5/1/2004 - San Francisco Police Officers Association

Transcription

- Official Publication Of The -
SAN FRANCISCO
POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
VOLUME 36, NUMBER 5
SAN FRANCISCO, MAY 2004
www.sfpoa.org
May 2004
POA Journal
Page 2
Mark Your Calendar
Friday, May 21, 2004
April 13, 2004
The regular meeting of the Widows'
and Orphans' Aid Association of the
San Francisco Police Department was
called to order by Vice President Joe
Reilly at 2 PM in the conference room
of Ingleside Station.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by
Vice President Joe Reilly.
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: President
George Jeffery excused. Vice President
Joe Reilly, Treasurer Jim Sturken. Secretary Mark Hurley. Trustees Dave
Fontana, Mike Kemmitt, Joe Garrity
and Rene LaPrevotte. Excused John
Centuroni. Also present were past
Presidents Bill Hardeman and Ray
Crosat.
MINUTES OF THE MARCH MEETING: Motion by Hardeman, seconded
by Fontana that the minutes be approved as published. Motion carried.
BILLS: Treasurer Sturken presented
the usual bills. Motion by Garrity. Seconded by Fontana that bills be paid.
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: The normal
amount of calls to change address or
beneficiary. Remember to keep us informed of any changes. 415 681 3660.
WE HAD TWO DEATHS THIS PAST
MONTH.
WOODROW A. TENNANT 55 years.
Woody was born in Hamlet, North
Carolina. He received his B.S. degree
from South Florida College, and a
Masters from University of Hawaii. He
was employed as a Assistant Patrol
Special before he entered the Police
Academy in 1979. His first assignment
was Central, followed by Richmond a
year later. From Richmond, he was assigned to the Mental Health Unit. A
year later he made Sergeant and went
to the General Works detail. He was
appointed Inspector and worked Vice
Crimes. A short time later he worked
Management Control and the Stress
Unit. He spent a short time at Muni
Transit before going back to Personnel and Training. During this time,
Woody received his PhD in Psychology. In 1997 Woody received a D.P.
pension after suffering a heart attack.
Woody was responsible for the Police
Department Officers receiving various
shots for contagious diseases. He was
a serious guy, but had a great sense of
humor. He was on the list to receive a
Heart Transplant which gave him hope
during the last months of his life.
ISAAC ESPINOZA 29 years. Isaac was
born in Daly City and went to
Westrnoor High. He studied at Skyline
College before he took the Police exam
at 20 years old. He entered the Police
Academy as a member of the 184th
recruit class when he turned 21 in
1996. His first station was Southern for
a year before going to Co. C. He remained at Co. C. until he was killed
in the line of duty on Saturday April
10, 2004. In his short time in the Department, Isaac touched many who he
came in contact with. He loved working the streets of the Bayview to try to
make a difference in making the streets
a safer place for all. Besides being an
active street wise cop, he loved to stay
in shape and played on the Stations
softball team and was asst. commissioner of the league. He served on the
Board of Directors of the Police Officers Assn. After coming back from a serious leg injury of several months he
participated in "The Iron Man Contest" and set the record for pull-ups
with 49. He finished 5th overall in the
whole Department. He received several
Captains comps; a Silver medal of
Valor for the arrest of three suspects
on Potrero Hill who were exchanging
shots against each other until Isaac and
his partner arrived and shot one of the
suspects and corner the other two forcing them to surrender.
REINSTATED: Pursuant to Section 5
of Article III of the Constitution. With
back dues and penalties being paid,
William Faust.
SUSPENDED: Pursuant to Section 3
of Article III of the Constitution. (non
payment of dues for six months) David
Lee and Stephen Lynch.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES: Mr. Bruce
Bain and David Cassaro, introduced a
new member of our Bank of America
investment team Macario Montoya.
Our account is doing fairly well with
our Hedge Fund and REIT investments
doing better then expected. Our asset
summary 2% cash, 45% Stocks, 44 %
Bonds, Hedge Fund 6% and REIT 3%.
Our Market Value was $8,360,324.58.
The Bank did make some recommendations that the Trustees agreed with
and they were to sell 1,500 shares of
Time Warner $26,000.00 and Buy 550
shares of American Express $28,000.
Oil seems to be a real problem with
the world consumption up and especially China buying oil as soon as it
gets on the Market.
NEW BUSINESS: Motion made by
Trustee Kemmitt, That the benefit paid
to our members be raised $1000.00 to
$17,000.00 on May 1,2004. Motion
seconded by Fontana. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT: Vice President Joe
Reilly had a moment of silence for our
departed members. He set the next
meeting for Wednesday May 19, 2004
at 2 PM in the Conference room of
Ingleside Station. The meeting was
adjourned at 2:45 PM.
Fraternally,
Mark Hurley, Secretary
Your ROLEX watch specialist
OVER 14 YEARS SERVING JEWELERS NATIONWIDE*
Cartier + Patek Philippe + OMEGA
& more than 40 other fine Swiss name brands
Watch Repair Center - Exchange of Dials & Diamond Bezels
Bay area showroom: San Francisco Jewelry Center
101 Utah St., Suite 212-13, San Francisco, CA 94103 + FREE PARKING
PHONE: (415) 863-1337 +
I( 1it*.fLI'I')IbI t1) UMR
MOnaco International Co is not an authorized ROLEX dealer and it is not directly or indirectly associated to ROLEX USA
* SPECIAL
DISCOUNT for Active & Retired SFPD/SFPO1A
(Mention this ad & receive Jewelers Wholesale Prices)
Also valid for SFFD, SFDS & SF City Employees!
Open House
at the Spectacular New
POA Building
All Active and Retired Members
and their Families are Invited
Food, Refreshments,
and Special Events
Please Drop In Anytime Between
2:00 PM and 9:00 PM
EDITORIAL POLICY: The POA Journal is the official newspaper of the San
Francisco Police Officers Association and is published to express the policies, the
ideals and the accomplishments of the Association. It is the POA Journal's editorial
policy to allow members to express their individual opinions and concerns within the
necessary considerations of legality and space. Submissions that are racist, sexist, and/
or unnecessarily inflammatory or offensive will not be published. Contributors must
include their names with all submissions but may request that their names not be
printed. Anonymously submitted material will not be published. The SFPOA and the
POA Journal are not responsible for unsolicited material. The editors reserve the right
to edit submissions to conform to this policy.
Association
The San Francisco Police
POAJI
(I'S!
EDHOR
iia: SIJi'
WEBMASTER
Tom Feledy
SPORTS EI)iTfli
Nick Sla.adeli
SEL[ ASSIGINNE11
T. Roy Smiley
AL
.0 P ER YEAR
THE
ot
ION
tCERS A,SC'U.'i1O:\
(A 94103
OF]
rww.,
SFPOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT .............................................Gary Delagnes Co. H.................................Val Kirwan, Jennifer Marino
VICE PRESIDENT ........................................Jack Minkel Co. I .........................................Joe Finigan, John Scully
SECRETARY ...............................................Kevin Martin Co. J..........................Jesus Pena, Theresa San Giacomo
TREASURER ..........................................Martin Halloran Co. 1< ..................Frank Lutticken, Donald Moorehouse
Co. A ......................................Ron Ophir, George Rosko TAC....................................Mike Favetti, Mark Madsen,
Co. B ...........................................Chris Breen, Jason Fox INSPECTORS .......................Jim Balovich, Dan Leydon
Co. C ............................................................Mike Moran HEADQUARTERS Dennis Callaghan, Neville Gittens
Co. D ................................Teresa Ewins, Tony Montoya NARCOTICS ..................Lynne Atkinson, John Cagney
Co. E ................................Steve Murphy, John Van Koll AIRPORT BUREAU.................Robert Belt, Robert Swall
Co. F ....................................Patrick Burke, Mike Siebert RETIRED......................................................Gale Wright
Co. G.....................................Sean O'Leary, Dean Sorgie
ASSOCIATION OFFICE: (415) 861-5060
ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Editor, POA Journal, 510 7th St., San Francisco, CA
94103. No responsibility whatever is assumed by the POA Journal and/or the San Francisco
Police Officers Association for unsolicited material.
The POA Journal is the official publication of the San Francisco Police Officers Association.
However, opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the SFPOA or the
San Francisco Police Department.
Members or readers submitting letters or articles to the editor are requested to observe these
simple rules:
• Address letters to the Editor's Mail Box, 510 7th St., San Francisco, CA 94103.
• Letters must be accompanied by the writer's true name and address. The name, but not the
street address, will be published with the letter.
• Unsigned letters and/or articles will not be used.
• writers are assured freedom of expression within necessary limits of space and good taste.
• The editor reserves the right to add editor's notes to any article submitted, if necessary.
• Articles should be typed, double-spaced, or submitted on disk in Microsoft Word.
ADVERTISING: Contact Ray Shine, Advertising Director (415) 861-5060
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to POA Journal, 510 7th St., San Francisco 94103.
Periodicals Postage Paid at San Francisco, CA.
to become a dentist. Retired Dentist
AROUNDTHE
Terry Murphy (also a member of
SFPD's 90th recruit class) shared with
us that Leonard and he attended USF
in the pre dental program where the
judge introduced him to Chinese food
and he introduced him to law enforcement. The two remained friends
throughout the years and visited many
restaurants, even though Terry left the
police department for dentistry and
Leonard left dentistry for law enforcement...
DEPARTMENT
• . .Pay Check Panic:
Mourning:
ur hearts are heavy as we
mourn the loss of Officer
O Isaac Espinoza, Bayview Station. We must keep his memory alive
by supporting his family both emotionally and financially. His legacy will
be honored on the memorial wall,
scholarships issued in his name will introduce him to generations yet born,
but most importantly he will live by
how we care and nurture his daughter
Isabella...
.Coach:
Mike Becker, Inspector (General
On April 6th, pay warrants, which
are electronically transferred to the San
Francisco Police Credit Union, were
not posted. The phones rang off the
hook, bulletins and teletypes were issued assuring everyone that the Credit
Union would bear full responsibility
and not allow any checks to be returned for insufficient funds. The
teletypes explained that the third party
contractor who handles the pay warrants had a crash in their system, resulting in the failure to post warrants
to the account. The problems were resolved within 36 hours and all pay
warrants were posted. But the question
remains. Who is the third party contractor? We are sure to hear more on
this subject as time goes on...
...Behind the Plank:
Recent retiree, Sgt. Bob Crosat (Legal), is now tending bar at Rosen's
Eastside Grill in Petaluma. His two
days "behind the plank" allow him to
talk college baseball and visit with old
friends and make some new ones. Sort
of like having a clubhouse. If you are
in the area drop by...
TRAFFIC Tins
By Sergeant John Nestor, OIC S.T.O.P.
Traffic Company
Temporary Vehicle Registration
hile on patrol you often see
vehicles without license
W plates [5200 CVC] or with
expired registration tabs [5204(a)
CVC] . You stop the vehicle and ask the
driver for the registration [4462(a)
CVC]. The driver tells you that the
vehicle was recently purchased and
points to a white slip of paper taped
to the windshield. Have you ever wondered what exactly these slips actually
represent and how the Vehicle Code
authorizes their use?
Auto dealers (new and used) are required to report the sale of a vehicle
to the DMV within 5 days [5901(a)
CVC ] . They must report the sale on
numbered forms provided by the DMV
(4456 CVC). The forms for new and
used vehicles are different, but the
bottom portions (Temporary Identification) are basically the same.
When a vehicle is sold, the bottom
portion of the form is detached and
Announcements, notices or tidbits can be e-mailed to mcasci2525@
aol.com , faxed to 552-5741, or
mailed to Around the Department,
510-7th Street, SF, CA 94103.
placed on the vehicle. This is that
white slip of paper that we most often
find taped to the inside of the windshield. The slip contains a description
of the vehicle, including the VIN, the
name of the purchaser, dealer information, and the mileage on the vehicle
when sold. CVC Subsections 4445(c)
(1) & (2) allow the vehicle to be operated without license plates or registration for 6 months from the date of sale
(this date is on the slip) or until the
registration and plates are received.
The slip also advises the purchaser to
contact the DMV if they do not receive
their registration within 90 days of the
sale.
Do not cite a driver for a registration or license plate violation if the
date of sale on a valid Temporary Identification is within 6 months.
Accepting Most Dental Plans
.Body Scanning:
Manny Bonilla (Southern Station)
has arranged for the return of the
Mobile Diagnostic Screening Van May
3 - 7. The mobile lab will set up at the
Hall of Justice. The price of the whole
body scan including coronary artery
screening is $395. Those wanting only
the coronary artery screening will be
charged $255. Appointments can be
made by calling 1-866-871-1100. You
can also find more information by visiting www.mdscreening.com . Manny
can be reached at 1-650-888-7494 or
at 415-553-1373...
Work detail) is the head girls' varsity
soccer coach at Notre Dame High
School in Belmont. His varsity team,
the Vikings, won the WCAL league,
the WCAL playoffs, and most recently
became the CCS champions. His high
school team has also been ranked
number #2 in the nation by the National Soccer Coaches of America As- ...Cell Phone Drive:
The Police Credit Union is sponsorsociation. Among the stand-out defening
a cell phone drive to benefit dosive players are Leann Minkel, daughmestic
violence victims in San Franter of POA Vice-President Jack Minkel,
cisco.
You
can help by donating an
and Mike's daughter, Catherine
used
or
broken
cell phone at the credit
Becker. Mike has been volunteering
union
during
regular
business hours.
his time coaching soccer for nineteen
The
drive
runs
through
April 30th...
years. Great job to Mike, Catherine,
Leann, and all of the victorious Vi.Police Call Box:
kings...
Sgt. Danny Lopez (Police Boat) is
searching high and low for a police call
.Mother and Son Team:
box.
The new police dock at the Hyde
Dave Hamilton (Bayview Station)
Street
Pier recently had a call box inand his mother Harriet will be appearstalled.
The sterile box left Dan uniming as contestants on Wheel of Forpressed
so he asked the Department
tune. They will be on the Wheel's
of
Electricity
foreman why was this not
"Mom and Me" segment. Which taped
a
police
call
box.
The response was that
on Saturday, April 17th at the Moscone
Police
Call
Boxes
are no longer manuCenter. The segment will air sometime
factured
and
that
Dan
should shop for
in May. Tune in and find out how Dave
a
used
one.
Is
there
anyone
out there
and Harriet won $51,000...
that can help him out...
.The Judge:
Page 3
POA Journal
May 2004
JULIA A. HALLISY, D.D.S.
2411 Ocean Avenue, #101
San Francisco, California 94127
Office Hours By Appointment
Telephone: 415/452-0123
Wife of Sgt. John Hallisy - Narcotics Bureau
PROUD SUPPORTER THE
SrAi3
THANK-YOU F OR A JOB WELL
- SERVING THE SFPD SINCE 1972 -
AUDIOLOGICAL SERVICES
OF SAN FRANCISCO
ROBERT GNAM
KIMBERLY L. WEBB, M.S.
Try Our
"New" Thinner
• 12-Hour Radio Batteries Now Available!
• Police PlC Radio Earpieces, Cords, Receivers
* Radio Cords for SFPD Digital Radios
* Two Wire Microphones • Shooter's Plugs/Earplugs
• Stubby Antennas • Workman's Comp Hearing I
VISA
SALES • SERVICES • REPAIRS
WMAYAW
ALL MODELS AND TYPES
F-....*....
NOW WITH THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:
Retired Judge Leonard
Louie passed away re-
MELISSA CASCIATO
cently. Many officers remembered Leonard
fondly for his gracious
service as an assistant DA
and later as a Judge. At
his service we learned
that Leonard had not
started out to be in law,
but rather had intended
kS
Prudential
W California
Realty
WHEEL CHAIR ACCESS • FREE PARKING (CALIFORNIA ST. LOCATION ONLY)
REALTOR®
362 Gellert Blvd.
Daly City, CA 94015
Office:
(650) 757-0888
Fax:
(650) 757-1338
Cell Phone: (415) 595-9579
[email protected]
www.melissacasciato.com
421-5171
346-6886
929 CLAY • DOWNTOWN
BETWEEN POWELL & SOCKTON
LOCATED IN WELLS FARGO SQUARE
3150 CALIFORNIA • BETWEEN LYON & PRESIDIO
755-7552
F
(650)
SETON MEDICAL CENTER o 1800 SULLIVAN o DALY CITY
11IJ
An Independently Owned and Operated Memb not The Pradential Real Estate Affiliates Inc
LICENSED BY THE STATE
om
I...
