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Chapter Executive Board
President
Alex Padilla
Alex.Padilla@smgov.net
1st. Vice President
Joseph Nunez
JBNunez@lasd.org
2nd. Vice President
Glen Dominguez
GLDominguez@chp.ca.gov
3rd. Vice President
Jose Santome
JSantome@laspd.com
4th. Vice President
Phillip Sanchez
Phil.Sanchez@smgov.net
Treasurer
Margarita Velazquez
MVelazq@lasd.org
Secretary / Editor
Joaquin Herran
JJHerran@lasd.org
Sergeant-at-arms
Richard Maradiaga
RMarad@lasd.org
Special Assistant to the President
Elizabeth Ceniceros
Elizabeth.Ceniceros@doj.ca.gov
Immediate Past President
Richard L. Castro
RLCastro@lasd.org
Contact Information
Los Angeles Chapter
P.O.Box 802467
Santa Clarita, CA 91380-2467
Cell:(310)678-6033
Office:(310)458-8418
E-mail: Alex.Padilla@smgov.net
www.hapcoa.org/losangeles
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| Programs and Events
HAPCOA Monthly Meeting
The Los Angeles Chapter holds its monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of every Month. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at Steven's Steak House, 5332 E. Stevens Place, City of Commerce, CA 90040.
JOIN THE LOS ANGELES CHAPTER NOW AND SAVE 50% ON YOUR ANNUAL REGISTRATION. For more information on how to join the "Famous" LOS ANGELES CHAPTER: Please email us at: Alex.Padilla@smgov.net or call us with your questions, comments or suggestions at: Cell (310) 678-6033.
January 2008: In an effort to updated our email roster, we are asking all members to send an email with your contact information to our Treasurer, Margarita Velazquez at: mvelazquez1212@msn.com
2nd ANNUAL BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT "SAVE THE DATE"
Date: Friday, April 21, 2006
Registration: 7:30 A.M. Tee Time: 9:00 A.M.
Cost: $75 per golfer
Location: Alhambra Golf Course
630 S. Almansor Street
Alhambra, California
Annually, the Los Angeles Chapter of HAPCOA coordinates various social events in an effort to raise funds to benefit our community. Our annual Benefit Golf Tournament serves as yet another attempt to increase the Los Angeles Chapter's opportunity to award scholarships to deserving students and fund other HAPCOA sponsored programs.
The 1st Annual Benefit Golf Tournament was held on October 17, 2003. This successful event was coordinated by our then First Vice President Richard Castro, Commander LASD. A special thanks to our Mistress of Ceremonies, Elizabeth Espinosa, all of the participants and especially to all of the sponsors who made this event a great success.
HAPCOA hopes you’ll join in providing financial assistance to our community’s future, and to assist in the continuous task of maintaining cooperation between the community and law enforcement.
Your support and participation in this event is greatly appreciated. Please contact Jose Santome at (213) 268-2777 or via Email at jsantome@laspd.com to discuss your opportunity to participate and help fund upcoming events.
HAPCOA’s FEIN # 95-3998895
"MUCHAS GRACIAS"
"GOLDEN SUPPORTERS"
Altria Corporate Services Inc. Rafael M. Garcia
Professional Peace Officers' Association Federal Credit Union
Casa de Gonzales, Silvestre Gonzales
CONTRIBUTORS
Steven's Steak & Seafood House, Jimmy Fillipan
Coca Cola ~ Los Angeles, Mike Anderson
Universal Studios, Chuck Labrow
Silk Designs, Inc., Robert Rudolph
2006 PRESIDENT
Alex Padilla
Los Angeles Chapter President
(Reprinted from Installation Dinner, February 23, 2006 incoming President’s Speech)
When we join the HAPCOA family, and I mean just that the familia, we are bound together as brothers and sisters; and no matter how far away we may travel or how long it has been since we've seen one another, we always greet each other with a warm hug, a handshake and sometimes even a kiss.
