Tulare Regional Medical Center Cottage Deconstruction:

Clearing out the old to make ready for the new

On July 9^th, Tulare Regional Medical Center removed seventy-five years worth of history to prepare for new history to be made. The cottages that were seventy-five years old had been a part of the hospital campus for the past sixty-one years and served many functions for the hospital in that time. From nurse housing to offices, those walls held a lot of history. And their deconstruction ushers in an exciting new era of health care provided by TRMC. The Medical Tower, which will stand in the cottages’ place, will provide a 400% increase for the Emergency Room, second floor surgical suites, a birthing center on the third floor, and twenty-seven private rooms on the fourth floor. In total it will be 115,000 square feet, five stories with a Helipad on top of it. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2012.

Heroes Breakfast at Quail Park

Quail Park, an independent and assisted living retirement community in Visalia, hosted a breakfast for local police, fire, sheriff, highway patrol, and ambulance personnel on May 28^th. The event is held annually to thank all of the heroes for all that they do for our community on a daily basis. Many go above and beyond what they are required to, and for that, they deserve thanks. The guests were honored with a buffet breakfast and door prizes, as well as a heroes pen—a thank you for attending. The business’ that donated to the prizes were: GOLIFE Healthcare, Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, Holiday Inn, Visalia Marriott, Visalia Nursing & Rehab, the Meadows, Town Meadows, Oak Meadows, Amdul In-Home Care, Soutas & Associates, Prestige Assisted Living, Evergreen Assisted Living, Walnut Park, Debbie Ramos, Kaweah Marina, Visalia Medical Clinic, the Lifestyle Center, Table Mountain Casino, Avi Resort & Casino, Cypress Chevron & Car Wash, Pizza Hut, Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad, and of course Quail Park itself. The prizes were all wonderful gifts and the heroes definitely enjoyed winning them.

Battle of the Badges: A Battle to Save Lives

Members of local law enforcement picked up the bat, glove, and softball for the 2^nd Annual Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament on the weekend of May 30^th-31^st. The tournament started as a way to get law enforcement together to have fun and raise money for a good cause. This year’s recipients are a local family going through tough times. At age 10 the family’s daughter, Sarah Wright, had to travel to San Francisco many times with a life threatening medical condition. Finally diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, young Sarah is doing much better now, but she will always live with her condition. After spurring blood drives, the Battle of the Badge is now raising money to help offset the family’s medical bills and loss of income. All together $5,500 has been raised for the Wright family.

Frank Freeman of the Visalia’s CHP started the Battle of the Badges, and this year is the first year there was a public co-ed tournament due to intense interest last year. The first day of the competition was the Law Enforcement only tournament, and the second day saw the play-offs as well as the public co-ed tournament. The Law Enforcement winners were CHP’s Deuces Wild. And Sunday’s winners were the Top Dawgs. The winners of the Law Enforcement Tournament went on to play against City Fire on July 31^st in a charity game at the Rawhide Stadium. The proceeds benefited TC Boys & Girls Club. Overall, this was a fun event to help a wonderful family in need.

End of Season Picnic

By Paul Main

As the Valley’s summer heat lingers through the beginning of Valley fall, the days begin to feel cooler, but it’s still warm, if not hot, this time of year. Even the longtime Valley folks hope the cold stuff will hold off long enough to squeeze in another day or weekend outdoors with family or friends.

To help make these outings more memorable, I have some lighter suggestions for a plan-ahead, end of season picnic. The salad recipe includes many ingredients—corn, peppers, cilantro, and onion—that might be in your garden or at the Farmer’s Market. The chicken recipe is a lighter take on your favorite fried bucket o’ bird. The chicken has a wonderful honey-mustard flavor, and it is great when chilled.

So pack the gear, the kids, and the food, and head off to your favorite get-away spot, the local park, or the backyard.

Char-Grilled Summer Salad with Cilantro Pesto Vinaigrette

This salad can be done on the stovetop or on the grill. The choice is yours.

Cilantro-Pesto Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

1      cup fresh cilantro leaves

1/3   cup olive oil

3      tablespoons lime juice (two small limes)

1      tablespoon white wine vinegar

2      tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, or slivered almonds

1      garlic clove

pinch of cumin

pinch of cayenne pepper

salt and pepper to taste

Quick Tips for Picnic Site Prep

Before setting out your picnic feast, make sure all hands and surfaces are clean. Have you seen some of the picnic tables at the parks? Yikes! You may want to consider taking a broom to remove the creatures that have taken up residence there. Also, consider taking a tablecloth to control the surface setting a bit more. Here are a few more tips:

Outdoor hand cleaning: If you don’t have access to running water, use a water jug, some soap, and paper towels.

