SAN DIEGO POLICE CHIEF STEPS DOWN
By Nadin Abbott February 26, 2014 (San Diego) Chief William Lansdowne has announced he will step down as the San Diego Police Chief effective on March 3. This comes amid a series of scandals involving the police force. The first of these was Officer William Arevalos, who was convicted of sexually assaulting female subjects in 2011 instead of giving them tickets in the Gaslamp district. Two of his convictions were vacated by a judge on Tuesday on a technicality, so Arevalos could be released relatively soon, and a new sentencing hearing held. More recently, Officer Christopher Hays and Officer Donald Moncrief were accused of sexual harassment by women. Officer Hays has since resigned from the force and has been charged with felony and misdemeanor charges over his treatment of female suspects. Montcrief has been placed on paid leave while the investigation continues. Over the weekend, a San Diego Police Detective and 16-year veteran of the force was charged with driving under the influence, though the identity of the officer has not been released. Last week, Chief Lansdowne called for a top down review of the department, but yesterday the Chief decided to step down after ten years of service as San Diego’s top cop. This statement was later issued by the Police Department: “San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne is announcing his retirement from the San Diego Police Department, effective Monday March 3, 2014. The Chief has served the citizens of San Diego for over 10 years and has successfully led the Department through countless critical events. Although Mayor Elect Kevin Faulconer did not ask for the Police Chief to resign, Chief Lansdowne felt it was time to do so. The Chief absolutely supports the new Mayor and believes in his vision and direction for the City.This was a difficult decision for Chief Lansdowne to make as he considers San Diego his home and truly values the citizens of this city and the employees who work here.“ Sheriff Bill Gore issued the following statement regarding the retirement of Chief Landsdowne. “San Diego Police Chief Bill Lansdowne has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in law enforcement,” said Sheriff Bill Gore. “He has led the department through one of the most difficult fiscal times in the city’s history and enjoyed many years of reduced crime through his leadership and foresight. In my 44 years in law enforcement, I have never been associated with anyone who worked harder or gave more of himself than Bill Lansdowne. I believe Chief Lansdowne has positioned the San Diego Police Department –one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country – in a good place, by requesting an outside audit. This will ensure the public’s confidence in the fine men and women who work so hard to keep San Diego safe. Bill is not only a trusted colleague, but a good friend and partner. I wish him and his wife, Sharon every happiness they deserve.”
HEAVY RAINS, FLASH FLOODS AND POSSIBLE TORNADOS FORECAST
By Miriam Raftery Updated February 27, 2014 (San Diego) – A powerful storm is set to sweep into the region Thursday through Sunday, bringing some of the most severe weather seen in decades, weather experts predict. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning and a flash flood watch from late Thursday through Saturday night. Thunderstorms may bring waterspouts or even tornadoes, most likely in coastal areas. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts of 60 miles per hour or higher are forecast for mountain and desert areas in East County. Blowing sand and dust may reduce visibility. Heavy rainfall may produce flash flooding and debris flows in mountain areas and coastal foothills. Larger flash floods and debris flows have potential to damage roads and bridges, the National Weather Service cautions. Mud flows are also likely in areas burned by recent fires. Heavy rains are forecast with substantial snow at higher elevations. Up to seven inches of rain may fall on south-facing mountain slopes, with three to five inches of rain in other mountain areas, up to three inches in valleys and coastal regions, and up to an inch in the desert. Snow levels could fall to 5500 feet by Saturday night, with up to 10 inches of snow expected above 6000 feet in elevation. You can monitor official National Weather Service reports and forecasts at www.Weather.gov/SanDiego. Southern California Weather Authority, a private forecast site, has issued a statement indicating that “Southern California is about to have one of the strongest dynamical storms in may years, with all the ingredients there for a severe weather event, including the possibility of tornado dynamics. Dynamics like this have not been seen in Southern California since March 1983, when numerous tornado reports across the Basins hit,” the statement concluded, adding, “The tornado environment is increasing.”