We share sucesses not only about our careers, but also about our families. You see, besides being a professional organization of leaders in law enforcement, we also care about each other. It is this bond that keeps us going and makes us a stronger family.
HAPCOA is made up of family members that have gone into the greater law enforcement community and through hard work and dedication, have preservered and distinguished themselves as leaders and command officers within thier respective agencies at the local, state and federal levels.
It is these HAPCOA members that have accepted the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a leader. These leaders understand the importance of honesty, integrity and respect. They understand the importance of community involvement and mentoring of others.
It is because of these leaders and their willingness to get involved and not be satisfied with the status quo, that the Los Angeles Chapter of HAPCOA is one of the most active and recognized chapters.
As incoming President, I will be reaching out to other associations and organizations such as NOBLE, LaLey, MACA, BPOA so that we can continue to improve on our existing relationships with each other. We need to work together for the betterment of our law enforcement family.
As President, I will make sure that HAPCOA continues its involvement in our communities, not only through financial donations, but by being active volunteers.
Tonight, I would like to reach out to those of you that are leaders and have yet to join the HAPOCA family. We need leaders like you, with your energy and experience to keep our family growing. You don't have to be Hispanic to be a part of our family.
You know, this isn't about me and it isn't about you; it is about us, about all of us! What are all of us doing to develop and mentor others to take our place?
HAPCOA.....Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association. We are a proud family made up of leaders! And as President of the Los Angeles Chapter, I am extemely proud to serve with such leaders!
Thank you.
Tardeada & Scholarship Presentations: September 2008 "SAVE THE DATE"
Besides being a fundraiser for many of HAPCOA's worthy causes, the Tardeada is an opportunity to get together with family and friends and enjoy some good food, mariachi music and raffle prizes. This is truly a fun and entertaining family event. We will also be recognizing this years Scholarship Award Recipients.
HAPCOA Board members will also be auctioning off their homemade aprons that reflect their individual agencies spirited motto (a must see).
HAPCOA's annual Tardeada will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Monterey Hills Steakhouse from 11:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. (3700 Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park, Ca. 323.264.84260). Besided good food, the Monterey Hills Steakhouse provides a panoramic view overlooking all of the Los Angeles area.
For more information please contact LASD Captain Joe Garza at (562)946-7843 or e-mail: JLGarza@lasd.org or Alex Padilla at alex.padilla@smgov.net or Cell: (310) 678-6033.
Please let us know if you would like to be one of our distinguished sponsors.
CIGAR NIGHT May 2009 "SAVE THE DATE"
Through the hard work and dedication of members like Richard Maradiaga and Joe Garza, over 100 people attended this years event and HAPCOA was able to raise more than $5,000. Proceeds from this event will go towards the HAPCOA Scholarship Fund which will be presented at our annual Tardeada in September.
Our next Cigar Night will be held in May 2009 from 5 pm - 10 pm, at the Commerce Casino in the City of Commerce. For more information please contact LASD Sergeant Rich Maradiaga at (323) 563-5000 or LASD Captain Joe Garza at (323) 526-5521. We will update this section once the date is confirmed.
Highlighting
DEPUTY CHIEF PHILLIP L. SANCHEZ, Santa Monica Police Department
This distinguished Law Enforcement professional is the FIRST LATINO to be highlighted by the Los Angeles Chapter.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s Degree in Management from the University of Redlands
Graduate of the FBI National Academy
Graduate of the POST Command College for Excellence in Leadership
Received top honors in the program including recognition as the most inspirational leader in his class.
CAREER:
24-year veteran of the Santa Monica Police Department
Variety of assignments including:
Patrol
Narcotics
Detectives
SWAT
Anti Crime Team
Internal Affairs
Promoted through the ranks within the Santa Monica Police Department, and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Police. As an executive officer, Chief Sanchez has held several commands including: The Office of Operations, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Office of Administrative Services.
In July 2000, Chief Sanchez served as the Incident Commander during a 20-hour hostage rescue on the Santa Monica Pier, which ended when the suspect surrendered.
