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November 9
1898 - Actress Winifred Westover born in Oakland; estranged wife of William S. Hart & mother of his son. [story]
Winifred Westover


Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell addressed the Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission Thursday, and extended an invitation to join the department’s Office of Inspector General in a “comprehensive study of the issue of tattoos and the Department and subgroup cultures.”

In his statement before the Commission, McDonnell said: “At the end of the day, everyone, most importantly our public, should be confident that there are no ‘gangs’ of deputies operating subversively anywhere within the Department.”

Here is McDonnell’s full statement before the Commission:

“Commissioners, thank you for the opportunity to address this issue.

“During a recent deposition of one of our deputies, I recognized that revelations were brought to light that have renewed interest in tattoos, and their potential relationship to deputy sub-groups.

“We understand and we share the public’s concern and are looking into all aspects of this issue. While I can’t discuss the specifics of that investigation, I would like to provide some big-picture perspective of what I know, and what I intend to find out about this troubling issue.

“These kinds of disturbing allegations about deputy cliques have been raised periodically about the Sheriff’s Department for many years. As you know, I served on the Citizen’s Commission on Jail Violence. That body uncovered similar allegations in 2012 about deputies in patrol stations, and also in custody.

“But the problem and the perception go back much further.

“The Kolts Report in 1992 raised allegations about the existence of subgroups of deputies engaged in unprofessional or improper conduct. Other allegations date back to the 1970s.

“However, despite all this, no one has undertaken a serious, comprehensive study of the issue. I intend, on my watch, to get to the bottom of it.

“The Sheriff’s Department is partnering with County Counsel and the Inspector General, and I invite the unions and this esteemed body to join with us as well to bring in outside experts and establish exactly what we’re dealing with here.

“This will be a serious study of the Department and its subgroup cultures. Our goal is to understand exactly what we’re dealing with, then come up with the best thinking on how to resolve these long-standing concerns.

“At the end of the day, everyone, most importantly our public, should be confident that there are no ‘gangs’” of deputies operating subversively anywhere within the Department.

“This effort will run concurrently with the administrative effort now underway.

“To the extent these groups currently exist, and there is evidence some do:

* What is their purpose?
* What behavior is associated with being a member?
* Are they “secret” or exclusive?
* Do they require certain conduct to become a member?
* Do they condone improper behavior?

“I am not going to pre-judge the outcome of our comprehensive study. But I will say this: renegade cliques erode public confidence as well as internal morale, and they will not be tolerated within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Thank you.”

About Sheriff Jim McDonnell
Prior to his election as Los Angeles County Sheriff in November 2014, Jim McDonnell was an early advocate for a Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission which serves as a valuable bridge to the diverse communities of the county. Appointed by the Board of Supervisors, the COC commissioners work in an advisory capacity and bring a wealth of experience and perspectives to the major law enforcement issues that impact the Sheriff’s Department and our public.

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2 Comments

  1. Jim McDonnell should not address anything. Let a professional do the job. He is an idiot..

  2. McDonnell’s made up drama about uniform buttons and pants, now they’re looking at non visible tattoos? What next!? He needs to be voted out of office this November.

