CC SR 20220215 03 - Neighborhood Watch Update
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 02/15/2022
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to receive a report on the Rancho Palos Verdes
Neighborhood Watch Program.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file a report on the Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Watch
Program; and
(2) Adopt Resolution No. 2022-__, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING THE VITAL
WORK OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH AND
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR ITS HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: McKenzie Bright, Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Draft Resolution No. 2022-__ (page A-1)
B. Background of Neighborhood Watch (page B-1)
C. Neighborhood Watch introductory letter (page C-1)
D. Correspondence from Block Captains (page D-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
The Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Watch (RPV NW) was started in 1992 by NW
Coordinator Gail Lorenzen, at the behest of the City and Lomita Sheriff’s Station, in
response to an increase in crime and a need to have better communication between
residents and the Sheriff’s Department.
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CITYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
RPV NW is a community-based, resident-run organization that exists to make
neighborhoods safer through crime reduction and improving the quality of life for
individuals living in the same area. The RPV NW runs separately from the City and uses
its network to address issues related to crime, public safety, and quality of life. City Staff
work in collaboration with NW Coordinator Lorenzen on various public safety topics,
whereby the City promotes the Neighborhood Watch program to residents and
encourages participation, and NW Coordinator Lorenzen networks the City’s public safety
events and messaging.
The Neighborhood Watch program has prided itself on being community -run and
managed solely by volunteers. Neighborhood Watch has provided an invaluable service
to residents, providing a network to connect directly with reports from the Sheriff’s
Department, as well as sharing community observations and support relating to public
safety.
RPV NW is a success because of the amazing work of NW Coordinator Lorenzen and
the hundreds of volunteers who participate in the program. There are currently 400 Block
Captains throughout the City who report to about 55 Area Coordinators, who in turn report
to NW Coordinator Lorenzen. According to Coordinator Lorenzen, approximately 90% of
the single-family streets in the City belong to the program, and around 60% of the Bl ock
Captains have been participating for over 15 years. NW Coordinator Lorenzen considers
the dedication of these volunteers to be the reason for the success of the organization.
RPV NW is structured around a National Incident Management System (NIMS) command
structure and is prepared to respond in an emergency. RPV NW provides materials for
Block Captains to conduct annual emergency drills and encourages members to take
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and amateur radio training.
The Neighborhood Watch network disseminates information from the Sheriff’s
Department and tracks and provides alerts on suspicious persons, incidents, and online
criminal activity. RPV NW shares Sheriff’s Department alerts such as weekly crime
reports and networks information, including public safety tips and scam alerts.
Neighborhood Watch continues to operate via email, phone, and in-person and does not
use social media of any kind. It is managed by volunteers and is supported through
voluntary member contributions. See attachments A and B for copies of letters provided
to residents who join RPV NW. The City reimburses the NW Coordinator from the
contribution fund for certain expenses such as mileage, training, and phone and internet
service.
In 2006, the City Council awarded a proclamation to NW Coordinator Lorenzen for
“Founding and Organizing the Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Watch Program and
Providing Outstanding Leadership for this Grassroots Volunteer Organization.”
In the past, the City has provided a lun cheon in recognition of the NW volunteers. Staff
will be re-implementing this luncheon, anticipated in mid-2022.
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Importance of Resident Engagement with the Sheriff’s Department
One of the primary goals of RPV NW is facilitating neighbors to work together to fight
crime. They do this by connecting residents with the Sheriff’s Department. This not only
builds trust, but has fostered a cohesive, community-based crime-fighting effort.
Public safety relies on community engagement, exemplified through the principle of “see
something, say something” and extensive networking. If a resident feels that something
isn’t right, they are strongly encouraged to report their susp icions to the Sheriff’s
Department for investigation and afterwards network information throughout the
neighborhood. The Neighborhood Watch network is extremely beneficial both in
encouraging direct communication with the Sheriff’s Department, as well as s haring
information with neighbors. The Sheriff’s Department frequently calls on Neighborhood
Watch to ask residents to check their camera footage in neighborhoods where crimes
have happened.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
In August 2021, Staff met with NW Coordinator Lorenzen and discussed how the City’s
relationship with Neighborhood Watch could continue to evolve in the years to come. Staff
has continued an open dialogue with Coordinator Lorenzen and looks forward to
continuing to work together with her to support her efforts related to Neighborhood Watch.
