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Informant
The
The Official Publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association
Volume XL, No. 12 December 2020
> Member Spotlight:
In this Issue:
Officer Elias Rodriguez
Pg. 6
> Pension Corner:
2021 DROP Interest Rates
Pg. 11
> Unit Highlight:
SDPD Media Services Unit
Pg. 12
San Diego Police Officers Association
8388 Vickers Street 858.573.1199 (Office)
San Diego, CA 92111 858.573.1574 (fax)
sdpoa.org
Jack Schaeffer Tom Bostedt Jared Wilson Terry Hoskins
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer
Brian Avera Kayla Evans Jim Mackay Keelan McCullough Paul Paxton
Director Director Director Director Director
SDPOA Committees and Committee Chairs Editorial and Advertising Information
Legal Bostedt/ Evans (Co-Chairs)
Political Action McCullough (Chair) Erika Vroom, Editor
858.573.1199
Retirement Hoskins (Chair)
editor@sdpoa.org
Business & Governance Wilson (Chair)
Bylaws & Policy Editorial Policy
Administration The views or opinions expressed in The Informant are not
Parliamentarian necessarily the opinions of the San Diego Police Officers
Association, the San Diego Police Department or any official
Member Relations Bostedt/ McCullough (Co-Chairs) body or agency of the City of San Diego.
Member Communication We encourage article ideas and photographs about or of
Member Services interest to our members. Article abstracts, photos, story
Public Relations Paxton/ Mackay (Co-Chairs) ideas, suggestions, letters to the editor, commentaries and
information may be submitted in person, by mail or by
Informant e-mail to the editor.
Website Freedom of expression is assured within the bounds of good
Special Events/Scholarship Bostedt/ McCullough taste and the limits of available space.
(Co-Chairs) Our target audience is law enforcement, specifically POA
members of the San Diego Police Department.
Budget & Finance Hoskins (Chair) Deadline
Labor Management Wilson (Chair) All copy and advertising must be submitted by the tenth of
Armed Services Hoskins/ Paxton (Co-Chairs) the month prior to the anticipated publication month; e.g.
July 10 for the August issue. Content submitted after that
date may be considered for a later issue.
SDPOA Charity Fund Committees
and Committee Chairs © San Diego Police Officers Association. All rights reserved. No part
Charity Fundraising Mackay (Chair) of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Memorial Evans (Chair)
Budget & Finance Hoskins (Chair)
Connect with us!
In this Issue
President’s Message 5
Member Spotlight: Officer Elias Rodriguez 6
Manager's Report 9
Pension Corner 11
Unit Highlight: SDPD Media Services Unit 12
Chaplain's Corner 15
facebook.com/sdpoa
SDPOA Discounted Tickets 16
SDPOA Store 17
@SDPOA
UC-7: Shawarma Guys 19
@SanDiegoPOA On the Road 25
Recent Member Retirements 27
youtube.com/user/sdpoa
Board Minutes 28
sdpoa.org/sdpoa-podcast/ In Remembrance 29
Foundation Minutes 30
Cover Photo Courtesy Of:
SDPD Media Unit Classifieds 31
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REMINDER:
The next Board Meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, December 10, 2020
at 9:00 a.m. in the POA Board Room.
If you have a specific topic you would like to address with the board, please email Khristina at ksmith@sdpoa.org
by Thursday, December 3, 2020 to be added to the agenda.
If you’d like to sit in and listen to the discussion, but do not have a specific topic, please feel free to drop in.
San Diego Police Officers Association Staff
Khristina Smith Erika Vroom Arni Page Crystal Millburn
Manager Communications Coordinator Store Clerk Receptionist
Executive Assistant Editor, The Informant
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4 | The Informant
President’s Message
I hope you had a wonderful
Thanksgiving spent with
family and loved ones. I
would like to thank all of the
volunteers who helped at the
ranges from a high of 8% (we will never see that number
again) to a low of 1.8%. For more information on this,
go to SDCERS website and/or read the Pension Corner
articles by Lou Maggi that are printed in The Informant
each month.
SDPOA Thanksgiving Meal
as well as once again thank For more than two years the SDPOA Board of Directors
the SDPOA Advisory Board has been working on a child care project. We identified
for underwriting the event. the potential benefit to many of our members and we
It is incredible how fast 2020 spent countless hours researching the topic. Recently,
managed to pass us by! With some members have inquired about the project and its
the end of this year comes progress. After going into partnership with KinderCare
the holiday rush as well as months ago, we have a solid business plan. That part is
the continuance of what was done. KinderCare has also agreed to pay for up to $1.4
interrupted due to the pandemic. million for building upgrades once we have a building.
