PRESS RELEASE

Message: For Immediate Release Contact: Agent Rusty Rea

Saturday, September 06, 2008 Office: 619-476-5321


Chula Vista- On Friday September 5th, 2008, Officers from the Chula Vista Police Department conducted an Illegal Racing Modification Enforcement operation in the City of Chula Vista. The operation was part of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety. The operation targeted vehicles that have been illegally modified for the purpose of racing. During the operation 15 citations were issued to drivers with illegal modifications and 13 vehicles were impounded for driver's license issues. One person was arrested for driving under the influence.

This was considered a successful operation, both in number of citations issued and the amount of public awareness generated. The Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Division is continuing their efforts to keep drivers in our community safe.



Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California
Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On 08/29/08 at 02:51 A.M. the Chula Vista Police Department responded to a serious traffic collision in the 200 block of L Street.

A 2006 Mercedes with three occupants was traveling west on L Street at a high rate of speed and lost control. The vehicle ultimately crashed and one of the passengers was killed. The other passenger was critically injured and the driver was transported to the hospital with what appeared to be minor injuries.

The deceased is Victor Adrian Sanchez, 22 years old, of Chula Vista.

The driver was arrested at the scene for DUI.

The Traffic Bureau of the Chula Vista Police Department will be handling the continuing investigation related to this collision.


Attached Media Files: Report drunk drivers.jpg

The Chula Vista Police Department will be conducting DUI/Drivers License checkpoints on Friday 08/29/08, Saturday 08/30/08 from 6:30p.m. to 2:30a.m. And again Sunday 08/30/08 and Monday 09/01/08 from 5:30p.m. to 1:30a.m. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving.

All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI/Drivers License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as insuring drivers have a valid driver's license. A major component of these checkpoints is to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober designated drivers.

A DUI checkpoint is a proven effective method for achieving this goal. By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, the Chula Vista Police Department believes motorists can be deterred from drinking and driving.

Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.

Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


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PRESS RELEASE

Message: For Immediate Release Contact: Officer J. Briles

Saturday, August 23, 2008 Office: 619-409-5833


Chula Vista- On Saturday, August 23, 2008 at approximately 0123 hours, a Sergeant from the Chula Vista Police Department witnessed a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 00 block of Broadway. The pedestrian suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to UCSD Medical Center. The driver of the vehicle did not stop at the collision scene.

The driver was apprehended a short distance from the scene and placed under arrest for Felony Hit and Run, Felony DUI, and Driving on a Suspended Driver's License. The suspect is identified as Claudia Lopez, a 22 year old National City resident.


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I will be out of the office until Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008.


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The Chula Vista Police Department, Target Corporation and the community partners of the Safe City Project have been awarded the 2008 California Crime Prevention Program of the Year Award. The Attorney General's Crime and Violence Prevention Center (CVPC) and the California Crime Prevention Officer's Association, (CCPOA) sponsor the award.

In 2006, representatives of Target and the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) met to discuss the possibility of pursuing a joint police/business/community problem-solving partnership aimed at improving the N. Fourth corridor. Target had been developing a concept called "Safe City" in several other municipalities across the country. The CVPD offered to customize the Safe City model to the specific needs of Chula Vista and lead the initiative.

As a result of this collaborative effort and customized approach to problem-solving, the Safe City project has met a number of key goals and achieved measurable progress including:

* Marked improvement in the business environment
* Substantial reduction in overall concern about crime
* Exceptionally strong city/business partnership marked by trust, high levels of communication, cooperation and shared goals
* Sustainable and replicable results

The Chula Vista Safe City Project was chosen from numerous entries that came from across California. The award will be presented at a luncheon during the California Crime Prevention Officer's Association conference scheduled for September 17, 2008.


Attached Media Files: Side PD badge.jpg , Safe City Award Press Release.doc , safe city.jpg

On Monday, August 18, 2008, Officers from the Chula Vista Police Department conducted a Red Light Enforcement operation in the City of Chula Vista. The operation was part of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety. The operation targeted red light running, one of the most common causes of severe traffic collisions. During the operation 93 citations were issued, including 85 for Red Light Violations. 7 vehicles were impounded for unlicensed and suspended drivers and one driver was arrested for an outstanding warrant.



This was considered a successful operation, both in number of citations issued and the amount of public awareness generated. The Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Division is continuing their efforts to keep drivers in our community safe.



Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


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You are invited to participate in the Chula Vista Police Department 2008 Citizens Police Academy.

For the past six years, the Citizens Police Academy has provided people the opportunity to experience public safety from within the organization. Academy participants graduate with a better understanding of law enforcement and the Chula Vista Police Department's role in the community.

The Chula Vista Police Department is constantly seeking ways to strengthen our relationship with the community. Our goal is to foster a sharing of perspectives, answer questions about law enforcement practices, and provide participants with informative lectures, hands-on exercises and memorable experiences.
The academy is free, but does require a commitment of one night a week for 11 weeks.

Who can participate?
-Participants must live or work in the City of Chula Vista and be at least 18 years of age.
-An application must be completed prior to attending the Citizen's Academy.
-Applicants will be screened for the age requirement and any past history that may disqualify them from participation in the academy.
-Applicants must have a valid California Driver's license for the driving portion of the Academy.

How long is the course?
-The Citizen's Academy is an 11-week course starting September 3, 2008.
-Graduation is November 12, 2008.
-All classes meet on Wednesday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Police Department Community Room.
-The academy graduation ceremony will take place Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 6:00 p.m., family and friends are welcome to attend.
-One class will be held off-site at the San Diego Regional Police Academy at Miramar College.

Where do we sign up?
If you are interested in attending the Citizens Academy, please complete the attached application and return to the Police Department. Academy application deadline is Wednesday, August 22nd by 5 p.m. Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.

Completed applications may be mailed to:
Chula Vista Police Department
ATTN: Community Relations Unit/Citizens Academy
315 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, CA, 91910

For further information or questions, please contact CVPD Community Relations Specialist Richard Preuss at(619) 691-5127 or via email at rpreuss@chulavistapd.org.


Attached Media Files: Side PD badge.jpg , CPA Application 08.doc

Chula Vista - Officers from the Chula Vista Police Department's DUI Enforcement Team conducted a "Zero Tolerance" DUI Saturation Patrol on Saturday August 9, 2008 from 8 pm to 3 am.

This saturation patrol was in a series of DUI enforcement operations aimed at increasing public awareness and decreasing the number of drivers who drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The operation resulted in six arrests for DUI, ten vehicle impounds, and thirteen citations for various vehicle code violations. This was considered a successful saturation patrol. The Chula Vista Police Department's DUI Enforcement Team is continuing its efforts to keep drivers in our community safe by deterring and detecting impaired drivers.

Funding for this operation was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.