Intimidation As An Art Form In Costa Mesa

THE LATEST - AND MOST ONEROUS - SITUATION
Quashing public opinion through intimidation has become an art form in the City of Costa Mesa.  We've talked about this many, many times in the past, but let me tell you about the most recent, but probably not the last, attempt to discourage members of the public from criticizing members of the power elite in our city through the abuse of their official power to direct police activity against a resident.

TERRY KOKEN'S PARODY
During the City Council meeting on April 19, 2016 Terry Koken - who fancies himself somewhat of a minstrel/bard - stepped up as speaker #7 during Public Comments and used his three minutes to address the city council.  His was a fairly benign comment and included an offer to make the Fairview Park Initiative petition available to the council members to sign.  And, part of that time was used to sing a little ditty - a parody of an old Woody Guthrie tune,"This land is my land".  If you click HERE and scroll down to comment #7 you can hear Koken's tune for yourself.  Based on what I saw live, and later on streaming video, it seemed to me that his little tune was accepted as it was intended - a light-hearted bit of fluff for the council during a completely non-confrontational comment by Koken.  Mayor Steve Mensinger apparently thought the same, since he thanked Koken and offered a light-hearted response about "Lynyrd Skynyrd".  And the meeting moved on.

PARODIES ABOUND
Parody lyrics to that classic tune have been sung in one form or another by many people over the years, including Pete Seegar singing them to an elementary school group four decades ago.  In fact, this song has so many parodies that it's hard to keep track of them.  For example, this 17 second parody by someone named Richard Chang sounds VERY much like Koken's version.

AN ESTABLISHED CROONER
Keep in mind that Koken has crooned to the council many times over the years.  One time then-mayor Gary Monahan attempted to have him silenced, but City Attorney Tom Duarte reminded him that singing is protected free speech.  Here are the parody lyrics that Koken sang on April 19th:

This land is my land,
It is not your land,
I've got a shotgun,
And you ain't got one,
If you don't get off,
I'll shoot your head off, 
This land is private property.

NO BIG DEAL, BUT...
Now, I must admit that, sitting in the rear of the auditorium, that "shotgun" reference got my attention, but I thought no more of it because nobody on the dais appeared to take offense to it.  The mayor's light-hearted response seemed to affirm that.  However, there apparently WAS more to it based on subsequent events.

...A WARNING A WEEK LATER
A week later, on April 26th, Koken attended the Jim Righeimer/Jay Humphrey debate of the Smart Growth Initiative at the Halecrest Community Center- a packed-house event also attended by Mensinger.  After the debate was over Koken passed by Mensinger - who was a hulking presence near the exit - and shook his hand.  According to Koken, Mensinger pulled him close and made a remark about consequences of the ditty he had sung.  Another man, a political operative and known associate of the power elite, was nearby when this occurred and made a comment that Koken could expect to be contacted by the California Highway Patrol... a strange comment, indeed, so Koken just shrugged it off.

AN "INTERVIEW" BY THE POLICE
However, early the next morning, April 27th, Koken received a telephone call from Costa Mesa Police Sergeant Scott Stafford, a member of the Professional Standards Bureau, requesting to interview him.  Stafford showed up at the Koken residence a half-hour later and spent the best part of the next hour talking with Koken about the "ditty" while recording the conversation.  At one point Koken asked who generated the complaint and Stafford declined to say, even though Koken indicated the evidence suggested it was Mensinger.  Stafford declined to confirm or deny.

A VERY CONCILIATORY DISCUSSION
Following the interview, during which Stafford was very professional,  Koken showed him around and discussed his woodworking projects.  It was all very conciliatory and after the tour Stafford left.

OH, YES... ANY GUNS?
An hour or so later Stafford called Koken and said, "I forgot to ask you one question.  Do you have any firearms in the house?"  Koken answered, "I don't publish that information."

ENTER THE LAWYER
Based on that last conversation Koken suspected there may be a search warrant in the offing, so he contacted an attorney and briefed him on the situation.  He was told that no judge would issue such a warrant.