Utensils and serving dishes: Keep all utensils and platters clean when preparing food.

Keep cold food cold. Place cold food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Cold food should be stored at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth. Meat, poultry, and seafood may be packed while still frozen so that they stay colder longer.

Organize cooler contents. Pack beverages in one cooler and perishable foods in another. That way, as picnickers open and reopen the beverage cooler to replenish their drinks, the perishable foods won’t be exposed to warm outdoor air temperatures.

Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood securely wrapped so their juices won’t contaminate cooked foods or foods that will be eaten raw, such as fruits and vegetables.

Clean your produce. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables before packing them in the cooler—including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Rub firm-skinned fruits and vegetables under running tap water or scrub with a clean vegetable brush while rinsing with running tap water.

Food and personal safety is critical. For more information about food safety, call the FDA’s Food Information Line at: 1-888-SAFE-FOOD. The information above is available by going directly to: HYPERLINK “http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109899.htm#s2″ http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109899.htm#s2

Keep safe and keep cooking! More recipes will be available soon at  HYPERLINK “http://www.valleyresponsemagazine.com” www.valleyresponsemagazine.com.

It’s hard to believe that this issue marks our sixth edition, and because we are a bi-monthly publication, it also represents the completion of a full year of publishing. The staff here has been in reflection mode as of late as we look back on a year full of excitement, accomplishment, and of course, a bit of stress. Last year at this time we were wrapping up focus groups and preparing to launch Valley Response Magazine into the unknown—a chasm of readership we were only hoping to capture—and only one year later, our fears have subsided and new feelings of acceptance and pride fill our spirits and inspire us to pursue another successful year.

The team at Valley Response Magazine works hard every issue to bring our readers stories that educate and inform, as well as entertain and kindle the soul with real-life stories about the men and women of our community who keep us and our loved ones safe. One of our greatest feats here at the magazine was overcoming the misconception that we are a trade publication, but rather a magazine for the community designed to enlighten and serve as a vehicle for positive and valuable information for our friends and neighbors of Tulare County.

As with every issue, I am confident that our September/October edition is one that accomplishes exactly what we’ve aimed for since the beginning. This issue contains two special features, that are sure “blow” your mind and leave you with a tremendous sense of relief after reading about the level of expertise that thrives here in our valley.

As kids head back to school, our What’s the 411 article seeks to alleviate some of the fears both parents and students often experience when questioning the need for on-campus officers in our local junior high and high schools. For many there is misunderstanding that suggests the purpose of these designated officers must represent danger and violence on our campuses, when in reality their presence is much more positive.

Our Briefing section this issue goes out onto the streets with the Visalia Police Department’s Traffic Unit to demonstrate how these officers are doing more than writing tickets, as well as why it’s important for them to safeguard our streets. I will tell you that ticket issuances go far beyond meeting a quota or attempting to generate funds for the department.

The team at Valley Response is rolling its sleeves to continue bringing you engaging stories of breathtaking feats, the reality behind the myths and misconceptions, and the admirable lives of the brave neighbors, friends, and local heroes that devote their daily lives to a safe, healthy community.

With six issues down and an infinite number to go, we hope that you will continue to read and enjoy Valley Response Magazine.

By Jill K. Applegate

This issue’s Little Known Facts steps away from the law codes and looks at the calendar to honor some of the people who contribute to our society — through their sacrifice, their cultural contributions, their levity, or their hope.

Hispanic Heritage Month

On Sept. 15, we begin a month-long celebration of the more than 35 million people in the U.S. of Hispanic descent—from Mexico, Central and South America. The Central Valley is the home of a significant population of Hispanic parents, children, workers and community leaders. Hats off to them!

Talk Like a Pirate Day

For seven years now, the cries of “Yarrr!” have been growing in number and volume. Started by buddies John Baur and Mark Summers for no discernable reason, the Sept. 19 excuse to embody the hook-and-eye-patch mindset and to encourage coworkers to walk the plank, is now an international affair celebrated by millions of lily-livered scalawags.

Gold Star Mother’s Day

Each September, the last Sunday—Sept. 27 this year—is dedicated to the gold star mothers, moms who have lost a son or daughter in service to the country. This is a day to fly your flag in the spirit of reverence, sorrow, and love for these women who have made a heart-breaking sacrifice for our country.

Child Health Day

Taking action by raising their voices for a healthier future for our children, health care professionals spread the word on this Child Health Day, Oct. 5, 2009. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, one in six kids between 2 and 19 are overweight—a risk factor for many diseases and health conditions. It’s a serious issue. One suggestion for the day: Talk to your child about healthy habits—on a brisk autumn walk.

