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Green Dots, Mystery Shoppers and Funny Money

“I just knew it was too good to be true,” victims say as they shake their heads in disbelief. If you read no further, please read this: our best tool in deterring and preventing scams and other crimes is our instincts. If you think something is wrong, it probably is. Recently, scams have been on the rise in... (Read more →)

My Valentine

When you have a special someone in your life, Valentine’s Day is a fun time to celebrate; it’s a day of flowers, candy, and time together out on a date. It is a day intended to help us express how much that special person means to us. When I was a youngster in the late 1960’s, I hand-wrote notes on paper cut... (Read more →)

Peace Officer

A few weeks back, a citizen told me he preferred the title “peace officer” instead of “police officer,” and I couldn’t agree more. Recently, because of highly publicized, police-related incidents in Ferguson, New York City, and elsewhere, there has been a renewed national discussion about law enforcement... (Read more →)

Connecting With UPD

Last week I mentioned that Realty World Selzer Realty had just wrapped up a contest asking people to submit ideas to make Ukiah a safer place to live and work. A story about the contest and its winner appeared on the front page of the Ukiah Daily Journal on Sunday, December 20. The winning submission provided... (Read more →)

Great Ideas: Making Ukiah Safer

As I’m sure many of you know, during the last few months Realty World Selzer Realty hosted a contest asking people to submit ideas to make Ukiah a safer place to live and work. The deadline for submissions was December 1 and the winner was announced on the front page of the Ukiah Daily Journal on Sunday, December... (Read more →)

Our Actions Matter

It is important to take a stand—to rise up, to speak out, to say something when something is wrong.    A few weeks ago, our officers arrested a 12-year-old who was selling marijuana-laced cookies at school. I think it is wrong that 12-year-olds are selling marijuana. This 12-year-old student admitted to... (Read more →)

An Uncomfortable Truth

During this holiday season, we all hope for the same thing: a celebration we will never forget, a season spent at home enjoying those we love the most. Sadly, the uncomfortable truth is that each Christmas season some people will become victims of domestic abuse. While the holidays can bring great joy, they can... (Read more →)

Holiday Thefts and Our Food Drive

It just seems so easy: order online and within a few days your Christmas gifts magically appear on your front doorsteps. But be careful. These attractive packages, delivered by Christmas shipping elves, are also very attractive to those looking for a quick steal. Left unattended, these packages on our doorsteps can... (Read more →)

Thank You for Measure P!

It seems like the cost of essentials always goes up, never down. We’ve all had expenses that come at bad times, like a washing machine that needs replacing right before your birthday, or an increase in the cost of gas when your new job requires travel. Sometimes it’s really hard to come up with enough money to... (Read more →)

Holiday Giving

While we hope the holidays will bring out the best in everyone, sadly sometimes people use the holidays to take advantage of others. Last week I mentioned scams that are common during the holidays and ways to protect yourself. This week I thought I should mention holiday giving. Each year during the holidays, many... (Read more →)

Christmas Season is SCAM Season

I love the Christmas season—the songs, the presents, the generosity, and the care and concern we show for each other. I love the joy and celebrations, and the peace and goodwill the season brings. The Christmas season really can brighten our spirits and lift our hearts. I have always thought of the Christmas... (Read more →)

The Ukiah Valley Christmas Effort Needs Our Help

For 65 years, volunteers for the Ukiah Valley Christmas Effort have provided needy families with food and gifts to celebrate Christmas. From turkey dinners to a few special gifts for each child, the Ukiah Valley Christmas Effort’s goal is to serve as many local families as possible. Thanks to generous donations... (Read more →)