The California Peace Officers Association recently named the Seal Beach Police Department’s Centennial commemorative badge the Best Badge of 2015.
Each year, the statewide law enforcement group issues Best of COPSWEST awards, honoring “creative and innovative acts in law enforcement,” according to the Officers Association website.
This year’s Best Badge honor went to the Seal Beach Police Department.
“The Seal Beach Police Department’s Centennial Badge was first brought forth by police department staff in 2014. Sgt. John Scott then ran with the idea and was assisted by our very own Seal Beach Police Department Historian, a.k.a. Orange County District Attorney Supervising Investigator Stan Berry (SBPD 1996-2006),” said Sgt. Phil Gonshak, the Police Department’s public information officer. “The badge will not be worn after Dec. 31, 2015, as it’ll be retired. We give a large amount of credit to V&V Manufacturing in the City of Industry, CA., which was able to physically create the badge from print to steel for our uniforms.”
Collectors of law enforcement memorabilia won’t be able to add the Centennial badge to their collections.
Accoding to Gonshak, the badges won’t be made available to the public due to the security risks created by a non-sworn citizen obtaining one.
Accoding to the Police Officers Association website: “For the 2015 Centennial Anniversary of the City of Seal Beach, the department elected to replicate one of the earliest known surviving examples of an original badge. The department’s badge history was researched, and they selected a beautiful gold badge design from the late 1920s, and replicated it with a brushed nickel finish.”
Crime Log Compiled by Charles M. Kelly
IN SEAL?BEACH
Tuesday, October 6
Dead Animal—10:22 a.m.—Electric and Corsair—The caller reported a dead opossum in the intersection. Message delivered to Long Beach Animal Care Services. It turned out they already had the information.
Graffiti/Vandalism—10:50 a.m.—North Gate Road—The caller reported very large graffiti on North Gate Road along the bike trail that backs up to the freeway. The caller did not describe the graffiti. Report taken.
Panhandler—11:07 a.m.—Westminster Avenue—The caller said a woman with four small children was begging for money in front of the Post Office. The caller said there were other individuals waiting for her in a sedan parked nearby. Police unit 106 interviewed the woman in the field. The children were OK. The woman was advised against illegal peddling.
Open Door—11:11 a.m.—Candleberry Avenue—The caller said a home had an open front door and no one answered. At 11:15 a.m., the same citizen called back to report that the resident of the home had answered and was OK. The call was canceled before a police unit arrived.
Suspicious Person—3:55 p.m.—Pacific Coast Highway—The caller a said a man who had been advised against trespassing in the past had entered the store. Police were unable to locate him.
Stray Animals—5:23 p.m.—Marina and Fifth Street—The caller said she had two stray dogs in her car. She requested an animal control officer. Dispatch left a message with the Long Beach Fire Department, which refers messages to Long Beach Animal Care Services after hours.
Wednesday, October 7
Stray Animal—6:57 a.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller reported a stray dog off leash. Referred to Long Beach Animal Care Services.
Suspicious Person—10:17 a.m.—Westminster Avenue—The caller reported a man standing on the sidewalk under a tree, taking pictures of a property in the area. The caller said the man had been coming around for the past three to four days taking pictures. He was last seen getting aboard an Orange County Transportation Authority bus.
Petty Theft—11:21 a.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—According to the initial report, a man took a phone and ran out the door. But when police arrived, it turned out that the people at the store had scared him off. There was no loss and no report was desired.
Traffic Hazard—12:28 p.m.—Pacific Coast Highway and Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller said a large metal bar or tow hitch was in the no. 1 northbound lane of Pacific Coast Highway, south of Seal Beach Boulevard. Police unit 107 removed a pipe from the road. Assisted.
Counterfeit Report—12:38 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard and Plymouth Drive—The caller received what the caller thought might be a counterfeit $100 bill 10 minutes before calling the police. The suspect was no longer there. Report taken.
Counseling—6:50 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller was upset because a woman he knew came over to his home and took her beach chair back while he was out on the beach. The officer counseled both parties.
Stray Animal—7:46 p.m.—Almond Avenue—The caller said there was a large black dog loose in the area.
Thursday, October 8
Suspicious Individuals—8:13 a.m.—Bolsa Avenue—The caller said two men in a car were driving slowly around the school, blaring their music and staring at parents dropping off their kids. The car had lots of property inside, as if the two men might be living out of the car. Police were unable to locate them.
Patrol Check Requested—1:07 p.m.—12th Street and Electric Avenue—The caller, relaying second-hand information, said there was an individual on the Greenbelt in a hammock. The individual was not causing property damage and had not violated a law. The caller did not want contact. Log entry.