Leif Erikson Day

Sure, October is the month of Columbus Day, but another explorer landed on the North American continent hundreds of years before Columbus landed in the spice islands. Leif Erikson is honored on Oct. 9 for being the first Scandinavian to touch American soil, near Newfoundland, around the year 1000.

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By Aaron Collins

Justin Conner was thirsty, urinating a lot, hungry a lot, tired a lot. His skin seemed drier than normal. He noticed over months, perhaps longer—he couldn’t recall when the symptoms started—that he had been craving sweets, although he really had not preferred them much in the past. Because he had no family history of diabetes, he had no context, no ready answer for why he was experiencing such unusual symptoms. And besides, his thoughts were often so fuzzy that he felt too disoriented to sort it all out. He became somewhat accustomed to feeling not all that well, to feeling light-headed.

Then, one July day after returning to work from a lunch break on his job at a food processing plant, he felt much dizzier than usual, the office began to spin, and he passed out. His coworkers called 9-1-1. Fortunately, he was seated at his desk, or a fall from blacking out could have added serious insult to injury.

Conner’s blood glucose had long been soaring out of control, unbeknownst to him. In addition to his hyperglycemia, as the condition is called, the explanation for what his body experienced that July day turned out to be a something he had never heard of, but a term that is well known to diabetics and the health care professionals who treat them: Diabetic Ketoacidosis, or DKA. Like nearly 5.7 million other Americans—one in four who have the disease—he was an undiagnosed diabetic.

The problem with DKA is that blood sugar gets too high, and the blood becomes too acidic, damaging the body’s cells. Left unchecked, DKA can lead to coma or death.

After Conner lost consciousness, the ambulance quickly arrived and Conner (whose name is changed to protect patient confidentiality) was en route to the emergency department. The acid (ketone) had built up significantly in his bloodstream, which caused his near-fatal close call and led to Conner being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, in which a person’s cells fail to use insulin properly to transport blood sugar into them for nourishment.

Fortunately Conner’s condition was caught in time.

Once called adult-onset diabetes, the insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes mellitus afflicts nearly 90% of the 24 million people in the U.S. with diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is by far the less common, a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin. In addition to Conner’s symptoms, other manifestations of hyperglycemia include nausea or vomiting, deep or rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, or unconsciousness.

According to LaNora Cook, RN, MSN, FNP, CDE, an Advanced Practice Nurse with Kaweah Delta, Conner’s case is all too common. Cook says the best course is to prevent onset in the first place, well before such emergency treatment becomes necessary. “Because onset for type 2 diabetes is gradual,” Cook said, “a person may not notice the continual increase in blood glucose over time. Our bodies adjust and we may not feel the change until detectable symptoms of diabetes become evident.”

Blood sugar is among the essential end products of digestion, typically derived from carbohydrate sources. That glucose is our fuel source that provides the energy required for our body to function. It is stored (as glycogen) in our liver, muscle, and fat tissue—in the liver and muscle as a product that can be converted back into glucose when we skip a meal or are stressed and need fuel, Cook said, and in our fat tissue so we have adequate stores to break down in case we don’t eat for days. But the excess glucose experienced by diabetics can quickly turn deadly.

Cook said that knowing your diabetes risk is essential to prevention. “It is not uncommon for someone to have had diabetes for ten years before they’re aware. That is ten missed years of prevention of health complications,” she said. She advises an annual screening.

Furthermore, she says, symptoms may be incorrectly explained away. Thirst and hunger are common experiences among non-diabetics and have lots of other explanations. So do headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty with concentration. Too much or too little caffeine? Advancing age? Adult onset ADD? There are so many ways to dismiss or self-diagnose, if a person notices his diabetes symptoms at all.

Much of what a diabetic can do to manage the disease is exactly what a healthy person can do to stave off its onset. Here are just a few proactive lifestyle changes you can make—before you must, should diabetes develop:

Consistency with meals and snacks. Eat at a fairly regular time. Do not skip meals. Be conscious of the amount you eat with an eye on how much physical activity you plan to undertake.

Daily physical activity. Regular activity and a physical exercise regimen are more important than ever, given how sedentary most of us have become. The more computer and TV hours spent, the less active we are, and that means we are not processing blood glucose efficiently. As that ability decreases, type 2 diabetes can manifest and worsen.