Since 1959
Page 4
POA Journal
May 2004
The San franciscc Day Are'a
Law Enforcement Emerald Society
Sixth Annual Awards Dinner Dance
Saturday, May 8, 2004 6:30 PM
At the United Irish Cultural Center
2700-45th Avenue, San Francisco
Honoring
J.C. and Rita O'Mahoney
as
Citizen of the Year
and
Chris Cunnie,
SFPOA Past President
Val Kirwan, Tom Shawyer, Deidre and Mark McCarney and John Keane, of behalf
of the Emerald Society, watch as Chief Heather Fong draws the winning raffle
ticket. The McCarneys own McCarney's Antique Store on 9th Street near Butler's
Uniforms. They donated three discarded Irish road signs with the proceeds going to
the Brian Olcomendy Trust Fund. $5600 was collected for the fund.
as
Officer of the Year
Music by Kevin Roche
Get your tickets early
Phone Ann & Steve Murphy Dance Chairpersons • 415-731-5860
$60 per person • $500 per table of 10, save $100
Pat Burke 415-424-9268
I WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD
ON ANY GM OR NISSAN PRODUCT WE CARRY
BRIAN CHOY
Co.
A)
(FATHER OFALIAM CHOY,
PONTIAC
MTRUCK
AT
RICH kRD BODISCO, Broker 17,'\l Licensed 1965
E L L I S BROOKS
1395 VAN NESS (AT BUSH)
.776-2400
•
BUICK®
FREE PARKING
emma
"THE F1.vErSzRv!c. J\S-LVFRi.\'GIccO/S4M4TEOO."
CALL RICH@ 415/681-4100
One Eighty-Five Vasquez Ave., SF, CA 94127
SF Police References: Gary Delagnes, Vice Pres. of SFPOA
* Set. Bill Arietta, Retired * ChiefJohn Willett, Retired
Fourth Generation
San Franciscan
SFPD Retired- 103 1 Co. K
Brett Bodisco - Co. C, Son
We're Happy to Serve SF'S Finest We'll Even Deliver to Your Station!
FAX ORDERS TO:
415-551-3520
1W
Nothing could be this exciting, but (it & (oupty of Sop Fromm
PLACE YOUR ORDERS ONLINE AT
www.mrpizzaman.com
1799
ONE-TOPPING EACH
I
$
Additional Toppings $1.35 I
M03 No, wobIflSba E,flM 12,31/54
II•.•l
MINIMUM SAVINGS $3.58
I
I
2ORMORE
I
I
I PASTAS OR ENTREES I
I
DELIVERY OK
Sauce & Cheese
1 Topping
2 Toppings
3 Toppings
4Toppings
5 Toppings
6 Toppings
Extra Toppings
I
I
I
LAR GE
r.i
CHEESE PIZZA
MINIMUM SAVINGS $2.41
1fl99
I
TOPINGS EXTSA
I
I
_MO oaoonao.
I
I
i
I
with the
purchase of $13.99
or more on Pizzas,
Pastas or Entrees
I
I
I
SMALL MEDIUM
8.95
10.75
10.10
12.10
13.45
11.25
14.80
12.40
16.15
13.55
14.70
17.50
15.85
18.85
1.15
1.35
look at a dental plan that gives you what you need,,,
LARGE X-LARGE
15.25
13.40
14.95
17.00
16.50
18.75
18.05
20.50
22.25
19.60
21.15
24.00
22.70
25.75
1.55
1.75
£(JJI(efI
_M Na000snoOe. Ema 12,31/54
F
employees know it's time again to review your benefits. Why not take a
1lJl4W(.M
• Whole Milk Mozzarella • Pepperoni
• Salami
• Sausage • Pastrami*
• Shrimp* • Ground Beef
• Ham
• Canadian Bacon
• American Bacon*
• Linguica • BBQ Chicken*
• Marinated Chicken*
*Equals 2 Toppings
• Clams*
• Red Onion
• Green Onion
• Pine Nuts*
• Capers*
• Bell Peppers
• Artichoke Hearts
• Feta Cheese
• Fresh Garlic
• Pineapple
• Sliced Tomatoes
• Ricotta Cheese • Fresh Spinach
• Jalapenos
• PestO*
• Green Olives*
• Black Olives
• Zucchini
• Anchovies
• Broccoli
• Roasted Red Peppers*
• Mushrooms
• Roasted Eggplant
• Sun Dried Tomatoes*
• Sun Dried Tomotoe Sauce* • Guadalajara Sauce
• More Covered Procedures than other plans offer
• Largest Provider Network in Northern California
• Provider/ Patient Satisfaction * Multilingual Staff
Now with
locations 9
ilPlURMt
to serve you
2680 22nd St.
3146 24th St.
117 New Montgomery St.
1934 Ocean Ave.
3409 Geary Blvd.
285-3337
641-0333
512-0111
585-5554
387-3131
800-570-5111
San Mateo 201 E. 4th Street
800-570-5111
Oakland 1422 BmadwayAve.
800-570-5111
Open 10:00am - 2:00am
Open tO:OOam - 300am
Enrollment Dates & Location:
April 19th thru April 30th, City Hall . Basement
8005705111
So. SF 687 El Camino Real
Open 10:00am - 4:00am
Hayward 2l7W. Winton Ave.
Open 1100am - 3:00am
• A straight forward dental plan that let's you
know what you'll pay• even for specialty care!
PACIFICDENTAL
IL BEN E F I T S
1390 \viltow Pass Road, Suite 803,
Concord, CA 94520
925•3636000 fax: 9253636398
,pacificuniondentaL corn
Page 5
POA Journal
May 2004
San Francisco
Fellowship of
Christian
Peace Qfficers
By Magdaline Granados
perience for me, a new vision, and a
new revelation for me on how to direct my prayers for each of you officers. You are all one! Live that truth out
in all you do. Don't allow the evil of
this world to rob you of being and living out your best, of leaving a legacy
for those you love, those you influence, for the next generation. Remember they're watching to see how we do
he day before the funeral, I lost
my aunt to cancer; last month
T a close friend, it's been a rough it. Love is the key! Your job is a ministry
month for me. I had such empathy; I an opportunity to spread Gods light in a
wept asking God to take away dark, very dark world. Don't forget that!
everyone's pain and replace it with His I respect you more today. God bless
comfort, His soft and gentle touch, you!! I'll close with these words on
guiding each of you closer towards Grief:
If you are human and love anyone
HIM. I also thought, I could have been
(even
an animal), sooner or later you
the one walking with our children. It
experience
grief. Grief is the natural
could have been my husband in that
response
to
loss, proper and fitting so
casket! (You wives out there love and
strive to respect and understand your long as it is uncomplicated by resenthusbands in everything - it's tough out ment or self-pity. But usually those elthere. Build them a safe haven to come ements enter in, for we are sinners.
home too). As I was thinking of this, I What are we to do? We ask how it is
could hear the gentle words of our God possible that God is love when we are
whisper in my spirit. "Tomorrow is not confronted with the imponderables of
life and death. We resent His dealings.
promised my child. Love today! Bless and
But we need to recall then that the love
invest in those you love today, because toof
God is not a sentiment. It is a sovmorrow is not promised. Continue in me
ereign
purpose in the universe and in
and leave your legacy. Vengeance is mine,
every
human
life, calling us always to
I will repay, said the Lord". There are so
Himself.
Because
what we call love is
many issues, that divide all of you ofso
often
mere
sentiment,
we cannot
ficers, but when I witnessed you all
be
reconciled
to
divine
love.
It does
standing in UNITY I witnessed a pownot
fit
our
categories.
We
need
to reerful sense of Gods Spirit over the devise
those
categories,
and
the
experipartment as I have never felt. I sensed
how evil this world is, how much the ence of grief is an opportunity for such
enemy of our souls hates you officers a revision. The question of why torout there, as well as all leadership. It's ments us. I know of no place to take
bigger than some lost soul shooting at that insistent query except to Calvary.
an innocent soul. Its about evil run- We go there and look at Jesus, the Son
fling rampant, its about the devil, of God, captured, beaten, nailed - for
knowing that his days are numbered us. He became the Man of Sorrows. He
and raising up people he could use to bore our grief. It is the cross that is the
destroy unity, to rob people of Gods final measure of the love of God. That
peace, God love, God comfort. The cross does not answer all questions, but
devils ultimate goal is to rob us of Faith it stills them. If the Creator of the
in God To draw us away from Gods world knew that He Himself would be
small still voice in our lives. To birth the One who must pay the price of
in us anger, that will infect us with evil, then we must believe that His reanegative thinking and those we share sons for permitting that evil are just
with to draw us away from God. That and right, and His willingness to sufis his plan for Gods people to kill us fer as a consequence proves beyond all
spiritually and cause us to walk in spiri- doubt His everlasting love. We take our
tual blindness, never sensing the sufferings, then, to His cross. And the
power of Gods love in our lives. But, cross transforms them. It does not
nothing happens unless God wills it nullify or deny them. It makes them
to be for a purpose. To bring about HIS into something else. The promise of
plans! Isaac is with HIM. He has dis- Isaiah is that we will be given beauty
connected from this dying world. for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning.
Death is as natural as birth and we are This is the central truth of Christianall going back to where we came from. ity - an exchanged life. For my sin,
We must ask ourselves, Am I ready? We Christ's righteousness. For my sorrow,
should be very ready - it's our final His joy. The cross, the ultimate symdestination. Some will go before oth- bol of shame and defeat, becomes for
ers, but ultimately we should all live all of us for all time the symbol of glory
our lives in such a way, that those in and victory. In the face of my grief,
our circles of influence will be drawn when my hands are emptied and my
higher towards home, because they heart is broken, I remember that Jesus
witnessed what we were about - Our came down from heaven and offered
Creators business. Isaac sure did! From His life for the life of the world - this
what I witnessed He was an incredible world, with its sufferings, its sins and
person. A man of the spirit! My hus- its grief. I give Him mine, then, and
bands sister was his physical therapist, receive in exchange wholeness, beauty
she spoke of him so highly in tears, and the oil of joy. Will you give Him
his spirit touched mine, just through yours too?
God's grace and comfort be with
conversation and hearing of him you
today and always.
WOW! Now that is powerful. Isaac
your legacy lives on!! It was a new ex-
tj)
oA
BULLETIN
#04-22
April 22, 2004
To: Association Members
From: Gary Delagnes, President
The tragic death of Officer Isaac Espinoza has left us all with a profound sense of loss. Isaac left behind a young wife and three-year-old
daughter. It is now incumbent upon each of us to do everything we can
to ease their pain and to attempt to deal with those issues which Isaac
would have handled.
Isaac was in the middle of completing an addition to his home when
he lost his life. It is now up to us to complete this project for Renata and
Isabella. If you would like to assist with this project, please phone Rick
Bruce at Bayview Station at 671-2303, and leave your name and phone
number.
The following work needs to be completed:
• Tongue and groove hardwood floors need to be installed and then
finished (material on the job).
• Base molding installation (following floor installation).
• Trim (stool and apron) of windows.
• Tiling of bath surround (Jacuzzi tub) and shower stall.
• Finish floors for bathrooms.
• New carpets for existing section of home.
• Deck needs completion (joists and stairs are completed). Decking and
railing still needed.
• Rear fence and gate needed.
• New stucco needs to be primed and painted.
• Priming and painting (enamel) of molding.
• Bathrooms need vanities and toilets.
INVESTING FOR RETIREMENT...
SOUND OVERWHELMING?
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
MAKES IT EASIER!!
The City and County of San Francisco and ING
make retirement planning easy under the City
and County of San Francisco 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan. By contributing to the
Plan, you can supplement your retirement and
enjoy these benefits:
/
your contributions are made by convenient
payroll deduction
/
reduced current federal and state income
taxes; your contributions and earnings
are not taxed until you receive them
/
personalized service including individual
appointments, investment modeling and
retirement illustrations
/
diverse investment options that provide you
with flexibility in managing your account
/
access your individual account through the
ING website:
Gary Bozin
District Manager
Ca. Lic No. 0674760
www.ingretirementplans.com/customlsanfran
Specializing in the areas of.-
Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Civil Litigation
q^
FRANK PASSAGLIA, ATTORNEY AT LAW
23 Years Experience
2171 Junipero Serra Blvd., Suite 600
Daly City, California 94014
I- ui/ncr St"i
Francisco P
"WA
Tel: (650) 991-2001
Fax: (650) 991-2010
E-mail: [email protected]
For more information, or to schedule an individual
appointment, call your ING Representative at
415-364-2016 or 1-888-822-1211. Our local San
Francisco Office is located at 1 Front Street (at
Market St.), Suite 1425.
George Brown
Account Executive
Ca. Lie. No. 0730513
Disclosure booklets and prospectuses, which provide more complete information on Group
Annuity Contracts and Custodial Account, including charges and expenses, are available by
calling 1-888-822-1211. Please read them carefully before investing. Insurance products issued
by ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company. Securities offered through ING Financial
Advisers Company, LLC (Member SIPC).
3fficer
CO3-0609-001 (7/03)
POA
Endorsed
j11J
ei)
Page 6
POA Journal
May 2004
San Francisco Law Enforcement
Torch Run 2004
Schedule of Events
Start Training and Join Us for the Law Enforcement Torch Run
to benefit Special Olympics
Wednesday June 23rd, 9:00 to 12: noon
earns of San Francisco Police Officers will be participating in a 13 mile
run carrying the Special Olympics Torch through the streets and neigh
T borhoods of Ssn Francisco.
Join this unique opportunity and represent the SFPD as we show support
of Special Olympics.
All runners will be escorted by the
Solo Motorcycle Unit of the San Francisco Police Department and will be
afforded an opportunity to carry the
Olympic Torch.
All runners receive a Torch Run T
Shirt and lunch.
All you need to do to participate is
to raise funds for Special Olympics by
getting your co, workers, friends, family and community to sponsor you.
Our goal this year to get every station and unit to field running team.
All Federal, State and local Law
Enforcement agencies within the City
and County of San Francisco will be
participating.
Sponsored by Arrowhead Water,
Bauer' Transportation, KFRC Radio,
the San Francisco Giants, the Paragon
Restaurant, Pamakids and the San
Francisco Police Officers Association
ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Contact Sgt. Bob Guinan for information & registration
(415) 734-3023
FORD.
Tip A Cop
35 Dolores • Sari Francisco, CA 94103
May 12th
SINCE 1928
SAN FRANCISCO'S
ONLY FORD DEALER
LARGEST FORD
COMMERCIAL FLEET
DEALER IN BAY AREA
Wally Mooney Auto Broker
(650) 244-9255 spells Wally
(650) 740-7505 cell phone
2002 HYBRID ESCAPE
—AVAILABLE--
All Mfg. Warranty; Rebates; and Special
Dealer Financing goes to Registered Owner(s)
FOR ORDER
• In house financing and leasing.
• Complete body and paint shop.
• Complete parts department.
• Flatbeds, service bodies, vans,
and dumps available for
immediate delivery.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 7am to 6pm
Direct fleet line:
415-431-8100, Ext. 329
Cell: 415-786-1701
Fax: 415-255-1962
Frank J. Ginotti,
Municipal Fleet Manager
e-mail: wallyTmoon @ aol.com
P.O. Box 214 • San Bruno, CA 94066
FREE CONSULTATION FOR SFPDISFPOA & FAMILY MEMBERS
%! 0
WILLIAM J. KELLY, Attorney at Law
Former Member S.EF.D.
Active Law Enforcement Officer
2740 Van Ness Ave., Suite 300 4 S. F., CA 94109 +(415) 292-8900
FREE PARKING IN BUILDING
Drop in for breakfast or lunch and
experience the fun as uniformed police officers wait tables and take food
orders.
Patrons will be given an opportunity
to support Special Olympics.
Tip-A -Cop:
May 12th
Flower Market Cafe
(breakfast & lunch)
6th & Brannan Streets
If you would like to participate as a
volunteer waiter or just need
additional information contact Officer Deborah Neil @ 558-5509
Page 7
POA Journal
May 2004
Torch Ride
Motorcycle Ride & Barbecue • Treasure Island
Sunday, August 22nd • 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
for further information and/or registration contact Sgt Bob Guinan @ 734-3023
This is a fundraising event to benei'lt
Special Olympics
Sponsored by Dudley Perkins, the San Francisco
Police Officers Association (POA), the San
Francisco Police Department, The Treasure
Island Development Authority, The Paragon
Restaurant, the Mariposa Yacht Club
PRO-GROUP @ the Internet
/ CELLULAR Wired Cafe
We are Wired for Your
Cell Phone Needsj
i Continuing to Provide & Service Your
Cellular Needs from our Location:
i
I
1392 9th Avenue, SF, CA 94122
Tel: 415.664.9293
- _—SF_Po lice Officer Owned Business -
Locations: Start - Dudley Perkins Company
located at 123 So Van Ness Ave
Route - San Francisco, San Mateo and Mann
Counties (map will be provided at start).