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SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Friday, Nov 8, 2024
UPDATE: Local Election Results as of Friday Evening
Unofficial election results for the 2024 General Election as of Friday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.
Friday, Nov 8, 2024
Nov. 12: Saugus Speedway Project, Garbage Fees, on City Council Agenda
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.
Friday, Nov 8, 2024
Nov. 23: Community Beautification Day
Want to make a difference in your community? Gather your friends and family for a rewarding day of giving back at the city of Santa Clarita’s Community Beautification Day in Saugus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-noon for this cleanup and beautification day.
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Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1898 - Actress Winifred Westover born in Oakland; estranged wife of William S. Hart & mother of his son. [story]
Winifred Westover
Unofficial election results for the 2024 General Election as of Friday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.
UPDATE: Local Election Results as of Friday Evening
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.
Nov. 12: Saugus Speedway Project, Garbage Fees, on City Council Agenda
Want to make a difference in your community? Gather your friends and family for a rewarding day of giving back at the city of Santa Clarita’s Community Beautification Day in Saugus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-noon for this cleanup and beautification day.
Nov. 23: Community Beautification Day
The California Department of Transportation announced northbound overnight lane reductions on Interstate 5 from Lake Hughes Road to two miles north of Templin Highway, near the Whitaker Sand Shed, north of Castaic Wednesday night, Nov. 13 through Friday night, Nov. 15 for asphalt and concrete paving and box culvert construction.
Nov. 13-15: NB I-5 Lane Reductions Continue in Castaic Area
Step into a world of holiday fun! The city of Santa Clarita will partner with Metrolink to offer Santa Clarita residents a new, unique and festive activity this holiday season.
Dec. 15: Inaugural Metrolink Holiday Express Train
Each year the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with economist Dr. Mark Schniepp, releases the Economic Outlook Book.
2024 Economic Outlook Book Available From SCVEDC
College of the Canyons professors Katie Coleman and Mehgen Andrade will deliver the scholarly presentation “Behind Bars: Forfeiting our Children” 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Nov. 21: COC Scholarly Presentation Will Explore Juvenile Incarceration
1977 - Castaic residents vote 168-54 to withdraw 7th-8th grades from Hart District, making CUSD K-8 [story]
vote tally
The Child & Family Center has announced its Merry Mocktail Winter Wonderland Event Monday, Dec. 2, from 5-7 p.m. at 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Dec. 2: Merry Mocktail Winter Wonderland Event
All For Kids is celebrating National Adoption Month by seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
Nov. 21: All For Kids Offering Virtual Orientations for National Adoption Month
Did you know that our local Santa Clarita Public Library offers passport acceptance services? Whether you’re planning a vacation, studying abroad or reconnecting with family, the Santa Clarita Public Library is here to support your journey.
Jason Gibbs | Get Your Passport at the Santa Clarita Public Library
Parents and caregivers are invited to Empowered Families Workshops hosted by the Child & Family Center’s Prevention and Outreach team in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church of Newhall beginning 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 with a workshop on Social Media and mental health.
Nov. 10: Child & Family Center, First Presbyterian Church Collab for Workshops
Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. has announced that it was awarded a $1.1 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration to add new services that will include substance use disorder treatment programs.
Samuel Dixon Awarded 1.1 Million Grant for SUD Program
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley will host its annual holiday boutique fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church
Nov. 23: ACS Relay for Life SCV Holiday Boutique
The Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative has announced the "Bringing it Home" fundraiser, an exclusive wine and hors d'oeuvre event hosted by Salt Creek Grille, will be held Thursday, Nov. 21.
Nov. 21: Salt Creek Grille, Veteran Services Collaborative Host Fundraiser
The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages. The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25.
USPS Announces Holiday Mailing, Shipping Dates
1940 - William S. Hart deeds land for theater at Spruce & 11th Street to American Legion [story]
American Theater
Due to projected power shutoffs related to the current wind advisory, the Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy location, will be closed for in-person services beginning 5 pm Wednesday
Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy Location Closes Due to Power Shutoffs
Beginning Wednesday, November 13, crews will begin the construction of median modifications, paving, grinding and overlay operations along portions of McBean Parkway at Newhall Ranch Road.
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The California Highway Patrol is proud to announce it received a $350,000 grant to address the growing issue of distracted driving on California roads.  
CHP Receives Grant to Combat Adult Distracted Driving in California
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation has once again recognized the city of Santa Clarita as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 "Most Business-Friendly City" award in the category of large cities (population over 60,000).
City of Santa Clarita Named 2024 Most Business-Friendly City Finalist
The County of Los Angeles is experiencing critical fire weather and is under a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag advisory from now until Friday evening. .
Animal Care and Control Urges Emergency Pet Preparedness
SCVNews.com