Alcohol intake. As with everything, moderation is the key. Limiting alcohol consumption can stave off the onset of diabetes. For the diabetic, alcohol is not the best choice to quench thirst. Not only is alcohol a carbohydrate source, but mixed drinks are often full of soda, fruit juices, or sweetened mixers. Some diabetes medications cannot be taken with alcohol safely. An alcoholic drink may be taken with a meal on certain occasions if planned. However, diabetics should discuss this in advance with their health care provider.

Glucose monitoring. It’s the rare person who has awareness of her blood pressure, but even fewer still know their blood glucose level. Glucose monitoring offers key information for diabetes prevention. But for diagnosed diabetics, this knowledge is mandatory. “Those on diabetes medications or insulin test (their glucose levels) numerous times throughout the day,” typically before and after each meal, Cook said. “Glucose monitoring provides a result of what the level is at that moment. Unless a person tests frequently they have no idea if their blood glucose is on it’s way up, down, or stable.” Cook said that glucose monitoring allows a person to make the best choices with regard to physical activity and food choices, and also indicates if or when their health care provider needs to adjust their diabetes medications.

Support groups and walking clubs. The lifestyle shifts for those with diabetes are major, if they are to manage the disease before the myriad related symptoms occur, such as heart, liver, kidney, and eye disease, among others. “For many, the change to healthier habits is unmanageable without the support and camaraderie of others in the same boat,” said Lydia Navarro, who teaches within a program that is sponsored by Kaweah Delta Medical Center’s Community Outreach Department. Her classes focus on ways to control and live with diabetes. Groups are conducted in both English and Spanish.

The importance of support groups cannot be overestimated, says one participant in attendance at a recent meeting. “If not for this group, I would no longer be living,” she said. The temptation to engage in negative behaviors is simply too tempting without peer support, she added.

Sick day management plan. While it is important to maintain a positive outlook and plan to remain healthy, it is also essential to prepare in advance for the illnesses that can result from hyperglycemia. Infections can result, and according to Cook, infections can also be the cause of the hyperglycemia. Diabetics must learn to cope with these and have an advance plan. Family members, friends, and coworkers can be key to successful management of these health complications in advance of their appearance.

Silent witness. Diabetics should have some kind of identification on their bodies at all times. An ID bracelet or other wearable emblem (the blue circle on white field is an international symbol of diabetes) will let emergency personnel know and can speak for you should you lose consciousness.

For more information, a number of Websites can be helpful:  HYPERLINK “http://www.diabetes.org” www.diabetes.org is just one of the authoritative sources online. But most importantly, if you have any of the symptoms above or have a family history of diabetes, contact your health care provider.

The Scene of the Crash

Doing the Right Thing is No Accident

By Bill Corliss

Screeching tires, smashed metal, and broken glass. When you see a car crash it can be upsetting, disorienting, and confusing. It is critical that drivers respond correctly to prevent further damage or injury at the scene of a crash.

Many people don’t know their responsibility. Here’s what to do.

The law requires you to stop. Frequently further collisions occur as more cars approach the initial crash. Avoid a chain reaction crash — if it is safe, move the vehicles out of harm’s way to the side of the road or to a parking lot.

Aid the injured if you are qualified. Do not move an injured person unless he is in danger from fire or another collision. Call 9-1-1 for paramedics and other assistance.

Protect the crash scene and prevent further damage by warning oncoming traffic. Flares or reflectors should be placed at least 300 feet away from the scene for both directions of traffic. Be careful not to put yourself or others in danger while directing traffic or warning oncoming vehicles of the crash.

Call the police if anyone is injured or killed. Once the police arrive, provide accurate facts. Never argue about blame, and never admit blame. Stay at the crash until all information has been recorded.

Cell phone users are encouraged to enter information about who should be contacted in the case of an emergency. Enter the letters ICE — In Case of Emergency — before the names of family members or friends in your cell phone directory. This helps paramedics and doctors contact your family members right away in the event of a crash.

Reporting the crash usually requires exchanging information and making two reports. The law mandates the driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance papers must be provided to the police and all others involved in the collision.

In California, a police report must be made within twenty-four hours if there is any injury or death. The DMV also requires a second report from each driver involved in the crash. The police will not make this report. Each driver or her insurance agent must complete California form SR1 within ten days of the crash if any person is injured, no matter how slightly, or if the crash damage is $750 or higher. The SR1 Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California is available online at dmv.ca.gov.

You must make this report, whether or not you caused the accident and even if the accident occurred on private property.

In a quiet corner of the county, a small group of highly specialized officers works hard to protect unknowing citizens.

In this issue, Valley Response Magazine takes an exclusive peek into the world of local bomb squads. Homicide, robbery, and pursuits make for sensational stories, but the work of the bomb technician is less publicized. Nonetheless, it takes a special breed of officer.

