October - Los Angeles Police Museum

PUBLICATION OF THE
LOS ANGELES POLICE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
VOLUME IIV, ISSUE NO. 46
MUSEUM & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER
SEPT / OCT 2011
2011 Jack Webb Awards
by Glynn Martin, Executive Director
I
t has been many years since a crowd packed the
International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton to witness
the Jack Webb Awards. Recently 650 wonderful supporters
of the Historical Society helped make the return to this
venue an overwhelming success. This was a special
evening, indeed. Not just for all in attendance, and not
just for the Historical Society, but for four very deserving
members of various communities. Each was honored with
a Jack Webb award.
Beverly Hills Police Chief David Snowden, the state’s
longest serving police chief, was the first to receive his
award. District Attorney Steve Cooley, himself a previous
Jack Webb award recipient, presented Chief Snowden
with the beautiful award. Chief Snowden, who was very
helpful during the lengthy preparations, was also a gracious
recipient, thanking his family and colleagues for the
opportunity
to work and excel in the law enforcement profession.
Chief Snowden was truly deserving of the award.
Next to the podium were two close friends of the LAPD
and the Historical Society, Commissioner Alan Skobin and
his wife Romi. Both have very distinguished connections
to law enforcement, and both continue to serve many
communities in their capacities as talented and dedicated
policing volunteers. Chief Charlie Beck and the 2011 Jack
Webb Awards Chairman, Russ Colvin, presented both
of the Skobins with the Jack Webb award. The Skobins
thanked their families and friends, including the Galpin
Motors family for the ongoing assistance in their many
police-related endeavors.
Michael Meyer, a well-known, and highly respected
real estate attorney was the final recipient of the evening.
Mr. Meyer, too has been a sustaining supporter of the
law enforcement profession. So much so
that former Governor Gray
Davis presented Mr.
Meyer with his Jack
Webb Award. Beyond
the many ways Meyer
supports the police
profession, he is
equally involved with
some other notable
charities, like the Jackie
Robinson Foundation
and Reviving Baseball
in Inner Cities. Both
Continued on page 5
VOLUME IIV, ISSUE NO. 46
MUSEUM & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER
SEPT / OCT 2011
What’s Happening at Old Number 11
by Glynn Martin
If anyone ever wondered when Old Number 11 wasn’t
really Old Number 11, then they must have been around
here recently. Our beautiful home, LAPD’s original
Highland Park Police Station, recently took on a new (or
sorta new) identity. A major film company converted the
museum digs to the Burbank Police station circa 1950
for a role in an upcoming motion picture. The makeover
was quite convincing, but having our old home back was
an even bigger treat. Those that have been around for a
while know that the station/museum has played many
roles in all kinds of productions. Add another to the
already impressive resume of old northeast.
This production certainly kept us busy, but it far
from the only this we have been up to lately. Now
that the Jack Webb awards have concluded, we have
focused our efforts on the upcoming benefit screening
of “He Walked by Night.” James Ellroy has offered
his considerable talents to the Historical Society as the
host of the screening. On October 21st, we will spend
our evening with him at Hollywood’s Barnsdall Gallery
Theater. James has done considerable research on the
actual LAPD case that provided the inspiration for the
classic film. Prior to running the film, the Historical
Society will share some of its vintage film footage with
the audience. After the movie, Ellroy will share his
knowledge of the case and handle audience questions.
This promises to be a fun evening, and we hope you can
attend. More information is available on page 4,or by
calling the museum. Tickets are limited, so please don’t
wait until the last minute to order yours.
Beyond our own events, the Historical Society has
recently assisted with some other important undertakings.
The Department’s first Purple Heart ceremony was held
on September 15th at the JW Marriott. The Historical
Society assisted by providing photos and background
material for a number of the recipients of this award. A
number of Historical Society directors also attended the
awards.
The Historical Society was also in attendance at a
recent Greek Theater event. The Nederlander company
hosted a fair for the Greek’s neighbors. Their Sunday
afternoon gathering was well-produced and attended.
Master of Ceremonies, James Ellroy
Historical Society volunteer Mark Galoustian displayed
his 1969 LAPD cruiser to the delight of both young and
old. This car is always a hit with visitors, and this was
event was no exception.
More assistance was lent to some long-term projects
that will ultimately be experienced by the public.
Historical Society staff assisted a production company
charged with assembling a documentary history of
the Palladium. This feature length film remains in
production, but should be an interesting project to watch
once it is completed.
Some months ago inquiries related to the 1992 riots
began arriving at the Historical Society. Recently, our
staff answered questions about this less savory chapter
of LA history for another production. Staff has also
been actively assisting with a photo exhibition about the
subject that will be on display at the main branch of the
LA public library. As the date nears, more inquiries are
most certainly guaranteed.
As all of these activities were going on, we continued
to attend to the core of our responsibilities, collecting
and preserving. Several key acquisitions are in various
phases of negotiation and development. We hope to
report on some important successes in the near future.