This includes collaborating with the City on issues such as emergency preparedness and
quality of life, and providing access to City-resources needed to advance the RPV NW
program. Staff would also like to thank NW Coordinator Lorenzen for her input on this
report.
Coordinator Lorenzen will not be available to attend tonight’s meeting, so Staff will be
providing this update, with a few Block Captains anticipated to provide additional
comments. Other Block Captains have written in, sharing their experience with
Neighborhood Watch, and expressing appreciation for Coordinator Lorenzen’s efforts.
Responses received before February 8 are included in this report; all others will be
included as late correspondence (see Attachment D).
Residents who would like to join Neighborhood Watch, or who wish to set up a
Neighborhood Watch team on their block are encouraged to email NW Coordinator Gail
Lorenzen at rpvnw@ix.netcom.com.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council consider adopting the attached draft resolution,
recognizing the vital work of the Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Watch.
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ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s Consideration:
1. Identify revised language to add to the resolution.
2. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
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Resolution No. 2022-__
Page 1 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING
THE VITAL WORK OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH AND EXPRESSING
APPRECIATION FOR ITS HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes values and places the highest priority
on public safety; and
WHEREAS, in 1992, the Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Watch was started
by NW Coordinator Gail Lorenzen, at the behest of the City and Lomita Sheriff’s Station,
in response to an increase in crime and a need to have better communication between
residents and the Sheriff’s Department; and
WHEREAS, Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Watch is a community-based,
resident-run organization that exists to make neighborhoods safer through crime
reduction and improving quality of life for individuals living in the same area; and
WHEREAS, Neighborhood Watch uses its network to address issues related to
crime, public safety, and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, over 400 volunteers contribute to the success of the program, acting
as Block Captains and Area Coordinators, distributing vital public safety information from
the Sheriff’s Department to their neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, in 2006, the City Council awarded a proclamation to N eighborhood
Watch Coordinator Lorenzen for “Founding and Organizing the Rancho Palos Verdes
Neighborhood Watch Program and Providing Outstanding Leadership for this Gras sroots
Volunteer Organization”; and
WHEREAS, the Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Watch continues to work
toward its goal of facilitating neighbors to work together to fight crime, building trust, and
fostering a cohesive, community-based crime-fighting effort.
NOW BE IT, THEREFORE, RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes recognizes the
vital work of the Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Watch and its hundreds of
volunteers.
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Resolution No. 2022-__
Page 2 of 2
Section 2: The City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes sincerely
appreciates the dedicated and tireless work of the Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood
Watch, and the volunteers who make it a success.
Section 3: The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE 15th DAY OF FEBRUARY 2022.
___________________________
David L. Bradley, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
State of California )
County of Los Angeles ) ss
City of Rancho Palos Verdes )
I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereby certify that the
above Resolution No. 2022-__ was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said
City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on February 15, 2022.
________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
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BEGINNING The RPV Neighborhood Watch program began in 199 2 when I was ending a 2-term commission
position with the City. LASD Captain Bill Mangan and the Mayor at that time, asked me to start a
Neighborhood Watch for 2 reasons: (1) The city was experiencing greater crime right after the L.A. riots. (2)
The City and the Sheriff’s Dept. needed better communication and liaison with the residents.
