenile roadway safety and helping kids be healthy and active.
The most visible part of the Traffic Safety Unit's day-to-day duties is its enforcement action and dealing with traffic concerns that hit home. Since January 1st, the traffic safety unit has fielded 105 traffic complaints, the majority of which are in residential neighborhoods. The traffic safety unit makes these complaints a top priority and addresses each complaint within 72 hours.
Along with working citizen complaints, the Traffic Safety Unit conducts proactive traffic enforcement throughout the City. Since January 1st, the members of the Traffic Safety Unit have issued 1549 citations, the majority of which are for moving violations such as speeding, light signal violations, and distracted driving.
The members of the traffic safety unit are committed to dealing with all matters of traffic safety and addressing the traffic concerns of residents. We will continue our proactive and professional approach to traffic safety issues and will continue to build a stronger partnership within the community.
Traffic related concerns can be relayed to the traffic safety unit at 408-730-7109, or via the internet through the City of Sunnyvale home page.
The Traffic Safety Unit staff consists of:
 Lt. Ryan Yin
Lt. Yin has been with the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety since 2002. During his time as an officer, Lt. Yin has served in Police, Fire, Traffic Enforcement, and Investigations. Lt. Yin currently holds collateral positions as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, Mobile Field Force Team member, Background Investigator, Critical Incident Stress Management Team member, and is the supervisor of the Major Accident Investigation Team.
Lt. Yin was promoted in 2011.
 Public Safety Officer Dzanh Le Officer Le has been in law enforcement since 2001. He was an officer with the Honolulu Police Department prior to coming to Sunnyvale DPS in 2003. Public Safety Officer Le has served as a SWAT team member, Patrol Training Officer, Recruit Training Officer, and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor. He is currently assigned to the Traffic Safety Unit where he serves as a Traffic Safety Officer and a member of the Major Accident Investigation Team.
Additionally, Officer Le has served in the Army National Guard for 17 years, where he served as an Aviation Officer flying CH-47D, Chinook helicopters.
 Public Safety Officer Jason PistorOfficer Pistor has been a Sunnyvale Public Safety Officer since 2007. During that time, he has served as a police officer and firefighter, with specialties as a Police Training Officer and Crime Scene Investigator. He is a member of the Mobile Field Force Team, Crisis Intervention Team, and Critical Incident Stress Management Team. He is currently assigned to the Traffic Safety Unit operating a police motorcycle were his main focus is to ensure the safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic within the City of Sunnyvale.
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In Memory of PSO Charles Fraker
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 Forty years ago, PSO Charles Fraker became the third Public Safety Officer killed in the line of duty. In his memory, all city flags will be flown at half-staff on Monday, August 1 and all officers shall wear black ribbons on their badges.
On Sunday afternoon, August 1, 1976, PSO Fraker was working patrol when a structure fire was broadcast at 301 Acalanes. This location is a multi-unit apartment complex and the fire was in an upstairs bedroom of one of the apartments. PSO Fraker responded and arrived at the scene before the fire apparatus. He immediately exited his patrol car and went to the involved apartment. When the fire apparatus arrived, a pre-connect line was advanced from the rig into the apartment by Officer Fraker and another officer. The small fire in the bedroom flashed over and Officer Fraker suffered fatal injuries from the flashover.
Officer Fraker was 25 years old and had been on the department for two years. His wife and two daughters survived him.
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 National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It furthermore provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together. Neighborhoods across the nation host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other community events with safety demos, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits.
 This year, 15 Sunnyvale neighborhoods held National Night Out events on August 2. They received visits from Sunnyvale Public Safety personnel and other city, county and state officials. National Night Out is traditionally held on the first Tuesday of August each year.
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Annual Sunnyvale PAL Fundraising at Casa De Amigos
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 Casa de Amigos Mobile Home Park hosted the 3rd Annual Summer Concert to benefit Sunnyvale PAL on August 6. This year's event featured a vendor tent, food trucks, jumper, face painting, Animal Assisted Happiness, silent auction, raffle and music by DJ Jeff Turner. Attendees danced the afternoon and night away to two bands: an 80's cover band and the headliner Buck Ford. There was even an Elvis sighting and a special visit by Sharkie. This event raises critical funds for the operations of Sunnyvale PAL programs and activities. Thanks to support from generous sponsors, donors and community members Sunnyvale PAL can offer their services for low or no cost to participants.
The Sunnyvale Police Activities League (PAL) exists to build and strengthen relationships between youth and public safety officers in our community through providing athletic and extracurricular opportunities that otherwise would not be accessible to the participants. Services include:
- Boxing
- Jr. Giant
- Kick, Lead, Dream Soccer Camp
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- Mentoring
- Leadership Development
- Field Trips
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- Fishing Trips
- College Tours
- Work-Site Tours
- And more!