INTIMIDATING SIGNATURE-GATHERERS
Koken subsequently told me of an attempt to intimidate Koken and compatriots as they sat behind a table in a booth at Fairview Park, collecting signatures on petitions for the Fairview Park Preservation Alliance.  A Code Enforcement officer observed their signs from a distance, then drove into the park and stopped near the booth.  She was observed photographing the signage, then approached the booth.  She offered no criticism, nor did she cite them for any irregularity.  When she was asked why she was there she told Koken and his associates that "the mayor had requested her to investigate them."  As you might expect, this had a chilling effect on them and might have had an even more chilling effect on folks who might be inclined to sign the petition.  And this is certainly another abuse of the mayor's power.

CONVERSATION WITH THE COPS
I've had a conversation with Koken and he also provided me with written details of these encounters.  Subsequently I contacted members of the Costa Mesa Police Department to, 1) understand the process by which an officer would be dispatched to interview a resident and, 2) to find out who made the request.  Following those conversations, including a very cordial, helpful and professional conversation with Chief Rob Sharpnack, I'm comfortable that the members of the CMPD involved simply followed the proper protocols.  They received a complaint, investigated and, once the report is complete, it will be discussed with the District Attorney.  And nobody is talking about who initiated the request.  Apparently this information is only available after there is a resolution to the situation.  Based on the circumstances portrayed to me by Koken, I suspect it was Mensinger, who has a long-established record of attempting to intimidate folks with opposing views - but don't know for sure.  At some point in the near future a Public Records Request may be submitted to fully flesh-out this situation.

STEVEN WHITE
Do you recall the now-infamous Steven White case?  White, an employee of The City, was accused of stealing campaign signs during an election in which Mensinger was running for City Council.  That bogus claim cost White his job, but he was found not guilty of the alleged crime in court later.  At the time Mensinger was apparently on a stakeout with a private detective observing whomever it was doing the sign theft.  White has occasionally showed up at recent council meetings and is clearly not a happy man because of that situation.

TRYING TO SHUT ME UP
Some of you may recall the attempts by Mensinger and his pal, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer, to intimidate me a few years ago.  Each of them, individually, had an attorney - a guy who was married to Righeimer's sister-in-law at the time - write to me telling me I couldn't write about either of them in certain circumstances.  Well, I understand a little about SLAPP suits and told him as much.  I never heard from him again, but it's another good example of their attempts to intimidate opposing views.

DISCOURAGING PUBLIC COMMENTS
In fact, they have institutionalized the process in City Council meetings by bifurcating Public Comments - restricting the time during which folks can exercise their rights to air grievances to a short span at the beginning of meetings.  Those remaining would be required to stay to the VERY end of the meetings - sometimes well after midnight - to express their views.  Most do not, so that practice has been effective in quashing critics.

RIGHEIMER'S ANTICS
And, of course, there is the persistent practice by Righeimer, in particular, of interrupting speakers in the middle of their comments, spitting back jibes at them as they depart the speaker's podium and calling them out by name.   They also use valuable time to rant on and on during Councilmember Comments to rebut critics.  This kind of intimidation discourages some speakers from taking the time - and risk of ridicule - to address issues they feel are important in the community.

THEIR OWN PRIVATE MUSCLE
You may recall how Righeimer and Mensinger formed a special Code Enforcement unit to work on their own pet projects - like adding enforcement muscle to encourage owners of "problem motels" to "reassess the value of their properties" - which would make them available to their developer-buddies at a price that could guarantee a healthy profit.  That Code Enforcement group has now been combined with the main group, but Mensinger apparently continues to use it as his own little private enforcement group.

WILLING TO ABUSE THEIR POWER
Righeimer and Mensinger have demonstrated throughout their political careers that they are more than willing to abuse their power, bend the rules and to intimidate folks who oppose them.  Righeimer, in particular, will leap upon any pulpit he can find - radio, television or in the print media - to burnish his position.  And, some of recall his very attempt to throw his weight around when, as a planning commissioner, he barged into the middle of a DUI Checkpoint, demanding answers.

A DELICIOUS IRONY
Here we have a situation where a member of the CMPD was dispatched based on "somebody's" claim that a misdeed - a threat - was done by Koken.  Contrast this to the bogus lawsuit filed by Mensinger and Righeimer - a lawsuit that still lingers like a dark cloud over the city to this day - in which Righeimer was reported to be driving in a manner suggesting he was impaired - he did come from a bar, after all - and a member of the CMPD was dispatched to interview HIM.  During that 90 second interview, Kha Bao, our most distinguished DUI officer, quickly determined that he was NOT impaired, apologized for the inconvenience and left.  However, Righeimer and his wife still filed a lawsuit against the men and women of the CMPD.