MANAGEMENT OF PROGRAM The program was set up as a separate organization so as not to be influenced
by City politics. The success of the program should be attributed to the dedication and support of our
hundreds of volunteers, the residents, and the support of the Sheriff’s Dept. I set up the program as a system
of "reporting areas", which included several NW reporting areas within the Sheriff's Dept. RD’s. (See
attachment.) The system consists of 55 Area Coordinators (who report to me), and some 425 Block Captains
(who report to Area Coordinators). Currently, approximately 9 0% of the single-family streets are in the
program. We do not network to individuals - only through Block Captains, as the primary goal of NW is to
"work with neighbors to fight crime". We do not allow our network to be used for any commercial or political
purposes - only for crime, public safety and quality-of-life issues. We have been told that our NW program is
the largest and longest running program in L.A. County. Some 60% of our Block Captains have been doing
their jobs for at least 15 years. Our network system is excellent because we can disseminate information
quickly, and can also track and network suspicious persons, incidents and solicitors wherever they are in the
city. Our office is open from 7 AM to Midnight, 7 days a week. My primary computer includes 73 separ ate e-
mail address groups.
INTERACTION WITH SHERIFF'S DEPT. NW networks crimes to Area Coordinators and Block Captains based
on the Sheriff’s Dept. alerts, weekly reports or reports by residents. Any information I receive from residents
(tips, license plates, photos) is sent directly to the Sheriff's Dept. I send out many Crime Bulletins, which
encompass every crime situation within the city that I know about, and how to prevent them. All Crime
Bulletins are authorized by the Sheriff’s Dept. before sending. Anytime the Sheriff's Dept. wants something
networked, I can target the information to individual Block Captains, streets, areas, sections of the city, or the
whole city. It takes me 3 minutes to network to all Block Captains on the West Side, and 5 minutes to
network to every Block Captain in the city. I am very careful to send out only authorized information – not
rumors, not second-hand information, not un-vetted social media. NW does not use social media for many
reasons, including maintaining the integrity of our organization. I keep a daily timesheet for the Sheriff's
Dept.
FINANCIAL Unlike other Neighborhood Watch groups, which are supported financially by their city or law
enforcement agency, RPV Neighborhood Watch is managed by volunteers and is totally self-supported by
voluntary one-time $5 donations. The only cost to the city is depositing our donations, reimbursing our
expenses, and installing NW signs. All other costs are borne by the NW organization through these voluntary
contributions.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (EP) Shortly after 9-11, we held a gathering of city leaders – school, City,
amateur radio, CERT (then PERT), LASD, and LA County Fire Dept. to discuss an emergency preparedness
RPV NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Background and Organization
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program for the City. A program was set up with the help, guidance, and approval of our L. A. County Fire
Battalion Chief. This is a hands-on program organized using the NIMS command structure, which is essentially
the same as our NW program, with EP Block Captains over teams for Assessment, Communication (working
with amateur radio), and Special Needs (Medical, Elderly/Disabled, non-English, etc.). NW provides all forms
on Household Resources and Skills, Job Descriptions, and agendas for the one-hour annual drills that we ask
the EP Block Captains to hold. We encourage people to take the CERT and amateur radio training. Every year
since 2008 I have sent out an in-depth 6-week tutorial series of earthquake safety information to all NW
members. We highly support and recruit many RPV residents into the PVP CERT programs. We also work
closely with PVAN, the Peninsula Volunteer Alert Network. During my time at CLEPP, I gave out this EP
tutorial information through CLEPP to other LASD agencies. The City of Malibu posted our 8-week earthquake
series on their website for 2 years.
WILDFIRES Since the Peninsula has been designated as the 5th most vulnerable area in the state for wildfires,
we began an in-depth 5-part series in 2017.
TRAINING I have had the following training during the last 28 years.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
1. Member of LASD CLEPP (Community Law Enforcement Partnership Program) under Natalie Salazar,
attended monthly meetings and trainings since 1992 until its demise.
2. Member of CCPOA (California Crime Prevention Officers Assn.) Active member from 1992 until its
temporary demise in 2015. Attended most meetings and annual conferences. During this time , I
took many POST-accredited courses.
3. Attended every LASD RCPI (Regional Community Policing Institute) training offered by the Sheriff’ s
Dept.
4. Graduate of 1999, 13-week LASD Community Academy Training at Carson Sheriff’s station.
5. Attended Supervisor Don Knabe’s annual Community Protection Conferences at C ollege Hospital
much of which was taught by FBI individuals.