None of this comes simply or easily, so we pursue these
2
Continued on page 5
VOLUME IIV, ISSUE NO. 46
MUSEUM & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER
2011 Jack Webb Awards
SEPT / OCT 2011
District Attorney Steve Cooley presented the 2011 Jack
Webb Award to Beverly Hills Chief David Snowden
Chief Beck with honoree Commissioner Alan Skobin
2011 Jack Webb Awards Chairman Russ Colvin and Romi Skobin
Our new logo
Governor Gray Davis with honoree Michael Meyer
The Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums provided a fitting tribute to 9-11
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VOLUME IIV, ISSUE NO. 46
MUSEUM & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER
SEPT / OCT 2011
Classic Movie Screening to Benefit the
Historical Society
For tickets to this great
event (or other information
about this opportunity),
phone the Historical
Society at (323) 344-9445.
Seating is limited, so please
phone ASAP.
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VOLUME IIV, ISSUE NO. 46
MUSEUM & COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER
SEPT / OCT 2011
2011 Jack Webb Awards
Continued from Page 1
are dedicated to helping this country’s young people.
James Ellroy, another dedicated supporter of the LAPD,
commanded the podium as the master of ceremonies. His
talents with the spoken word mirror the work found in his
bestselling novels. Ellroy ensured the program flowed
smoothly and efficiently while entertaining the crowd. He
was not alone in this last pursuit, however.
The Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and
Drums signaled the opening of the program by piping
dinner guests into the ballroom. Following the posting of
colors and Roz Curry’s fantastic rendition of our national
anthem, the pipes and drums honored 9-11 with the playing
of Amazing Grace.
Soon after the start of the program, Chairman Terry
Hara introduced the VIP guests of the evening, then
revealed the new identity for the Historical Society. Once
the legal documents clear, we will assume our new identity,
the Los Angeles Police Museum. A new logo has been
created along with new mission and vision statements. The
new title better reflects what we are all about. Once the
legalities are finalized, the change will become permanent.
This important announcement did not stand alone.
Yet another important development became public during
the program. A new partnership was formed due to the
generosity of the John W. Carson Foundation. The always
funny “Copper Clapper” clip was played, and well received
by the crowd. In this brief skit, Johnny Carson and Jack
Webb entertained Tonight Show fans with their alliterative
back and forth about Claude Cooper copping the copper
clappers. This clip humorously set the stage for a grant
award announcement. The foundation formed by Johnny
Carson has awarded the Historical Society a grant to fund
its partnership with the students of the Police Academy
Magnet schools. This important youth program helps
students from these schools explore LAPD history at the
Historical Society museum. Funding for the next five years
will be underwritten by the Carson Foundation. Both the
film clip and the grant announcement were very welcome
additions to the traditional Jack Webb awards program.
Equally pleasing was the evening’s entertainment. Hot
August Night, a very talented musical ensemble, covered
a series of Neil Diamond songs. Their performance was
capped with “Coming to America,” another fitting tribute
to 9-11 on the evening before this date’s commemoration.
Many, many people were involved in the various
aspects of planning and producing this year’s Jack Webb
awards. During the event, our gratitude was expressed via
video projections, and in the tribute book. Unfortunately
space in this publication does not allow for a similar
acknowledgment of each and every supporter. Each of
them does have our sincere thanks for making this event
both enjoyable and successful. o
What’s Happening at Old Number 11
Continued from Page 2
opportunities with great care and diligence.
Such traits can be seen in our upcoming participation
at the LA as Subject Archives Bazaar. For the second
time, the Historical Society will be sharing some of its
archival material with the general public who attend this
annual event. More than fifty different archives gather at
USC to display their collections and holdings. Typically
the Historical Society is the only law enforcement based
exhibitor, which makes for lively visits from those in
attendance. For those with an archival interest, we hope
to see you on October 22. More details are available on
the LA as Subject website at www.laassubject.org.
With all of the opportunities to experience and/or
support the Historical Society looming, we hope to see
you there. Should your interests take you to the museum,
be confident that its days as a non-LAPD station are over
for now, so stop by and experience Old Number 11 in its
most important role, the Los Angeles Police Museum.
5
LAPD MUSEUM
& GIFT SHOP
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday
10:00am - 4:00pm
3 Saturday of the month 9:00am - 3:00pm
rd
Admission Fees:
MEMBERS
FREE
General (ages 13 thru 61)
$8.00
Seniors (age 62+)
(Includes Audio Tour)
$7.00
FREE*
Youth (age 12 and under)
*Must be accompanied by an adult
Call (877) 714-LAPD to schedule a
group tour or for more information
PARKING IS FREE.
ALL FACILITIES HANDICAP
ACCESSIBLE.
LAPHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
corporation, Tax ID# 95-4264361
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call Toll-Free (877) 714-LAPD
or check our website
www.laphs.com
Los Angeles Police Historical Society
6045 York Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90042-3503
LOS ANGELES POLICE MUSEUM