POLl E TAR
PN NS
POIC RIGS
FINE JEWELRY;
End - Treasure Island, Great Lawn Area
Ride Information:
• You need a motorcycle and the will to ride
• You need to register and check in
• Registration per single Motorcycle $35.00
with rider (double) $50.00
• All participants will receive
• ride pin
• Bar-B-Que lunch, photo cps
• a raffle ticket
N LUTTRINGIR
The Ride will travel via SBC Park, Highway 280, the Pacific Coast Highway, Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park to the Golden
Gate Bridge, Mann, Corte Madera, San Rafael-Richmond Bridge, via the east bay to the Bay Bridge, ending at Treasure Island
Registration and Check In starts at 09:00 am. You can register at the starting point or at Dudley Perkins Harley
Davidson @ 123 So Van Ness between 9:00 am and 10:00 on the morning of the ride.
9 am Pre Ride Rally at Dudley Perkins
SFPD Retired
/
\
40
7OMARIKET ST
SAN FRANISVO, CA 94102
(415) 6-8086
OVER 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
SALES & SERVICE
24 HR. EMERGENCY
FREE ESTIMATE
SERVICE
Join the Law Enforcement Torch Run
for a night at SBC Park
Wednesday June 23rd
flOOR
JJOCTORL
')#cctvrftated
The National League Champion San Francisco Giants and Macy's are sponsoring a night at SBC PARK
2160 Palou Avenue
Buzz Wilkinson
to benefit Special Olympics.
San Francisco, CA 94124
Ph. (415) 468-2826
Cont. Lic. #559279
There will be a home plate ceremony prior to the Giant's vs Dodgers Game featuring the the Law
Fax (415) 824-0159
Enforcement Torch Run "Torch" exchange between SFPD and Oakland PD
During the game the Giant's and Macy's will be hosting a raffle to benefit
Special Olympics
DAvI GILLAM, SFPD RIiI!?II
Call —
N
Gk*v,
21
Heritage West
There will a pre game tailgate party
Volunteer Officers are needed to assist with the raffle and the home plate
ceremony
There are a limited amount of tickets made available to the SFPD for purchase. Contact Sgt. Bob Guinan at 734-3023 ASAP for more information
and tickets. Tickets are going fast.
V
A
"Northern Nevada"
AI
D
-
A' 9
S
T
E
V
E
S
I
L
V
E
775.887-5150
Home: 775.883-0564
AT Free: 888.791-0175
:-mail:[email protected]
R'S
BEACH BLANKET
**Let's Hope It Doesn't Happen, But If It Does,**
1J9Al2A'f&0/Af0
Club Fugazi
•*** The One Call You Should Make ***
RS150
1;T!:!
S
678 Green, San Francisco
ATTORNEY AT LAW
4151421-4222
over 21 evenings • under 21, Sunday matinees only
0 Personal Injury o Criminal Defense
o General Civil Litigation
Former SFPolice Officer/Inspector (1986-2001)
I
Complete Confidentiality Maintained at AU Times
J.
I
44 Montgomery Street, Suite 3830 Tel. (415) 552-6000
Fax (415) 552-6099
i
I
Page 8
POA Journal
May 2004
Policing in Iraq: The Price of Freedom
By James N. Speros
San Francisco Police/Retired
tory parade ground. The other set of
crossed sabres is 1000 feet away.
The streets are teeming with good
people making a living and building a
future. The contrast of the regime's
opulence and the lack of basic necessities of everyone else are sad. A long
road is ahead, but these people can
succeed.
I have been in Iraq for two weeks
now as an International Police Advisor. Watching events of this international drama unfold leads to enlight-
Hi everyone, just a quick note from
Baghdad.
It's a lovely day. One rocket landed
about a mile away, but the suppression
fire indicated the miscreants were
caught. I have included some local
photos; a Sadaam lounger (silk and
mahogany with gold inlay); the family pool; the entry to his palace (circa
Berlin 1935); and one end of his Vic-
r,5% Discount Off All Rentals, • enment. The biggest is balancing the
Parts, & Service (with this ad). benefit new-found freedoms of Iraqis
I
I
I
i
against their cost. During Sadaam
Hussein's regime there was no freedom
of anything, except to pay him hornage, flee, or exist to not be executed or
tortured. The people now have the
I
EagleRider Rental Models
Electra Glide
right to protest, and that they do very
well. Much is pent-up response to 30
years of brutality and a 5000 year history of absolutist governments. There
are those few who would use this natural response to their own evil ends:
tyranny and terror. The challenge in
policing will be to give the vast majority of good people here the rights
we take so much for granted. That
must be balanced with applying the
limits of responsibility and accountability in a just and humane manner.
Helping to reconstruct policing in
Iraq will be a challenge. We are not
here to establish a democracy or republic. We are here to help our colleagues
discover their own self-worth and organize a police service that will be
Iraqi. It will not be an American system. We are here as advisors, mentors,
coordinators, and trainers. But we
must remain aware that Iraq is the
home of the first written law and the
Iraqi people are very proud of their
land. While they enjoy freedom for the
first time, there is some sense of injured pride that outsiders removed
their oppressor. This is what is being
capitalized on by outside terrorists and
radical idealists in the land. This is
another price of freedom and part of
the fine line we must walk.
Thousands of Iraqis clamor for police jobs in the wake of the dismantling of a regime that exercised the
total control of Nazis, Stalin and Mao.
The internal terror was just as brutal.
The temptation to exact revenge is
very old and has been seen in many
nations that undergo massive change.
But I think the average Iraqi wants to
take care of his family and help rebuild
his nation. When the police system is
fully functional, it will be the Iraqis
themselves who dispense justice and
heal the wounds done to their society.
This is part of our mission, to bring
concepts to the table that the Iraqi
police never were allowed to examine
or use. The culture of Iraq lends itself
to the ideas and strategies of community policing and problem solving. Our
colleagues will develop them from the
concepts we discuss. They will be the
ones to bring peace to their neighborhoods.
I find a deep love of country, family and God here. Family is central to
this culture. We are doing this to make
things better for our children and
grandchildren both here in Iraq and
at home. This idea binds us together.
It must serve to remind the Iraq people
what they had to endure and how
much they must fight to keep the freedoms we take for granted. This is the
price for freedom we all pay. We hope
to start work within a week. I hope to
write to you next from Basrah.
I Iii:
IJ
Heritage Softail Classic
Roa d kii
Jo
I
Fat Boy
Dyna Wide Glide
I... ..a Ri d er
A
N www.eaglerider.com
•
1
I
San Francisco
Location
101
101
1060 Bryant Sweet
a
I
Phone 415-503-1900
\\+ --
\\
Fax: 415-503-1901
For Reservations or
Information Call:
- — — — — — — — —
I
I
—40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Serving San Francisco and the Greater Bay Area
Clisham & Sortor
J^I
Attorneys at Law
Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point, Suite 300
(415) 775-1395
Specializing in Representation of Peace Officers
SFPD & SFSO Promotional Exams
• a •
---.-1
AENZI PLUMBING
Bob Faenzi, SFPD CO. K
Tel: (650) 344-2114
Voice Mail: (415) 730-1485
RAINS LUCIA & WILKINSON LLP
LW.....................-----------.
----------------------------
Attorneys & CounSelors at Law
INDIVIDUALS OR STuD y GRoups
Contact Me at: (650) 906-4155
www.gloriacohnconsulting.com
New Construction • Additions • Remodeling
Copper Repiping • Water Heaters
Service • Repair
Bonded and Insured • License No. 539363
Maloney Security, Inc.
Trade Show & Convention Specialists
,jj'ks
Calif. Lit. A-6670 PPO 7549
• Are My Specialty *
I6YEARSExp. COACHING & TRAINING
FOR ORAL PROMOTIONAL EXAMS
ic
The Ultimate Backup
Dedicated to Protecting Peace Officers
Michael I... Rains 2300 Ccntrc Costa tou&vard, Suite 230
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Rockne A. Lucta, Jr.
'H92 5 609,1699 FX: cosoot, 090
www.tLWLaw.com
Alison Berrs' Wilkinson AW1kirison&i?LWLaw,ccm
Maloney Security uses Off Duty Police and
Retired Police Officers for armed positions.
For More Information Please Call Warren,
President of the 80th Recruit Class SFPD Academy
1055 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 593-0163 • www.maloneysecurity.com
May 2004
POA Journal
Page 9
Memorial Day will be observed on May 31, 2004.
Please take a moment to pause and reflect.
,
wers
a
ing Deen,
shall
e ours."
The final stanza of the poem
Decoration Day
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The men and women of the San Francisco Police Officers Association remember and
pay tribute to all who lost their life while serving in America's armed forces.
May 2004
POA Journal
Page 10
In Memoriam
Standing up for Isaac
Officer Isaac A. Espinoza
1974-2004
By Mike Hebel,
POA Welfare Officer
On Saturday, April 10, 2004 police
officer Isaac Espinoza was killed in the
performance of duty. While initiating
an on view investigation of a member
of the Westmob gang, officer Espinoza
was murdered when this gang member opened fire, at close range distance,
with an AK 47 assault weapon. Three
of the fifteen shots fired struck officer
Espinoza.
I did not work with officer Espinoza
since I had retired before he joined the
SFPD, but I became aware of his dedication to duty and love of the police
profession after he joined the POA
Board of Directors. While his tenure
there was short, his legacy will endure.
His empty seat will again remind us of
both the real dangers of this profession as well as the reasons why we wear
or have worn the SFPD uniform.
Isaac was killed in the Bayview, an
assignment he chose and continued to
prefer even though offered other stations. He chose to work in the Bayview
to protect and serve; this he did well.
To this community he gave the ulti-
mate sacrifice.
Mayor Gavin Newsom eulogized
officer Espinoza's "supreme sacrifice to
the citizens of San Francisco." Senator
Dianne Feinstein promised to redouble
her efforts to remove assault weapons
from the streets of our cities. POA
president Gary Delagnes urged that
officer Espinoza's killer receive the
maximum penalty allowed by law for
this heinous offense. District Attorney
Kamala Harris will be asked to reconsider her decision not to seek the death
penalty.
For Isaac's wife Renata and his
daughter Isabella we pray that the support of our police family will provide
comfort and solace. While we cannot
replace Isaac, we can offer our helping
hands in this time of deep sorrow.
Isaac Espinoza's name will be etched
on the Wall of Honor in the lobby of
the Hall of Justice as well as on the
peace officer memorials in Sacramento
and Washington, DC. Let us remember him as a man who fought for peace
and justice, who loved public service,
and who gave his life to those ends.
For this we love you.
CHP officer assassinated outside of courthouse
POA Extends Condolences
to California Highway Patrol
was entering the Pomona Court
House to testify in a traffic case. He
The San Francisco Police Officers died a few hours later from gunshot
Association extends sympathy and wounds to the head. He was 35.
condolences to the men and
Officer Steiner is the 201st CHP
women of the California Highway officer to die in the line of duty.
Patrol, and to the family and friends
Our sympathy and prayers go out
of Officer Thomas J . Steiner.
to Officer Steiner's family, friends
Officer Steiner was gunned down and co-workers.
on Thursday, April 20, 2004 as he
Staff Report
METROPOLITAN
ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION
& DATA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By Michael Nevin, Jr.
Southern Station
"406.. .Officer Down!" These words
from Officer Barry Parker that I heard
on the radio the night of April 10 will
forever be etched in my mind. Every
cop's nightmare came true that fateful night in San Francisco. Officer Isaac
Espinoza, an eight-year veteran, was
killed by a heavily armed gang member. Parker was also shot but will recover from his physical wounds.
Espinoza and Parker, members of an
elite unit of police officers working in
the city's toughest neighborhoods,
were there by choice - not by chance.
Espinoza can be best described in police jargon as "10-8" (officer available
or in-service). Simply stated he was the
cream of the crop. Every day he hit the
streets, Isaac did his family, his city,
and his department proud.
An arrest was made in the case, and
the killer faces first-degree murder of
a peace officer. California law explicitly holds that such a charge meets the
special circumstance requirement necessary for the defendant to be eligible
for the death penalty. However, San
Francisco District Attorney Kamala
Harris will not seek the death penalty
because she does not believe in it.
During a press conference, Harris said,
"Today I want to be very clear: in the
city and county of San Francisco, anyone who murders a police officer engaged in his or her duties will be met
with the most severe consequences."
This statement is not accurate. The
most severe consequence is not life
without parole, it is death. Harris was
only providing window-dressing for
her decision.
San Francisco police officers, officers' families, and decent people all over
the country are outraged by the decision of the D.A. not to seek the death
penalty. But others, including the
Westmob gang members supporting
their partner in crime, feel differently.
These parasitic gang members were
both vocal and vile at the arraignment
of the killer. One cannot expect much
from people who prey on others for a
living, and it is obvious that they have
no respect for themselves or their community. Charging the death penalty
sends a strong message to these very
folks, the ones most needing to hear it.
When a person is charged with a
crime, even in San Francisco, the
people of the state of California are
considered the plaintiff. This is not just
the killing of a San Francisco cop - it's
the killing of a California cop. A recent review by the San Francisco
Chronicle found that not charging the
death penalty in this type of cop killing case is not only rare but possibly
unprecedented in the state. California
voters brought back the death penalty
through initiative in 1977, and it is
undoubtedly the will of the people
today. According to a recent study,
California's death sentence rate of convicted killers stands at only 1.3%. We
are talking about a tool that is rarely
used by prosecutors except in the worst
cases. This is one of those cases. The
killing of a police officer is not just
about the person behind the badge, it's
about the badge itself. We are talking
about people who have absolutely no
regard for the public because if they're
willing to kill a cop, they're willing to
kill anybody.
United States Senator Dianne
Feinstein poignantly explained, "This
is not only the definition of tragedy,
it's the special circumstance called for
by the death penalty law." An assistant district attorney in a neighboring
county told me: "I think it's absolutely
ridiculous that the District Attorney
has decided to ignore the law passed
by the people of the state of California for what amounts to a very political reason. The oath a D.A. takes when
entering office includes a pledge to
uphold the U.S. and California State
Constitutions and to enforce the law.
You can't just choose the laws you
like." Any district attorney has discretion, but the death penalty was never
even under consideration in this case.
To make matters worse, the announcement came three days before Espinoza
was buried.
The public, community leaders, and
politicians demand a lot from San
Francisco police officers. It is not too
much to ask where all of these people
stand on this important issue. The silence is deafening.
The death of Officer Isaac Espinoza
reminds cops of an important lesson:
it doesn't matter where you work, it
matters who you work with. There is a
special bond that exists between cops
who work in places like San Francisco's
Bayview District. Isaac Espinoza was a
working cop who not only served his
community, he served his fellow officers. Standing up for Isaac is standing up for justice. And if you can't
stand up for Isaac, then you shouldn't
stand up for anything.
I
ELECTR
CONSTRU
INC
Quality Craftsmanship Since 1979
Heavenly Painting
MENTION
D
FOR A
10% DiscouNT
"Let The Saint Do It."
Custom Homes • Residential • Commercial
Golden State Mortgage
REAL ESTATE LOANS AND SERVICES
Michael R. St. Andre (Son of Eddie St. Andre, retired, TAC)
Lic. No. 722788
P.L. & RD. Insured
(415) 298-2502
185 Front Street, Suite #201
Kyle Dawson
President
Danville, CA 94526
Novato • Petaluma • Rohnert Park
925-552-7075
> Specializing in Zero Cost Loans. > My Goal is to match Each & Every Borrower with the Best
Loan to meet Their Individual Needs & Qualifications.
FRANK HOWARD
ALLEN
+ Residential Lending + Purchase + Refinance
yE
I Morse
MAIN OFFICE • (415) 897.3000, EXT. 224
VOICEMAIL • (415) 898.0484, EXT. 224
BOB BERRY, Realtor
Retired Capt., SFPD
915 Diablo Avenue • Novato, CA 94947
May 2004
POA Journal
Page 11
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
The following is the text of the Eulogy
for Officer Isaac Espinoza delivered at his
funeral by POA President Gary Delagnes.