Chief Sanchez has an extensive background in tactics and special operations:
He developed the Santa Monica Special Entry Team (SWAT) in 1991, which has earned three separate first place finishes at tactical competitions.
Chief Sanchez has also authored of several articles published in police journals, including:
The Physiological Effects of Stress in Lethal Environments
Critical Incident Memory Loss
Civil Liability
Investigating Officer Involved Shootings
Chief Sanchez used his extensive experience in these areas to assist the Orange County Sheriff’s academy in developing a high stress officer involved shooting scenario which is now part of the regular curriculum at the basic academy.
Chief Sanchez has twice been awarded the Santa Monica Police Department’s Medal of Courage for heroic actions during tactical operations. In addition he has received his Department’s medal of merit and numerous commendations.
COMMUNITY:
Chief Sanchez is active in the following community groups:
The Rape Treatment Center
Stuart House for Abused Children
Westside Council for Domestic Violence
American Red Cross, Santa Monica Chapter
National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ)
YMCA, Santa Monica Chapter
Chief Sanchez is a member of the following professional law enforcement associations:
Command College Alumni Association
FBI National Academy Association
National Tactical Officer’s Association
Hispanic American Police Command Officer’s Association
Chief Sanchez is also an instructor at the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy and is frequently involved in Physical Training with the recruit class participating in distance runs and charity events.
FAMILY:
In his leisure time Deputy Chief Sanchez enjoys being with his wife, Deborah and their children. He also coaches his son’s club water polo team and enjoys pursuing physical fitness in the form of Ice Hockey and Cycling.
2003 DISTINGUISHED DEPARTMENT AWARD Santa Monica Police Department
Los Angeles Chapter
On Friday, March 19, 2004, the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA), Los Angeles Chapter, held their annual Installation and Awards dinner.
One of HAPCOA’s major objectives is to fulfill the growing need by law enforcement agencies for qualified Hispanic American officers at all levels and ranks. Some of our goals are: To improve the recruitment and selection of qualified Hispanic Americans into law enforcement careers. To enhance the positive atmosphere within their respective law enforcement agencies to attract and retain qualified Hispanic law enforcement officers. To promote programs to develop Hispanic officers and association members for advancement to positions of higher responsibility and to achieve greater cooperation between the community and criminal justice agencies.
We would like to recognize a department that has met HAPCOA’s objective and goals. This agency has an ethnic breakdown which includes female and male officers as follows: Caucasian 53% Hispanic 28% African–American 12% Asian 4% and Mid-Eastern American .5%
For the rank of sergeant, 40% are minorities or females. Of that 40%, over half (25%) are Latino. For the rank of lieutenant, 80% are minorities or females. Of that 80% almost half (38%) are Latino. Of the Command staff positions; Chief, Deputy Chief and Captains, 60% are minorities or females. Of that 60%, one third (20%) are Latino.
We wish the Chief of this Agency a long life, but the 2nd heart beating in this Department the number two law enforcement professional is a Latino Deputy Chief.
In 1991, James T. Butts, Jr. was sworn in as Chief of Police for the Santa Monica Police Department. During his tenure with this agency, he has embraced the concepts of Community-Based Policing and benefited from the strengths inherent in recruiting and meticulously training a highly qualified and diverse workforce. The Department has employed state-of-the-art technology and automation systems to improved operations and service delivery to the public.
At the conclusion of calendar year 2003, Part 1 crime in Santa Monica has reached its lowest level in 43 years (1960). Crime has declined in 9 of the last 10 years, and 7 years consecutively. The crime rate in Santa Monica has been reduced 62 percent since 1993.
During the past 13 years, Chief Butts has significantly increased diversity within the organizations rank structure. Today, there are 214 sworn police officers working for the Santa Monica Police Department.
The 2003 Distinguished Department Award goes to Santa Monica Police Department.
