Board of Directors & Staff
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Emily Rex CHAIR DEPARTURE Co-Founder, CEO - Business
Stew Roberts IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Qualcomm Vice President, Global Security
Jenny Kikuno TREASURER Leaf & Cole, LLP Partner
Barbara Savaglio, Esq. SECRETARY, WOMEN IN BLUE EXECUTIVE CABINET CHAIR Law Offices of Barbara B. Savaglio Founder
BOARD MEMBERS
SAN DIEGO POLICE FOUNDATION STAFF
Sara Napoli
President & CEO
Cathy Abarca Vice President of Advancement
Irene Martin Vice President of Operations
Jason Tarlov
Business & Technology Manager
Wendy Waddell SafetyNet® Program Manager
Randy Bolelli Sempra Director of Corporate Security
Denise Friedman PB Town Council Community Organizer, Fundraiser
Byron Johnston Teague Insurance President
Gina Lindell VCA Animal Hospitals Vice President, General Counsel
Jayanti Menches, SCMP 5xFive Senior Vice President Strategic Communications
Christiana Huntzinger Baker Street Group Retired Special Agent, NCIS, Private Investigator
Matt Ficco California Coast Credit Union Chief Financial Officer
Bianca Bennett Operations & Database Administrator
Jessica Bravo Development Associate
Danielle Delgado Communications Specialist
Maria Contreras Office Assistant
EMERITUS TRUSTEES
Scott Bedingfield Cavignac & Associates Principal
Bill Davidson Sapienter Group, Amionx Founder, CEO, COO
Bill Eigner Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP Partner
Steve Fanucchi CBIZ Director
Craig Fuller Fuller Law Group PC Owner, Attorney
Chris Ghio Chicago Title Vice President
Lowell Handy T-Mobile Director, Network Engineering & Operations
Charles W. Hartford The Hartford Group Rockefeller Global Family Fund Financial Advisor
Katherine Hoffman
Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP Of Counsel
David Loseke JP Morgan Executive Director
Carol Tohsaku San Diego State University & UC San Diego Alumna and Retiree Educational/ Instructional Technologist
Vilen Vlasov Thrive Pet Healthcare, National Shelter & Client Experience Regional Marketing Manager
Karyn Cerulli Thomson Reuters Regional Sales Manager
Anthony Methvin SafetyNet® Presenter
Tori Rice
SafetyNet® Presenter
Alyssa Schechter
SafetyNet® Presenter
Daisy Martinez SafetyNet® Bilingual Presenter
What We Accomplished Together
Your donations support initiatives like these that benefit our police, our communities, and our families.
Equipment & Technology
REAL TIME OPERATIONS CENTER (RTOC)
The RTOC serves as the central hub for real-time data collected from streetlight cameras, automated license plate readers, and law enforcement databases. This technology enhances SDPD’s ability to respond to critical incidents and ongoing investigations, integrating footage from helicopters and drones to ensure swift, informed responses.
BINOCULARS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
These advanced binoculars enhance the safety and capabilities of SDPD’s Special Investigations Unit, which conducts tracking and intelligence gathering to apprehend violent offenders.
RESUSCITATOR KITS
Resuscitator kits were distributed to patrol officers who are often first on scene to victims of cardiac arrest or traffic accidents. This equipment protects both the rescuer and the patient from the health risks inherent in the exchange of breath.
SMART BOARD FOR NARCOTICS UNIT
This interactive technology enables multi-agency coordination and debriefs, enhancing planning for search warrants and tactical operations through real-time visualization and review.
Community Outreach & Awareness
INSIDE SDPD
A behind-the-scenes experience where community members step into the role of a police officer, participating in simulations such as de-escalation, vehicle stops, and use-of-force scenarios. This immersive event helps build understanding and trust between residents and law enforcement.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
Each year, SDPD honors nearly 1,000 volunteers who contribute to community safety through roles such as victim support, traffic management, and safety checks for vulnerable populations. This luncheon celebrates their dedication with a meal served by SDPD’s highest-ranking officers and an awards ceremony, boosting morale and reinforcing the essential partnership between officers and volunteers.
COMMUNITY & YOUTH SERVICES CANOPY TENTS
Used at citywide events, these branded tents create welcoming, visible spaces for SDPD’s new Community and Youth Services Division to engage with residents and youth.