The next phase is fund raising. If this is ever made a
To begin, negotiations have been a hot topic. I am happy reality, it will not be cheap. Before starting, we will need
to announce that we have just started negotiations to secure enough money to fund the child care facility, at
back up with the City for a new contract. An eblast a 50% reduction in price to our members, for three years.
was sent from the SDPOA in late November asking This means we must raise approximately $5.5 million in
the membership for input and ideas. We have received donations (minus building upgrades, which KinderCare
financial forecasts from the City, and though they are will provide). Things were looking promising early this
not good we still intend on securing a contract that will year. Our state had a $41 billion surplus and I had several
address as many of our issues as possible. We have hired great conversations with members of the Assembly and
experts to assist us in not only letting us know where we Senate, as well as Congress. We were possibly going to
are in the market, but also helping us identify the reality receive $2 million from both the state and the federal
of the City’s financial situation. It is our primary goal to government. Things were looking good until COVID
bring you the best contract we can. arrived and all the discussions ended. It is critical that
we get initial seed money from the government to make
We had a lot of success in local political races this year. this successful. With government support, many wealthy
We won 4 of the 5 local races we endorsed in. This is a donors will feel more confident in the program. This
vast difference from what happened in 2018. It is our will likely lead to more donations, which will support the
hope that the new City Hall will be more moderate and program going forward. As I promised when this project
reasonable than the one we have had for the past two kicked off, no dues money will be used to fund this
years. We have been in contact with all of our newly program. All of the funding will come from donations,
elected representatives as well as the ones who remain. grants, and tuition from members who use the facility.
This will be important going forward to ensure that Child care is still a goal of the Board, but it will likely be
decisions are not made with a one-sided approach. years before we open doors to a facility, if it ever happens.
Besides our next contract, we will be negotiating policies, My opinion is if there are enough members who will
ordinances, and regulations that effect our officers, with actually use the facility, we will eventually succeed. We
this group of elected officials. will keep you informed on progress.
Recently, I was contacted by several members about In closing, I would like to wish everyone and their
the DROP interest rate being reduced. To be clear, the families a safe and happy holiday season. I hope you have
interest rate while you are in DROP is merely a bonus. a chance to spend some time with family and friends,
The benefit of DROP is that you earn your current whether virtually or in person. Merry Christmas and
rate while you can save your entire retirement payments Happy New Year!
for up to 5 years. The only people who would really be
negatively affected by this change are the people who Take care,
are getting out of DROP in early 2021 and are leaving
their DROP money with SDCERS Annuity. For those
members, leaving after December 31 would change their
annuity rate from 3.1% to 2.1% for as long as they are Jack Schaeffer
with the SDCERS Annuity. For the rest of us, the rates
adjust at the end of each year. Historically rates have
December 2020 | 5
Member Spotlight
By Erika Vroom, Editor
Officer Elias Rodriguez
A life dedicated to service is an admirable
one. There are certain people who feel that
service is their calling from a very young
age. This is the case for Officer Elias Rodriguez,
who has not only served his country as a member
Detection and Ranging (RADAR). Little did he
know, the knowledge of usage for this technology
would come in handy in his future career. Four years
into his time with the Navy, Elias decided to join
the United States Navy SEAL Team. He worked
of the United States Navy and Navy Reserve, but is as a Navy SEAL for five years active duty. In total,
currently serving his community as a police officer. Elias actively served for seventeen years until leaving
active duty and immediately becoming a reservist.
Elias was born and raised in New Jersey. At the
young age of 16, he made the choice to enlist in the It was only two weeks later when Elias made the
United States Navy. After graduating high school choice to join the San Diego Police Department
at 17, Elias went through boot camp and soon (SDPD). Though he had walking pneumonia, he
thereafter became an Aviation Anti-Submarine managed to graduate at top of his Academy class
Warfare Operator (AW). During his time as an AW, and held the Academy Agilities Course records for a
two of those years were spent stationed in Japan handful of years.
aboard the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier that is
now out of commission and is currently docked as Out of the Academy, Elias was assigned to SDPD’s
a museum in San Diego. His duties as a crew chief Northeastern Patrol. He then transitioned to
on the SH-3H Sea King helicopter included hunting Western Patrol and Northern Patrol, while assigned
submarines, conducting search and rescue missions, to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Primary
and working with tactical equipment such as Sound Response Team (PRT). In addition to PRT, Elias
Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) and Radio was a member of the Crisis Response Team (CRT),
6 | The Informant
which involved utilizing less lethal force in a de-
escalation situation. During his first six years with
SDPD, the September 11th terrorist attacks took
place and Elias was one of the first three officers
from the department to leave on a presidential recall
as a member of the Navy SEAL Team as part of the
Mobility Unit.
Upon his return to SDPD, Elias decided he wanted
to try out for the K-9 Unit. He started preparing
by taking bites. Unfortunately, when he was ready to
apply, budget and team cuts began taking place, so he
did not have the chance to do so. Elias then decided
to go on a ride-along with SDPD’s Air Support Unit
and loved it! He joined the unit in 2007. He spent
the first five years as a Tactical Flight Officer (TFO),
learning the ins and outs to being in the “right seat”.
By building this foundation of knowledge, Elias
was able to connect his familiarity of the SONAR
and RADAR technology from his active military
days to his current profession. He feels that a law
enforcement aircraft is a “force multiplier”. In
becoming a pilot, Elias understood exactly what his
TFO would need and how they could work together
as a team to combat crime and keep fellow officers
and community members safe, from the air. He
states, “I get to fly a $5 million helicopter with top
of the line technology while catching criminals. It’s
pretty cool stuff.” Elias views his job to be extremely
rewarding.