Transient—1:57 p.m.—Pacific Coast Highway—The caller said a transient was walking in traffic lanes while pushing a shopping cart. Police unit 131 contacted an individual who was staying in the bike lane. There was no traffic hazard observed. The individual was advised to stay out of the street. Log entry.
Possible Brandishing of Weapon—9:34 p.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller said a man was standing next to a car with a samurai sword on the ground next to him. At 9:35 p.m., he reportedly had the sword in his hands. At 9:36 p.m., he was reportedly smoking a cigarette. Police unit 206 contacted a man and determined that the “sword” was in fact a cane that resembled a samurai sword. He was interviewed in the field.
Friday, October 9
Report of Substance Thrown at a Vehicle—6:26 a.m.—Midway and Westminster—The caller said a man threw something at the caller’s car. The caller thought the man threw rocks. It was not known if the car sustained any damage. Police unit 106 arrested Ricardo Barron on suspicion of throwing a substance at a vehicle.
Municipal Code Complaint—7:13 a.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller said there were two dogs in the First Street lot in front of the sand dunes every day this week. They were accompanied by two individuals. The Seal Beach Municipal Code does not allow dogs on the beach. Police were unable to locate the dogs.
Grand Theft Report—10:12 a.m.—Eighth Street—The caller reported the theft of a necklace.
Suspicious Individuals—10:39 a.m.—Welcome Lane—The caller reported seeing two men on bikes looking into cars in the trailer park five minutes before the call to police. The caller thought they might be transients. Police were unable to locate them.
Burglary Report—12:46 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The crime apparently occurred on Sept. 21. Details were blacked out in the log. The log did not say if this was a residential, business or automobile burglary. Report taken.
Transient—6:13 p.m.—14th Street—The caller said a homeless woman wearing black clothing was going through the trash in the alley. The caller said there was an on-going problem with the woman living to the rear of the caller’s property. The caller said he moved her property around the corner. The caller was advised to call back the next day to speak with the homeless liaison officer.
Disturbance, Noise—8:22 p.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller said a group of about 50 individuals had gathered in the parking lot at the beach and was getting loud. It appeared to the caller to be some sort of large party. Police unit 207 apparently advised the group to keep it down and they said they would comply.
Saturday, October 10
Municipal Code Complaint—7:10 a.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller said two dogs were running loose on the beach. Police unit 107 contacted the owners of both dogs. The dogs were back on their leashes.
Suspicious Person—7:40 a.m.—Forrestal and Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller reported that a man was yelling after supposedly telling a Navy sentry that he had a knife. At 7:50 a.m., he reportedly chased a woman into a location and reportedly yelled he was going to kill people. Police unit M8 contacted the caller and was told that the man had a knife strapped to his suitcase. Police unit S19 detained the suspect at 8:39 a.m. He was interviewed in the field. Police took his knife with his OK and the knife was destroyed.
Forgery Reported—11:32 a.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller said an individual was trying to open an account with a check that the caller described as fraudulent. Police arrested Jeanette Campus on suspicion of possessing or receiving forged or counterfeit items.
Animal Information—6:22 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—A citizen reported a dog locked in a car that was parked in a space reserved for the disabled. The citizen called back at 6:26 p.m. to say that the owner came back and left. The call was canceled before the police unit arrived.
Transients Reported—8:36 p.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller said that a group of transients at the park came at him in a “threatening” manner as he was walking by. (The log put the word threatening in quotes.) The caller said they were setting up a camp and appeared to be staying for awhile. The caller said they also had a pit bull with them. Police unit 207 contacted the group and determined they were just resting on a blanket. Police then contacted the caller. Part of the log entry was blacked out.
Sunday, October 11
Counseling—9:50 a.m.—Blue Heron—The caller said an individual was trimming bamboo and throwing it into the caller’s yard. The caller said there were on-going issues with the neighbor. Police counseled both parties.
Welfare Check—5:07 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller said three women had been present for hours. The caller said he was concerned for one little boy who was with them who looked to be ill because of the heat. Police unit 106 contacted the group and determined that the children were OK. The log said that they were likely part of a group of mothers who were panhandling. No further police services were necessary.
Disturbance—8:08 p.m.—Pacific Coast Highway—The caller said a man was yelling profanities at customers. Police arrested Clifford Eugene Anderson on suspicion of violating parole.
Monday, October 12
Disturbance Reported—10:22 a.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller said a man and a woman were harassing the individuals that were passing out religious pamphlets. However, police unit 141 determined that no police services were necessary. The individuals involved were apparently having a discussion of religious beliefs. Counseled.
Suspicious Person—11:23 a.m.—Pacific Coast Highway—The caller said a man in his mid-20s was watching the caller count the caller’s money. Police unit 141 contacted the young man. It turned out he was being picked up by a parent. Police counseled the caller.
