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TO: LOS ANGELES TIMES EDITORIAL
Ernest F. Valdez
15632 Ranchero Road
Hesperia, California 92345
(619) 947-3792
RE: May 22, 1991 "Rumors of Police Blackmail Surface"
Metro-Los Angeles Times
WHY SHOULD YOU BELIEVE ClllEF GATES?
COMPARE HOW
LOS ANGELES DODGERS' MANAGEMENT
HAS PROVED MORE
"CREDITABILITY-"HONESTY" & "STANDARDS"
In 1987, Dodger Vice President Al Campanis was being
interviewed by "Nightlines" Ted Koppel. The purpose of this interview
was to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Jackie Robinson being
picked by the "old" Brooklyn Dodgers to break the major league
baseball's "color barrier in 1947." Al Campanis was a teammate,
friend and supporter of Robinson in the 1940' s.
ABC's Ted Koppel, in the coarse of the interview asked Campanis,
"why are there no black managers and few blacks in baseball
management positions?" Al Campanis' reply while praising the athletic
abilities of blacks, suggested that "they generally don't have what it
takes upstairs-in the old noodle-to handle baseball's executive
jobs." At another point he also declared ''blacks are not good
swimmers because they don't have the buoyancy."
Ted Koppel after one commercial break told Campanis, "from
everything I understand, you 're a very decent man and a respected
man in baseball ... " "I'd like to give you the chance to dig yourself out
because . .. I think you need it. "
Instead, Campanis continued to make a series of replies and getting
c.\tt;ptr and dttptr, rcp\itd Koppel.
page 2-valdez reply.
Ted Koppel, in reply to Campanis' statements during the interview
said "that sounds like the same sort of garbage that we were hearing
40 years ago about players." Peter Ueberroth, then commissioner of
baseball, said about Campanis' statements "they may be ramblings, but
they should be taken seriously."
Al Campanis was fired by Los Angeles Dodger management.
If Chief Gates were held by the same high standards that baseball
is working to maintain ... Chief Gates would have been fired "one year
after becoming Chief of Police in Los Angeles!" Gates' racist
remarks are so numerous and now commonplace in Los Angeles, that
it defies human logic and American ideology.
Mary Henry has not criticized the department. .. but Chief Gates! His
claim that she was "being taken advantage of by the department's
critics" is a cop-out for his management style that has led the L.A.P.D.
into "Blackmail" status! Chief Gates himself has declared, he was
going to "rummage around in my mind" to cite examples of how
council members ask the police to do "all kinds of things that are
inappropriate." What are tho se "inappropriate" things he holds over
the Los Angeles City Council? Why after 10 years of dormancy of the
Police Commissioners, have the City Council members become a
"Chorus Line" for a chief "threatened" with investigation and integrity?
A recent $3. 8 million dollar settlement against Chief Gates' second in
command, Robert Vernon revealed (1) a strong distrust of the
testimony of Chief Gates and Assistant Chief Vernon! Gates is
correct, Vernon "serves at his pleasure" but a jury in Los Angeles has
no fear of Vernon's religious mafia within the L.A.P.D. or its double
standards. Across the nation people wondered how Campanis could
hold such views & can carry out what is clearly an important role in this
day and age ... and that is ending racism on all levels .
Why can't you expect and demand--the same from a Chief of Police?
· ilo5 Angeles <Sli mes
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 1991 * *
. 'QlJ,QTES FRQM, CHIEF GAT~S ur~ ... <
•
Since he became Los Angeles' 49th police chief in 1978, Daryl F.
Gates has made a number of controversial statements that have
offended, in varying degrees, blo.cks, Jews, Latinos, women, casual
drug users and even the State Department .
• 1 9 78: He had been in office barel,Y one month when he remarked
to a Latino auaience thal some Latino officers were not :gromoted
within the LAPD because t he:z: were "lazy." Gales said that he was
only trying to encourage Latino officers to work harder and attain
leadership positions.
• 1979: Gates casually commented at a news conference in England
that if President Jimmy Carter could not rescue the 52 American
captives in Iran , Gates could by sending in h1s SW A'r squad. A short
lime later. ''the State Department called and said, 'Chief, we'd
appreciate il if you'd mind your own business,' "according to Gates.
