Santa Monica Daily Press, February 08, 2011

Page 1

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2011

Volume 10 Issue 75

Santa Monica Daily Press D.A.R.E COMES TO TOWN SEE PAGE 3

We have you covered

THE PACKED TO THE RAFTERS ISSUE

SMPD cleared in de la Torre probe Office of Independent Review finds no wrong-doing, however, questions actions of investigator BY KEVIN HERRERA Editor in Chief

CITY HALL The Santa Monica Police Department’s investigation into school board member Oscar de la Torre’s actions during a fight between two teens was appropriate, as was sending the case on to prosecutors, according to a report released Monday from the Los Angeles County Office of Independent Review (OIR). However, the lead investigator’s actions were questionable, his report containing “an unusual mixture of facts and advocacy,” the report stated. The findings were presented to city officials by OIR chief attorney Michael Gennaco, according to a press release issued by City Hall. The release did not include the total cost to taxpayers for the report. City

officials could not provide that information by presstime. While OIR recognized that it was appropriate for the SMPD to initiate the investigation and refer it to prosecutors based on video evidence and a judge’s decision to issue a search warrant, the report found problems with the lead investigator’s interviewing and report-writing techniques. “[O]ur critical eyes noted that certain interview techniques were employed, such as advocating a point of view and feeding witnesses information, that do not comport with the ‘just the facts’ orientation of common investigative practices,” the report stated. “In addition our review found that there could have been more follow up with witnesses … [and] the report contained an unusual mixture of facts and advocacy, and was not a dispassionate rendering of the facts.”

The OIR made recommendations to address these issues, focusing on best practices in investigative and interview techniques, report writing, training and supervision. “We appreciate the work of Mr. Gennaco and the OIR in conducting this independent and thorough review,” Police Chief Tim Jackman said. “We are committed to following the recommendations of the report entirely. We will be moving swiftly to ensure implementation.” de la Torre became the focus of an SMPD investigation in March of 2010 after he showed up at the scene of a fist fight between two Santa Monica High School students near the Pico Youth & Family Center, which he runs. The center receives funding from City Hall.

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Samohi Vikings control their own playoff fate BY DANIEL ARCHULETA Managing Editor

SAMOHI As the season winds down, Santa Monica High School’s boys’ basketball team holds its playoff destiny in their hands. Currently in fourth place with a 4-4 Ocean League record, Samohi’s matchup up with third place Morningside today at home has taken on heightened importance. A win would tie Samohi for third place with one regular-season game remaining. If both teams win their final games on Thursday, it would create a tie for third place in a league that is granted three automatic playoff berths. That tie would be settled during a one-game playoff on Friday to determine the league’s final playoff entry, said Wendell Yoshida, president of the

SEE REPORT PAGE 9

SEE SAMOHI PAGE 9

Council keeps buses moving, fires at bay Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series that tracks the city’s expenditures appearing on upcoming Santa Monica City Council consent agendas. Consent agenda items are routinely passed by the City Council with little or no discussion from elected officials or the public. However, many of the items have been part of public discussion in the past.

BY KEVIN HERRERA Editor in Chief

CITY HALL To keep more than 120 Big Blue Buses and other city vehicles on the road through the end of the current fiscal year, the City Council is expected tonight to approve a $1.8 million contract for the purchase of liquefied natural gas. In all, the council is expected to spend a little more than $4.6 million Tuesday, much of it going toward the purchase of fuel, street light improvements, a cold milling machine used for street repairs and consultants working on the implementation of the Land Use and Circulation Element, an update to the city’s General Plan that will dictate development in Santa Monica for the next 20 years. Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com

SEE CONSENT PAGE 8

IN STEP: Firefighter Bill Howard (right) performs a back-up line during routine practice at Fire Station Five on 25th Street Monday afternoon.

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