News

Like everyone else, we here at the Ukiah Police Department (UPD) were shocked and dismayed over the senseless and horrific school shooting that occurred Friday in Newtown, Connecticut. Like Ukiah, Newtown is a small town of about 30,000 people. We all feel an overwhelming grief about this event, and our thoughts and... (Read more →)

Don’t Give Your Identity to a Thief for Christmas

Working hard, paying your bills, and being an all-around respectable citizen doesn’t protect you from identity theft. In fact, it can make you a target. Identity theft – or identity fraud – is the fastest growing crime in the United States. It occurs when a victim's identity is used by another for financial... (Read more →)

The Santa in Us: Wise and Wonderful Holiday Giving

I hope everyone noticed that the Ukiah Daily Journal has kicked off its annual Food Bank Fund Drive. This drive is CRUCIAL to delivering food to those in need within our community. Jacque Williams, the Executive Director of the Ukiah Community Center and Ford Street Project, told me that when people give to the... (Read more →)

Protecting Yourself This Holiday Season – Don’t Fall Prey to a Grinch

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. You know, the one who tried to stop Christmas by stealing from the Whos down in Whoville. Well, I’m sorry to say that, along with holiday cheer, the holiday season brings out the Grinches in Ukiah. Typically, home burglaries rise during the Christmas... (Read more →)

So Much to Be Thankful For in Ukiah

This Thanksgiving, I’d like to take a moment to recognize some of the many reasons we can be thankful to live in such a wonderful community. First, and very personally, I am deeply thankful for the courage of people I have the privilege of working with, the people who dedicate their careers to public safety. I... (Read more →)

Drunk driving... it wouldn't happen to me!

With the holidays approaching, most people think about spending time with friends and family. Rarely do we think, “This will be the year I am arrested for driving under the influence,” or “This is the holiday season when my life tragically changes as a result of a drunk driver.” Having seen the results of... (Read more →)

Veterans, thank you for serving US!

On this Veteran’s Day, I thought I’d share some stories of local people who have served or are serving in the military, and to remind folks of the excellent resources available for veterans in our community. As we go about our daily lives here in Ukiah, it’s hard to imagine what it would be like to spend every... (Read more →)

Halloween Safety

Halloween is not one of our Officers and Dispatcher’s favorite holidays. In fact, it can really be a frightening night! While it’s fun to see trick-or-treaters wearing their costumes, each Halloween also brings out the mischievous spirit in people. And, it is these mischievous spirits that really tax our... (Read more →)

Local Treasures: Our Non-Profits

I’m sure you’ve heard of organizations like the Ford Street Project, the Food Bank, and Plowshares. Last week, while preparing a presentation about the homeless and transient problems in Ukiah, I visited these organizations. I was inspired by incredibly dedicated people, who are passionate about providing... (Read more →)

Community Police Partnerships: An Ounce of Prevention…

Last Friday, I was invited to attend a Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation (RCHDC) staff meeting in Ukiah. RCHDC is a charitable, non-profit corporation that helps people become homeowners through a self-help, home-building program. RCHDC also manages multi-family, low-income housing for families and... (Read more →)

Ukiah Parades

Last week, I wrote about the problems with crime and safety because of the transient population. Every person I have talked with tells me how frustrated they are with the increased crime, vandalism, and illegal activities that are occurring in Ukiah. As I said last week, giving handouts to transients does not help... (Read more →)

Handouts Don't Help

In last week’s paper you may have read about our police activity regarding transient issues on E. Gobbi Street. The increased presence of transients in Ukiah is causing real problems for citizens and for our police force. Transients are different than folks who are temporarily down on their luck, like a homeless... (Read more →)