6. Have attended every annual Training Conference for LASD Volunteers at the Sheriff’s Dept.
Academy.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Besides many LASD EP training courses I have taken the following:
1. Charter member (Associate) since 2008 of California Earthquake Authority (CEA) based at Cal Tech.
Took full train-the-trainer courses. I update the training every year and send out annually to the
residents a 6-week series tutorial on earthquake survival. I have also started the wildfire education
program since our peninsula is very vulnerable to wildfires.
2. NIMS (National Incident Management Systems) ICS-200 and IS-800 Training programs.
3. The Governor’s 3-day conference in 2005 on Terrorism.
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4. The L.A. Port's training on Port Terrorism. In 2013 I set up a program with Ernesto Arellano, a
Border Control Agent, to warn coastal residents about how to watch for and report panga activity.
This included working with the three other Peninsula NW groups, NW groups in Redondo Beach,
Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and the City of Malibu.
5. CERT Graduate 2009. Board Member - PVP CERT program for 2 years.
6. I have spoken to the Emergency Preparedness Committee on 4 different occasions as well as the
City Council.
AWARDS Besides 17 awards from LASD, including 3 from the L.A. County Sheriff, I have received the following
awards.
1996 Medal of Honor for Volunteer of the year, Palos Verdes Lions Club
1997 Award for Exemplary Service and Outstanding Achievement to the community (in City Category)
by the Carson Companies.
1997 California State Assembly - Certificate of Recognition for Receiving the Dominguez Brand Award
for City Government.
2001 CPOA (California Police Officers Ass'n.) Award for Contributions and Dedication to Public Safety
and the Law Enforcement Profession.
2006 Proclamation from the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for “Founding and
Organizing the Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Watch Program and Providing Outstanding
Leadership for this Grassroots Volunteer Organization”.
2006 National Sheriff's Ass'n. and Dept. of Justice Assistance. The second ever award as the “Most
Exemplary Neighborhood Watch in the US” - not only for our Neighborhood Watch program, but
for our Emergency Preparedness Program. This award is given to a distinguished citizen who
fulfills the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism, and has contributed to
the defense and security, and thereby the freedom, of the community, state or nation in an
exceptional manner. They covered the trip to Fort Lauderdale for both my husband and I to
receive the award from the head of the Dept. of Justice Assistance.
2008 I was invited by the Dept. of Justice Assistance to the first National Watch Program in Lexington,
Ky. The purpose of this table-top discussion conference was to brainstorm on how each of our
disciplines could contribute to protection from terrorism. One person from different disciplines
and sectors in the U.S. represented and shared information. I represented Neighborhood
Watch for the entire U.S. Other agencies represented were heads of such entities as marijuana
law enforcement, truck drivers, real estate agents, boaters, Coast Guard, universities,
transportation etc. I was the only volunteer.
2011 Woman of the Year nominee from Assemblywoman, Bonnie Lowenthal.
2020 National DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) award given for “being a distinguished
citizen who fulfills the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism, and has
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contributed to the defense and security, and thereby the freedom, of the community, state or
nation in an exceptional manner. “
Dec. 2020
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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
(Block Captain)
Dear Resident:
Your block is now a part of the Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Watch program. Following is a
summary of the program, what it does for you, and your role in making the program successful.
WHAT IS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH? Neighborhood Watch is a proven and effective means of
reducing crime. It is also the framework for our Emergency Preparedness program. The concept is
based on neighbors working together with law enforcement to curtail crime. Approximately 9 0% of
our city’s single-family streets, as well as several multi-unit complexes, are in our organized citywide
program resulting in a dramatic drop in crime in those areas. We have seen a measurable difference
in crime rates between areas in an organized program, and those without such a program. This is
because neighbors report all suspicious activities to the police, network all crime activity and mutually
watch out for each other.
RPV Neighborhood Watch was started in 1992. In 2006 we were selected by the National Sheriff’s
Association and the Department of Justice Assistance as “The Most Exemplary Neighborhood Watch
in the United States”. In 2020 we were deemed the 4th Safest City in California.