When he is not on duty, Elias stays busy with his own
business called Structured K9 Training. Through his
business, he specializes in dog obedience and dog
rehabilitation. To Elias, it is not work, but instead a
passion. Further, Elias has three adult children. He
enjoys his down time and going off-roading in his
pride and joy: his Jeep! Of course, he has three dogs
of his own that are his permanent passengers.
Overall, Elias is the epitome of dedication to service.
From serving his country and his community in
more ways than one, both with the badge on and off,
he has taken the reigns and does not plan on slowing
down anytime soon.
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8 | The Informant
SDPOA Manager’s Report
2 020 has been a year of total unexpectedness. Who would’ve thought we would be
living during a time that mirrored the 1918 flu pandemic with the Spanish flu. The
COVID-19 virus has instigated much change. Luckily, the SDPOA was for the
most part able to maintain the status quo to ensure our members’ needs were still met.
Though our awards events looked a little different this year, we would like to congratulate
the officers who achieved their 25 year milestone with the San Diego Police Department
and the San Diego Police Officers Association. This accomplishment does not go
unnoticed. On that note, we would also like to congratulate the officers of the past
two shifts. The exemplary work these members have accomplished is a true reflection
of America’s Finest police department. We thank you all!
About a month ago, the SDPOA building’s parking lot received a new face! The asphalt
was removed, replaced, and given all new striping. This job was long overdue and has
given our property a fresh new look.
Before:
After:
As we wrap up 2020, we were able to hold another successful Thanksgiving Meal for our membership. Though we
were in the Purple Tier, we were able to celebrate safely outside. We would like to thank the SPDOA Advisory Board
who underwrote the entire event. Along with their generosity with the meal, the SDPOA was able to hold a holiday
gift raffle amongst our membership with their donated funds. We are very appreciative of their continued support!
With Christmas around the corner and all of the celebration and shopping to be done, please remember to be safe.
From me and my family to you and all of yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Looking forward to a brighter
2021!
Be safe,
Khristina L. Smith
December 2020 | 9
10 | The Informant
C
PensiO n
R
N 2021
E DROP Interest Rates
R By Lou Maggi
SDCERS Trustee
At November’s meeting, SDCERS’ Board compared to the current rate of 3.1%.
of Administration voted to approve new This interest rate will be factored into the
DROP account and DROP annuity interest calculation of a DROP retiree’s monthly
rates, which will be effective January 1, DROP annuity, if they DROP retire
2021. The DROP account rate is the between January 1 and December 31,
annual interest rate used by SDCERS while 2021 and choose to annuitize their DROP
a Member is in DROP and the DROP account. Unlike the DROP account
annuity rate is the interest rate used by interest rate, the DROP annuity rate will
SDCERS to annuitize the DROP monies not change for an individual member – the
of a Member who has exited DROP and rate that is in effect when a member DROP
retired. These rates are calculated annually retires is the rate that will be applied to
using publicly available indexes as of their annuity, regardless of whether or not
September 30 of each year. the DROP annuity rate changes in future
years. If you are nearing the end of your
Effective January 1, 2021, the DROP five-year DROP participation period,
account annual interest rate will be 1%, your decision to exit DROP before or
compared to the current rate of 2.5%. after the New Year may be affected
This interest rate will be compounded by the Board’s decision regarding the
quarterly and applied to all active DROP DROP annuity interest rate. However,
participants’ accounts as long as the if you do not plan to annuitize your DROP
participant is actively employed by the City account upon exiting DROP, then the
on the last day of each quarter. This rate DROP annuity rate changes will not affect
is subject to change annually, which means you; instead of annuitizing your account,
a DROP participant’s account may receive you also have the option to take your
a different interest rate every year during DROP funds as a lump sum or rollover to
their participation period, depending on a qualified plan (e.g., 401(k), IRA).
the Board’s actions.
Continued on Pg. 20...
Also beginning January 1, 2020, the
DROP annuity interest rate will be 2.1%,
December 2020 | 11Unit SDPD
Highlight Media Services Unit
By Erika Vroom, Editor
A ccording
to studies,
Facebook and
YouTube are two of
the top used social
Scott Lockwood,
Yovanna Gonzalez, and
Darius “DJ” Jamsetjee.