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For more information, please visit www.sunnyvalepal.org
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Sunnyvale PAL Boxing Tournament
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 Sunnyvale PAL is hosting a boxing Tournament on Sept. 10 with opening ceremonies at 2:00 p.m. We'll have 15 bouts with local PAL boxers 12-21 years old. Opening ceremonies include US Army Color Guard, live performance of the National Anthem by Elaine Kettel and parade of boxers.
There will be DJ music with Jeff Turner. Los Tolucas and Crepe 'em Coming food trucks will be onsite. Admission $10 adults, $5 kids.
Please come to enjoy a fun Saturday afternoon with us and cheer for the boxers.
Gateway Neighborhood Center 477 N. Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale 94085
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Family Day at the Ranch
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 The annual Family Day at the Ranch for children with special needs is co-hosted by the Sunnyvale Elks Lodge and Sunnyvale Public Safety in partnership with the Sunnyvale Elementary School District and Dream Power Horsemanship.
On July 23, the Sunnyvale Elks Lodge was transformed into a a mini ranch complete with mini horses, a mini donkey and ranch themed activities including stick horse races, face painting, ranch crafts, water sensory station and bubble stop. A barbecue lunch topped off the day with burgers, beans and potato salad provided by the Elks.
 This unique event provides a much needed respite for families who face challenges and triumphs each day in raising their special children. It gives parents and siblings the opportunity to spend time together where the focus is on the family as a whole. It is just one day, but it is a day that families remember.
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ASSET OF THE MONTH - Positive Cultural Identity
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Asset #41: Young person feels comfortable with and proud of his/her identity, including but not limited to disabilities, ethnicity, faith/religion, family status, gender, language, and sexual orientation.
THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE CULTURAL IDENTITY
 Research shows that positive identity is linked with several positive outcomes, including self-assurance, a sense of belonging, a positive view of personal future, and better adjustment in school. But, developing a sense of positive cultural identity-a critical element of personal identity-can be difficult for young people, especially if their identity lies in two or more cultures: their identity in the majority culture as well as in their own cultural group. The way that youth are treated in regard to their ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender directly affects their ability to develop a positive personal identity. As adults, it's critical that we model recognition, understanding, and celebrating all cultural identities, including the cultures to which we and/or our children do not belong. Sharing and celebrating different cultural identities increases individuals' self-esteem and promotes cultural competence among all young people. Every community can benefit from building greater esteem and understanding both within and among the many cultural groups in our region. The following discussion topics can help families talk with young people about their cultural identity:
- What is our cultural background?
 - What are some things that you value because it's valued by our culture?
- What are some things about our culture that you would like other people to know?
- Do you know anyone who's from a different culture? In what ways are your cultures? Similar and different? Do your cultural differences make it difficult to be friends? How can you share your cultural differences in a positive, nonjudgmental way?
ACTIVITIES
The activities below are a starting point to help build positive cultural identity in youth.
FOR FAMILIES
- Make sure that your children learn the story of where they come from-including both family history and the history of their heritage-from an early age.
- Even very young children are aware of racial and cultural differences among people. Address the issues of stereotypes, myths, and cultural differences in a positive, age appropriate manner.
- It's normal for young people to explore different aspects of personal identity, including cultural identity. Children, whose parents promote a positive cultural identity, while allowing them the freedom to explore, tend to develop a healthy personal identity.
- Some elements of a child's identity-such as sexual orientation-might not be shared in common with the rest of the family. Parents should make special efforts to ensure that everyone feels understood, respected, valued, safe, and loved within the family.
FOR ALL ADULTS 
- Serve as a mentor for youth from your culture. They will benefit from learning how to successfully maintain a positive cultural identity from someone outside their family.
- Help your children maintain a positive attitude about school, and make sure they know that you will be their advocate to resolve any problems or challenges that they encounter.
- Adults should be careful to strike a balance between celebrating the youth's difference and including the youth as part of the group as a whole. Sometimes, focusing too much on a youth's differences-no matter how good the intention-can further isolate youth from their peers.
AT SCHOOL OR IN YOUTH PROGRAMS
- Support home languages as much as possible. Children who are bilingual in their home language and English tend to maintain a positive connection with their families and cultural communities.
- All students need to be valued and appreciated for their unique characteristics regularly. Be aware of the cultural diversity in your classroom or program, and try to understand its dimensions.
- Make a personal effort to learn about the culture of the youth in your classroom or program. For example, students from cultures where children are not expected to ask questions of adults may have difficulty letting you know when they don't understand the lesson. Help students understand the culture of your class or program without devaluing their cultures of origin.
- Young people can discover and share their cultural identity through lessons and projects that highlight their cultures and experiences while engaging them in active learning. For example, develop lessons and activities around the gifts that different cultures have given the world, and discuss how "cultural borrowing" allows everyone to thrive.
- Sometimes even the most innocent activities can be exclusionary. For example, celebration of "Crazy Hair Day" may exclude youth whose religion requires that they cover their heads. Be sure that your planned programs and activities take everyone's culture into account.
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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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