The chief said he was onlx tri in g to be willl·
• 1980 : At a closed dinner meeting of deputy district attorneys,
Qate~ !;ailed KABC- TV.anchor woman Christine Lund "an Arlan
br oad." Gates later a2ologized 1 Saling the comment was meant 1·in
iesL" aod was "ic tb~ §Uirit of a raucous evening.''
• 1982: Gates angered many Jews by releasing an in-nouse r eport
that suggested that the Soviet Union was sending criminals
disg uised as Jewish immigrants lo Los Angeles to disru2t the 1984
OlvmDic~. Gates went out of his way to make peace with Jewish
leaders, saying that the report was purely speculative and that he
had never expected the media to publicize it.
In an interview. Gates said he had instructed his staff lo
investigate "a hunch'' he had about why so many blacks die from
police use of the carotid chokchold, which cuts off the blood supply
to the b rain. "We may be finding thal in some blacks when It [the
carotid chokeholdj is ai:mlied, lhe veins or arteries do not open up as
fast as they do on normal people." The remark, Gates said, was no
more than a careless choice of words.
• 1984: The City Council approved a ballot measure that would
increase the city's power to discipline and fire department heads,
such as Gates. Then the chief alleged that this would permit undue
political influence by council members on the police and the rest of
the city departments. Then in a statement that angered some council
members, Gates said he was going to "rummage arouna in m:t: mina"
to ci te examples of how council members ask the QOlice t o do "all
kinds Qf things that are inam~ropriate."
• 1 988: In an interview. Gates conceded that he is more "patient
and sensitive" in his dealings with people. But, he added. " 1 can still
be an a rrogant bastard. I've grown harder and softer."
• 1989: In a videotaped messageto·LAPD officers-, Gates used the
term "pantywaists" to describe officers who opposed his Halloween
deployment plan that was intended to prevent a recurrence of the
near-riot that occurred in Hollywood the previous year.
• 1990: At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the first
anniversary of the Bush Administration's war on drugs, Gates said
"casual drug users ought to be taken out and shQL"·Hiii ii~i!ti:mem
was aimed at those "who blast some 12ot QD a cas1,rnl !;2asi:i ana the
damned hypocrites who go out and party on the weekends and snort
cocaine."
Gates said Mayor Tom Bradley had written a "dumb letter" calling
for an investigation of EOSSible 2olice imQrOQrieties in the defense of
Four orr1cers charged with vandalism during a drug raid two.years
ago near 3l:) th ::>treel and Dalton Ave.
• 1 9 91: In an angry statement after the shooting of rookie
policewoman Tina Kerbrat, Gati::i referri:~ to K~r!;2rat's killer as "an
El Salvadoran drunk-a drunk ~hg !1i:iesa' l.b eh:m s: here"
In response to an outpouring of anger from Los Angeles residents
over the videotape that captures LAPD omcers repeatedly striking
defenseless Rodne y G. King, Gates offered an apology to King, but.
further enraged people when he added that he would apologize "in
SEite of the fact that (King's] on 12arole and a convicted robber." '
Compile4 by nmes edl\OtMll reseatcher Cecil.a Rasmussen.
ERNEST F. VALDEZ
15632 RANCHERO ROAD
HESPERIA, CALIFORNIA 92345
(619) 947-3792
TO: L.A. Times Editorial
DATE: March 19, 1991
FAX-TRANSMISSION
RE: Vote of Confidence L.A.P.P.L. \ Chief Gates
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING THIS PAGE: 1
SEE BELOW: x
ACCOMPANYING PAGES: None
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Currently being circulated within every Division within the L.A.P.D. is a
''petition" or "vote of confidence" for Chief Daryl Gates.
While it is admirable that the Los Angeles Police Protective League has taken a
position to "give Chief Gates' his fair chance" (something Chief Gates would
never do in return!) The current methods of trying to obtain and produce a
"showing" of support for Gates' is a "SHAM"
Officers are "told" heres' the vote of confidence for the Chief-sign ..