In 2019, when Sergeant
Matthew Botkin joined
media outlets for adults the Media Services Unit,
in America. Through the team was operating
the utilization of social at four officers – two of
media, information and which were leadership.
marketing has become When a greater need for
easier to disperse media services became
amongst a large apparent, an additional
audience, all with the officer was added. It
tap of a keyboard or was at that time the
from an application on team felt SDPD’s social
a smart phone. Similar media platforms could
to a living organism, be utilized to a greater
social media is always degree.
growing, changing, and
evolving. While many of us who have social media platforms In order to do so, each member plays an instrumental role.
can see how influential a person can be by creating a post Officer Lockwood is considered to be the team’s “MacGyver”.
that is intriguing and even insightful, imagine how the use of For instance, Officer Lockwood found an innovative way to
social media could assist law enforcement agencies in solving create and disperse information using the resource he had
crimes and humanizing the badge! Well, the San Diego Police while in the field: his Apple iPhone’s iMovie application. In
Department’s (SDPD) Media Services Unit has set out to do the few moments it took for Sergeant Botkin to get the facts
just that. In short, their mission is to educate, advocate, and of the scene, Officer Lockwood was already prepared with
continue to build a platform that explains why officers do the short video. Further, Officer Gonzalez is seen as the story
what they do. teller and people person. She consistently refers back to her
time as a Community Relations Officer (CRO), where her
The SDPD Media Services Unit has greatly evolved over role was based on interaction with the community. Officer
time. Historically, as in prior to smart phones and WiFi, Gonzalez finds interesting stories to write about and ensures
Media Services was comprised of a large team with resources positive rapport is made with the public, even in her role with
limited to typewriters in order to create documents with Media Services. As the newest member to the team, Officer
the department goings on, as well as actual, physical film to Jamsetjee brings a knowledgeable understanding of current
present information and emerging media
to news media outlets. platforms. He is also
Additionally, the adept to capturing
utilization of a video breathtaking photos
camera allowed the unit that are both intriguing
to create informative and fun for the public
videos that were to view. Both Officers
placed onto DVDs Gonzalez and Jamsetjee
and dispersed to news bring a youthful crowd
media outlets. Fast of officers with them,
forward and the age of as they are the youngest
digital media has greatly members of the
evolved. team. Next, Sergeant
Botkin’s role is on the
Currently, the team engagement side of
consists of five things. His main goal
members: Lieutenant is to ensure the unit is
Shawn Takeuchi, letting the public know
Sergeant Matthew what SDPD officers are
Botkin, and Officers doing and the reasoning
12 | The Informantthe important stuff and that combination is key.”
So what does all of this growth look like? Let’s
talk numbers. In the last year and a half, the Media
Services team has built their social media platforms
up accordingly:
- Twitter followers rose from 61,000 to 79,000
(30% growth)
- Instagram followers rose from 14,000 to
29,000 (107% growth)
- Facebook followers rose from 75,000 to
92,000 (23% growth)
- NextDoor followers rose from 300,000 to
388,000 (29% growth)
These increases were achieved by the unit’s ability
to effectively work together. Their future also holds
possibilities to fully use platforms such as TikTok,
YouTube, Reddit, and even the gaming streaming
behind it all. Lastly, Lieutenant Takeuchi provides for his team service Twitch.
and allows them the creative freedoms needed to both grow
and learn on SDPD’s social media. By having a trusting leader, In closing, the unit prides themselves on focusing on how to
the team can run with new ideas that they see as a best next give out the facts in a truthful, efficient, and sometimes fun
step. manner. Although 75% of people will never have a personal
interaction with law enforcement, the first impression can set
When it came time to revamp SDPD’s social media platforms, the tone for future encounters and views of law enforcement
the team made a slew of changes. The changes include officers. By positively influencing all generations through
educating the public, advocating for the law enforcement social media platforms, the Media Services Unit will be able
profession as well as humanizing police officers, and ensuring to ensure the community and the officers continue to have
that the department has a multitude of platforms to be used a virtuous relationship through excellence, innovation, and
in different ways. A few examples of the utilization consist of responsiveness. After all, one of the SDPD’s TikTok captions
crisis intervention, warnings of active shooter occurrences, as states it best… “We don’t make San Diego America’s Finest
well as notification of traffic incidents, so as to encourage the City. You do.”
public to avoid the area. In addition, the Media Services Unit
often works with Crime Stoppers Coordinator, SDPD Officer
Mark Herring. By joining efforts, Crime Stoppers can notify
the public of unsolved felony crimes and ask for their help in
finding wanted criminals on the SDPD platforms. This greatly
extends the audience who is reached with the information.
The Media Services Unit has been hard at work partnering with
local consultants to assist in further growing the department’s
platforms. Thanks to the San Diego Police Foundation, the
unit has obtained funding for new equipment and advisors to
assist with their growth.
Cole Pro Media, transparency engagement advisors, has
guided the unit by showing trends and what works in making a
thorough and honest connection with the public. One lesson
learned by the team embraces the concept that building an
analytic profile and engaging with followers or subscribers is
much more important than putting out new posts. That said,
Sergeant Botkin explains that officers who are out working
amongst the public are building relationships day in and day
out. The unit is essentially doing the same thing, through the
use of technology. Since San Diego is such a great, large city,
the goings on in the community are important to show. One
video posted by Media Services has gone viral. It includes
an SDPD officer racing a community member to an uphill
foot race. The unit believes this feel-good moment is a prime
example of humanizing the badge and is meant to be shared!
Also, it expels rumors that all police officers do is write tickets
and discharge their firearm. Sergeant Botkin states, “If we’re
not putting out the light-hearted stuff, then we are putting out
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14 | The InformantChaplain’s
O By Mike McBride
San Diego Police Department
The Gift of Gratitude
R Chaplain
light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). Hope flickered on and off
N
for centuries after Isaiah wrote these words. The
people knew darkness. They knew difficulty, suffering
and waiting. But they had a promise, a promise from
E
God. The promise was for a gift, a gift that would
surpass all other gifts. Eight Hebrew words describe
this gift in an array of beauty, goodness, and power.