Members of the Visalia Bomb Squad, aside from their daily routine, perform monthly training consisting of driving their robot in and out of tight situations, x-ray interpretations, working with explosives, practicing the art of demolition, suiting up, and double checking equipment and communication systems.

Recently, Fresno County Sergeant Kevin Draughon coordinated forces with Fresno, Visalia, and Clovis police departments to help organize the first multi-agency bomb team training exercise. Sergeant Phillips of the Visalia Police Department Bomb Squad stated that, “All the local organizations have a great working environment. … We’re very fortunate; there are very few egos when we’re working. It’s pretty amazing how seamless they all work together.”

Unilateral Training

The radical 1960s brought a need to cohesively combat domestic terrorism to the forefront of the nation’s concern. Accordingly, in the 1970s, the FBI devised a national program aligned with the law enforcement community, as opposed to the military, as is customary in many countries. Every bomb technician throughout the country, regardless of law enforcement affiliation, is trained exactly the same way.

“Bomb squads are the only specialized unit that receive the same federal training; we all go to the same six-week hazardous devices school,” said Phillips. “We all have to be re-certified every three years in Huntsville, Alabama. We learn a lot that way, and it makes it easier to deal with others.”

Clovis P.D. Sergeant Dean Menard elaborated on the training. “It’s the only discipline policy that is unilateral across the board—administrated and hosted by the FBI. We have manuals and policy that are very stringent.”

The recent local, multi-agency training exercise helped fill a need that each law enforcement organization saw, and tested each officer on several levels. “We do a lot of training for handling more normal stuff such as suspicious packages and pipe bombs,” said Phillips. But “this training was to prepare for chemical weapons and biological threats.”

Suiting Up

Protection is key for this kind of work. “The officers wear 130 pounds of equipment plus helmet,” said Fresno County Sheriff’s Bomb Commander Kevin Draughon. Suiting up can take 30 to 40 minutes.

The bomb suits worn by the technicians can significantly raise the body’s core temperature and deplete the body of fluid in a matter of minutes, so putting on and working in the suits is an essential part of training.

“Some people go from 98.6 to 103 in a matter of minutes,” which can affect their mental functioning, Draughon said. “We monitor vital signs, blood pressure, core temperature, and pulse.”

Donning the suits, reminiscent of space suits, with self-contained breathing apparatus, the officers take part in scenarios designed to test their abilities in time-crunch situations.

“We made functional devices for the scenarios so if someone didn’t do something right, it would go off,” Draughon said. “It helped us figure out how to stage a big event that will need multiple agencies.”

Because the bomb squad is such a specialized facet of law enforcement, recycling and resourcefulness are also key to the success of the task force.

“Our equipment doesn’t go to waste. If we have extra equipment, we sell it or give it away at a nominal price,” said Phillips. “Our trailer came from Fresno P.D.”

“If there’s a specific need for a type of tool, a lot (of officers) will build their own. In the ’70s, there was nothing commercially available. A lot (of officers) made their own equipment or developed their own hand tools,” Phillips said of the specialized equipment.

Ready for Anything

Phillips stressed that Valley residents should feel comfortable knowing there are several highly trained local squads who are equipped and qualified to deal with everything from the smallest firecracker to a larger threat.

“Some kids take Safe N’ Sane fireworks and modify them, or mix chemicals together to make water bottles explode,” said Phillips. This can be very dangerous—in the past kids have been injured.

“The beauty of doing what we do is that we always go with at least two technicians who proceed very slow and methodic,” said Menard. “Our motto is ‘Not my bomb, not my bank.’ We’re all going home tonight. We have the opposite mindset of being a street cop, who makes split second decisions that affect people’s lives.”

Phillips said that their call-out schedule varies greatly. “We can go a month or two and have nothing, or have three to four call-outs in a week. Once we had two calls in the same day.” Phillips reassures residents that though they respond to bomb calls twenty-five to thirty times a year, most calls lead to nothing significant and are often simply a suspicious package or suitcase, illegal fireworks, or a battery and wires.

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By Gary C. Kuncl

How many of us bought Safe N’ Sane fireworks for our kids this Fourth of July? Did you know that sparklers and Piccolo Petes can be made into deadly explosives? Moreover, a plastic water bottle containing a mixture of pool chemicals and rubbing alcohol can become a deadly hand thrown bomb. Let’s face it, such facts aren’t high on your radar. But perhaps they should be—especially if you are a peace officer.