Isaac Espinoza Trust Fund
On the evening of April 10, 2004 Officer Isaac Espinoza, #64, tragically
lost his life in the line of duty. Isaac was a dedicated eight-year veteran of
the S.F.P.D. who was just recently appointed to the Board of Directors of
the SFPOA. Isaac leaves behind a wife, Renata, a four-year old daughter,
Isabella, and many extended family members. A trust fund has been established at the San Francisco Police Credit Union. Donations can be sent
directly to the SFPCU 2550 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122.
Make checks payable to: The Isaac Espinoza Trust Fund (account
#1360436S5).
Killing occurs on eve of Espinoza funeral
POA Mourns for Slain Merced Ofticer
Staff Report
ficer Isaac Espinoza, worked on a
special gang violence suppression
Even as San Francisco police of- detail, died instantly from gunshot
ficers were filing into the St. Mary's wounds to the head. The killing ocCathedral for visitation of Officer curred at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday,
Isaac Espinoza, an on-duty Merced April 15, 2004.
police officer was gunned down
Officer Gray is survived by his
while conducting a routine traffic wife and three children.
stop.
The men and women of the San
Officer Stephan Gray, 34, a seven- Francisco Police Officers Association
year veteran of the Merced Police extend our deepest sympathy and
Department, is the first on-duty of- most sincere condolences to the
ficer murdered in the line of duty Gray family, and to all of his friends
in the city's 115 year history.
and coworkers in the Merced Police
Officer Gray, who, like SFPD Of- Department.
Good morning.
This has been a difficult week, and
it is time to speak from the heart.
On behalf of the grieving men and
women of the POA, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Espinoza family. You, and all of us, have suffered a
tragic, irreplaceable loss.
You have lost a husband, a father,
and a son.
We have lost a friend, a partner, and
a champion of public service.
To those of you who have traveled
to this cathedral today in a show of
support for the Espinoza family and
of solidarity for your brothers and sisters in public safety, Thank you.
Isaac Espinoza chose to be a San
Francisco police officer, to serve
proudly in one of the best police departments in the state. He wanted to
make a real difference in the lives of
people, to protect them and to serve
them.
Isaac Espinoza studied and conditioned himself and prepared for the
opportunity that he would someday
have to wear the coveted sevenpointed star. He accomplished all of
that, and more.
Now, it is to herald those achievements that we are gathered here this
morning.
Isaac Espinoza appreciated his life,
a life rich with family and friends, with
hopes and dreams, with pride and self
esteem.
Now, it is in praise of those endowments that we are gathered here this
morning.
Isaac Espinoza wanted to give something back, which he has done.
Now, it is to sing of that selfless gift
- that ultimate sacrifice - that we are
gathered here this morning.
Every police officer accepts the risks
inherent in the profession. Reliance on
the support of family, on professionalism and training, and on his or her
fellow officer steels each of us for the
rigors of the street, and tempers us for
the heartbreak of the human fall.
Isaac accepted the risks with a firm
resolve. He volunteered to work in the
Bayview district - one of the most challenging in the city. He loved his job,
and he relished in his assignment.
Now, we all must pick up and carry
on the good fight - Isaac's fight. We
owe it to the people of the Bayview;
we owe it to the people of San Francisco; we owe it to one another.
The men and women who serve the
Bayview District especially know that
Isaac is counting on their selfless dedication and firm resolve to make a positive difference in the lives of the people
in that besieged community.
But also know, you brave men and
women, that each day, and each night
that you climb behind the wheel of
that radio car and hit the streets of the
Bayview, know to your core as law enforcement professionals, that you will
never be alone, that a little piece of
Isaac Espinoza will forevermore be
going with you on patrol.
Isaac paid the ultimate price, and I
speak for all officers in demanding that
his killer also pay the ultimate price.
4NCOME TAX!
to
lilt,..
Duane Collins
BULLETIN
April 15, 2004
#04-19
To: Association Members
From: Jack Minkel, Vice-President
We have suffered a terrible, senseless loss. The murder of Officer Isaac
Espinoza has impacted the men and women of the San Francisco Police
Department in such a way that few events have.
These past several days have been an agonizing period of grief, frustration, and anger. But, now we are on the eve of Officer Espinoza's funeral
and sacred internment, a solemn time of condolence and reflection; a
time that calls for the unity of all police officers to honor and respect our
fallen brother.
The leadership of the POA is focused on consoling the Espinoza family,
and ensuring that they are properly comforted and assisted during this
dark hour. Their welfare and their immediate and long-range needs are
our top priority.
A recent article published in the San Francisco Chronicle unfortunately
misrepresented the comments made by the president of this association
in regards to the seeking of the death penalty for Officer Espinoza's murderer.
Make no mistake about it. The leadership of the POA is adamant that
justice be done in the case of Isaac Espinoza. We feel that the death penalty is appropriate in the murder of Officer Isaac Espinoza.
We feel that the death penalty is appropriate in the murder of any
police officer.
Let's all remain focused and united in honoring our fallen brother, and
remain vigilant in our pursuit of justice.
(SFPD Retired)
1-800-400-9054
Collins Tax Consulting
Specializing In Law Enforcement
4r,Family and Friends Welcome
Licensed and Bonded Since 1983
AVOID COSTLY MISTAKES
Have Your Tax Return Professionally Prepared
9A YPRICE. COM
Clothing, Jewelry, Electronics, Etc.
All at 25916' to 60910 OIIMSRP!!
SFPD OFFICER OWNED Bus/NEss
Real Savings
Right Now!
i^
-`
Page 12
May 2004
POA Journal
Isabella Espinoza
I
I-
-w
r
A
R
PHOTO BY RON NAKANISHI
I
Bayview Station Captain Rick Bruce
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Page 13
POA Executive Board
PHOTOS BY BOB MAMMONE AND DREW COHEN COVER PHOTO BY RON NAKANISHI
En
Page 14
May 2004
POA Journal
April 14, 2004
San Francisco Chronicle
Letters to the Editor
901 Mission Street
Dear Editor:
In response to reader Rosita
Lucas's question (SF Chronicle
Wednesday 4/14/04) "Why are there
no quick arrests for suspects who
have murdered so many young black
men in Bayview-Hunters Point?"
The answer is very simple. Police
officers themselves were witness to
the execution style murder of Officer
Isaac Espinoza and are willing to
testify in Court against the monster
responsible for such a heinous act.
Given the opportunity by the DA's
office, police officers are willing and
are only too glad to testify in court
and in front of a jury upon an arrest.
San Francisco police officers daily
confront the thugs and gang members who infest this City with their
violence and wanton disregard for
the sanctity of life.
As we fight this war on the streets
we, are also willing to fight the battle
in the courtroom... given the chance.
Kevin M. Martin SFPD #24
Secretary SFPOA
April 12, 2004
Sheriff Michael Hennessey
San Francisco Sheriffs Department
1 Carlton B. Goodlett Place,
Room 456
Dear Sheriff Hennessey:
I just wanted to thank the members of your Department assigned to
San Francisco General Hospital for
the professional yet personable
manner in which they handled the
incident on Saturday, April 10, 2004,
when we lost Officer Isaac Espinoza.
Your staff was overwhelmed with
our Department personnel as well as
with family members of Officer
Espinoza and yet they did an outstanding job making sure everyone's
needs were met.
I did not have the time to thank
every deputy present but I was
hoping you could express my personal gratitude to all involved for a
job well done under extremely
difficult circumstances.
Sincerely,
Gary Delagnes,
President
San Francisco Police Officers
Association
April 12, 2004
Pat Carr, A/Director
San Francisco General Hospital
Emergency Department
1001 Potrero Avenue
Dear Director Carr:
I just wanted to thank the members of your emergency room facility
for their outstanding professionalism
and extreme patience on behalf of all
the members of our Association as
well as the family members of
Officer Isaac Espinoza.
ahead of you. The morale of the
Department is at the lowest I've seen
in 18 years. The hard working men
and women on the street don't know
where you stand. I would really like
to see someone from the Command
Staff speak up for the Officers on the
street and tell the news when they
start to put us down that we are
doing a good job. Come out to the
Having to deal with the loss of a
District Stations and talk to the
police officer is one of the most
Officers on the various shifts and let
difficult parts of our job, but your
them know what you expect from
staff went out of their way to make
them give them some kind of direcsure all of our needs were met and
tion, let them know that you are
did so in a remarkably efficient yet
behind them. Get into a radio car
personable manner.
and not just on day watch, come out
I would appreciate it if you would
and be with some of your younger
please extend my personal gratitude
Officers on the Midnight shift ride
to every member of your staff who
was present during this very difficult with an Officer or a Sergeant and
listen to their concerns, you may be
time.
Sincerely, surprised by what you hear.
We really don't want that much.
Gary Delagnes,
You have a very hard job but so do
President
we.
We have become disconnected
San Francisco Police Officers Association
and we as a Department need to
come together again. I know that
this
problem was inherited by several
The Demoralization Of Our Police
past
administrations but I hope you
Department
can
turn
it around, we've taken a
I picked up the Sunday edition of
beating
and
we need your support!
the San Francisco Chronicle, dated
Thank you and God bless
April 11, 2004. I was looking at the
Sgt. Patrick Tobin
front page to see if I could find any
Northern Station
article pertaining to the shooting
death of a fellow Police Officer. I
found nothing, so I continued to
April 15, 2004
look through the paper and was not
surprised when I found a very small
Honorable District Attorney Harris
article located on the lower left
District Attorney
corner of the Bay Area section. The
City & County of San Francisco
heading read, "Cop shot by AK-47
in Bay view" I thought to myself,
Honorable District Attorney
just another example of how much
Harris:
the San Francisco Chronicle hates
The tragic murder of Officer Isaac
the San Francisco Police Department.
They didn't even have the respect to Espinoza has galvanized our resolve
refer to the Officer as a Police Officer. to serve our community by ridding
On any given day you can pick up those who prey upon the citizenry.
The members of our department will
the Chronicle and read about a
not retreat from our sworn duties to
fellow Officer or Officers that have
serve with honor and distinction.
made some type of mistake or used
We
appreciate your public statement
poor judgment and that are now in
of
support
and the spirit of cooperasome type of internal trouble. I find
tion
your
office
has rendered to our
it amazing that the Chronicle feels
department
since
your inauguration.
that this is Front Page news. I find it
We,
the
members
of the Asian
even more amazing that they have
Peace
Officers
Association,
are
nothing else better to do than to
formally
requesting
you
to
reconberate their local Police Department
sider
your
decision
not
to
seek
the
and use their paper to pass judgment
death
penalty
for
the
killer
of
Officer
on an Officer before all the facts are
Espinoza. We are aware and underin. I guess as Police Officers in San
stand that you have expressed your
Francisco we are not allowed to
opposition to the death penalty
make mistakes or act human. When
we have the agonizing task of taking when you campaigned for the office
of District Attorney. However, we
a human life, the Chronicle sees fit
feel that a wrong message is being
to publish our entire complaint
history and question our friends and sent to the criminal elements when
the death penalty is not being
family about us. When an Officer
sought for the murder of a police
gets injured or killed in the line of
duty, they hardly make mention of it officer. It really does not matter how
you feel personally about the death
and they never talk about the
suspects past criminal history. Is this penalty or the argument that it may
not be a deterrent. The intent of our
right? No but it probably won't
change in my career. Question? Have legislators and the people of California have made it very clear that the
you seen any Pro-Police articles
death
penalty should be imposed
about the San Francisco Police in the
when
a
person is convicted of certain
Chronicle???? Some of the writers for
crimes
and
the wanton killing of a
the Chronicle would have you
police
officer
is one of the categories
believe that public opinion drives
specifically
listed.
A sentence of life
the Chronicle but I would argue that
without
the
possibility
of parole
in this City the Chronicle drives
certainly
will
not
carry
the same
public opinion and will continue to
weight
to
those
career
criminals
who
do so at the cost of any Police
have
no
regard
for
human
values.
Officer, who has the misfortune of
When they know that killing somebeing human. The San Francisco
one may result in their own life
Chronicle has a long history of
being
taken, it may cause some
ignoring the courageous work that
hesitation
and thus, someone's life
the men and women of the San
may
be
saved.
Contrarily, if they
Francisco Police Department do on a
know
that
the
City
and County of
daily basis. I know this to be true
San
Francisco
will
never
seek the
because I see the hard work my
death
penalty,
what
will
be the
fellow Officers do every day.
deterrent factor for the criminal
A side note to Chief Fong and her elements from committing multiple
murders?
Command Staff,
If death penalty does not exist,
You have a great deal of work
once a person is sentenced to life
without the possibility of parole,
what will keep that person from
killing the guards or other inmates?
A San Francisco jury of the suspect's
peers will determine his guilt or
innocence and they should be given
the opportunity to decide if the
death penalty is warranted.
As police officers, we took an oath
to enforce the laws and it does not
matter how we personally may feel
about the various statutes. We feel
very strongly that the top law
enforcement officer of our county
should uphold the same standards.
Therefore, we respectfully request
your reconsideration of your decision not to seek the death penalty
for the killer of Officer Espinoza.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely Yours
Nelson C. Lum
President
SF Asian Peace Officers Association
CC: Chief Heather Fong
Mr. Gary Delagnes,
President SFPOA
Dear Gary
Thank you for your generous gift
of $5,000 to Catholic Charities CYO
in support of the Archbishop's
Seventh Annual Loaves and Fishes
Awards Dinner to be held on Saturday, March 20, 2004. This gift
entitles you to 5 tickets to the event.
We will contact you in the near
future to verify the names of your
guests.
Archbishop William J. Levada will
have the opportunity this year to
honor Mr. John Malcolm for Outstanding Philanthropic Works;
Catholic Healthcare West for Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy;
The Guardsmen for Outstanding
Community Organization; and
Reverend Monsignor Eugene Boyle
for Outstanding Service to the
Community. All these individuals
and organizations have made extraordinary charitable contributions
to their communities.
Proceeds from the Loaves and
Fishes Awards Dinner benefit the 33
programs and services offered by
Catholic Charities CYO. Thank you
for supporting Catholic Charities
CYO in our commitment to provide
vital services to those in need in San
Francisco, San Mateo and Mann.
I look forward to seeing you at the
Dinner.
Sincerely,
Brian F. Cahill
Executive Director
Catholic Charities
Dear Editor,
As the spouse of a dedicated, loyal,
hard working, and patient SF Police
Officer, I take great pride and joy in
articles such as the one authored by
William F. Kidd in the April 2004 POA
Journal entitled "Another Heroic SFPD
Story You Won't Get from 'The Media".
However, it is a slap in the face to
the many dedicated, loyal and hard
working WOMEN of the SFPD when
comments such as the "Boys of Company C" are used in these articles. It's
time to step into the 21st century and
acknowledge the "People of Company
C" and all the other stations in this
fine city.
Sincerely,
Jen Ottolini
Proud SFPD Spouse
Page 15
POA Journal
May 2004
September 12-16, 2004
IAWP Training Conference
Boston, Massachusetts
By Robin Matthews
EEO
Greetings! This year's International
Association of Women Police (IAWP)
Training Conference will be held in
Boston, Massachusetts September 1216, 2004. If you didn't get a chance to
attend last year's conference when it
was in San Francisco, this would be a
wonderful opportunity for you to experience the outstanding training and
get the opportunity to make new connections from around the country and
around the world by attending this
year's conference in Boston. This year's
theme is "Learning is the Trail to Freedom".
The conference will be held at the
Sheraton Boston located at 39 Dalton
Street in Boston, and is in an excellent location for sightseeing, dining,
shopping, and exploring the City. The
hotel is the largest hotel in the city
with 1,200 rooms. The conference rate
is $179.00 per night, and reservations
can be made on-line (sign onto the
IAWP website at www.iawp.org then
click onto the link for the 2004 Boston Conference for details on both
making your hotel reservations, as well
as up-to-date info on the conference).
Staying at the host hotel is critical,
as I learned from being the conference
director for the San Francisco conference last year, as the number of training rooms, plus other amenities, are
dependant on the number of delegates
that stay at the hotel. Besides classes
that will be held at the Sheraton, there
will be some classes held offsite which
will only be offered to those delegates
who stay at the host hotel, so please
stay there to take advantage of these
limited classes.
Class topics will include leadership,
terrorism, homeland security, DNA/
cold cases, investigative techniques,
internet crimes, domestic violence,
strangulation, child abuse, child witness to violence, crime scene preservation, probation and parole, court
testifying, trial preparation, and prosecution of cases, to name a few. Their
conference website will be updated as
classes continue to be confirmed.