R
Two of them are relational. He is both a counselor
and a father. He is full of compassion and love.
Another inexplicably suggests that this human child
M
will be God himself, God incarnate. And a fourth
erry COVID Christmas. Add protests, an describes him as a prince, that is, a commander.
election, and a barrage of anti-police rhetoric
over recent months and it would seem that The gift becomes even more brilliant when those four
Scrooge and the Grinch have indeed finally stolen things are described. He is a wonderful counselor,
Christmas. Sometimes I wonder if we should we greet full of wisdom and insight for choosing well. He is a
each other with a humbug this year. But then I’m strong warrior of a God, the literal meaning of Mighty
reminded that there is reason for joy, and Christmas is God. He is so mighty that he brings an enduring
designed to show us just that. peace, destroying the blood-stained battle clothes
because they are needed no more. He is a father that
Gift giving is at the heart of Christmas. Even in lives forever, that cares for his children with no end.
these times, I suspect almost all of us will give and Some might ask how he is both a child and a father.
receive numerous gifts this holiday season. Gifts Of course, every father was once a child. But also the
are beautiful things. They remind us that we are father is one who knows his children deeply, cares for
loved; that we are known. The gift giver is enlivened them and nurtures them, encourages and strengthens
through her generosity and the thought process of them (along with mothers in human households). In
finding a gift. The gift recipient is enlivened by the these eight words we find a description of a savior
affection received, and his feeling of gratitude. Gift that is a gift beyond imagination. All our gifts this are
giving and receiving restores our hope and renews a reflection of this great gift. And this great gift is a
our joy. Gratitude, it turns out, is inextricably tied to model for our gift giving, because in it, God gives not
joy. One writer put it this way, “Joy is the simplest out of his abundance, but of his very self.
form of gratitude.” I’d like to suggest that the path
to joy in this holiday season is through our giving and Let’s not end there, however. Because most of us
receiving of gifts, and particularly in our expressions are probably pretty good gift givers. What challenges
of gratitude and joy that come from these gifts. most of us, being the self-sufficient law-enforcement
types, is gift receiving. We smile, say thank you, and
Gift giving is the original theme of Christmas. One often fail to let a gift impact us deeply, with gratitude
of the first passages in Scripture predicting the birth and joy. I want to challenge us this Christmas to
of Christ uses the language of gift giving. deepen our gratitude as we practice our gift receiving.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; A good friend recently asked me why he needed God.
and the government shall be upon his shoulder, Things are going well in his life. He can solve most
and his name shall be called Wonderful of his own problems, sometimes with the help of
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, friends and family. Why complicate things by adding
Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). God into things? I think he asks a fair question. It’s
an honest question. Let me suggest this as a start
It may seem strange to think of a child as a gift. This to an answer. One place to start practicing our gift
is not a material gift, like chocolate or jewelry, to be receiving this Christmas season, is by considering
consumed or even just admired. This is a living, how we receive the various gifts God gives us, and
human gift, like a child born to parents, parents who particularly the gift described in Isaiah 9:6.
had to wait a long time to see their dreams of having
children realized. The expression of gratitude for May the Lord shower you with his gifts this holiday
such a gift overwhelms the body and soul, and joy season.
bursts out with childlike excitement.
Isaiah tells us a little more about the condition of the Mike McBride is the founding pastor of Parkside Church in
world when this gift would be given. “The people South Park. He is one of the chaplains assigned to Central
who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those Division.
who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has
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18 | The InformantUC-7:
Highlighting cop-friendly eateries in the City of San Diego
that provide a full meal for under or around $10.00 using a
strict 5-badge rating system.
An Anonymous Eater
Food T
ruck
3012 Grape Street Finds!
San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 340-1234
Photos courtesy of Yelp
And so we are toward the end of mammoth assured this was a salad made to be a meal, not a sad
year. Here’s to hoping January 1st does not say to diet plate. I was impressed and very full!
December 31st, “Dude that looked craaaazy! Hold
my beer!” Say, 2020 and 2021, how about a smooth Jacob D had the Chicken Shawarma Plate with
and speedy passing of the baton whilst moving Hummus and Tabouli on the side ($15.00). I was
forward with a swift touch on solid ground. And may allowed to sample the chicken and it was every bit
that ground be bathed in sunlight and thunderous as delicious and tender as the beef. The hummus
rain, so the year brings grace and a bountiful heart had the lively texture that only comes from being
to our homes. At the end of the day this the most homemade, not drenched in too much olive oil.
important thing of all. Gather around your table. The tabouli, which is personal favorite, was light and
savory with a healthy sprinkling of diced tomato to
This month landed me in a few overtime shifts, offset the stoic parsley. Jacob D purchased a side of
and thus happily at the Shawarma Guys food truck Falafel ($5.00), which was absolutely on point. Made
located at 3012 Grape Street, (619) 340-1234. They to order, the texture was airy, and the seasonings used
are open Monday-Saturday 11-8. Shawarma Guys in the Falafel were Shawarma Guys own concoction
takes cards, and there is parking nearby. Since it’s of spices. For the vegetarians (or non-vegetarians!)