Extra Patrol Checks Requested—2:23 p.m.—College Park Drive and Harvard Lane—The caller requested school bus enforcement. The caller said several cars were not stopping for either bus. Log entry. Printed for watch commander.
Tuesday, October 13
Refusing to Leave—10:10 a.m.—First Street—The caller said a man who was previously evicted was now in the lobby and would not leave.
Police unit 107 advised the man against trespassing and he apparently said he would comply.
Welfare Check—4:35 p.m.—Bolsa Chica and Westminster—The caller reported a man on foot, crying and yelling. Police unit 107 contacted the man and determined he was OK. The log described the man as a transient who was continuing to walk eastbound.
Wednesday, October 14
Possible Marijuana Smoking—12:33 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller said someone in a car appeared to be smoking marijuana out of a pipe. There were two women in the car, which was parked in front of a store. The car was gone by the time police arrived.
Found Child—7:08 p.m.—Heather Street—An 8- or 9-year-old child was left at the tennis courts. By 7:53 p.m., police had located the parents. Police unit 241 waited for the parents to come back.
Thursday, October 15
Petty Theft—8:47 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller said two minors were in the store security office for attempting to take merchandise.
The minors were cooperative, but security was unable to get a hold of their parents and asked for police assistance in locating them. Police contacted the parents and escorted them to the security office.
The minors were counseled.
Reckless Driving—10 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller was concerned about numerous high school students driving recklessly in the parking lot and on the surrounding streets.
Friday, October 16
Coyote—1:47 a.m.—Central Avenue and First Street—The caller reported seeing a large coyote on Central Avenue, traveling toward Main Street.
Log entry.
Tuesday, September 29
Municipal Code Complaint—7:43 a.m.—Fifth Street—The caller reported seeing a woman digging in the trash cans in the alley between Fourth and Fifth streets.
Citizen Assist—9:46 a.m.—Bolsa and Seal Beach Boulevard—A business contacted police on behalf of a customer whose car had broken down and was stuck in traffic lane. Police unit 443 and AAA moved the car off the road. Assisted.
Suspicious Circumstances—5:13 p.m.—Second Street—The caller said three individuals apparently described as transients, two men and one woman, were seen going through a neighbor’s carport. The caller didn’t know if they took anything.
Wednesday, September 30
Petty Theft Report—10:53 a.m.—First Street—Loss: a road bike taken in the previous 45 minutes. Report taken.
Petty Theft Report—1:34 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller said a backpack was taken out of her car during the previous 45 minutes. She originally left the location and was now on her way back because she noticed that the backpack was missing. Report taken.
Grand Theft Report—2:03 p.m.—Grand Theft Report—Police took a report of the loss of eight backup batteries at the cell tower.
Found Property—3:39 p.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller found a wallet and a watch.
Thursday, October 1
Patrol Check Requested—7:21 a.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller, relaying second-hand information, said a transient was in the street, directing traffic on Seal Beach Boulevard. The caller did not see the individual at that time. Police were unable to locate the individual.
Auto Theft—7:57 a.m.—Dolphin and Ocean Avenue—The caller reported the theft of a car that was last seen at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30. As of 11:02 p.m., the car was reported located by the Santa Ana Police Department.
Disturbance, Juveniles—8:01 a.m.—12th Street and Electric Avenue—The caller said there was a continuing problem with juveniles playing in the street while waiting for the bus. The juveniles reportedly put various items in the street for cars to run over. The juveniles were gone by the time police arrived. There was no debris in the road.
Reported Burglary Attempted—9:33 a.m.—Main Street—The caller said the back door of a location on Main Street had been tampered with. However, police determined that there had been no crime—the door simply settled.
Fraud—3:41 p.m.—Guava Avenue—The caller said someone used the caller’s information to open an account. Report taken.
Friday, October 2
Municipal Code Complaint—5:58 a.m.—Electric Avenue—The caller said a man and a woman might possibly have been living out of a van. They were seen five minutes before the call to police, sitting on lawn chairs with their property all around them in front of the location. Police were unable to locate them.
Petty Theft—10:33 a.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller said woman’s dress got caught in the caller’s purse and now the caller’s ATM card was missing. At 10:34 a.m., the caller said the suspect had changed her dress. The woman was last seen driving a car similar to a Porche Cayenne. Report taken.
Disturbance—11:06 a.m.—Eighth Street—The caller said a woman in the Finance Department was upset and creating a disturbance over getting a parking citation. The woman had two children in a stroller with her. The woman left before police arrived. Police checked the area for her, but were unable to locate her.
Vehicle Burglary—12:28 p.m.—Eighth Street—The caller said the crime took place sometime during the night. The glove compartment of the caller’s golf cart was pried open. The caller was counseled. No report desired.
