Altadena Staion Annual Food and Toy Drive from Carolyn Sietz

Many of you have asked how you can help the Sheriff's Department this year with the packing of the boxes of food for distribution and the sorting and packing of toys for each family that will receive them
Here's the schedule of times when packing and sorting will take place next week, beginning Monday at the Altadena Sheriff's Station (780 East Altadena Drive):
Monday 7 am to 5 pm
Tuesday 7 am to 6:30 pm
Wednesday 7 am to 8 pm
Thursday 7 am to 8 pm
Friday 7 am to 8 pm
If you are already a credentialed Station Volunteer or Volunteer on Patrol, Member of the Clergy Council, Sheriff's Support Group or a Community Advisory Committee member, all you need to do is show up whenever it works for you.
If you are not a regular volunteer but are interested and willing to help us pack boxes and sort toys, we'd love to have your help as well. Please let me know which days and times you can be there and we'll make sure that you're on a list so the Watch Deputy knows to expect you and can direct you to the right place. The Sheriff's Station is still undergoing renovation and so please wear comfortable clothing. You'll be working in a garage or in a construction zone, and it will still be fun and worthwhile!
We will also be doing the annual distribution of food and toys on Saturday, December 18th. If you willing and available to help us that morning, we would really appreciate your being at the Altadena Community Center at 6:00 am for a briefing and then to help set up and stage the distribution. The distribution will begin no later than 8 am, Saturday, December 18th.
Because we'll be using the parking lot at the Community Center (730 East Altadena Drive) for the staging and distribution, we'll ask you to park on Altadena Drive or in the parking lot at Rite Aid on the north side of Altadena Drive. Be very careful crossing the street - the crosswalk at Altadena Drive and Lake is best. You can also park on El Molino, along the east side of the Station.
Thank you very much for all of your contributions. We will likely serve 300 to 350 families this year, and we can't do any of that without you.
Carolyn

Holiday Safety Tips

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS … DON’T BE AN EASY TARGET!
With the holiday season upon us and the shopping frenzy in full swing, the Altadena Sheriff’s Station would like everyone to take extra precautions while out shopping, and also around your home or business during this festive time of year. Suspicious activity should always be reported immediately, whether you are at home or away, and people are strongly encouraged to practice the following safety tips that may prevent you from becoming a victim:
While shopping:
• Place all gifts and packages in your trunk or out of sight
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and walk with confidence
• Park in well-lighted areas
• Avoid shopping alone; there is safety in numbers
• Try to use credit or debit cards for purchases to avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Keep your car doors locked and windows closed
• If you carry a purse or bag, carry it up close to your body
• Have your car key in your hand prior to getting to your vehicle
• Always report suspicious activity immediately to on-site security or the police department
Suggestions in and around your home:
• Keep gifts in areas that cannot be seen from doorways or windows
• Install motion sensor lighting in a location that it cannot be easily tampered with
• Keep bushes and shrubbery trimmed down and thinned out to eliminate places for thieves to hide
• If traveling, postpone your mail and newspaper deliveries so your home doesn’t look deserted
• Do not store gifts in vehicles or unsecured areas
• Always report suspicious activity immediately to your local sheriff’s station or police department 
If you operate a business, some of these tips may be helpful:
• Lock unused doors as long as you are not in violation of the Fire Code
• Keep only necessary cash in the register and vary the schedule and route for your bank deposits each day
• Make sure your cash register is clearly visible to passers-by
• Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations
• Develop a mutual aid system among stores on your block or close to you
Joseph E. Dempsey, Lieutenant
Altadena Station - Detective Bureau
626-296-2131 - Office
323-415-4728 - Fax

Community Message from LASD

Community Message has been issued by the LASD - Headquarters Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff.
Friday December 3, 2010 10:58 AM PST
Partner with The Sheriff's Department to Help bring joy to children this holiday season. visit the link for more...
As we get closer to the Holidays, The Los Angeles County Sheriff s Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children between the ages of one and sixteen.
From now through Friday, December 17, 2010, The public may drop off toys at any Sheriff s station or facility. Toy Bins have been provided at each location.
The toys will be distributed to underprivileged children throughout Los Angeles County during the holiday season. Please help us make a difference. One small contribution can make a great impact on the life of a child.
For further information, contact Deputy Luis Castro at (323) 267- 4812 or Sheriff s Headquarters Bureau at (323) 267-4800.
For full details, go to https://local.nixle.com/alert/4229269/?sub_id=309492.
Contact Information:
Deputy Luis Castro
Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau
323-267-4812