a food truck, all orders are to-go. For those unsure out there, treat yourself to some of the best Falafel
about food trucks, they are held to same grading in town.
standards as a brick and mortar restaurants. Jacob
D and I ate here one time for this article, but I have Shawarma Guys has been nationally recognized for
already returned at least 3 times in the past two their food and after a few visits, I can say the hype
weeks. is real. The quality of their food is excellent, and
the service is welcoming. This is the perfect choice
Not all Shawarma is created equal, and now I am for a family dinner or a squad lunch. I am giving
officially spoiled because Shawarma Guys has upped Shawarma Guys an enthusiastic 5 badges.
the ante in San Diego. I had the Greek Salad with
Beef Shawarma ($12.00) which blew me out of the
water. Their beef is top quality and seasoned just
enough to let the natural flavors do the heavy lifting.
The meat was wonderfully tender and generously
portioned. The greens were crisp and fresh and
topped with their vinaigrette made in-house. Rest
December 2020 | 19Pension Corner
...Continued from Page 11
For example, if your DROP account balance January 1, 2021; you should consider your
is $250,000 on December 31, 2020, and you personal circumstances (including your flexibility
choose to DROP retire at this time and annuitize regarding the timing of your eventual retirement,
your account over 20 years, your monthly DROP the amount of additional funds your DROP
annuity would be approximately $1,400, which account will accrue if you continue working
factors in the current DROP annuity rate of during 2021, and your financial situation) and
3.1%. By the end of the 20 years, the total interest weigh them against the possible financial benefit
added to your DROP annuity payments would of exiting DROP before the end of the year.
be $85,770. Therefore, you would receive a total Also, for those of you who will not reach the
of $335,770 from your DROP account over the end of their five-year DROP period in 2021,
course of the 20-year annuity. remember we have no way of knowing what the
DROP rates will be in 2022.
Every issue, I work with SDCERS staff to craft
“Pension Corner,” which is meant to pass on relevant
information to department members and respond to
frequently asked questions. If you have a topic you would
like to read about, please email me at MaggiL@sdcers.
org. If you have specific questions about your personal
pension benefits, please contact SDCERS directly at
(619) 525-3600, open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.
to noon, and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (PST).
In this same hypothetical, if you choose to
DROP retire on January 1, 2021, your DROP
balance would increase to $251,562 because
Support San
your account would receive interest for the last
quarter of 2020. However, if you then choose
to annuitize your account over 20 years, your
monthly annuity would be calculated using the
2021 DROP annuity rate of 2.1%, giving you a
lower monthly DROP annuity of approximately
$1,285. In this case, your total DROP annuity
Diego Law
interest would add up to $56,732, making your
total DROP payments over the 20-year annuity
approximately $308,295.
En orcement
Buying or Selling your Home?
I donate from every transaction to provide
college scholarships to children of San Diego
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As you can see from the above examples, your REALTOR®
monthly DROP annuity could be lower if you BRE #01945714
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in 2020. However, this does not necessarily Email | GTrainor@First-LineRealty.com
mean you need to rush to exit DROP before Web | First-LineRealty.com
20 | The InformantDecember 2020 | 21
We appreciate you protecting our families.
Trust us to protect your home investment!
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Ray Shay Tu Nguyen
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This is not intended to solicit a property currently listed for sale.
16611 Dove Canyon Rd. | San Diego, CA 92127
Protection, Trust, & Neutrality
Jason Scally
President, Former SDPD Officer
Jscally@oakwoodescrow.com
Kitty Toft
Escrow Officer
858-217-5264
Ktoft@oakwoodescrow.com
www.oakwoodescrow.com
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December 2020 | 23REMINDER to
- VOTE -
ATTENTION POA MEMBERS:
Voting for the SDPOA Board of Directors
Election is Coming Soon!
There are three seats up for election this year. Please take the
time to review the candidate statements on the
SDPOA Website in the Member Forum.
Voting will be conducted electronically through the
SDPOA Website beginning
0001hrs on Monday, November 30th
through
1700hrs on Friday, December 4th
Please contact the POA office with any questions.
24 | The InformantRoad
Proudly Presented by
On the
Retired Officer Barry Johnson
and his wife Kathy in Raja
Ampat, Indonesia while
snorkeling with Whale Sharks.
Retired Detectives Mel Lofftus and
Steve Bernier on top of Mt. Whitney at
14,508 feet while section hiking in the
Eastern Sierras along the Pacific Crest
Trail.
If you have recently taken your copy of The Informant on the road with you, please share your pictures!
If your picture is featured, the member who sends in the photo will receive a pair of movie tickets and our appreciation!
Active and retired SDPOA members should send submissions to Erika at editor@sdpoa.org.HOME OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY
PROMISE Jeannine J., Class of 2009
AT NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, WE’RE PROUD TO SUPPORT PUBLIC SAFETY
PROFESSIONALS WHO PROTECT AND SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES EVERY DAY.