UNIFORMS FOR CADETS
The Cadet Program builds leadership and professional skills for young adults exploring law enforcement careers, including one-on-one mentorship by SDPD officers. Many Cadets live in underresourced communities, and purchasing uniforms places a significant financial burden on them and their families. Providing uniforms removes that barrier and ensures all participants can fully engage.
POLICE PLAZA IMPROVEMENTS
Police Plaza serves as a central hub for SDPD’s operations, a first point of contact for citizens, and a critical space for hosting community-oriented activities. These improvements have made Police Plaza more inviting and functional. The remodel of the lobby enhances community interaction, supports recruitment and training efforts, and strengthens partnerships.
YOUTH BOXING PROGRAM
Gym rental and sports equipment were supplied for the Youth Boxing Program, managed by SDPD’s Gang Intervention Unit. The program instills responsibility, commitment to a task, and physical and mental conditioning. It is essential, not only for intervention and prevention but also for building trust with juveniles in our communities.
Specialized Training
GANG TRAINING CONFERENCE
With scholarships provided for members of the Southern Patrol branch, officers gained crucial information on dealing with and policing gang members. This conference brought together all the gang experts throughout the state and provided updated information on ways to keep our communities safe from gang violence. When officers are more educated on gang investigations, it allows them to conduct enforcement that is both equitable and keeps the community safe by removing dangerous and violent gang members from the community.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS
Fifty scholarships were provided to rising female personnel, both sworn and civilian, and their male mentors, to attend and receive the training and leadership opportunities needed to stay a step ahead in an occupation traditionally pursued by men. Nationwide, women make up less than 14% of sworn officers. These scholarships are helping bridge this gap.
A Look Ahead: Chief Wahl’s Key Priorities
Our police are being asked to do more with less. City budget shortfalls have limited resources, and Chief of Police Scott Wahl has made it clear: to keep San Diego one of the safest major cities in the nation, we must focus on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the San Diego Police Department.
To empower officers facing critical staffing shortages, Chief Wahl is prioritizing initiatives that put cutting-edge technology at the forefront—giving officers the tools they need to do their jobs safely and with excellence.
Equally important is the Chief’s commitment to leadership training, developing the next generation of America’s Finest.
With your support, SDPD can remain a STEP AHEAD equipping future leaders with the technology, training, and skills they need to innovate and lead the Department forward.
K9 Crimefighters Program
For the past 22 years, every police service dog at the San Diego Police Department has been purchased through community donations made to the Police Foundation. These canines safeguard public events, find missing persons, locate evidence, de-escalate dangerous situations, prevent shootings, and preserve life.
Each year, the K9 Unit responds to over 20,000 calls, working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, benefiting all our communities. Through the K9 Crimefighter Program, funding extends beyond police service dogs to include all types of working dogs that support SDPD. Last year alone, the Foundation purchased 10 new police canines.
POLICE SERVICE DOGS
Seven new police service dogs joined the K9 Unit. On average, these canines are credited approximately 195 times a year as the sole reason a suspect surrenders. K9 Handlers deploy their dogs around 2,165 times annually, and in 99% of these instances, the presence of the dog alone resolves the situation without the need for physical contact. These remarkable canines serve as indispensable de-escalation tools, preventing confrontations before they begin and keeping both officers and the public safe.
MOBILE ODOR DETECTION CANINES
Two new MODs, Buddy Trix and Shadow, joined the ranks. These canines are trained to detect explosive materials and safeguard large-scale events and venues. They are also referred to as bomb detection canines.
ELECTRONIC
STORAGE DETECTION CANINE
Phoebe Zorra joined the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children (SD-ICAC) Task Force, which investigates online child exploitation and targets child predators. She can locate hidden electronic storage devices such as hard drives, flash drives, SD cards, and cell phones by sniffing out a unique chemical compound. This highly skilled canine plays a vital role in helping law enforcement bring child predators to justice and protect vulnerable children from harm by uncovering critical evidence that suspects often try to hide.
HOME KENNELS
Home Kennels provide safe and proper housing at a K9 Officer’s residence, enhancing the handler-canine bond with 24/7 contact. This enables officers to respond quickly to emergencies if off duty.
K9
VESTS
Bullet and stab-resistant K9 vests protect our police dogs’ vital organs, allowing them to move freely, keep cool, and stay safe on duty. The vests are fitted to each canine’s body, ensuring optimal protection as they run towards danger and save human lives.