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM As a member of an organized Neighborhood Watch, your street is
part of a citywide crime prevention network and warning system. An Area Coordinator liaisons with
Neighborhood Watch, the Sheriff’s Dept., and Block Captains. Crime warnings are e-mailed to Block
Captains who, in turn, disseminate to Block Assistants and participating Neighborhood Watch
residents. (In case of emergency, we may use phones.) This network is used in the following ways:
• To alert residents of current citywide crime activity and suspicious persons.
• To alert residents of crimes, missing persons (or pets) in their own area.
• To alert residents of phone, Internet and other scams.
• To alert residents of ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) activities.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN MAKING THE PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL?
• GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS Your neighbors are the key people who watch over your
home. Get to know them. Please give your e-mail number to your Block Captain so they can
forward the Crime Bulletins to you. Neighborhood Watch e -mails only to Block Captains (always
blind). We do not want nor use other residents’ e-mail. We also encourage blocks to have yearly
potlucks or get-togethers and invite their Sheriff’s Deputies.
• CONFIDENTIALITY We are very strict about keeping residents’ information confidential.
No one, besides Block Captains and Area Coordinators, know residents’ names, addresses,
phone numbers or e-mail numbers.
• WATCH OUT FOR STRANGERS Report any suspicious people that are parked in your area,
driving around, or knocking on your door looking for someone else or asking for work. They may
be casing your neighborhood to see who is home. Make a habit of writing down descriptions
of suspicious people and cars, including license plates. If you have a feeling that
(E-Mail)
(Phone)
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something doesn’t look right, please call 539-1661, your local Sheriff’s Station, and ask
them to investigate. Then always notify your Block Captains so they can network to others.
• PREVENT BURGLARIES AND ROBBERIES Keep all doors, windows, and garage doors locked
when you are not home. Burglars steal items from open garages in 30 seconds. Keep vehicles
locked at ALL times and don’t leave anything visible that you don’t want stolen. Burglars mostly
want jewelry and electronics. Hide jewelry outside of your bedroom. Engrave your California
Driver’s License number on electronic equipment, which better assures its return to you.
• POLICY ON SOLICITORS Under a Supreme Court ruling, anyone can solicit without a permit.
However, under a City Code, solicitation is not allowed at any home that displays a DO NOT
DISTURB or NO SOLICITING decal (available at City Hall or from your Block Captain). Notify
your Block Captain of all suspicious solicitors.
• REPORT ALL CRIMES, NO MATTER HOW SMALL Sheriff Dept. computers track crimes and
criminals, even parts of license plates. Unreported crimes skew the real statistics and could result
in your area receiving less patrol activity than it deserves. After you notify the Sheriff’s Dept. of
a crime or a suspicious activity, or if you have been a victim, notify your Block Captain
immediately so that they, and the Area Coordinator in your area, can alert the other
residents. Quickly reporting and networking crimes facilitates faster apprehension.
• PETS, PEOPLE, INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA We will network members’ lost or found pets,
children and other missing residents through our Neighborhood Watch network. We do not
allow the NW network to be used for political, commercial or business advertising
purposes. Our network can only be used for accurate and vetted information. We do not
network NW information through social media or the Internet - mediums which are non-
private, often inaccurate, and your personal information is insecure. We ask that you
honor this request.
IDENTITY THEFT Identity theft, along with mail thefts and package delivery thefts, are serious
problems in our city. Never give out social security or other personal information over the ph one,
mail, or Internet. Shred all personal documents. Get a locking mailbox. Be alert for mail theft by
using public mailboxes for outgoing mail, and have a neighbor pick up your mail (or packages) when
you’re gone. Never put the mailbox flag up! Many identity fraud cases start with theft of checks,
bank statements and credit cards from mailboxes.
VACATIONS Always notify a close neighbor or your Block Captain when you go on vacation.