Two dedicated fire investigators are going to great lengths to inform law enforcement and fire personnel about the dangers of domestic improvised explosive devices—how to recognize them and how to, or should we say how not to, treat them. This is also a story of cooperation among the diverse and talented arson and explosive investigators in this region and state.

Frank Furtaw of the City of Tulare Fire Department has four years of experience investigating explosions and fires of questionable origin. He also has seventeen years of experience as a Tulare County Deputy Sheriff and a Tulare City Police Officer.

Scotty Baker is pretty much “Mr. Arson and Explosives” in this state. Retired as a California State Fire Marshal, Arson/Bomb investigator, Baker continues to be a mentor to many arson and bomb investigators.

Furtaw and Baker work together to produce an eye-opening, ear-splitting eight-hour training course on the recognition and identification of domestic improvised explosive devices commonly referred as being “homemade bombs.” On May 16, the Central Valley Arson Investigators hosted its fourth annual Advanced Explosive Recognition.

Furtaw and Baker, with help from numerous other investigators, first offered this course for forty-five students in 2006, at the International Agri-Center in Tulare. The numbers have increased each time they offer the course. In fact, 166 people participated in the May 2009 offering, and the reviews have been excellent.

“We wanted to teach everyone what different explosive devices looked like, how to establish a safe perimeter, and most importantly to contact the bomb squad on all suspected devices rather than mess with a device themselves,” Furtaw explained. “Otherwise, they risk being killed or maimed.”

In the latest course, Harry Hatch, a retired Arson/Bomb Investigator from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, laid out a technical foundation in the morning. Then, Furtaw and Baker coordinated the demonstrations for the rest of the day. They are active members of the Central Valley Arson Investigators’ Association (CVAI). Members of CVAI played a significant role in the weeks prior to the event and during the demonstrations.

The logistics of this course are daunting. Baker and Furtaw begin at least a year in advance, gathering the equipment, the vehicles, and other props to be blown-up. Safety is key and consideration must be taken with everything used.

In last year’s course, when students suggested demonstrating explosive effects on an airplane, Furtaw went to work.

Consider the airplane as evidence of Furtaw’s ability to make things happen. After some searching, he learned of a derelict aircraft at the Visalia Airport. After some research, the owner of the aircraft was contacted and he agreed to donate it to be used in the live fire demonstration. To get the intact plane to the Tulare International Agri-Center 20 miles to the south, Furtaw made numerous phone calls, promises of future favors, and calling of “markers.” He procured a semi-tractor with a “low boy” trailer and approvals from five different agencies to move the airplane along public roadways. Prior to the ultimate demise of the aircraft, the Visalia Police Bomb Squad had the opportunity to use the plane to conduct training exercises.

Furtaw and Baker followed students’ suggestions again, and brought in a school bus for the latest course. Bus bombings are commonplace in the Middle East; and it could easily happen here. As with the aircraft, the logistics were complex and required many helpers.

The demonstrations progress from small and simple to large and complex. In the demonstration session of the latest course, the “small and simple” consisted of plastic water bottles containing various types of common pool chemicals combined with common household items. Mixed properly, these devices are capable of maiming a person or even causing a fatality. All of the materials needed to construct one of these devices are easily obtained “over the counter.”

Next, a device constructed of sparklers ignited inside a standard mailbox shredded it and sent pieces 20 feet into the air. An even more powerful effect resulted from pyrotechnic powder taken from several Safe N’ Sane Piccolo Pete fireworks. Mailbox pieces flew three times as far. “The mailboxes used are made of steel, it is important for students to witness the explosive power of these easily made explosive devices,” Furtaw explained.

From there, several various types of pipe bombs were set off including a black powder pipe bomb in a Ford Probe. Smoke and flames filled the interior, while concussion sent the windshield—intact—at least 120 feet into the air. The interior was left a scrambled mess of wire, metal, and plastic pieces. Remarkably, all four tires were still in place and undamaged.

The school bus demonstration was the most impressive. A child’s backpack was placed in the center of the full-size and fully equipped school bus. The backpack was only partially filled with a commercial explosive, Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO). Furtaw noted that there was so little ANFO used that it would have easily fit into a lunch pail.

The flames came first. Participants saw the firestorm fill the interior and cover the exterior of the bus. Then came the sound. From a quarter of a mile away, a thunderous Kaboom rolled across the dirt. Then there was a pressure wave that observers felt right in their chests. Incredibly, the bus was still upright afterward—albeit with a 15-foot hole in the center. No one at the site failed to realize that every passenger in that school bus would have been killed instantly.