2003 DISTINGUISHED MEMBER AWARD Lieutenant Alex "Alejandro" Padilla, Santa Monica Police Department
2003-2004 Chapter President's (Francine Carrasco de Spada)
On Friday, March 19, 2004, the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA), Los Angeles Chapter, held their annual Installation and Awards dinner.
This was not an easy choice because several members could have easily received this award for their hard work, commitment and effort towards HAPCOA’s mission. But, the final decision was based on solid accomplishment on the part of one member who not only had the commitment and hard work ethic which promoted our goals and embraced the theme “Familia” that I outlined in my speech a year ago when I was installed as President. My goal was to get back to basics as a chapter; to increase our membership, and reach out to our Latino brothers and sisters of other agencies within Los Angeles County, especially at the lower ranks. To mentor and serve as roll models and help them promote. To remind our peers that your experiences, successes and even challenges as a Latino in law enforcement in your organization, were the same as we all had experienced and that they were not alone… That we could come together at our monthly meetings and various functions… From our first ever scholarship golf tournament, to our Tardeada signature event to socialize, discuss business and support each other.
I recall saying in my installing speech that Hispanics, more than any other ethnic group, represent more richness and variety in race, color, creed and independence of thought than any other group. That’s what binds us all together is the language of our parents and of our youth. That no matter what part of the world we found ourselves in, if we encountered another Latino, we could smile because we were “Familia”. Regardless, if one were light skinned and blue eyed and the other dark skinned with curly hair, we were Latinos and we are one.
That we Latinos in law enforcement belong to the same “Familia.” Regardless of our country of origin or that of our ancestors; Mexicanos, Cubanos, Puerto Ricquenos or those originally from Central or South America, we are all united by many of the same experiences. This bonds us together as brothers and sisters ~ As Familia.
As we departed a year ago from that installation event, this member came up to me and said that he was happy to be part of the Los Angeles Chapter’s “Familia.” Throughout the year I observed him recruiting and extending invitations to other law enforcement officers so that they could attend our meetings. He would even facilitate car pooling to members from his own agency and those on the west-side to attend most meetings in East Los Angeles. He also had near perfect attendance. And when he got tired of traveling to the east-side he and other compadres from his Department offered up their own agency to host several meetings in his City and Department facility. They we perfect hosts. On one occasion he cooked Carne Asada for one of our meetings at the Los Angeles Police Training Facility by LAX, so you see he got us out to the west-side again. He even recruited his Tia (aunt), to cook some of the side dishes for the best meal we’ve ever had at one of our meetings. As most of you know, when Latinos get together for even a business meeting we’ve got to have “comida.”
I have observed this member volunteering and taking on responsibilities to assist in projects to help make our fundraisers a great success. I often heard him say to others, “We’re Familia… What can I do to help? Anything you need, anything, here’s my number, just call me. I’m here for you, we’re Familia.”
I’m proud to have this member as part of my “Familia” and to call him Hermano. The recipient of the 2003~2004 Chapter President’s Distinguished Member Award goes to Lieutenant Alejandro Padilla, Santa Monica Police Department.
Alejandro was recognized by those honored to be associated with him. I’m pleased to award you the President’s Distinguished Member Award!
2003 DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD Mr. Alan Clayton, Director of Equal Employment Opportunity for the Los Angeles County Chicano Employees Association
Los Angeles Chapter
On Friday, March 19, 2004, the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA), Los Angeles Chapter, held their annual Installation and Awards dinner.
This year’s recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award is Mr. Alan Clayton; currently the director of Equal Employment Opportunity for the Los Angeles County Chicano Employees Association, Alan has had a career spanning three decades, fighting for the rights of Latinos.
He has been and is a member of a multitude of organizations, and has been recognized by a number of organizations, most recently by the Latin Business Association, as a leader in the field of civil rights advocacy.
For his continuing efforts to promote equal opportunity for Latinos, most recently with his efforts at achieving a new redistricting map for the county of Los Angeles, and a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Equal Employment Opportunity against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Alan continues to lead in the fight to correct inequities at all levels of government.