SUPPORT YOUR BLOCK CAPTAIN AND ASSISTANTS They are the life-blood of your
Neighborhood Watch. Without them, the program dies and you will lose all contact with
Neighborhood Watch and the Sheriff’s Dept. Offer to help as a Block Assistant and attend
neighborhood activities. Remember, an effective neighborhood watch is one in which all
neighbors contribute!
Neighborhood Watch is managed by Volunteer Area Coordinators and Block Captains. The program
is totally supported by voluntary, tax-deductible $5 donations, which pay for the total cost of the
program including signs, office supplies, decals, meetings and educational materials.
SUMMARY Building walls around our lives and our property hasn’t given us more sense of safety or
peace of mind. On the other hand, people in our city have learned that tearing down wa lls and
building bridges of trust between neighbors and law enforcement has greatly added to their peace of
mind and quality of life. After all is said and done, it is the community and our neighborhoods
working together who have made the difference in the quality and safety of our lives. Please
support Neighborhood Watch! 3-21
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From:McKenzie Bright
To:"Jim Jones"
Subject:RE: Feb 15th City Council review of Neighborhood Watch activities
Date:Thursday, January 27, 2022 1:29:32 PM
Dear Jim,
Thank you for sharing your experience with Neighborhood Watch, in advance of the February 15
meeting where the City Council will be recognizing the fantastic work of Neighborhood Watch – and
Area Coordinators like you. Thank you for all you do for El Prado Estates, and for the City! Your
comments will be shared with the City Council.
If you would like to watch the meeting, it will be livestreamed at rpvca.gov/agendas and televised
RPVtv Cox 33/Frontier FiberOptic 38, starting at 7pm on 2/15.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you!
McKenzie
McKenzie Bright, Administrative Analyst
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 544-5305 - mbright@rpvca.gov
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From: Jim Jones <jjbanjo@juno.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2022 12:17 PM
To: McKenzie Bright <mBright@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Feb 15th City Council review of Neighborhood Watch activities
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Dear McKenzie,
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I have the privilege of serving as NW Coordinator for El Prado Estates' 125 homes. We have nine
Block Captains who each cover about 14 homes of neighbors . We spread the word of any message
of immediate interest such as Sheriff's reports, home safety and local updates. We help integrate
new arrivals into the neighborhood.
It serves a vital link here that doesn't exist in any other form. It's a pleasure to serve, possible even
temporarily from a wheelchair.
"Chord"-ially, Jim O==# <jjbanjo@juno.com>
Jim Jones Tel: (310)831-3372
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From:mmgatross@aol.comTo:McKenzie BrightSubject:RPV Neighborhood WatchDate:Saturday, January 29, 2022 10:13:25 AMCAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.Greetings McKenzie, With thanks for recognizing Neighborhood Watch.
Gail Lorenzen has been the steadfast leader of all of our NW work over the years. She keeps on top of
all of the issues and writes excellent
bulletins for the Block Coordinators and Block Captains to network to our neighbors. She is a pleasure to
work with and always has time for
questions. She is a great resource as well. Gail is a City treasure and no doubt all of us applaud her
terrific volunteer work!
Mary Ross
Monaco NW Coordinator
D-3m
From:Pam Gudish
To:McKenzie Bright
Cc:Evie Hunter
Subject:Gail Lorenzen
Date:Saturday, January 29, 2022 12:23:08 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
My name is Pam Gudish. I am Block Captain for Martingale Drive and Area Coordinator for
the Mustang area.
I just want to thank Gail Lorenzen for all she does to keep us safe and informed. She has been
working tirelessly for many years to keep Neighborhood Watch up and running in Palos
Verdes and deserves our heartfelt appreciation.