Furtaw emphasized, “In a Post 9/11 society, it is imperative that we educate all of our first responders on how to recognize and identify various types of explosives. All students are instructed to call the bomb squads in their respective jurisdictions on any found suspicious or suspected explosives. No student was taught to disarm, tamper with, move, or annoy any suspected explosive device.”

Furtaw and Baker are encouraged by the number and diversity of participants. In addition to most local agencies, participants come from as far away as San Diego and Encinitas, Alameda and Berkeley, and Milpitas and Hamilton City. The next course is scheduled for May 8, 2010.

The Traffic Unit of the Visalia Police Department might be the most misunderstood unit on the force. It is often the most visible as well, and usually when we don’t want to see them. This may explain the harsh perceptions about traffic patrol: Unyielding officers cracking down on drivers; motorcycle cops poised behind a blind turn or a street sign, waiting to nab speeders; officers more concerned about busting an unsuspecting driver than ensuring the safety of our streets. But, there is much more to the Traffic Unit than handing out tickets.

Sergeant Brian Winter of the Visalia Police Department says the Traffic Unit’s main focus is to “ensure the safety of the public by enforcing rules … in an attempt to reduce the number and severity of traffic collisions, and to educate the public regarding traffic laws and general driver safety.”

Since July 2008, there have been nearly 2,400 traffic collisions in Visalia. That’s nearly seven accidents every day. In that same year span, the Traffic Unit has issued over 13,000 citations—more than 250 per week. The Traffic Unit’s focus is reducing the number of accidents by enforcing traffic laws, and Winter says there is a direct correlation between citations and accident reduction.

Issuing citations “results in a reduction of the number of injury collisions,” Winter says.

It may seem that traffic officers issue a lot of citations, which contributes to the impression that the traffic patrol is “out to get” motorists. Sgt. Winter has heard all the misconceptions: That the police are required to meet a citation quota, that they care more about ticketing than keeping the streets safe, and that the department gets extra money by ticketing drivers.

Where the Money Goes

This is simply not true, Winter says. If an officer writes a “fix-it-ticket” (for infractions like illegally tinted windows, brake lights being out, or expired registration), a $13 administrative fee goes to the police department. However, for the more costly citations such as speeding or running a red light, fees go everywhere but the police department.

“A small amount of the base fine goes to the City of Visalia general fund,” Winter says, but “the law allows several additional fees to be imposed … including a state fee, county fee, security fee, and conviction assessment fee.”

These extra fees can add up quickly. “The base fine for a moving violation may only be $100,” Winter says, “but when additional fees are added, the citation may cost over $400. And none of the additional fees go to the police department.”

Although traffic citations generate money, the police department doesn’t receive any of it. So traffic officers are not motivated by quotas or money to issue more citations. The motivation, Winter says, is keeping the streets safe.

Safety on the Roads

One important way the Traffic Unit ensures safety on the roads is through DUI checkpoints. Agent James Andrews of the Visalia Police Department Traffic Unit explains that DUI checkpoints are essential to “reduce the number of DUI-related injuries from collisions.” Most importantly, Andrews says, “DUI checkpoints raise awareness and educate drivers while holding accountable those that drink and drive.”

The checkpoints are often set up at sites around Visalia, depending on factors such as collision history, vehicle volume, and suitability of the location. And as with issuing citations, the goal is not to catch as many drivers as possible. If fewer drunk drivers are out on the road, there will be fewer drivers to catch.

All of which points back to the Traffic Unit’s ultimate goal: To educate drivers so that enforcement becomes less of the focus. Education is crucial to cutting down on the number of accidents.

“The Traffic Unit uses many ways to educate the public,” Andrews says, “including press releases, media advisories, and articles outlining new traffic laws and traffic safety tips.” The Traffic Unit often visits and makes presentations to local high schools, driver’s education classes, and transportation professionals, all with the goal of making drivers more aware and intelligent on the road.”

Focus on Education

Additionally, the Visalia Police Department educates people from an early age so that children have a foundation of safe practices. The two most popular education programs for elementary schools are Traffic Town and the Bicycle Rodeo.

Although these children are not yet of driving age, it is still important to teach them how to safely navigate through the city, Andrews says. “Traffic Town utilizes a realistic cardboard city with traffic control lights for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Participants are led through the city and presented with scenarios that teach them basic pedestrian safety.”

At the Bicycle Rodeo, children can have their bicycles checked for safety by an officer, and the Jeff Barnes Brain Injury Foundation provides helmets to children who don’t have proper protection. “The children are then taught basic hand signals,” Andrews says, “and are sent through various cone patterns, which hone their riding skills.”