Petty Theft Report—3:30 p.m.—Pacific Coast Highway—The caller noticed a money bag missing at approximately 11 a.m. The bag contained cash and checks. The log did not include the value of the missing money. The caller said a suspicious individual on a bicycle, described as a transient, had been present in the store in the area of the missing bag. Report taken.
Petty Theft—5:39 p.m.—First Street—The caller said an individual jumped out of a car in the alley and took a hose from a neighbor’s home. Report taken.
Extra Patrol Check Requested—7:30 p.m.—Crestview Avenue—The caller requested an extra patrol check becuase of a recent bike theft in the area. The caller would get the bike information and call back for a report. Log entry.
Suspicious Circumstances—11:35 p.m.—Central Avenue—The caller said a man had just jumped over the back fence into the caller’s yard. At 11:37 p.m., the caller could no longer see the suspect and did not know if the suspect was still in the yard. By 11:50 p.m., police had arrested Joshua Quiroz on suspicion of public drunkenness.
Saturday, October 3
Petty Theft Report—8:05 a.m.—Cottonwood Lane—The caller reported that a beach cruiser had been taken from the yard during the night. Police determined that the suspect had dumped another bike at the location. The found bike was booked. Report taken.
Transient—12:36 p.m.—11th Street—The caller said two transients were sleeping on the bench opposite the caller’s location. The caller said they had all their property piled up. The caller was there to show an apartment to someone. Police unit 107 contacted a woman next to the field. She was given information for help.
Fraud—6:17 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller said a man came into the business and sold iPhones to employees. The caller said they paid cash and were given empty boxes. The suspect left 20 minutes before the call to police. Report taken.
Warrant Service—9:26 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—An individual at the front door asked to turn himself in. He was wanted on a misdemeanor warrant. Police arrested Michael Roudybush on suspicion of domestic battery and child endangerment.
Found Person—9:52 p.m.—Pacific Avenue—The caller had a juvenile at her residence who had apparently been reported missing out of San Diego. The young girl’s name (which did not appear in the log) was removed from the Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Report taken.
Sunday, October 4
Municipal Code Complaint—8:19 a.m.—Eighth Street—The caller complained about loud construction at a residence. Police unit S34 would follow up on the complaint, assuming permits had been issued for the construction.
Message—8:50 a.m.—Eighth Street—The caller phoned about construction noise at City Hall. The caller wanted to know how long the permit allowed the construction crew to work. The caller said they had been working until 10 p.m. since Friday, Sept. 25. Counseled.
Disturbance, Family—12:02 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller said a man and woman were in a physical fight in the parking lot. No weapons seen. At 12:03 p.m., the caller said that the man was beating the woman and had her by the hair. Police contacted the man and the woman. Their names were blacked out in the log. As of 12:30 p.m., police determined that the incident was one of mutual domestic battery. Apparently no one was arrested. Report taken.
Panhandler—6:20 p.m.—Pacific Coast Highway—The caller said a man was loitering outside the location, drinking alcohol, asking people for money and refusing to leave. Someone told him he cold not drink his alcohol outside and advised him to leave. He refused to leave at that time. However, he was gone by the time a police unit arrived.
Counseling—9:28 p.m.—Seal Way—The caller said someone vomited in the caller’s garage. The caller requested extra patrol checks for individuals urinating and vomiting in the south end of the parking garage. Counseled.
Monday, October 5
Transient—11:03 a.m.—Westminster Avenue—The caller said a man was listening to rap music, rapping and cussing loudly. Police advised him to discontinue his behavior and he apparently agreed to comply.
Petty Theft Report—1:33 p.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller reported the loss of a Diamondback road bike that occurred Saturday, Oct. 3. The caller had no suspect information. The caller had to leave, so the initial dispatch of a unit was canceled. The caller was home by 8:38 p.m. and requested a report. Report taken as of 9:20 p.m.
Bike Stop—2:07 p.m.—Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway—Police units M7 and 107 contacted two individuals suspected of having bike parts on them. Police arrested Christopher Payne on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and receiving stolen property. Police also arrested Ryan McGahee on suspicion of possession of marijuana for sale, based on a no bail warrant out of Lakewood. The Lakewood station of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department agreed to pick up McGahee.
Animal Information—10:11 p.m.—Stanford Lane—The caller said a man was walking two pitbulls that charged at the caller. The dogs were on leashes at the time. The caller did not know where the dogs lived. The caller did not want contact with police. Message delivered to Long Beach Animal Care Services.
Wednesday, September 30
Disturbance—6:12 p.m.—St. Andrews and Northwood—The caller was following an individual who appeared to be under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. As of 6:25 p.m., the caller was at the security office and the suspicious individual had been escorted out of the main gate. He was last seen going southbound on Seal Beach Boulevard. Police were unable to locate him.