Pam Gudish
17 Martingale Drive
RPV, CA. 90275
310 544-7755
--
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I 1a I
From:Leslie Chapin
To:McKenzie Bright
Cc:aysanrangchian@gmail.com; B-Shujaat Ali; E-Noel Park; F-John Spielman; F-William Quan; L-Jonothan Hofeller;
V-Mohsen Saidinejad; W-Eugene and Stephanie Miyata
Subject:FW: Neighborhood Watch - City Council Meeting
Date:Saturday, January 29, 2022 7:34:43 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Dear McKenzie,
My name is Les Chapin who lives on Verde Ridge Road located within our designated Pacific View
Homeowners Association (PVHA) which includes a total of 345 homes that essentially surround
Hesse park. Pacific View includes homes on fourteen RPV streets each with their own Neighborhood
Watch (NW) block captain. I am the NW/EP Emergency Preparedness area coordinator for Pacific
View and block captain for the Verde Ridge Road #2 block which includes thirty of our Verde Ridge
homes. This upcoming city council meeting should certainly be in recognition of Gail Lorenzen who
founded the city or RPV’s NW program in 1992. Through the many years and my involvement with
the NW program I was dismayed at the city’s lack of recognition by both past city staff and city
councils to Gail her husband Andy and her NW program. I include Andy because the amount of time
that Gail spends on her NW program I am sure it is jointly accomplished within their household. I
cannot imagine the number of hours Gail has expended and continues to expend per week
supporting this city of RPV’s NW program. Despite this lack of recognition and support for many
years she has never given up and has continued to hang in there until it seems finally there is to be a
long delinquent recognition which she certainly deserves. If the city has an outstanding citizen
award or equivalent Gail certainly deserves such an award. Gail has received many different national
and other organization’s awards throughout the years. The detail and the nuances of her total
program are best described by her. I know she is recognized and appreciated by the Lomita Sheriff’s
station with which she has an excellent working relationship. Her program is certainly recognized as
keeping our RPV crime levels at national, state and county lows. Thank you for the opportunity to
offer support to Gail and her RPV NW program.
Les Chapin
6710 Verde Ridge Road
310-377-1139
les.alice@cox.net
D-5
From:Marilyn Long
To:McKenzie Bright
Cc:Gail & Andrew Lorenzen
Subject:Neighborhood Watch
Date:Monday, January 31, 2022 10:08:36 PM
Attachments:Neighborhood Watch 1.31.2022.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Dear McKenzie,
Thanks for your leadership role as our Public Safety Analyst for our city! You are appreciated
immensely. I am happy to hear of your involvement as an advocate and partner of our
Neighborhood Watch program.
Attached is my email for Neighborhood Watch if you want to include it in the upcoming
presentation. Unfortunately, I will not be able to join the Zoom call. Will it be recorded for future
viewing?
With Gratitude,
Marilyn Long
D-6
I am Marilyn Long, and I am a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes. I have
been involved in the Neighborhood Watch program as a volunteer
block captain for over 20 years.
Neighborhood Watch is a program where neighbors living in the same
area want to make their neighborhood safer by taking time to know our
neighbors. We work together and in conjunction with the Sheriff
Department to reduce crime in our neighborhood and improve our
quality of life. It is a program that we started in our neighborhood
because of a residential burglary that occurred.
I want to give thanks and recognition to Gail Lorenzen, the
Neighborhood Watch Volunteer Coordinator for Rancho Palos Verdes.
She has been in this role for 30 years, working diligently as a
community advocate and as a full time professional in this unpaid
position. Gail devotes her precious time, energy, and effort toward
fostering relationships with block captains and residents to support the
Sheriff Department in reducing crimes in our community.
There are also two other volunteer block captains in our area of about
83 homes. Weekly emails are sent by Gail to the block captains on
crimes committed in our city. Then we email them to our neighbors,
who have joined Neighborhood Watch for a mere $5 donation.
If there is a residential burglary that has occurred, residents are asked
to check their video cameras during a certain time frame and the
sheriff’s department then gets tips and photos quickly, right after the
burglary to investigate the crime.
It has been both a privilege and a responsibility to be involved in the
Neighborhood Watch program. To keep our neighborhoods safe and
crime free, I hope all residents will enroll in it. Thank you.
D-7
From:mandjcuomo@cox.net
To:McKenzie Bright
Subject:Neighborhood Watch - City Council
Date:Thursday, February 3, 2022 12:27:24 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Dear McKenzie,
I would like to express my feelings regarding “Neighborhood Watch” and how thankful we are for all the
hard work that Gail Lorenzen has done and continues to do by keeping us informed of not only crime, but
how to prepare for earth quakes, or important meetings we might want to attend and voice our opinion.