Conference registration fees are as
follows: from September 30th, 2003 to
May 31st, 2004, IAWP members
$450.00; non IAWP members $500.00;
from June 1st to the conference, IAWP
members $500.00; non IAWP members $550.00. Companion fees are
$150.00. Daily registrations are also
available with a limit of two days total (the prices do not include meals or
special events) - Monday, September
13th - $100.00; Tuesday, September
14th - $100.00; Wednesday, September 15th - $100.00; and Thursday, September 16th - $50.00.
Payment can be paid by check or
money order, master card or visa.
Checks should be made out to IAWP/
Boston 2004 Conference, and sent to
IAWP/Boston 2004 Conference, do
Albert Riva, P.O. Box 961824, 31 Milk
St., Boston, MA 0219-1824. Conference registration forms can be obtained off of the IAWP website, or you
can contact Inspector Robin Matthews
at the Department's EEO Unit at 5531093, and she'll be happy to send you
an application.
A special note to those who volunteered at the San Francisco conference
- if participating at the IAWP conference in San Francisco was your first
involvement with an IAWP conference, I STRONGLY encourage you to
attend this year's conference in Boston. I guarantee you it's a totally different experience being a delegate as
opposed to being a staff member or
volunteer - I promise you, you won't
be sorry!
Hope to see you there!
IAWP/SF 2003 Conference Merchandise
Available at A Reduced Rate!
We still have some merchandise left Brand, denim with multi-colored conover from our International Associa- ference logo over shirt pocket; sizes
tion of Women Police (IAWP) 41st available large, extra large, and 2XL Annual Training Conference that the $15.00
San Francisco Police Department
Tie Dye t-shirts - Copa Banana
hosted at the Hyatt Embarcadero Au- Brand, blue blends with IAWP 2003,
gust 31st through September 5th, Summer of Love, San Francisco, Au2003, and we are now offering all items gust 31st - September 5th, 2003; sizes
at a reduced rate. If you attended the available medium, large, extra large,
conference and would like some addi- and 2XL - $10.00
tional items, or if you didn't get to atTie Dye t shirts - Copa Banana
tend, but would like some souvenirs
from the conference for yourself or for Brand, multi-colored shirt (yellows,
a friend, here's your chance to get oranges, blues, and reds) with IAWP
some nice, quality items at a reduced Summer of Love, San Francisco, Aurate. Any items remaining will be gust 31st - September 5th, 2003; sizes
taken to this year's IAWP conference available large, extra large, and 2 XL in Boston in September for sale, so $10.00
these next couple of months will be
Coffee cups - navy blue with gold
your last opportunity to obtain IAWP/ conference logo - $1.00
SF 2003 Conference merchandise.
Conference water bottles - $.50
Below is a list of all available items
and their reduced cost. All clothing
Conference duffle bags with water
sizes are in men's sizes.
bottle pocket - $10.00
Windshirts - navy blue v-neck, TimNeck wallets with gold conference
berline Colorado Brand pullovers; sizes logo (great for carrying passports,
available large, extra large, and 2XL - money, etc. when traveling) - $1.00
$20.00
Conference lapel pins - $.50
Polo Shirts - Anvil Brand, navy blue
with multi-colored conference logo; lapel pins - $1.00
sizes available medium, large, extra
Conference Region Photos (our Relarge, and 2XL - $12.00
gion is Region 10) - $5.00
Polo Shirts - Anvil Brand, navy blue
Troopers Across Amercia Collectible
with gold embroidered conference
logo; sizes available medium, large, baseball type cards (45 cards) - $1.00
extra large, and 2XL - $12.00
City Police Across America CollectLong sleeved t-shirts - Hanes Beefy ible baseball type cards (50 cards) T Brand, navy blue with multi-colored $1.00
conference logo; sizes available meTo purchase any of the above items,
dium, large, extra large, and 2XL contact
Inspector Robin Matthews at.
$10.00
the Department's EEO Unit at 553Silk screened t-shirts - Beefy T Brand, 1093 or by e-mail at RLM2214A@
navy blue with multi-colored confer- aol.com, or Sgt. Lynette Hogue at the
ence logo; sizes available medium, Department's Payroll Unit at 553large, extra large, and 2XL - $5.00
9772. Checks should be made out to
Denim shirts - Port and Company IAWP/SF 2003 Conference.
CAROL KEANE & ASSOCIATES
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
IAWP/SF 2003 Conference
DVD'S Available
For those of you who did not get an Brenda Walker from our Department's
opportunity to pre-order an Interna- Video Unit. She did an outstanding
tional Association of Women Police job putting this together under some
(IAWP) 41st Annual Conference DVD tough circumstances, and her profesat our conference that was held at the sionalism and skill has produced a
Hyatt Embarcadero August 31st beautiful DVD. Thanks again for your
through September 5th, 2003, they are hard work and dedication, Brenda. It
available and ready for purchase for was, and is, very much appreciated.
To order a conference DVD, con$25.00. For those who attended the
conference as a delegate, or for those tact Inspector Robin Matthews at the
who participated as a volunteer or at- Department's LEO Unit at 553-1093,
tended one of our events, this will or by e-mail at [email protected] ,
bring back some fun memories. For or Sgt. Lynette Hogue at the
those who didn't get a chance to at- Department's Payroll Unit at 553tend the conference, this will give you 9772. Checks should be written out
a little feel for what you missed, and to IAWP/SF 2003 Conference.
Thanks for your support, and enwill hopefully encourage you to attend
a future IAWP conference.
joy!
The DVD was produced by Officer
• CONTACT Us FOR ALL OF YOUR TAX
& ACCOUNTING NEEDS
• INDIVIDUALS & SMALL BUSINESSES
ARE OUR SPECIALTY!
• OVER 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE
CAROL M. KEANE, CPA
WIFE OF JOHN KEANE
NARcoTics DivisioN, SFPD
LET US HELP YOU
MINIMIZE YOUR TAXES!
II
IiII
FACSIMILE: 925-937-5202
TELEPHONE: 925-937-5200
E-MAIL: [email protected]
II
700 Ygnacio Valley Road, #360 • Walnut Creek, California 94596
II
A
A
Individuals
> Small Businesses
> Out-Of-State
) Partnerships
) Amended Returns
Audit Representation
A
Year Round Service
Electronic Filings
We Also Provide Payroll
& Bookkeeping Services
Oe4
Ned Totah,
Ii)E
Totah's Tax Service''
S0TO 13Aft I3ONDS
Criminal & Immigration Bonds
You Ring...
Lie. #0546872
Pager: (415) 605-6257
Fax: (415) 861-8795
Professional Service Since 1985
(415) 626-7290
James De Soto
Se Hub/a Espanol
24 Hours
active SFPD
We Spring!
855 Bryant Street
Member
NATP
Fax: 925-676-8348
National Association
of Tax Professionals
4180 Treat Blvd., Suite C2, Concord • www.totahstaxservice.com
II
Page 16
POA Journal
May 2004
This notice is published here at the direction of the court.
EXHIBIT A
NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF CLASS ACTION
TO: All persons who are, were or may be entitled to receive retirement
benefits from the San Francisco Employees' Retirement System, pursuant
to those San Francisco Charter Sections that provide benefits for police
plan members.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a class action lawsuit has been filed
which contends that the San Francisco Retirement System, and various
City and County officials, have improperly calculated retirement benefits.
This notice generally describes the claims and issues in the lawsuit, but
persons with specific questions may review the Superior Court pleadings
in the Superior Court file specified below.
Plaintiffs contend that the new ranks created in approximately 1997
based on certification from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards
and Training ("POST") include compensation that should be considered
"attached to the rank" and counted toward adjusting the retirement allowances of retirees and/or their beneficiaries. The lawsuit seeks to compel
the Retirement System to adjust retirement allowances by including as
compensation the remuneration attached to the new POST ranks. The
San Francisco Police Officers Association has intervened in this case and
is defending the City's current rank structure and retirement system
practices. The POA has also filed a cross-complaint naming the City and
County of San Francisco, Retirement Board, and Clare M. Murphy for this
purpose, and to resolve certain issues if plaintiffs prevail, including, but
not limited to, the legality of the "poison pill" provision in the MOUs as well
as the City's right to recalculate the pensions of retirees who are receiving
higher pensions based on POST ranks.
THE LAWSUIT is pending in San Francisco Superior Court, and is
entitled Veteran Police Officers Association and John Lehane v. Retirement Board, et al., Case No. 403550, and related cross-complaint.
THE LEAD ATTORNEYS representing the parties and classes are the
following: For the Veteran Police Officers Association and John Lehane,
Christopher W. Katzenbach, State Bar No. 108006, Katzenbach and
Khtikian, 1714 Stockton Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94133-2930
(415-834-1778), who represents class members who assert that retirement allowances must be adjusted to include the remuneration attached
to the new POST ranks. For the San Francisco Police Officers Association, Vincent A. Harrington, Jr., State Bar No. 71119, Weinberg, Roger &
Rosenfeld, 180 Grand Avenue, Suite 1400, Oakland, CA 94612 (510-8396600), who represents class members who are or may receive retirement
allowances based upon the increased compensation arising from the new
POST ranks.
For Defendants and Respondents City in these two cases, Arthur A.
Hartinger, State Bar No. 121521, Meyers, Nave, Riback, Silver & Wilson,
180 Montgomery, Suite 2200, San Francisco, CA 94111, (415) 986-2371
and Dennis Herrera, State Bar No. 139669, San Francisco City Attorney,
City Hall, San Francisco, California.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CLASS: The class shall be all persons, including beneficiaries, who at any time were, are or may be entitled to receive
retirement allowances from the City and County of San Francisco Employees' Retirement System, under any retirement plan governing benefits for
members of the City of San Francisco Police Department.
Class Representatives: The class representatives are Plaintiff John
Lehane, a police officer who retired from the San Francisco Police Department and who is a member of the Retirement System; Plaintiff Veteran
Police Officers Association ("VPOA"), an association that includes retired
police officers; and Defendant/Intervenor San Francisco Police Officers'
Association ("POA"), the bargaining representative for active police
officers. The Court has determined that Mr. Lehane and these employee
organizations may fairly and adequately represent the interests of the
class.
En
THE CLASS ACTION: The Court has determined that the VPOA
litigation can be resolved on a class action basis. This means that the
following issues, and issues related to them, will be resolved in this action
and will be binding on all persons who are, were or may be entitled to
receive police retirement allowances under San Francisco Charter.
a.Are retired police officers entitled to an increase in their
retirement allowances under City Charter sections A8.540(a),
A8.558 and A8.559-6 because of pay increases for active
officers arising from the creation of new ranks for active
officers holding Intermediate or Advanced POST certificates?
b. If the Court rules that all or some of the retired police officers
are entitled to an increase in their retirement allowances
arising from the creation on July 1, 1997 of new ranks for
holders of POST Intermediate or Advanced certificates, what
is the effect on the retirement benefits of retiree class members who are receiving pensions based on the POST ranks,
in light of the provisions of the Memoranda of Understanding
that states that the POST ranks will thereupon be null and
void and that a recalculation of those pension allowances
shall occur?
Various sub-issues may be argued by the parties and determined by
the Court. If you would like to review the pre-trial briefs submitted by the
parties, you may view the entire file in the Court Clerk's office or you may
contact the attorneys. Do not contact the Judge.
The costs of this notice will be borne by the City. This notice will also be
published one time in the POA and VPOA newsletters. The judgment in
these lawsuits, whether favorable to you or not, will include and be binding
on you and all persons covered under your Charter-provided retirement
provisions.
YOUR RIGHTS: The Court has ordered that there is no right to "opt
out" of the class. However, you are free to consult an attorney of your
choice and to consider other possible legal options, such as intervention
and representation by your own attorney(s). Plaintiffs seek to increase
retirement benefits for certain retirees. The City and the San Francisco
Police Officers' Association contend that the retirement benefits have
been properly calculated and should not change based on the claims in
this lawsuit.
If you believe that you, as a retiree, are entitled an increase in your
retirement allowances based on POST-rank remuneration, you may
contact Mr. Katzenbach with any questions. If you currently are receiving,
or may receive in the future, retirement allowances based on the POST
rank structure, you may contact Mr. Harrington or Mr. Hartinger with any
questions. If you are unsure of whom to contact, you may contact any of
the attorneys for assistance in directing you to the proper attorney or class
representative.
CURRENT ADDRESS. Unless you wish to obtain your own legal
counsel, you do not need to do anything except to keep the class attorneys aware of your current address. You should also retain all records
regarding your retirement benefits and any documents regarding this
lawsuit. If this notice was not addressed correctly, or if you move, you
should send a note to class counsel indicating your correct address and
telephone number. You should also send any changes to your address of
record to: The City and County of San Francisco Employees' Retirement
System, 30 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 3000, San Francisco, CA 94102.
THE SAN FRANCISCO SUPERIOR COURT is located at 400
McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. The action is currently pending the Honorable Richard A. Kramer. You are free to inspect any court
files by going to the Clerk's Office and requesting them pursuant to Court
procedures. However, please do not contact the Court to ask questions about the case - rather, contact the attorneys of record.
MISCELLANEOUS: If you have any questions or concerns about the
cases, you are free to inspect the Court files, consult a private attorney or
contact any of the attorneys of record listed in this case. This notice is
intended only to provide a general description of the lawsuits; the court
filings contain a more comprehensive description of the claims, defenses
and other issues in these lawsuits.
NO INDICATION OF THE MERITS: This Notice is not an expression of
opinion by the Court as to the merits of any of the claims or defenses
asserted by either side in this litigation.
DATE:
The issues to be determined by the Court are the legal effects, obligations, rights and/or remedies flowing from the pension adjustment provisions in the police retirement plans governed by the San Francisco Charter with respect to:
Richard A. Kramer
San Francisco Superior Court Judge
#679237
May 2004
POA Journal
Page 17
Come Join Us!
The National Latino Peace Officers Association SF Metro
Chapter Annual Dinner Honoring Outstanding NLPOA
Members and Celebrating the Promotions of
SFPD Operation Dream
Cordially invites you to their
Annual Scholarship Reception
Deputy Chief Antonio Parra • Deputy Chief Morris Tabak
Tuesday, May 11th, 2004
Friday, May 21, 2004
Patio Espanol • 2850 Alemany Blvd., San Francisco
Southeast Community Facility
$65 per person
$60 per person for NLPOA SF Metro members
5:30-7:00 pm no-host cocktails • 7:00-9:00 pm dinner/presentations
9:00 pm-midnight dancing
Enjoy Mariachi music during cocktails
Dancing to the sounds of: "Orquesta Borinquen" and a DJ
Master of Ceremonies: Tomas Roman of KRON 4
Menu Choices: Chicken Kiev, Poached Salmon, Prime Rib
Please respond by May 15th by contacting the following people:
Officer Maria Oropeza, Public Affairs 415-553-1652
Inspector Mike Serujo, Night Invest. 415-553-9186
Inspector Tony Flores, DV Unit 415-553-9132
Make checks payable to LPOA SF Metro Chapter
(Alex L. Jr., Community Room)
1800 Oakdale Avenue
San Francisco, CA
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Donations: $30.00 per person
RSVP by May 3, 2004
(415) 671-3156
Lt. Vicki Quinn
Retirement Dinner
IHAflLEY-OAV1DSONI
"SPECIAL POLICE PRICING"
Thursday, June 3, 2004
Basque Cultural Center
599 Railroad Avenue
South San Francisco
I
ON ALL
1 OOm ANNIVERSARY BIKE MODELS
5:30 p.m. No-Host Cocktails 6:30 p.m. Dinner
$45.00 per person (Dinner, Wine & Gift)
Choice of Prime Rib or Breast of Chicken
Tickets
553-1484
837-0875
553-1484
Jeff Brogan
Mary Dunnigan
John Goldberg
Terrye Ivy
Patricia Linehan
Patricia Rames
553-1392
553-1485
553-1344
Daly City Police Officers Association
is holding a fund raiser and is giving away a brand new
Harley Davidson
A donation of $50.00 to The Daly City Police Officers Association will give
you a chance to win a brand new 2004 Harley Davidson Road King.
On display inside City Hall.
Only 1,000 tickets
Your donation will benefit the widows/orphans fund and numerous other
charitable organizations.
For a chance to win call 650-997-3272
Drawing will be on June 14, 2004
p a'
A
NSIN
.0
0 )
90
-
Custom Systems
Internet Access
On-Site Maintenance
WE UPGRADE YOUR OLD PENTIUM II OR PENTIUM III TO
A PENTIUM 4 COMPUTER & KEEP YOUR DATA INTACT!