LEGAL ACTION PENDING?
I find myself wondering if Koken is considering any kind of legal action against those responsible for this situation.  It's my understanding that he's awaiting a return call from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

VOTERS BE ADVISED...
It is clear that powerful members of the elected leadership of this city continue to be ready, willing and able to throw their weight around to intimidate residents who choose to speak out or otherwise show disagreement with them.  So, good people of Costa Mesa, be advised... as long as you elect folks like this to your city council you can expect intimidation and rule-bending.

REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER

Mark Your Calendar - Coffee With A Cop!

JULY 15TH!
Yesterday the Costa Mesa Police Department issued the following press release.  This should be a fun event.  I'll remind you again as we get closer to that date.  Who knows.. you might even have a chance to chat with Officer Kha Bao, our most decorated DUI enforcer.

Come Have Coffee With a Cop!

On July 15, 2014, the Costa Mesa Police Department will host their first Coffee With a Cop event. This event brings police officers and community members together in an informal setting at a local business to discuss community issues and build relationships while enjoying a cup of coffee. All community members are invited to attend. The event will take place from 8:00AM – 10:00AM on July 15, 2014, at the McDonald's restaurant located at 3141 Harbor Blvd.

Coffee with a Cop provides an opportunity for community members to ask questions, learn more about the Costa Mesa Police Department and meet your officers. There will be no agenda or speeches, just an opportunity to voice your concerns and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

We hope everyone can join us at this kick-off event on July 15th!

Voice Of A Departed Comrade-in-Arms

NOT ENOUGH COPS
Much has been said lately about the staffing levels of the Costa Mesa Police Department.  The combination of the economic downturn a few years ago that created early retirement incentives and a vindictive, stubborn City Council majority that came into power with a view that the CMPD should be staffed nearly 20% thinner than consultants and experienced law enforcement leaders recommended, has contributed to a situation today where we cannot field a full complement of officers without requiring dramatic overtime hours.  The Daily Pilot published a commentary I submitted on this issue this afternoon, HERE.

LEAVING IN DROVES
The toxic atmosphere created by Mayor Jim Righeimer, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Mensinger and councilman Gary Monahan throughout the city has been felt most strongly among the ranks of the CMPD.  Recent reports released by the city, which we mentioned HERE a couple weeks ago, show just how precarious public safety is in this city today.  It is my understanding that we are unable to field 100 men and women for duty with the CMPD today - and this is likely to get much worse soon.

PENDING RETIREMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
Besides the nearly one dozen officers, including Chief Tom Gazsi, who could retire right now, other officers are actively seeking other positions in neighboring agencies - and taking pay cuts and longer commutes to do it.

ONE BRAVE OFFICER SPEAKS OUT
Officer Jacob Slechta left for a job at another nearby agency this week and, on his last day as a member of the CMPD, wrote a letter to fellow-officers in the Costa Mesa Police Department.  I spoke with Officer Slechta this afternoon who confirmed for me that he would not have left the CMPD if it was not for the limited opportunities due to the hostile political climate created by the current City Council majority.  With his permission I offer this letter to you now for your consideration. It has not been edited.

From: SLECHTA, JACOB A. 
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 10:19 PM
To: POLICE DEPARTMENT  
Subject: Thank You

Greetings,

Tonight ends my time with the Costa Mesa Police Department.  Over the past few years, I have read many “farewell” letters.  Most of them have the same general tone of thanking people and so on.  In fairness to a long lost moral trait, I am going to speak my mind and tell the truth about certain things that others may think, but choose not to speak of due to possible repercussions.  With that being said, I also have no intent on burning any bridges.  Whatever I say throughout this letter are my beliefs and my beliefs alone.  I will not use anyone as my own personal martyr for choices that I made. 

First, I want to thank this organization for hiring me.  I have learned a ton about the law and all of its nuances.  I have had the honor to learn from some great leaders.  I also possess the common sense to know when someone is not so great.  There are entirely too many people to name that have positively influenced me and it would be unfair of me to try. 