LOW
PROFILE TRAINING SUITS
New low-profile suits allow realistic training scenarios that better prepare police dogs to apprehend suspects in everyday conditions.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR K9 PROGRAM
SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices® is a collaboration between the San Diego Police Foundation and the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SDICAC), designed to help children, parents and guardians, educators, and other concerned adults learn safer online practices. Studies show that once kids have the key information they need to protect themselves, they actually do. SafetyNet® empowers today’s youth to be safe and thoughtful users of technology.
The need for internet safety training remains critical. Your children have access to websites and apps that expose them to cyberbullying, sexting, hacking, and dangerous online predators.
Quick Facts:
• 1 in 6 kids is cyberbullied
• 1 in 4 kids is sexually solicited online
• 23% of teens have been involved in sexting Many of these activities happen at what we perceive to be the “safety” of home. Schools and guardians are having difficulty keeping up with the rapid evolution of technology and may
The Women in Blue Initiative SafetyNet® Program
The Women in Blue Initiative elevates inclusion, leadership, and the advancement and representation of women in all ranks of policing by providing funding for training, mentoring, collaboration, and networking opportunities for rising female leaders in law enforcement.
Fifty scholarships for the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Training Symposium (WLLE), now rebranded Rise: Women in Policing, were provided for SDPD female personnel and their mentors, both sworn and civilian, to attend and receive training and mentoring opportunities needed to stay a step ahead. “Rise” is a unique opportunity for our local female officers to create a strong peer network of contacts across the United States, acquire credentials that allow for advanced assignments, and develop professionally.
SDPD’s Semi-Annual Women’s Leadership Conference provides opportunities for mentorship, camaraderie, and professional growth. Each session attracts over 120 attendees, including the highest-ranking
not have the knowledge or time to instruct our youth on smart cyber choices. SafetyNet® fills this critical gap by going where the kids are.
In the 2024-2025 School Year, SafetyNet® accomplished:
+ 13,740 Students Reached
+ 15,789 Total Attendees
+ 332,363 Individuals Reached since 2011
CYBERCHAT WITH SAFETYNET®
CyberChat with SafetyNet® is your go-to source for navigating the digital landscape with smart cyber choices! Led by our expert SafetyNet® staff, CyberChat delves into trending topics, providing you with insights, tips, and strategies to cultivate a safer and smarter online experience. Topics covered include hackers and scammers, privacy setting tips, social media, video games, cyberbullying, and much more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SAFETYNET® PROGRAM |
female officers.
SDPD’s Annual Women’s Hiring Expo invites prospective candidates to discuss the hiring process, the police academy demands – both academic and physical – and the various opportunities and career paths available with representatives from the K9 Unit, SWAT Unit, and Investigative Unit. Attendees can participate in a Candidate Assistance Mentoring Program (CAMP) workout and receive direction, guidance, and counseling during the hiring process. Candidates learn close-order drills and movements designed to prepare them for the physical and mental rigors of the police academy.
The Rita Olson Legacy Scholarship was awarded to a rising SDPD female leader to continue higher education and advanced training.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WOMEN IN BLUE INITIATIVE
Our Mission
The San Diego Police Foundation proudly supports America’s finest police department by cultivating positive community engagement and helping fund vital equipment and specialized training that ensures peace and safety for all.
WHAT WE DO:
• Fund critical needs for new technologies and lifepreserving equipment;
• Cultivate programs and initiatives that address online safety, promote diversity of SDPD personnel, and deepen police-community relations;
• Enhance leadership, training, and officer wellness within SDPD;
• Advocate for better safety measures and practices in our communities;
• Strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship between SDPD and the public it serves;
• Raise awareness of the outstanding service SDPD provides to our communities.
With every civic amenity we enjoy, like our parks, beaches, mountain trails, or even our libraries and public schools, there is a gap between what the city budget can provide and what is actually needed. In the case of our police, filling that gap can be lifesaving.
We do not fund personnel, regular police vehicles, lethal weapons, or standard officer uniforms and police equipment.
San Diego Police Foundation
550 West C Street, Suite 500
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-2130
development@sdpolicefoundation.org
sdpolicefoundation.org
Women in Blue Honoree, Detective Sergeant Brigitta Belz, with School Safety Patrol at the Women in Blue Luncheon.