National University offers exclusive benefits for public safety
professionals/civilians and their dependents, such as:
• 25% scholarship toward 75+ degree programs
• 25% scholarship for spouses and dependents
• Every fourth class free with the Fast Track Scholarship*
• Accelerated BS in Criminal Justice Administration, Homeland Security, and
Public Administration when credit for prior learning, such as CA POST Police
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*To be eligible, student must complete four (4) courses (18 quarter-units) within a six (6) month period.
NU.EDU/INFORMANT
© 2020 National University 20-NU-2052Congratulations, Retirees!
Thank you to all of our members who recently retired between
October 16, 2020 and November 15, 2020
for your dedication and service.
We wish you the best in your new chapter in life!
Officer Troy Gibson
Hired February 2, 1990 ~ Retired October 20, 2020
Detective Sergeant Ronald Bailiff
Hired June 27, 1994 ~ Retired October 30, 2020
Officer Alvin Thach
Hired February 5, 2001 ~ Retired November 6, 2020
Detective Natalie Fortier
Hired November 12, 1991 ~ Retired November 12, 2020SDPOA Board Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting
October 8, 2020
Directors present: Schaeffer, Bostedt, Mackay, out to members working during pre- long-term planning committee. This
Wilson, Hoskins, Avera, McCullough, Paxton planned protesting. Unanimous. 9-0. committee will work to incorporate
(excused 1245), Evans (arrived 0943, excused • M/S Avera/Hoskins to donate $250 DROP RNT and medical benefits, and
1359) for Jaime Conti’s Celebration of Life. all long- term planning within the
Unanimous. 8-0-1. SDPOA. Absent Paxton. Unanimous.
Directors excused: None. 8-0-1.
6. LABOR/MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE • Mackay investigated the 2 cases where
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: • Chief Charlot reported the Chief ’s office members claimed the POA deleted their
T. Charlot is working on a protest policy. posts on the POA forum. The POA did
• Discussion occurred regarding a pay not delete the posts and Mackay followed
OTHERS PRESENT: issue. up with the members and found the
B. Fields, K. Smith (recorder) members realized their posts where not
7. LEGAL deleted.
OPENING OBSERVANCES • Report in closed session.
President Schaeffer called the meeting to order 14. ARMED SERVICES
at 0900 hours and Director McCullough led 8. SPECIAL EVENTS/ SCHOLARSHIP • Hoskins and Avera suggested having the
all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. There COMMITTEE cake for the Marine Corps birthday at the
was a moment of silence for the Officers killed • Due to COVID-19 there will not be a POA.
in the line of duty in the past. There were 15 2020 SDPOA Annual Charity Christmas
officers killed in the line of duty Nationwide Party. The events committee is working Adjourned the general meeting into the
since the September board meeting. In the on discounted rooms for members for the Foundation meeting at 1038.
history of the SDPD there were 3 San Diego first weekend in December. The POA will
Police officers killed in the month of October. inform the membership when this has been Adjourned Foundation meeting into the
Freddie Edwards (10/07/1971), Walter completed. general meeting at 1044.
Holcomb (10/21/1918), and Christopher • Thanksgiving meal is still on track to
Wilson (10/28/2010). happen at the POA. Adjourned the general meeting into the
Foundation meeting at 1410.
NON-AGENDA MEMBER COMMENTS: 9. BUDGET-FINANCE
• None. • M/S McCullough/Bostedt to approve Adjourned Foundation meeting into the general
the September treasurer’s report. Absent meeting at 1422.
1. MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: Evans, Paxton. Unanimous. 6-0-1-2.
• None. • M/S Hoskins/McCullough for up to Adjourned meeting 1428.
$15,000 for the Capital improvement to
2. PAC upgrade the POA board room. Paxton
• Discussed in closed session. absent. Unanimous. 8-0-1.
3. PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE 10. BUSINESS & GOVERNANCE
a. Informant: COMMITTEE
• The unit highlight for December will be a. Administrative:
Media Services. The member spotlight for • There was 1 email poll.
December will be Ruben Hernandez. • Schaeffer/Wilson for POA to cover the
• The unit highlight for January will be 2021 premium increase of the employee
Delta Unit. The member spotlight for ALADS health plan. Paxton absent.
January will be Tom Bostedt. Unanimous. 8-0-1.
b. Website: b. Minutes:
• No report. • M/S McCullough/Wilson to accept
the September 2020 Meeting Minutes. SDPOA Non-Members:
c. PR: Paxton, Hoskins absent. Unanimous. 8-0- Albrektsen, Sandra
• Discussion occurred regarding an ad 1. Allahwardy, Deshnay
Casciola, Chloe
request. Crumb, Katherine
11. MILESTONE REPORT David, Antonio
4. RETIREMENT • No report. Heil, Cassandra
Humes, Maria
• SDCERS is still doing online retirement Ingram, Henry
seminars. 12. OLD BUSINESS Irwin, Wade
• None. Iversen, Pia
Slater, Thomas
5. MEMBER RELATIONS Sterling, Trevor
• Mackay/Avera for up to $5,000 for 13. NEW BUSINESS Turner, Todd
Vaccarello, Courtney
POA to send a food truck, once per week, • M/S Avera/McCullough to start a
28 | The InformantIn
Remembrance
Robert F. Bowers
End of Watch: 12 December 1955 Robert L. Everitt
Officer Bowers was killed during a
high-speed pursuit.