I had an amazing opportunity to work with a great group of rank and file police officers during my time on patrol; most recently working weekday PM shift.  Teams 5 and 6 really blended together.  I wish my partners nothing but the best and hope they get all the recognition they deserve.  Sergeants Starn and Grimmond were outstanding and made this transition seamless for me.  I had never worked for either of those Sergeants until recently.  They understand how to develop subordinates and bring a level of expertise and experience that is unmatched; two of the best patrol sergeants I’ve known.  They both took a solid interest in me and listened to my reasons for leaving the department.  Thank you, gentlemen.  

I also earned the chance to work in the Special Enforcement Detail.  That is an experience I will never forget.  I learned so much from my partners in that unit.  Mario, Bang, George (1), George (2), Kevin, Dan, and Matt; you guys are excellent at this job and we had a great three years.  We traveled throughout the region taking drugs and money off criminals and loved every minute of it.  I only hope this police department understands the value of their efforts.  The money that was seized has opened many doors that were otherwise closed.  Sergeant May, you have been like a father figure to me and although you come across a little rough, those that truly know you believe that you would give anyone the shirt off your back.  Okay, maybe not the equivalent to a father figure.  Maybe a distant cousin that possesses no filter; I am only kidding.  Thank you for allowing your team the freedom and trust to succeed.

I especially want to thank the civilian staff that works very hard to support our efforts as police officers.  Every one of you helped me along the way and I can’t thank you enough.   

My decision to leave this department was not an easy one.   I will say this:  If you are in a position of leadership whether it is deserving, or not; never forget how you got to that position.  Unless of course you got there by doing things that were not consistent with being a good leader.  What I mean is that I have seen people get promoted that do not possess the type of leadership traits that I agree with.  This is a very simple concept.  Never ask a subordinate to do something you would not do yourself, and every now and again it does not hurt to perform the duties that brought you to the place you currently are.  I would also challenge everyone in a leadership position to look within and ask themselves if what they are doing is in the best interest of those they govern.  I learned at a very young age that if I just do my job and take care of my men, my efforts will and should be recognized.  The second I start performing my duties in an effort solely to get recognized is when I failed as a leader.  Leading men and women in a profession such as this demands a selfless leader.     

To the three individuals that comprise our council majority.  If you think that you have filled your quota of public service by becoming (elected) council members; you are sorely mistaken.  You are (3) of the most despicable human beings I have ever heard of.  You question our pay and retirement, but have no idea what goes into being a police officer.  We work a career of shift work that is unstable at best.  To put it short, we put ourselves in harm’s way and do so because we believe in what is good and just.  I have never seen a group of human beings that felt their elected position entitled them to some form of royalty status the way you do.  Your arrogance disgusts me and if you truly cared about your constituents and the city you govern you would not let your arrogance drive your belief system.   

I remember the first time I met Righeimer and Mensinger.  They were touring the police department and entered the SED office.  I regretfully shook both of their hands.  Mensinger asked if I had served in the military and deployed.  When he found out I served in, Iraq his next comment was “leave them where they lay” in reference to my combat experience.  Obviously he has zero clue as to what combat is really like. He thought that I would somehow embrace his falsely motivated comment and revere him as some type of powerful figure.  I actually have been disgusted by his comment to this day, and even more irritated that he made an attempt to relate to my own personal experiences.   

I was once a registered Republican.  Because of the three of you, I am now a registered Independent.  I only wish and hope you are all exposed for your true worth in the very near future. 

This letter may have a few negative parts, but only if the shoe fits.  Thank you all for the memories.  Stay safe and God speed. 

Jake

“All that is needed for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” (E. Burke)    

GOOD-BYE AND GOOD LUCK

Well, there you have it.  We, of course, wish him well in his new assignment, and understand the decision that forced the move.  Sadly, this feeling is NOT an aberration.  Other officers who have recently departed have privately expressed similar sentiments.  Officer Slechta chose to express them publicly.