Without Gail there would be no "Neighborhood Watch” and the city is very lucky to have her.
I met Gail twenty seven years ago at a meeting to set up a our neighborhood watch program in Mira Costa
Terrace (Caddington Dr /east side of the city). We were known as Enrose 1 and Enrose 2. A block captain
and 3 assistant block captains on each block. I was assistant block captain for Enrose 1 for a year when Gale
asked if I would be interested in the Area Coordinators job. I said yes and Gail and I worked together block
by block to sign up new members. There are 233 homes and only 26 people were part of the plan at that
time It took a while but we completed the job and now had 12 BC and 26 BA.
Gail spent a lot of time keeping all the block lists up to date, they showed who the BC's and the BA's and
the members information so we could notify our neighbors when the reports went out. I kept all of Gails
Block Lists for our area in a three ring binder as AC. That was the system for many years. When we no
longer received the block lists I started my own master block lists so they would always be current.
I was glad I did this because whenI gave up being AC after 22 years I was able to pass the binder on to the
new AC. I am still BC of Enrose 1and enjoy doing it. In 2020 my replacement moved out of state with her
family after being coordinator for four years. When she left she gave be the book to pass on when we had a
new coordinator. I made the updates that happened in the last four years to the masters so that I could pass
every thing to the next coordinator. I am happy to say that Gail found a replacement and we now have a
new coordinator and she has the tools to do her job.
Back in the day (1996 thru 2002) we held a big block party every October. The Sheriff and Fire
Departments were always a big hit with everyone, especially the kids. Food, Games for he kids and door
prizes, I am enclosing a picture of the committee and the fire department of our last party in 2002
Sincerely,
Marlene Cuomo
Block Captain, Enrose 1
D-8
D-9
From:Steven Barryte
To:McKenzie Bright
Cc:Gail Lorenzen
Subject:Starstone Dr Neighborhood Watch
Date:Saturday, February 5, 2022 12:12:28 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
McKenzie Bright,
I'm not planning to participate in the Council Meeting, but wanted to
share a little about Starstone Dr Neighborhood Watch.
Twenty-six of the twenty-seven houses on our 1-block long street are NW
members.
We've participate in the National Night Out (first Tuesday in August) as
a dessert pot luck when not preempted by Covid-19. We visit for a few
hours. The little ones really enjoyed getting to climb on a fire truck
or a squad car when they're available . The adults appreciate the
opportunity to get answers to their questions from Sheriff Deputies (or
the Captain). The sheriffs don't seem to be offended when we ask them to
take some of the desserts back to the station.
The block directory (i.e., address, names, phone numbers & email
addresses) has been useful when someone notices a garage door open at a
"distant" neighbor's house but nobody is around or water is streaming
out of a garage or a sprinkler is creating a fountain or a motion
sensing security light doesn't turn on. It also is handy for letting the
adjacent & across the street neighbors know when families are planning
to be out of town or when someone who is out of town realizes they
forgot to stop their mail or newspaper delivery or to welcome new
neighbors -- there were four in the last two years. (I add the new
neighbor to the directory & send the update to all members with an
optional greeting message from the new neighbor.)
The first (annual) Starstone Halloween Candy Exchange was on Monday, Nov
1, 2021.
We had 6 or 7 families visit our driveway. Our leftover candy was out.
One neighbor dropped off their excess candy. Another adult neighbor with
a sweet tooth collected much of that candy. I did get one item since I
am a little selective. All the candy found a good home. The best part
was a new neighbor with young kids from one end of the street met the
young kids of a long-time resident from the other end of the street.
I was hoping that there would be adult-supervised kid bargaining candy
trades, but that did not happen. I plan to do it again in 2022 but will
clarify that the event is more drop off what you don't want to eat &
help yourself to whatever is available.
-steve barryte (Starstone Dr Block Coordinator)
D-10