- Hardware • Pentium Socket 478 AGP/PCI Mainboard
• Intel Pentium IV - 2.4 GHz Processor • 256MB DDR Memory
• Intel P4 CPU Cooling Fan & Heatsink Unit
• Integrated Video Adapter w/32MB • Integrated 3D Stereo Sound
• Integrated Network Adapter (for Cable or DSL Internet Access)
• ATX Tower Case w/Power Supply & Front USB Access
INTEL
PENTIUM 4
2.4G Hz
UPGRADE
SPECIAL!
- Service We Migrate Your Data to Your Pentium 4 Upgrade, and then We Install Your
Software Drivers For You. You Get to Take Home a True Pentium 4 Computer,
With all of your Original Data Intact and Loaded on the P-4's Hard Drive.
Total: $355.00 (Tax & Labor Included)
Please Call for Details or Other Computer Configurations/Accessories.
Beta 90s is now also a T-mobile Authorized Reseller - Come In & Visit
(**Please Call for Details**)
BETA NINETIES COMPUTER INC.
• Fast Efficient
Service
.we:k
turnaround
.Wedoeverything
.
can for
We're
your
the
in
.:
Customer Service
180 Howard St. • San Francisco CA 94105
(415) 974-1188
1
J
Fax: (415) 974-1575
Price subject to change w/o notice. Not responsible for typographical errors.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Harley-Davidson/Buell
2595 Taylor St.
123 S. Van Ness Ave. 66 Page St. San Francisco, California
www.dpchd.com
(415) 703-9494
Please make checks payable to Mary Dunnigan
Bul
ómputers
Netw ung Solutions
System Upgrades
Dudley Perkins Co.
est. 1914
(OfflCeHOUn
9 a to6pr
___
j*c4 154dWd oj
I
___
May 2004
POA Journal
Page 18
New Mexico Bans All Guns
From Courthouse, Even Those
Worn By Law Enforcement
From The Albuquerque Tribune, April 5
The New Mexico Supreme Court
upheld a controversial guns ban in
Albuquerque's Metropolitan Courthouse.
The ban, which was established in
January with the move into a new
courthouse at Lomas Boulevard and
Fourth Street Northwest, requires all
law enforcement to turn in their weapons to security guards upon entering
the courthouse. The Albuquerque police chief, Albuquerque Police Officers
Association and Bernalillo County
sheriff appealed the decision in a writ
filed in early February.
A 3-2 divided Supreme Court denied
the request. The court made its deci-
sion in a one-page order issued last
week.
The majority decision agreed with
Metro Court's security council, which
argued the guns are a safety threat and
could be taken away by visitors inside
the courthouse. Metro Court administrators hired security and armed, offduty sheriff's deputies to patrol the
courthouse and maintain security.
"Obviously, we're disappointed, but
not completely surprised because we
knew it would be very unlikely that a
court would overturn another court's
decision on how to control its courthouse," Bernalillo County Sheriff
Darren White said.
"With this decision, I don't think
Metro Court is a safe courthouse."
Jones, Clifford, Johnson
& Johnson LLP
Specializi in Worker Compensation
Personal Injury and Retirement
for 'On-Duty" and "Off-Duty" Injuries
Francis V Clifford *
Yale I. Jones *
Kenneth G. Johnson Steger P. Johnson
Christopher C. Dehner
Alexander J . Wong
J. Kevin Morrison
Colleen S. Casey
* Certified Specialists Workers' Compensation Law
State Bar of California
415. 31.53 1 0
VVrrnV
C%11 C
(' 1 1
Free: 888.625.2251
frrc r'r1-r,
100 Van Ness Ave. 19th Floor
NOTICE
Making a false or fraudulent workers' compensation claim i a
felony subject to up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000
or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both
imprisonment and fine
Head Of IAFC Believes It Is Only
Matter Of Time Until Deaths Occur
Because Of Cell Phone Interference
With Public Safety Radios
From The Associated Press, April 5
WASHINGTON - The proliferation
of cell phones is having potentially
dangerous consequences for firefighters and police officers, who in some
places can't use their radios to call for
help because of interference from cell
signals.
The Boston suburb of Cambridge,
Mass., is one of those areas. Last fall,
an officer responding to a fight at an
apartment had to walk to the other
side of the high-rise to call for backup.
Another time, an officer responding to
a burglar alarm couldn't call for help
as he approached the building.
In both incidents, the delays didn't
cause any major problems for officers.
But the potential is there, said Cambridge Fire Chief Gerald Reardon, who
oversees the city's entire public safety
radio system.
"If equipment needs to be repaired
or upgraded, we have no problem doing that," he said. "This is beyond our
control. It's a worry."
Ernest Mitchell, president of the
International Association of Fire
Chiefs, was more pessimistic.
"Thankfully, no one has died," said
Mitchell, who is fire chief in Pasadena,
Calif. "But it's only a matter of time."
Radios used by police, firefighters
and other first responders broadcast on
the same 800 megahertz broadcast
spectrum as cell phones. So, for example, if a radio dispatch is made at
850 MHz near a cell tower broadcasting at 851 MHz, the radio signal can
get drowned out.
It's unclear how many municipalities are affected, but the problem is
serious enough that police and
firefighters have been urging the government to come up with a fix. Federal regulators are expected to do that
in the next few weeks.
Still, a battle is raging within the cell
phone industry over what the government should do. The issue isn't just
about what works best. Money - billions of dollars - also is a consideration.
On one side of the cell phone debate is Nextel Communications,
whose frequencies are interspersed
among those belonging to public
safety. Its phones cause the most interference.
Nextel was assigned the frequencies
by the Federal Communications Commission prior to the cell phone boom,
when it was thought the 800 MHz
spectrum could handle public safety
and cell phone needs.
On the other side is the rest of the
Harry Ming
I
I
'v ato Support the Peace Officer
Memorial by Thanking Law Enforcement for
Performing their Civic Duty with Honor."
7om 13dt 1
I
Cox,/Vday 9t/L0
• o'"
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. •• Mon. to Fri.
Locaied right across the s eeifro iThe5FF0A Office
"d, '/ bloci foa th ST Fall of Justice.
CASiO3;(4l5)55S24lOj
Lucrative Discounts to all POA Members
fur - 01.4a Motor/
FOREIGN & DOMESTIC CAR SPECIALISTS
AUTO REPAIR & BODYWORK
TOWING + AUTO SALES
Tel: (415) 512-1200
645 Bryant Street
Fax: (415) 546-7065
E-mail: eur©pacbell.net
wireless industry - including the trade
group that counts Nextel as a member
- as well as some municipalities and
electric utilities that broadcast over the
800 MHz band, and the government
watchdog groups National Taxpayers
Union and Citizens Against Government Waste.
The Nextel-backed plan would divide the 800 MHz band, giving one
section to public safety agencies and
another to cell companies. That idea
is backed by various national law enforcement groups, as well as Mitchell's
fire chiefs association.
Opponents want to leave the spectrum alone, but require each company
that causes interference to eliminate
it at its own cost within 60 days after
a public safety agency reports a problem.
The Nextel plan would be extremely
lucrative for the company, while the
competing proposal could cost it a significant amount.
The FCC staff has studied the problem and recommended the commissioners vote for the Nextel plan, according to an FCC official who spoke
on condition of anonymity.
FCC Commissioner Kathleen
Abernathy recently said she likes that
idea. "There's just too much potential
for public safety issues if we don't
reband," she said.
Nextel has offered to pay $850 million to retune public safety radios once
the spectrum is reallocated. In return,
the company would get additional
spectrum worth about $3 billion, according to the brokerage firm Legg
Mason Wood Walker.
Nextel spokeswoman Leigh Homer
said reallocation is the only solution
that would permanently fix the problem, and her company is being fairly
compensated for giving up some spectrum.
"It's an issue about public safety,"
Homer said.
But Travis Larson, a spokesman for
the Cellular Telecommunications and
Internet Association, the wireless
industry's trade group, said reallocation would take years while the alternative would fix any problems as they
POP UP.
"This plan aims to eliminate public
safety radio interference immediately
- within 60 days of it being reported while the Nextel-backed plan takes
over 3 1/2 years to do the same job,"
Larson said. "Interference is a serious
problem and our police officers and
firefighters deserve a serious and immediate solution."
Anna O'Connor
Proprietor
1600 Taraval Street
San Francisco 94116
(415) 681-5544
[email protected]
Sister of David O'Connor, SFPD—Southern Station
May 2004
POA Journal
Editor's note: The following reprinted
article is about Detective Joe McElligott,
the nephew of San Francisco Police Officer Peter McElligott who was shot and
killed in the line of duty in 1968.
In the world of cold cases, police
Det. Joe McElligott might as well have
been somewhere in Antarctica in 2003,
working two unresolved homicides one dating back two decades.
But after cracking both, McElligott
is enjoying the warmth of the spotlight
as the Vacaville Police Department's
Officer of the Year.
DNA evidence uncovered during
McElligott's investigations led to the
arrests of four suspects in connection
with the two slayings.
"Both cases were made on the forensic and DNA evidence," said Lt.
Scott Paulin. "He has raised the standard of the use of DNA in old cases."
McElligott has taken the lead in the
department to ensure evidence is collected properly and can operate with
advancing DNA and forensic technology, Paulin said.
"DNA evidence is critical,"
McElligott said. "It's a great investigative tool, which should be considered
where appropriate."
In 2003, as he was rifling through a
4-inch-thick binder crammed with
evidence and interviews from a 1982
unsolved homicide, the Vacaville p0lice officer wondered what was left to
investigate.
More than 20 years earlier, Rosa
Page 19
ADVERTISING COMMENTARY
Top Sleuth Honored
By David Henson
Reprinted from the Vacaville Reporter
April 11, 2004
Castaneda, who was 27, was slain in
her Vacaville home, having been
stabbed in the neck. The case had remained unresolved as it floated
through the police department, desk
to desk, for re-examination.
But DNA evidence turned up from
McElligott's investigation led to the
June 2003 arrest of Castaneda's suspected killer, Vincent Carl Ortiz, 47,
of Sacramento.
"I was very grateful, not just for me,
but also for the family," recalled
McElligott, a 10-year veteran at the
department. "The unknown is now
known 21 years later."
Two unspecified pieces of evidence
were used to link the homicide to another case, equally as old, outside
Vacaville's jurisdiction. The combined
evidence, with the help of the U.S.
Department of Justice crime lab in Sacramento, led eventually to the arrest
of Ortiz.
In the other case, a 1998 murder of
Marvin Sims, 37, anonymous tips led
to the discovery of new evidence and
later, the arrest of three suspects,
Paulin said. Sims originally was considered a missing person.
McElligott has also been a part of
the department's SWAT team for
around seven years. As officer of the
year, the Sacramento native will have
his named engraved on a plaque in the
department and will have to endure
the good-natured taunts of his coworkers, Paulin said. The department
also will nominate him for other officer-of-the-year recognitions.
"This is the highlight of my career,"
McElligott said, warmly.
San Mateo Branch of SFPCU
Celebrates First Year of Service
I was fortunate enough to be able
to speak to the Branch Manager Rosie
Vasquez. She pointed out the branch
As we were in need of a replacement has two customer service desks, two
for our aging sedan we, of course, im- loan officers, a Tele-serve desk and sevmediately gave thought to visiting the eral teller stations. I asked several of
S.F. Credit Union. For a change of scen- the people working there that day if
ery, however, I thought I would visit there was something they wished to
the new branch office in San Mateo. be conveyed to the members regardAfter all, the branch had been open ing this branch and everyone I spoke
since May of 2003 and I had yet to step with echoed the message of Brian
into the place. What took me so long? Young, Vice President of Tele-serve:
I can't say, but it won't be as long for "We're here to help and to serve our
members."
the next visit.
The building has plenty of curb apThis branch has many appealing
assets, not the least is ample parking. I peal. It is tastefully decorated, has hot,
would guess three times as much park- free coffee available, comfortable seats
ing as the San Francisco Branch. Also, with a large, low table laden with a
it's very easy to get to from any direc- variety of current newspapers. Familtion. Situated on El Camino at 14th iar faces such as Jim Hennessy, retired
Avenue, it is just a few blocks from the S.EP.D., or Tom Redmond, retired S.F.
92 Freeway off-ramp, which makes it Sheriff's Department, will greet you.
convenient from the City, the East Bay You will probably recognize several of
and, of course the South Bay. However, the other people working there, as this
it's after you have arrived that makes is an experienced group of professionthe visit worth your time. The branch als. It has an ATM, accessible from the
is completely full-service. That means outside, along side a night drop box.
My visit was a grand success. All of
just what it sounds like: every service
one needs from their credit union is my financial needs were addressed, I
available here. Personal accounts, busi- had a great time visiting with friendly
ness accounts, savings, checking, loans professionals, saw some folks I hadn't
of every variety are available. But, why seen in awhile, and we got caught up
go to this credit union? Because you on old and new times. I hope to see
are more than a customer, you're a more of you there on my next visit.
member.
By Dennis Bianchi,
SFPCU Education Committee
I THE WINDOW AND DOOR SHOP, INC. I
I
• Wooden Windows • Doors and Frames
I -i .1
I • '.
• 1... •
Seventh Annual Mission Easter Egg Hunt
Co-Sponsored by Mission Station and St. Johns Educational Thresholds Center
FA
I
I
I
_j
I
I
ARCHES
• Custom and Standard
Andersen. Marvin & other manufacturers
/f
.
I
I
1% Discountfor SFPDISFPOA & Their Family& Friends; www.wiiidowanddoorshop.com
185 Industrial St., San Francisco, CA 94124
Fax (415) 282-6193 MARWJI
(415) 282-6192
"Retired Police Officer owned business"
Give the Gift that keeps.
Chief Heather Fong with Eas- Bunny, Steve Thoma and Uma Bailey geet hunter Bunny Todd Barks
dreds of waiting kids.
George Leong
performs great
feats of magic.
Bunny
with
Supervisor Bevan
Dufty and
even
coordinators Steve
Thoma and Ethel Newlin.
Iii%1b iI4Tit!
rici r tiiw
Driscoll's, Comisky, Anderson
The Bud Duggan Family
DI
FD1665
GAN'S
MORTUARY
n
-
Share the benefits of membership....
Refer a new member to SF Police
Credit Union and receive:
I
er
1r!
(650) 756-4500
(415) 970-8801
500 WESTLAKE AVE., DALY CITY
WWW.DUGGANS-SERRA.COM
SPACIOUS PARKING
1465 VALENCIA ST.
SAN FRANCISCO
(BETWEEN 25TH AND 26TH)
Under Same Family Ownership
The Bud Duggan Family
Se Hahia Espanol
Specialist In Shipping To
Central America And Mexico
Why wait? Call Today at:
(800) 222-1391
or look for details on our website:
www.sfpcu.org
0
ngs Federalanly Insured
to
6k $100000 bySavi
NCUA,
Agency
111
of
the
US
Government.
F
P
*Membershi
p
of
f
e
r
good
f
r
om
Apri
l share
1, 2004account
to Mays i31,s 0.2004.
Mustof March
present23,act2004.ual coupon
at timerable ofeopeni
ng account
. Current
Annual
Percent
a
ge
Yi
e
l
d
on
regul
a
r
7
5%
as
Nont
r
ansf
p
l
e
ase
cal
l
f
o
r
of
ial
coupon.
be used
asrectinliytiianltopeni
nrrig ndeposi
t for snewshareMember
account
onlofy.$25Witdeposi
hin 5 busit fornrefessedays
of newmember
accountifficopeniaccount
ng, $10 wicl$25ol sedbewilcredi
t
e
d
di
o
ref
e
g
member'
account
.
Reversal
rred
new
er openi.nCang. Alrefl newer elaccount
subjectfrtieondsSFPCUand faccount
account terms andwithdiinscl6 omontsureshsfoafrtaccount
igible co-s areworkers,
amily. opening procedures and standard
Page 20
POA Journal
In recognition of this year's Police and Fire Memorial, it is time to express our
heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for each and every Law Enforcement
Officer, Firefighter, as well as all other Civil Servants - who continue to proudly
serve and protect the citizens of our city, state and country. This space is also
devoted to honor those, who through dedication, fulfilled their Civic duty, even
when faced with risk and peril; and now, regrettably, are no longer with us.