THE TIPPING POINT

This officer is precisely the kind of officers we should be finding ways to retain.  A Marine veteran with ten years service, including a tour in Iraq,  Officer Slechta spent eight years with the CMPD and is acknowledged by his superiors as an outstanding officer.  Something simply MUST change before we pass the tipping point where, regardless the number of overtime hours, the CMPD will simply not be able to provide safe coverage for our city.  Chief Gazsi and the staff are actively recruiting new officers every day, but the time it takes to process the applications, screen them, test them, then run them through the academy can be as long as a year before they show up for work.

LAWSUIT ON THIN ICE
In an interesting bit of timing Bradley Zint published an excellent article in the Daily Pilot this afternoon that covers decisions made last Wednesday in the lawsuit filed by Righeimer and Mensinger against the men and women of the Costa Mesa Police Department and others.  You can read it HERE.   This is a complex issue which I think Zint managed to accurately capture.  Both sides seem pleased with parts of the decision.  The best news, as far as I'm concerned, is that ONLY private investigator Chris Lanzillo will be deposed AND, unless Righeimer and Mensinger's lawyer can come up with a more compelling case against the CMPOA by March 25th, the judge is likely to throw out that part of the lawsuit.  The only exception I would take with the article is the characterization of Righeimer being administered a "field sobriety test".  That phrase conjures up him being asked to put his finger to his nose, walk a straight line and being administered a Breathalyzer.  None of that happened.  He was asked by Officer Kha Bao - our most highly decorated DUI officer - simply to follow a light with his eyes for a few seconds.  Bao, based on his experience, determined that Righeimer was not impaired and that ended the encounter.

SPEAK UP!

The residents of this community MUST speak up to let their elected leaders know just how unsatisfactory this situation has become.  Response times are getting longer because we just don't have enough cops on the street.  Until the residents speak up there is no incentive for the current council majority to do anything - except sue the members of the Costa Mesa Police Department, that is.  Shame on them.

DUI Checkpoints Yield Results

ANOTHER SUCCESS THIS WEEKEND
The most recent DUI Checkpoint in Costa Mesa Friday night, June 7th through Saturday morning, June 8th, once again yielded good results.  Six DUI-alcohol suspects were arrested and an additional 4 drivers were either cited or arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed and 5 more were cited or arrested for operating a vehicle while suspended/revoked.

BIG NUMBERS OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS
While a few folks in the community complain that these events are costly and not productive, the results demonstrate a different story.  The last three DUI Checkpoints over the past six weeks had more than 7500 cars pass through the checkpoints; 1754 were screened; 64 individuals had field sobriety tests and 20 were arrested for DUI-alcohol.  In addition, another 33 individuals were arrested or cited for other infractions and 27 cars were impounded.

CMPD, LED BY KHA BAO, ARE VERY EFFECTIVE
Members of the Costa Mesa Police Department consistently rank among the most effective in identifying and apprehending drunk drivers on our streets and receive awards accordingly.  Right at the top of the heap is Officer Kha Bao, who has snagged 640 drunk drivers over the past two years.  We've reported on his accomplishments several times in the past.

ANOTHER AWARD LAST WEEKEND
Most recently Officer Bao was recognized in Sacramento by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) on June 1st for arresting 208 drunk drivers in 2012.  This photos shows him at that ceremony holding his awards.

TARGETED ENFORCEMENT, TOO
Some of you may feel DUI Checkpoints are not effective tools to fight this problem in our city, but facts are facts.  Can targeted enforcement yield "more scalps"?  Yes, I think so, and so does Chief Tom Gazsi.  In the past he has stated that he planned to use that technique more, but that the DUI-Checkpoints will always be part of their arsenal to combat these particular crimes.

KUDOS, AND THANKS
So, kudos to ALL the members of the CMPD for their diligence in removing dangerous drivers from our streets, and to Officer Kha Bao for his continued excellence.

Delgadillo Under The Influence

A SAD START TO MY DAY
It was with great sadness that I read Lauren Williams report in the Daily Pilot this morning, HERE, that told us that Costa Mesa police detective Mike Delgadillo had a blood alcohol level of 0.14 - nearly twice the legal limit - when he crashed his car into a pillar on Bristol Street the evening of March 5, 2013.  An interesting bit of online editing placed Williams' story immediately adjacent to one about a program at Newport Harbor High School that was intended to make the kids aware of DUI accidents.