For these efforts, Alan Clayton was presented with the Distinguished Citizen Award in absentia. Alan was unable to be present to receive his award since he was attending the National Convention of the "American G.I. Forum," held in Las Vegas also on, March 19, 2004. The American G.I. Forum is a National Latino Association made up of Latino Veterans. The G.I Forum was established in 1948 to address Civil Rights issues Nation-wide. After hearing Alan's presentation they voted unanimously to support all three issues Alan addressed.
The Forum will be authoring three letters of support, one to Mr. Joseph Rich, Department of Justice supporting the "Voting Rights - Redistricting of Los Angeles County;" the second letter of support to the Chair Person for the U.S. E.E.O.C., Ms. Cari Dominguez supporting H.A.P.C.O.A. and CEA's complaint against the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department; and the third letter of support, also to the U.S. E.E.O.C, supporting CEA and the Hispanic Managers Association complaint against the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
Beyond the Individual Officer-Why Achieving Diversity in Leadership is Important and How Mentorship Can Help
Policing practices have a substantial impact on the well being of any community because they can determine when, where and how criminal behavior will be tolerated or not through the application of enforcement policies and the allocation of resources. This reality takes a more compelling meaning in many of our Latino communities where gangs and violent crime can often be more prevalent. In these communities, discretionary prevention, intervention and enforcement practices not only impact present criminal behavior and its corrosive influence in our day to day lives, but just as importantly, it substantially affects our future economic and social well being. Insensitive enforcement efforts that result in the unnecessary criminalization of large segments of our population inhibit our ability for future economic growth. Those convicted and incarcerated are less likely to get an education or become successful contributors to society. Conversely, benign neglect or intentional institutional disregard for criminal activity can have a devastating effect on current and future generations.
Consequently, given the significance that the cost of crime has on the Latino community and our future well being, it is of critical importance that Latinas and Latinos be well represented at the table when it comes to making public policy decisions concerning policing our communities. Yet as we look around our own agencies and policing in general, it is hard to escape from the reality that Latinas and Latinos are scantly represented among those making the law enforcement policy decisions that so deeply impact the social health and well being of our communities.
One of the most effective ways to encourage upward mobility within any organization is to have well placed and caring mentors to help individuals with their professional development and growth. It is a generally accepted concept that the more closely a person can identify with a group or an individual through a common experience the more likely he/she will be sensitive to the collective needs of the group or the individual. As a consequence, the lack of Latino representation at the higher ranks can have a very negative impact on Latinos’ ability to promote to management and executive levels in policing.
It is in recognition of these global needs for the development of our community in general and Latinos within law enforcement in particular that HAPCOA’s Los Angeles Chapter has made it its mission to reach out and develop an aggressive career mentorship program. If you are a sworn or civilian employee of a local law enforcement agency interested in being mentored for promotion to supervisory, management or the executive ranks, we are prepared to help you. We have a diverse pool of dedicated professionals with proven track records of success willing to mentor you by sharing their time and knowledge to help you succeed.
For more information, contact our chapter's Mentoring Coordinator, Los Angeles Sherrif's Department Captain Raymundo Leyva via e-mail at RLeyva@lasd.org
Success is a ladder that cannot be climbed with your hands in your pockets.
The Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, originally known as the Mexican American Police Command Officers Association was founded in San Diego in 1973. As the name implied the organization was comprised primarily of Mexican American command level, law enforcement officers. Originally, its activities were confined to the Southwestern United States, but as the Association grew so did its goals and objectives. A national agenda was adopted and the Association’s name was changed to reflect greater participation of Hispanic command level officers.
Today, there are various chapters throughout the United States chapters that have emerged as the number of Hispanics in local, county and state law enforcement and federal service, has grown. That success, in part, can be attributed to the drive and determination of our respective members. They, who achieved against difficult obstacles, continue to reach out to others with a helping hand.
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