May 2004
PAL CORNER
For additional Information,
phone PAL at 415-401-4666
or visit us at www.sfpal.org SAN FRANCISCO
"WHILE THESE ACTS OF SELFLESS SACRIFICE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED,
THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES SHOULD BE HONORED BY NEVER BEING FORGOTTEN"
PAL Golf Tournament
SPECIAL PP(.:1J), i i1 FOR TPD NEW :EcuiTs
UP OA DWETIVIBERS 9 FAMILY, & FRIENDS
Are you tired of paying your LANDLORD'S mortgage???
Wouldn 'tyou like to start building your OWN EQUITY???
VW Could you benefit from the 7T4' WRITE-OFFS associated
with owning your home???
Mark your calendars! The PAL Golf
Tournament will be held on Monday,
May 17, 2004 at the Peacock Gap Golf
and Country Club, 333 Biscayne Drive
in San Rafael. This tournament supports the Summer In-Service Training
Program of the San Francisco PAL Cadets.
Individual Format
Players with established handicaps
will compete in low gross and low net
play. Players without handicaps will
compete in low gross and blind bogey
play.
Player Participation
$175.00 includes green fees, tee
prize, golf cart, lunch and dinner.
'Speakth
(No KIDDING!) of these Satisfied I
Prize/Contribution
Call 415-401-466 for pick-up.
For more information, please call
the San Francisco PAL at 415-4014666.
100% LTV PURCHASE
(REFINANCES O.K.)
80% FIRST +20% SECOND
(COMBINED)
ONLY 3 MONTHS RESERVE REQUIRED
(PLUS CLOSING COSTS, IF APPLICABLE)
No PREPAYMENT PENALTY
-
Recent Satisfied SFPOA & Police Clients (And The List Keeps Growing!!)
San Francisco
PD: Adam Choy + David Goff
Michael Glickman + Sgt. Raj Vaswani + Nicholas Chorley
Mike Olkiewicz + Michael Nevin + Kevin Rector + John Nevin
Matthew Faliano + Sgt. Michael Gallegos + Insp. Leroy Lindo
Sgt. Michelle Jean + Lt. Jill Brophy + Insp. Ned P. Totah, Jr.
Michael Pera (Retired) + Philip M. Pera + John A. Sterling (Retired)
Neil T. Fanene + Judy Solis + Oscar Padilla + Sgt. Eric Vintero
Melonee Alvarez + Insp. Gianrico Pierucci + Lorenzo Adamson
Kevin Jow + Mark Hutchings + Bob Duffield + Sgt. Vince Simpson
Sgt. Danny Lopez + Sgt. Jason Fox + Matt Maciel ± Patrick Cesari
Insp. Robert Totah + Sgt. Howard Weathersby + Michael Simmons
Dion McDonnell + Rob Terry + Al Cardenas + Brett Thorp
Bob Glembot + Sgt. Craig F. Tom + Richard J. O'Reilly
Nelson Artiga
Anthony M. Montoya + Michael Radanovich
Also, currently working with & have Closed Loans for many
Commanders & higher ranking SFPD (who prefer anonymity,).
SFPOA Journal Adv: David Dermer + Denise Sobiek
Daly City PD: Matthew Fox + Jeff Rodriguez + Keith Mattos
San Bruno PD: Mike Guldner + Tom Orsolini
CHP: Julio Halog + Cliff Wilkerson
State of Calif.: Robert Gal, Supervising Investigator
Members of U.S. Treasury Dept. & Other Law Enforcement Agencies
Ask for ASH
K. GUJRAL, SENIOR FINANCING ADVISOR
(650) 616.1301
Or JA Y To TA H, SENIOR LOAN CONSULTANT
(Cousin of Insp. Ned P. Totah, Jr., SFPD • Brother of Sam Totah,
(650) 616.0212
MORTGAGE SERVICES
I
THE RIGHT WAY TO FINANCE REAL ESTATE"
112 PARK PLACE, MILLBRAE, CA. 94030
Broker licensed by the California Department of Real Estate
Hole Sponsorship
$100.00 - Sign to identify you or
your company
Asst. SFDA)
PAL Soccer
The PAL Soccer League kicked off on
April 3rd with 126 teams. Games are
played on Saturdays at Grattan, Lowell
High School, Morton, Polo Fields and
West Sunset. The following are the
teams:
U8 Girls Division
Blue Angels
Lynx
Cosmos
Cheetahs
Fireflies
Red Bearettes
JCC Quakes
SG Knights
U8 Boys South Div.
JCSC Chivas Rayadas
Fireballs
Little Rams
Raptors
Mission United Kids
T-Rex
U8 Boys West Division
Firedragons
Grattan-Gold
Grattan-Green
Jaguars
SF Hawks
Slammers
Cougars
UlO Girls North Division
Clash
Fog Bears
Jamestown
Splash
Stars
Tornadoes
UlO Girls South Division
Dutch Tulips
Earthquakes
Kickers
Rocket Girls
Shooting Stars
Fais Cheetahs
Under 10 Girls West Division
Blue Lions
Shamrocks
Kickettes
Lightning
Mighty Mustangs
Panthers
Super Shooting Stars
Wildcats
UlO Boys North Division
Grattan
Mission Dragons
Panthers
Villa
SF Milan
SF City Fire
UlO Boys South Division
JCSC Chivitas Jrs
Firebolts
Jcsc Chivas Stars
Wizards
MYSC Jamestown Boys
UlO Boys West Division
Argonauts
Bears
JCSCChivitas Usa
Piranhas
Thunderfiashers
Phoenix
U12 Girls North Division
Blue Angels
Blue Dolphins
Ravens
JCSC Chivas Rebels
Griffins
Jamestown United
Big Green
U12 Girls South Division
Fireballs
MYSC Chica Shockers
Giant Revolution
Nighthawks
Pink Panthers
Snapdragons
MYSL SF United Girls
Firedragons
U12 Girls West Division
CL Lions
Thunderdogs
Firedragons
Turtles
Thunder
U12 Boys North Division
Flying Bandits
MYSC SF Rams
Silver Phoenix
Grattan
Cruzazul
Mighty Panthers
SF NB Dolphins
U12 Boys South Division
SF Jr Glens
MYSC Mezcala
Raptors
MYSL United Boys
Geckos
U12 Boys West Division
Egrets
Hurricanes
JCSC Chivas Reserve
MYSC Little Eagles
Dragons
MYSL Jamestown Phoenix
Lightning
U14 Girls South Division
SF Tremors
Burlins
Hornets
Brazilian Orchids
Panthers
Typhoons
Valkyries
U14 Girls West Division
Amazons
Blue Bears
MYSC Jamestown
Snow Leopards
Sunrises
MYSL Yellow Jackets
U14 Boys Division
Cruz Azul
SF Jr Glens
Hawks
Falcons
Mustangs
Allstars
DC United
Mighty Yodas
U16 Division
SF Jr Glens
Xtreme 88
JCSC Chivas Express
Toros
U17 Division
SF Jr Glens
Raptors
SSF SC United
SSF DC Atlas
May 2004
POA Journal
Page 21
EM
L.
NICK'S NOTES
Par-Wars Golf Tournament
By Nick Shihadeh
POA Journal Sports Editor
HECK IT OUT: The last time I
spoke with Isaac Espinoza was
the
week before he was tragiC
cally killed, and of course the discussion concerned department softball.
He was telling me about the great game
they had against the Airport Bureau;
beating them handily in their first
match-up since last year's championship loss to those same guys.
Isaac was telling me about the great
performance that his third baseman
Mike "Bugsy" Moran had that day.
Apparently Bugsy went 4 for 4 plus a
walk at the plate, which included hitting for the very difficult cycle. He also
made a great snag in the field and
robbed someone of a hit. Isaac was so
proud to tell me about it and I was very
happy to hear about Bugsy's performance as well (he used to be a Park
Islander and is an all around great
guy). Later on I would hear that Isaac
also had a good game against Airport
including a diving catch in left field
with his body completely parallel to
the ground. I didn't hear this from
Isaac because as usual be was talking
someone else up. He was excited for
someone else. This is the kind of guy
he was.
Everyone knows that Isaac was my
co-commissioner of the SPPD Softball
League and was eventually going to
take over the whole thing. Isaac
wanted to know everything about how
I ran the league and helped me with
the schedule a few months back. He
was a sharp guy who was also helpful
as he checked in with me regularly
about what he could do to assist me.
My dealings with Issac the last two
months re-confirmed my thoughts
that I had made the right choice in
who was taking over department softball. I had noticed the great job he had
been doing running the Bayview
Pitbulls since taking over the team
from Kevin "Lab" Labanoski a few
years back. Isaac always stayed on top
of that team making sure enough players showed-up to every game. He
helped the club with his all around
good play, and he was a great motivator to his teammates as well. He was a
huge reason that the Pitbulls were the
league champions two years ago and
also earned a trip to the championship
game again last season (even though
in a losing cause). In other words, I
wasn't going to hand the reigns of the
league over to just anybody. Isaac
Espinoza was a sharp, responsible and
patient guy who loved softball. He was
going to be perfect as the sole softball
commissioner. I will not be looking for
a replacement.
The softball league took a one week
respite in honor of Isaac but play resumed the week of April 19th. I'm
looking to see if the Bayview Pitbulls
can rally and do the best that they can
to finish off the season in an inspira-
A Golf Challenge
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Silverado Golf Course
Will be the site for this first time event!
The event will pair players from the San Francisco Fire Department and the
San Francisco Police Department for a friendly but competitive
round of golf. Funds raised through this event will be divided
equally-between two worthy organizations.
tional way. There's talk of naming one
of the city softball diamonds after
Isaac. I think that naming Jackson #1
in Potrero Hill "Espinoza Field at Jackson Playground" is a good choice. All
in all, I'm truly going to miss Isaac
Espinoza on and off the field.
As far as how the A and B Divisions
were shaping up lately, take a look at
the standings below. Changing the
subject, I would like everyone to note
the flyer in this sports section describing the first "Par-Wars Golf Tournament" taking place on Wed. May 19th
in order to raise money for the SFPD's
Widows and Orphans and the SFFD's
Surviving Families Fund. This will be
a friendly but competitive round of
golf and anyone interested should attend.
That's all for now... So See Ya next
month...
A Division Softball Standings
San Francisco Fire, Department's Surviving, Families Fund and
San Francisco Police Department's Widows & Orphans
Come and bring your competitive spirit...
Raffle, Tee prize, awards and more!
$100 per player
Hole-in-One prizes include cash and trips!
9:00 am - Registration
10:00 am - Shotgun start
4:00-5:00 pm - Raffle, Awards, and refreshments.
Hosted by the San Francisco Fire Department Golf Club
To register, complete the form below and mail to;
John McNulty, do SFFD Station 17, 1295 Shafter, San Francisco, CA
94124
or call the Golf Line at 415-822-9500.
r-------------------------Players Name (s):
B Division Softball Standings
W % GB
Team
5 0 1.00
Central Station
3 1 .750 1.5
Tactical Co.
3 1 .750 1.5
Tenderloin Rats
3 1 .750 1.5
Narcotics
3
Southern Station 2 3 .400
1 3 .250 3.5
Daly City PD
Taraval/Richmond 1 4 .200 4
4
1 4 .200
SF Sheriffs
Inspectors 0 4 .000 4.5
Mission Chihuahuas Dropped out
of the league - So see ya!
/ -800-374-4351
IDi40 / / 3344
P.O.. 8•x 26339,
EL PASO, TEXAS 79926
I
1. ________________________ T-shirt M L XL XXL Phone:
i
I
I
WL%GB
Team
Northern Bulldogs
5 0 1.00
1
4 1.800
Park Islanders
2
Bayview Pitbulls
32.600
3
2 3.400
Airport Bureau 4
14.200
Mission Diablos
5
Ingleside Station 0 5 .00 ma
2. __________________________ T-shirt M L XL XXL Phone:
I
I
I would like to be paired with:
I
I
I
I
I
I
Playing for:
San Francisco Fire Department
If paying in advance, please make checks payable to:
San Francisco Fire Department Golf Club
L--------------------------
POA Journal
Page 22
May 2004
North American Police Ski Championships 2004 (NAPSC)
By Chris daRoza
The 15th Annual NAPSC was held
from March 13th through the 20th at
Snowmass Village, just outside of Aspen, Co. This event again highlights
the professional and generous accomplishments of law enforcement agencies.
This year was the 15th anniversary
and was a very special week.
Snowmass is a great skiing venue and
it is like "home" to this event. The past
efforts of the NAPSC have raised over
$400,000.00 for the Winter Special
Olympics in Denver, and to the 62
families who lost a law enforcement
officer on 9/11/01. This year's event
was a great week of skiing, meeting old
friends, making new ones and helping NAPSC to continue to raise monies for a terrific cause.
\
Chris daRoza on the race course
Team Photo
in the Giant Slalom, plus two Silver
Medals from both the Slalom and Super G. Brian was able to bring home
two Gold Medals from both the Slalom and Super G. Kevin brought home
a Bronze Medal from the Slalom and a
Silver Medal in the snowboarding race.
I was able to bring home a Silver
Medal in the snowboarding.
For NAPSC's snowboarding
event there was only one competition this year. They have de, cided to integrate snowboarding
competitions into the event in
2005. The snowboarders will also
be seeded into 5-year age increments and be seeded into either
beginner, intermediate, advanced
or expert. They will also be competing in all the races (Giant Sla- Kevin Williams(SCDA) at the starting gate
lom, Slalom, Super G); so all you
snowboarders can enjoy all the
events as well.
-
This week was another
memorable
occasion and all for a
Chaigne Stokes on the race course
good cause as well. At the Banquet night, it was brought to our
As in the past, racers were grouped attention that we were able to raise
by 5-year age brackets, gender, and about $43,700 for the Winter Special
ability. To be eligible, one must have Olympics this year. The grand total for
completed the seed race, and teams the last 15 years was about
were comprised of at least two officers $443,700.00 - all donated to the Spefrom the same department. The events cial Olympics.
included a Giant Slalom, Slalom and
Next year's NAPSC will be held at
Super G (where helmets were re- Copper Mountain, which is just an
quired). There were award nights, an hour outside of Denver, Colorado. I
auction and the last day a banquet. hope we will be able to have more skiEveryone that attended was eligible for ers and boarders attend this event.
Brian Petiti at starting gate
door prizes, which were given out each
If interested in being added to the
night. Everyone won something.
team, feel free to write me at
This year there were four of us at- [email protected]. I am also puttending the events. Brian Petiti, ting together a website. If you are in- 2004 SF Prep Hall of Fame Inductee
Chaigne Stokes, and I - who made up terested in going and are a snowthe SFPD Ski Team - and Kevin Will- boarder, please email me because
iams from Santa Clara County DA's NAPS C is interested in finding out the
Office. Brian, Kevin and I were seeded approximate number of snowboarders
in the advance division, and Chaigne for the coming year. If interested in
was seeded in the intermediate divi- NAPSC, the web address is www.
Four year Allsion.
NAPSC.org. Feel free to log on and get
which his teams
AAA
along with
Chaigne Stokes and Brian Petiti on the mailing list. Until then, see you
have won two AAA
two seasons batcame out on top for our team. Chaigne next year.
championships
ting over .400 are
brought home 3 medals, a Gold Medal
and were in City
infielder Robert
championship
Fung's baseball
games every seacredentials. Durson. Robert Fung,
ing his playing
and his wife,
days Fung was
Debbie, reside in
described as "a
San
Francisco, and
coach's delight"
are
the
parents of
for his competitwo children,
tive, determined
Christopher and
and hard workJoshua.
ing spirit. In his
The 22nd Anfreshman season
nual SFPHF cerFung was 1st
emonies will take
Team All-City
with a.386 batting average; and senior, place on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at
1st Team All-City, .424 batting aver- the Spanish Cultural Center-Patio
age and squad's Most Valuable and Espanol Restaurant, 2850 Alemany
Blvd, San Francisco, CA. The reception
Most Inspirational Player.
begins
at 6:00 p.m. and the banquet/
Following his graduation Fung
awards
ceremonies start at 7 p.m.
played baseball at San Francisco State
Al McCarthy, Retired/Airport Div. Jesse Brown, Retired/Sick Sgt.
Tickets
are $40 per person. Checks
University (1987-1988) and at Skyline
(415) 246-1753
(415) 990-5678
Vince Sheehan
should
be
made
out to San Francisco
College (1989). He is a member of the
Prep
Hall
of
Fame
and sent to Al Vidal,
San Francisco Police Department and
440
Gold
Mine
Drive,
San Francisco,
for seven years he has been
CA
94131
or
phone:
415-826-3572.
