Beachcombing

It is a real tragedy that our city leadership continues to make the wrong decisions in the face of corrupt practices within the Long Beach Police Department. Stephen Downing has been writing about these transgressions (see page one of this issue) for the last few years, only repeating what I learned and wrote about for several years before that.

Rank and file police officers don’t like what’s going on, which is why they continue to come forward and tell us the truth, hoping that the sunlight will reduce the criminal aspect within. A good cop doesn’t want to falsify records under orders from superiors or face expulsion for failure to play along. Downing correctly calls it “misplaced loyalty.”

The city demands that its employees be loyal to the city, even if that means selling your soul to the devil. It’s a moral delemma that each individual must resolve, which often explains why there’s a problem with alcoholism, domestic violence and even suicides among sworn personnel.

In Rotary we have a four-way test in such situations: (1) Is it the truth? (2) Is it fair to all concerned? (3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships? (4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

In my opinion former chief Jim McDonnell did a much better job of ridding the department of rotten apples before he went on to become the LA County Sheriff and cleaning house there. Under the current police administration I think that we are sliding backwards.

A few dirty, rogue cops continue to tarnish the badge by engaging in criminal acts while on duty, in their private lives and against innocent civilians – to the point where the Los Angeles County District Attorney refuses their testimony in court because of an established pattern of lying under oath.

The city commission charged with investigating and fixing this corruption is toothless and should be disbanded. Even the former head of the Long Beach Police Officers Association agreed with me that the Citizen Police Complaint Commission is a joke. Resulting lawsuits from multiple lawless acts have cost the city millions, yet there is no public outrage.

Where’s the honesty and integrity at City Hall? There is none … with lying, cover-up, falsification of records and ignoring the Public Records Act becoming the rule when there’s a lawsuit or potential for one.

Obviously this conduct will continue unbridled until such time as the Justice Department steps in and a court-appointed, federal officer is in place to ensure compliance with the law, much like what happened in Oakland in 2012.

Heads need to roll, but I won’t be holding my breath waiting to see that happen with a fish that stinks at the very top.

We’ve been busy these past couple of weeks tabulating the results of our “Best of Long Beach” contest. Thanks to everyone who submitted a ballot, our contest sponsors and our three interns who helped to count the votes.

Easily a hundred ballots were tossed out because people do not follow directions. When we say “a minimum of 15 votes are needed to enter” we mean it. Amazingly we get ballots emailed or mailed with only one vote in one category, plus the required name and address. Trash time.

Over the years it is obvious that the winners are astute business persons who network with local organizations or are prolific at keeping their business “top of mind” through advertising, social media and any number of promotional techniques.

One networking organization that I belong to is the Executives Association of Long Beach, which has been around since 1922. I’ve been a member since 1984 in the advertising classification and have found it to be a valuable resource for new business through referrals from the 50-plus other members.

We meet on Monday noon at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow St. Additional information can be found at www.longbeachexecs.com., along with a list of open classifications. If you would be interested in learning more, contact me or submit an online request.

In a related matter, the executive director of the Executives Association is moving to Texas, thereby creating an immediate opening. This is a part-time, independent contractor position requiring prior experience, excellent organizational skills, knowledgeable of Quickbooks and a super-friendly personality. If interested, email a cover letter and resume to longbeachexecs@gmail.com.

 publisher@beachcomber.news