End of Watch: 7 December 1964
While laying flares at a traffic
accident, Sergeant Everitt was hit
and killed by a truck.
James P. Lewis
End of Watch: 29 December 1970
Officer Lewis was shot and killed by
a fugitive while off-duty and helping
a citizen check false IDs at a bar.SDPOA Board Minutes
Foundation Meeting
October 8, 2020
Directors present: M E M O R I A L COMMITTEE: NEW BUSINESS:
Schaeffer, Bostedt, Avera, • No report. • None.
Mackay, Wilson, Hoskins,
McCullough, Paxton (excused FUNDRAISING: OLD BUSINESS:
1245), Evans (excused 1359)
• Bosanac updated regarding • None.
Directors excused: fundraising during the
Thanksgiving holiday season.
None. Adjourned the general meeting
MINUTES: into the Foundation meeting
orney at Law
MEMBERS IN at 1038.
ATTENDANCE: • M/S Hoskins/McCullough
to accept the September Adjourned Foundation meeting
OTHERS PRESENT: Foundation meeting into the general meeting at
minutes. Absent Paxton, 1044.
(recorder) PROBATE
B. Fields, A, Bosanac, K. Smith Evans. Unanimous. 7-0-2.
Adjourned the general meeting
MEMBER TRUST/ WILLS BUDGET-FINANCE: into the Foundation meeting
at 1410.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY
PRESENTATIONS: • M/S Schaeffer/McCullough
Retired Deputy Sheriff/ Discount to Law Enforcement
to approve the September Adjourned Foundation meeting
RONALD A. HAUSER
• No report. treasurer’s report. Absent
Attorney at LawPaxton, Evans. Unanimous.
into the general meeting at
1422.
PRESENTATIONS: (619) 206-38117-0-2.
• No report. (619) 319-5171
CHILDCARE:
♦ Family Law QDROs & DROs $700 ♦
CHARITY REQUESTS: • No report.
• Reported in Closed Session
New
Pkg LIVING TRUST
Law Enforcement Price
$495.00
$795.00
ed In-Home Appointments Available
Includes Wills and Powers of Attorney
RONALD A. HAUSER
Attorney at Law
(619) 206-3811
(619) 319-5171
♦ Family
PROBATELawSERVICES DROs $700 ♦
QDROs &AVAILABLE
30 | The InformantClassified Ads and
Vacation Rentals
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
New vacation home in the heart of Lake Havasu City. The home has three bedrooms and
two baths with an additional detached guest house furnished as a second master suite, making
it perfect for two couples plus kids/guests. Amenities include full granite kitchen, in-ground
pool and Jacuzzi, fireplace, 50” TV & entertainment center, BBQ, and lots of off-street
parking. The home is 5 minutes from all attractions including London Bridge and the lake,
golf, desert sports, and shopping! Available by the day or get the week discount.
Great law enforcement rates. Call J.K. Hudgins, CIU 858-208-7828, or Chuck Arnold, ICAC
619-890-8527.
Rosarito Beach, Mexico
Just steps from the beach, beautiful ocean view with spectacular sunsets. Gate guarded,
located at K38, a world-renowned surfing spot and only 20 minutes from the border. Outside
fire pit and sun deck, living room, family room both with fireplaces. Two bedrooms, sleeps
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the waves. Reasonable rates, come relax and enjoy! Only $75-95/ night! Call Sandy Redding at
619-444-9174. DirecTv/ WiFi available.
North Clairemont Home For Rent
North Clairemont home for rent. Close to everything. Ideal for small family or retirees. 3
bedrooms and 2 baths, freshly renovated including the kitchen. Large back yard and lovely
patio. Newly carpeted and freshly painted inside and out. Comes with inside house washer
and dryer, electric stove and fridge. Garage is not available, but plenty of off-street parking is.
Reduced rate for qualified law enforcement tenant. Please contact retired Sgt. Art Turman at
702-686-3543.
Point Loma Vacation Condo
Point Loma Studio with a workout room, BBQ and a beautiful bay view from the swimming
pool deck, for rent, (day, week or month) located in the Shelter Island area, short walking
distance to shops, restaurants, and scenic bay areas. Having some relatives visiting town or just
want to get away. L.E. discount. Contact Alan or Donna Hayward at 619-504-9355.The Informant NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
San Diego Police Officers Association PAID
8388 Vickers Street San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA 92111-2109 PERMIT No. 2029
Change Service Requested
ARE YOU MOVING? Please be sure to let the SDPOA Office know.
The Department does not inform the SDPOA of any change of address.
The Informant is a proud recipient of the
The San Diego APEX Award for Publication Excellence
Police Officers
Association Thanks
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Sponsors of
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