MORE PAIN FOR SURVIVORS
That accident that took his life was tragic enough, but this revelation rips the scab off this slow-healing wound and adds to the pain felt by his family, friends and co-workers.  And, it's very likely that some will now use this news to denigrate this man, who placed his life on the line for the residents of our community for 32 years.

IRONY
And, of course, there is a tragic irony to this news, too.  Delgadillo's compatriots on the CMPD have been leaders in apprehending drivers for DUI, with several officers totalling more than 100 such arrests for several years running and Officer Kha Bao leading the pack with more than 400 such arrests two years ago and 200 last year.

LOOKING FOR A SILVER LINING
Some will look for a silver lining to this tragic event - some kind of life lesson that can be learned from the passing of this man and the circumstances that took his life.  Others may choose to attempt to dig deeper for some "good reason" for this event, including pillorying the establishment or establishments where he was drinking before his death, in an attempt to spread the blame.

SHOULD WE HAVE DONE MORE?
Others may try to look back and criticize themselves for not recognizing the circumstances that caused Delgadillo to drink and drive and for not doing more to help him.

SAD FACTS
None of that changes the facts.  A distinguished officer, a man who served our community with honor for more than three decades, used bad judgment the last night of his life and died as a result.  We continue to offer our condolences to his family and to his co-workers at the CMPD on the loss of this fine man.

MADD Honors CMPD Team - Again

 

(left to right: CMPD Chief Tom Gazsi, California Office of Traffic Safety Director Christopher Murphy, Officer Erik Rosado, Officer Crystal Rodriguez, Officer Jose Torres, Captain Rob Sharpnack, Officer Kha Bao, Officer Oscar Reyes, Officer Tony Yannizzi, Officer Chris Brunt, Officer Darren Wood, Captain Les Gogerty, Captain Allen Huggins, Lieutenant Greg Scott and California Office of Traffic Safety Operations Coordinator Julie Schilling)

ANOTHER BIG YEAR
Yesterday the Costa Mesa Police Department announced awards received by members of the department at the 26th Annual Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Recognition Luncheon held at the Richard M. Nixon Library in Yorba Linda on March 7th.

COSTA MESA'S STELLAR PERFORMANCE
One of the highlights of the luncheon was the presentation of Century Awards to officers who have tallied 100 or more DUI arrests during 2012.  Of the 21 recipients from nine different law enforcement agencies to receive this prestigious award, one-third - 7 officers - were from Costa Mesa.

KHA BAO LEADS THE PACK
Leading the way in Costa Mesa again was Officer Kha Bao with 206 arrests.  He was one of only two to receive the Double Century Award - 200 or more arrests.  You'll recall that Officer Bao was honored last year for achieving more than 400 arrests.

SIX MORE OVER 100
Other Costa Mesa officers receiving the Century Award were Officer Oscar Reyes (113), Officer Jeff Horn (140), Officer Darren Wood (113), Officer Tony Yannizzi (110), Officer Crystal Rodriquez (106) and Officer Erik Rosado (104).  These seven officers accounted for 892 DUI arrests last year.

KUDOS TO ALL!
Congratulations to all those officers for their achievements.  Thanks to them, and all the other members of the Costa Mesa Police Department, for their efforts to keep our community safe in these difficult times.

CMPD Officer Kha Bao Honored - Again

MADD HONORS KHA BAO AS HERO
In a press release dated June 4, 2012, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) California announced the recipients of the MADD California Hero Awards for 2012.  Included in those receiving the award was Costa Mesa police officer Kha Bao for his outstanding work taking drunk drivers off our streets.  You will recall that officer Bao was recently recognized with the Employee of the Month Award for his exemplary work, HERE.

GALA AWARD DINNER
The 14th anniversary of the MADD California Statewide Law Enforcement and Community Recognition Dinner - Celebrate California Heroes, was attended by more than 600 people from 53 California counties who gathered to see awards given to individual officers, departments, state park agencies, media and community partners whose actions and policies are aligned with MADD's mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.

THANKS...
Once again, congratulations to Officer Kha Bao for his diligence in removing drunk drivers from our streets and making them just that much safer for us all.  He's yet another reason we should be proud of ALL the members of the CMPD for all the work they do to keep our city safe.