Washington's head baseball coach in
L.
E
Robert Fung (1982-1986)
Washington High School - Baseball
Call Us For All
Of Your
Real Estate Needs!
'V
Page 23
POA Journal
May 2004
Free Classified Advertising Available for POA Members
The POA Journal now has free classified advertising, a no-fee service
available to our active and retired members. Buy, sell, or trade in the Journal
and reach 5500 readers each month. The following rules apply to Classified
Ads:
• To place a free classified ad, you must be an active or retired POA member.
• A member may run only one classified ad per issue. However, a member
may repeat the same ad in each or subsequent issues.
• Classified ads are text only. Photographs, clip-art, or graphics are not
permitted.
• Classified ads must be for the sale, purchase, or trade of tangible items.
The exception is real estate or vacation rentals owned by the member
submitting the ad.
• No member may advertise or seek services through a classified ad. Examples of services not eligible for free classified advertising are home
repair, landscaping, painting, auto repair, home building, gun smithing,
lessons or tutoring, travel services, mortgage services, tax preparation
services, real estate services, legal services, etc.
• Classified ads can be no larger than 300 typed characters, including
hyphens and spaces.
• Members who submit a free classified ad must choose to place it in one of
the following categories:
1. Automotive: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, RV's, ATVs
2. Law Enforcement: Firearms, holsters, uniforms, patches, hats, T-shirts,
clipboards, flashlights, etc.
3. Real Estate: Member owned homes, vacation rentals, time shares
4. Home & Office: Furniture, computers, software, fax machines, printers,
telephones, kitchen appliances, hand tools, power tools, camcorders,
digital cameras,
5. Sporting Goods: Skis, ATVs, Boats & kayaks, Gym equipment, Bicycles,
Fishing gear, Hunting rifles & shotguns, binoculars, camping gear, hanggliders
6. Miscellaneous: Concert and Sporting event tickets, collectibles & memorabilia, horses, dogs, ride-share/car pooling, DVD5, CDs, Videos, software
4 SALE 2001 Honda Odyssey EX.
Navagation System, Excellent Condition,
Silver, Original owner. Asking $20,500 or
BO. Call Wm. Dave Sowell retired. (925)
820-3564 or cell phone (408) 888-1599.
1974 Harley-Davidson FXE, 1200cc,
metalic blue, kick and electric starters, 15K
original miles. Asking $7500. Contact
Hugh Emerson (retired, Co. K) at 415-3338994.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO $1975/mo. Walk
to BART - 3br 2 ba, 2 car garage. Fenced
yard with patio. New interior paint and carpets. 1206 Mission Road. Ph. 415-665-9094
MEXICO, south of Cancun. Fantastic 2BD/
3BA condo. Sleeps six. Overlooking private
pool, Marina, and Caribbean. Shops, restaurants, golf, diving, and beautiful white
sand beaches. Selective weeks. Contact
Walt (ret.) (916) 853 2093 or
[email protected]
The 2004 Classified Advertising deadlines are as follows:
Thursday, May 20
Monday, June 21
Monday, July 19
Thursday, August 19
Monday, September 20
Monday, October 18
Thursday, November 18
Wednesday, December 22
June 2004 issue
July 2004 issue
August 2004 issue
September 2004 issue
October 2004 issue
November 2004 issue
December 2004 issue
January 2005 issue
Ads must be typewritten and submitted to the POA, attn: Journal Advertising in any of the following ways:
US Mail, to the POA office
Interdepartmental mail, to the POA office.
I'
Email to [email protected]
___
- _
I
DON CALKIN is the:
,
ORGANIZATION
S.
Vol
NEVER
/ Qt
FORGOTTEN
oP
Needs"
"For All Y'
G 'fo T he
Cul Do
?O
M11
DON CALKIN, S.F.P.D.
ACTrVE 23 YEARS
AsliaTtE S VILES
hsnes icftd
NucleI Direct Connect' long-range diilal
walkie talkie feature
Ne,tel Online - Wireless Web access
Email Services manage your minting office email
nbox, calendar and contacts
Messaging Services --- includes Nevtel Qollee
Two-Woy Messaging and AW Instant Messenger
-
For
Active & Retired
SFPD/SFPOA,
Employees,
ACTWE 25 YEARS
* Free Home Market Analysis.
-i
• Free Consultation
* $750 Purchase Credit At Closing Special Savings
City & State
BROTHER OF
RICH CALK]N, S.F.F.D.
(650)
Professional Brokers & Agents
Serving the Peninsula, SF & North Bay
(W-.,
CITICOMM
WIRELESS, tNC.
Soecial Offer!
c-n
PENINSULA
REAL ESTATE
*AGENT T0 THE STARS *
N Offm
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
NEXTEL Repair & Service Center
560
And Their Family
REALTOR-
- rY'
,-
Members!
..ER"ATE.COM
.-
- -
ravings
10% OFF
i:':
A.V.R REALTY, INC. • 650-342-2073 • 1169 BROADWAY • BURLINGAMI, CA 94010
NEXTEL RATE PLANS
-w
From
LOCAL NUMBER PORTABII-JTY Citicomm Wireless, Inc.
IS HERE!
Staying connected with
the people in your life
Get this special offer
at these Nextel Retail
Stores near you:
has never been easier.
Use this Citicomm SFPOA Journal
"I WORK HARD TO PROTECT & SERVE YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS!"
Nextel Discount on phones and
ASK ANY OF My RECENT SATISFIED CLIENTELE:
• BOUGHT
GEORGE BROWN, ING
• BOUGHT/SOLD
SEAN ARCHINI, SFPD
• BOUGHT
DOMINIC REO
• BOUGHT
PAUL & MICHELLE STEIN
• SOLD
SGT. BILL BRAY, SFPD
• BOUGHT
ROB BARRETr
• BOUGHT
JUDY SHOFFA
• BOUGHT
DAVE HORTON, SFPD
• BOUGHT/SOLD
BOB
&
JENNY
MCCARTHY
• SOLD
VALERIE VENNERI
• SOLD
KELLY FEW
• BOUGHT
AMANDA DOUGLAS
• BOUGHT
AL GRIFFIN
• BOUGHT
AURA MARTINEZ, SFPD
• SOLD (BOTH)
KEITH HENSLEY (Z HOMES) • BOUGHT/SOLD
FRANCIS GERMESHAUSEN
rate plans to buy up to five
phones for yourself and
(415) 861-6888
AT&T
your family - activated
on your account -
and stay connected
to all the important
people in your life.
• Citicomm Wireless
1116 Folsom St., Suite 2,
ver,zpjn
• Citicomm Wireless
2018 Clement St.,
(415) 387-6880
iercs
• E-mail: [email protected]
- _.._.rI tL
www.citicomm.net
I
Page 24
By Steve Johnson
SFPOA
ra
4
Ir
fficer Isaac Espinoza was
killed in the line of duty on
O Saturday, April 10, 2004. Isaac
was an outstanding police officer who
Sgt. Mike Moran recently drafted to
serve on the SFPOA Board of Directors to help him represent the officers
at Bayview Station. Mike asked Isaac
because of his work ethic and because
he was someone you could always go
to just to talk. He always made time to
listen to others and help them work
through whatever it was that might
be an issue of concern.
Officer Isaac Espinoza served with
an elite group of police officers who
are assigned to the Bayview Station.
Every one of the officers assigned to
Bayview take an extra risk every day.
It's dangerous enough being a police
officer in San Francisco, but working
this particular district with the number
of weapons and gang members present, makes it even more dangerous,
demanding, and difficult.
Isaac wanted to make the Bayview
a safe place for everyone. He passed
up the chance to transfer to Central
Station because he made a commitment to the people he served. Unfortunately, his assailant also made a
commitment.
This was an individual who had no
qualm identifying with the criminal
element - he was a gang member and
he had no problem pulling the trigger
when it came to killing Isaac.
I thought it was interesting that the
members of the Board of Supervisors
(Ammiano, Daly, and Gonzales) who
thought it was so important to push a
charter amendment, (remember Prop
H/'Police Reform'?), and a resolution,
increasing the already overbearing
civilian oversight measures impacting our Department had nothing to
say about how to stem the violence
that Officer Isaac Espinoza and the
members of Bayview Station faced
every day. I mean, these are politicians. These are people who spoke to
the press and their constituencies for
months as if they knew exactly how to
fix the Police Department. And now,
nothing but silence.
Well, silence doesn't cut it.
We don't need a Board of Supervisors who only cater to certain interests. We need a Board of Supervisors
who will look out for the safety of all.
Maybe now they'll have hearings on
how to make San Francisco a place
where police officers don't have to
worry about being gunned down by a
thug armed with a weapon that never
should have been on the streets of San
Francisco in the first place.
The Board of Supervisors have
hearings on everything else.. .everytime they review police expenditures
- they have a hearing. Everytime they
want to re-invent police oversight
- they have a hearing. Everytime they
criticize our command staff over how
a demonstration was handled - they
have a hearing.
So maybe now it's our turn. Maybe
we want a hearing. Maybe we want
to know just what the Board of Supervisors is going to do to get more
May 2004
POA Journal
suspect wanted on a warrant who also
belonged to a gang in the Bayview
District when he took off running. The
officers chased him to a public storage
area where he was trying to hide. The
suspect was taken into custody. This
should be the end of the story except
for the fact that there was a reason
the suspect was running into this
particular hiding place. Inside this
storage area was concealed a.45 caliber 'MAC 10' assault weapon with a
uniforms on the streets. We lost 200 high-capacity magazine, a .38 calipersonnel last year to retirements. ber revolver, a second assault rifle
There are only 43 new recruits in the with a high-capacity magazine, a.45
Police Academy who won't be out till 'Thompson' style sub-machine gun,
next September. There are many times and hundreds of rounds of ammuniwhen District Police Stations only tion for all the weapons nearby.
have two, 1-officer cars on the street.
Officer Steve Benzinger and Officer
Two police officers for an entire Police
Luis
Dejesus found another individual
District...??
wanted
for questioning. Another gang
And the guns. Where are they
member,
that is. A brief search revealed
coming from? And why aren't people
the
suspect
had a loaded semi-autogoing to jail when they are arrested for
matic
handgun
with one round in the
illegally possessing weapons?
chamber.
Do
we
see a common theme
The guns on the street are in the
occurring
here...??
wrong hands, the members of our
Department don't have a sufficient
number of personnel to do the job,
and if those two issues alone don't
demand a hearing before the Board
of Supervisors of San Francisco, then
Quick observations of potentially
I don't know what the hell does.
criminal conduct led Officer Carlos
Mustafich and Officer Erick Solares to
investigate the individual parked in a
closed gas station. Their investigation
led to a brief vehicle chase and taking a
Officer Steve Stearns and Officer suspect into custody. The suspect was
Greg Kane respond to a call of threats armed with a handgun and carrying
at a grocery store on Divisadero Street a tremendous amount of money. A
and detain the suspect involved. The shame he won't get to spend any, not
officers had no idea what they were even to make his bail, since it was all
going up against when they responded counterfeit.
to this run. All they knew was that one
individual had threatened another and
it was up to them to determine the
level of threat and the involvement of
all concerned. The suspect involved,
Officer Scott Biggs and Officer
turned out, was in possession of a James Winters found an individual
loaded gun tucked away in his jacket. where he shouldn't be sitting, set back
Another gun recovered at the personal away from them in the dark, under
risk of two police officers.
a huge tarp. They asked him to step
out where they could see him. The inOfficer Giuseppe Festa, Officer Ray dividual hesitated for several seconds
Cruz, and Officer Jonathon Catlett moving his hands behind his back as
responded to a vehicle accident where if to conceal something. He finally
one party was trying to leave the scene. complied with the officers' wishes and
The officers separated the parties, stepped forward. Scott and Jim then
calmed everyone down, and tried to observed something unusual - their
make sure the necessary information detainee was wearing a bullet-resistant
was exchanged. A quick check of one vest and a nylon web belt with an
of the cars revealed a quantity of nar- empty holster and a clip to a semicotics and, of course, the attendant automatic weapon attached. And,
loaded handgun which, because of when the officers went back to check
everything else involved, only made out the area where the suspect was sitsense that it turned out to be stolen. ting they found 17 credit cards (none,
of course, in the suspect's name) and
Officer Chad Campos, Officer Kirk a loaded, .45 caliber semi-automatic,
Yin, Officer Ignacio Martinez, and Of- Glock handgun. The same handgun
ficer David Rodriquez were checking he was concealing when the officers
out some gang activity in the area of approached him.
Sunnydale and Hahn (hey, now there's
A few days later and Officer Biggs
something the Board of Supervisors and Officer Winters find a van being
can have a hearing about... Gangs in driven by an individual with no seatSan Francisco!!) One of the individuals belt. The officers make a traffic stop
they tried to detain took off running and the driver jumps and runs from
and was eventually stopped. He, of the van. Scott and Jim catch up with
course, was carrying a loaded firearm. him and bring him back trying to
The officers, now outnumbered by the figure out why he would be trying to
gang members who suddenly appeared leave when all they were going to do
and who were threatening to take the was warn him about his earlier indisprisoner back, had to get out of the cretion. It was probably the sawedarea and continue their investigation off shotgun and the .357 caliber
back at Ingleside Station. Most soci- handgun that he had on the front
ologists would tell you that when the seat right next to him that gave him
gang members outnumber the police the idea that the officers might not
officers in a major city it's usually a accept too many excuses for having
telltale sign that the city has a definite those types of items in his possesproblem...
sion, especially since he was already
on parole.
Officer Sean Ryan, Officer Jim
Aherne, and Officer Steve Benzinger,
I might be wrong, but I think every
all close, personal friends of Officer incident I've cited so far has resulted
Isaac Espinoza, were investigating a in a gun being taken from either some-
LA
one on parole, someone in a gang,
or someone committing a criminal
act...
Officer Jason Kirchner and Officer
Mike Ellis found the driver of a motorcycle totally disregarding the posted
speed limit and managed to pull him
over. The driver got off his bike and, as
a matter of habit, unzipped his leather
jacket. Oops. The handle of the gun he
had concealed in his waistband was
now showing and the fight was on.
The officers were finally able to get him
in cuffs and the gun in custody. The
suspect - nothing but a litany of prior
arrests for concealing weapons...
p•rI
LJ
Officer William O'Brien and Officer
Gregory Hui came about as close as
you can on routine patrol when they
pulled up to a stop sign and were immediately approached by a citizen
screaming and pointing at a green
Acura stating that the two occupants
were armed with a gun and had already fired several rounds at people
in the area of Broadway and Stockton.
The officers managed to stop the car,
detain the two occupants and located
a fully-loaded, semi-automatic weapon
in the front seat area. The passenger
later told the officers that they were
in greater danger than they thought.
The suspect driver was trying to get
another round off at them but was
having trouble disengaging the safety
mechanism he had inadvertently
locked.
And, prior to his death, Officer
Isaac Espinoza, along with his team
members of Officer Derrick Jackson,
Officer Timothy Nichols, and Officer
Barry Parker moved in to arrest an
individual who they observed dealing
narcotics in front of his residence. The
suspect and his compatriots fled into
his home with the officers in pursuit.
Isaac and his partners were able to
isolate the suspects from the weapons they were running to retrieve.
A.50 caliber, semi-automatic pistol,
several other guns, and hundreds
of rounds of ammunition. One of
the guns found had been used in
another homicide in the area and
all of the individuals arrested were
members of a gang described by a
veteran homicide inspector as being
"some of the most vicious criminals
in our City."
A*
Like I said. Maybe we need the
Board of Supervisors to put the right
priorities in order. We already have
enough civilian oversight measures
to last us the next 100 years. So why
don't we do something about the
gangs who are running this City.
Why don't we ask our City representatives to schedule the necessary
hearings and find out what's really
going on. We may have to establish
phone banks to do just that in the
very near future.
Officer Isaac Espinoza's wife and
his 3-year old daughter deserve at
least that much.

5/1/2004 - San Francisco Police Officers Association

Transcription

Similar documents

2016-3 Baseball Cardinals copy

KEESAL YOUNG LOGAN

Alternative Careers for Lawyers Panel Followed by AABA Happy Hour

sf`s design coup - Leverone Design

Printable PDF version, books only

Golden Gate Bridge - Campus Life Services

Hollywood Nights

Aryeh Shell Betsey Bryant Blackstar Ching-In Chen

LJD Artist Resume