The Traffic Unit’s dedication to safety on the streets does not end with enforcement and education, either. According to Agent Andrews, the Traffic Unit also “assists the city’s engineering department in identifying locations with traffic problems, and offers ideas for fixing the problem.”

The Visalia Police Department Traffic Unit does more than issue citations. There is a genuine desire to keep the roads safe for drivers and pedestrians. And the relationship between drivers and the traffic patrol need not be adversarial. Rather, the Traffic Unit prefers to work in collaboration with the public. It does its part by educating the public and enforcing traffic laws. We do ours by obeying these laws.

For instance, one of the most overlooked traffic violations that the Traffic Unit is trying to eliminate is wearing a seatbelt improperly. “Officers frequently see drivers wearing their seatbelts improperly,” Andrews says. “Seatbelts must be worn properly, which includes wearing both lap belts and shoulder harnesses in the correct locations across the body.”

Traffic officers will not pull you over if you haven’t done anything wrong. By following the rules of the road, you will be able to accomplish two things: you will avoid a citation and you will help the Traffic Unit keep the roads safe.

Traffic safety is the real goal, for both the traffic patrol and drivers on the road. We all want to get home safe. The Traffic Unit works hard every day to ensure that we all do just that.

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Q: My son is going into middle school in the fall and I’ve heard that there are police on campus. Why? What are they there for? Does this mean that my son will be going to a rough school?

A: Having a Youth Services Officer in your son’s school doesn’t indicate that he’s going to a bad school, or to one in which there’s a high level of illegal activity. It just indicates that he’s going to a middle school or high school in Visalia. There’s a Youth Services Officer, or YSO, at each middle and high school in Visalia—and sometimes they go to the elementary schools, too, according to Sergeant Ernie Villa, who heads up the YSO program for the Visalia Police Department and acts as a liaison between the VPD and the school district.

But, when you heard about police in the school, you thought: trouble. That reaction is part of what the Youth Services Officers are there to combat.

Villa said that YSOs have been in Visalia schools for decades, though the name of the program has changed since the 1970s. From the beginning, a main focus has been to build positive, regular interaction between the kids and the police. For some kids, this is the only positive contact they’ve ever had with a police officer. The YSOs build relationships with the kids, who, in turn, see that police officers are regular people, Villa said.

This relationship often takes on a counseling or mentoring quality. If a student is in a difficult situation with a fellow student and doesn’t know how to get out of it without breaking the school rules or even breaking the law, the YSO is there to help the student come up with alternatives. YSOs help students deal with peer pressure, gangs, violence and pressure to drop out of school. If a child has witnessed a traumatic event, the YSO may talk to him about seeking some help in dealing with his feelings.

The YSOs are the go-to person for the kid who’s not been listened to before, said Villa.

A major role of the YSO, Villa said, is to keep the school campus safe so students can focus on learning and developing into adults and contributing members of society. With a YSO on campus, kids have a ready and visible reason to stay on the straight and narrow, and avoid getting drawn into fights, drugs, and other activities that detract from a learning environment.

Not that there aren’t distractions of the illegal persuasion on campus. The YSOs are on campus at the ready to respond to minor incidents and major problems. They uphold the educational codes and the penal code, Villa said. YSOs have worked with fighting kids, kids with weapons on campus, kids who sell and use drugs, kids involved in underage and inappropriate sexual activity—even sexting, when kids send sexually explicit pictures of themselves via text message.

Villa said that in middle school, especially, YSOs are on guard for gang recruitment activity. “We don’t want gangs hanging around and trying to intimidate the kids,” he said, so YSOs work to keep gangs at bay and build relationships with kids to help them resist the pressure to join a gang.

These relationships are key. And their impact reaches beyond the YSO program. These officers are also a resource to investigators who are looking into crimes that are committed off campus. Since the YSOs know nicknames, friends, and enemies, they can help to give an investigator a lead or shorten a search for a missing child.

YSOs also build relationships with parents, who are a part of the discussion when any student has gotten into trouble, especially legal trouble. If a child is habitually truant, a YSO, working with the admissions office, will try to contact the parents and let them in on a problem they may not even know about. Villa said parents can talk to the YSOs on their campus and ask any questions or express any concerns they have about things happening with their child on campus.

The Youth Services Officers that work with the middle schools are also connected in with the feeder elementary schools, responding to calls or working with Child Protective Services when suspected abuse is reported.

And beyond this the YSOs are educators on campus as well. Many teach classroom portions of driver’s education. Some cover specialty topics like the dangers of drugs.

“They’re a hybrid of patrol officer and detective, educator and counselor—a whole bunch of things rolled into one. They’re not just ‘the cop on campus.’” Sgt. Villa.

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