It is done on a "open" list basis and reviewed by the Division Captain-who
signs--who doesn't ..... Departmental. Peer-Pressure from the management-clone
rewarded system instituted by Chief Gates' is why all this situati.on has been
al.lowed to "Permeate" in the first place ... . Officers' have cal.led to tell me
"embarrassed" We have no choice ...•...
Chief Gates' is the "greatest "CON ARTISTn in Los Angeles-here is but
another example played upon the Citizens' of Los Angeles.
May 14, 1991
To: Los Angeles Times Editorial (Via) Facsimile (213) 237-7679 (2)pages
Re: May 14, 1991 L.A. Times Editorial "Playin~ Poker With Taxpayer Chips"
IF THE TAXPAYER'S DON'T CARE!
WHY
SHOULD THE CITY COUNCIL, GATES OR VERNON?
The Los Angeles City Council took a "bold" move when it voted to go ahead with
the Assistant Chief Vernon's trial. Why? because "letting the chips fall where
they may" would prove or disprove in the public forum the actions o(Gates'
management style within the L.A.P.D.
The Citizens of Los Angeles Found Chief Vernon,,.GUILTY!
Why hasn't the City Council demanded Vernon's resignation-suspension or
"publicly refused to pay any of the punitive damages he might be assessed?"
If a "regular patrol officer" can receive 45 days suspension for reading a magazine
"on duty" What do you deem "fair" and "equal" JUSTICE to an Assistant Chief
who uses City time and employees to 11 further his own means?" (Whatever reason
does the L.A.P.D. have in producing "any" documents for political elections?)
I know, but the Taxpayers don't care nor does the City Council!
Do you know the Taxpayers are paying for L.A.P.D. Officers to play baseball "on
City Time" during working hours! (you see, crime takes a break during day watch
hours!)
Do you know the Taxpayers are paying L.A.P.D. Officers to drive around all day
and do nothing but sell "Golf Tickets?"
Do you Know Chief Vernon "ordered" 20 to 30 "on duty" L.A.P.D. Officers
to attend "his" two hour sermon on "Police Appreciation" at "his church" at
"Taxpayer expense?"
Page 2
Taxpayer's follies
Do you know that the L.A.P.D. was "ordered to issue" a policy statement "barring
religious preference" from influencing assignments and promotions! ( 1987)
It was never issued or com plied with, WHY? Well, Chief Vernon controls
(what has become known among L.A.P.D. officers) as the "Religious Mafia! 11
Taxpayers' pay for these "rapid " promotions and choice assignments of "those
believers that have become reborn!"
Now you have Councilwoman Joy Picu s (a Gates' Cheerleader) "speculating that
the jury may have bee n influenced by the atmosphere surroundin g the Rodney
King affair"
You see "now it is the L.A. Citizens' fault" for deliberatini: a nd serving the
community in which they live. How could the "taxpayers 11 even consider GUILT
or Innocence? Aren't you as a "taxpayer " supposed to "shut up and pay?"
Gates had an opportunity to di scipline Vemon .. . What did he d o? He gave him "an
oral reprimand!" What ever happened to the G ates that claims ... the integrity of
th e Los Angeles Police D epartment is tightly woven into our institutional fabric of
fairness and justice.
Why has the Los Angeles City Council ·~paid every claim of PUNITIVE
DAMAGES awarded against Gates and his management style "clones?"
1 guess the answer is... "THE TAXPAYER DOESN' T CARE!" ...
Ernest F. Valdez
15632 Ranchero Road, Hesperia. California 92345 (619) 947-3792
ERNEST F. VALDEZ
15632 RANCHERO ROAD
HESPERIA, CALIFORNIA 92345
(619) 947-3792
FAX-TRANSMISSION
TO: L.A. Times Editorial, (213) 237-7679
DATE: May 13, 1991
RE: May 12, 1991, L.A. Times, Opinion-Perspective on Police
"It's Time for Gates to Step Down" by Stacey C. Koon.
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING THIS PAGE: 1
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Sergeant Stacey Koon is partly correct on two points,
1. Chief Gates has to give the ''perception" that the current attack is on the
"great" men in blue-to cover up his lack of leade rship for the past 13 years.
2. Under the current Gates' "Promotional,-System" you do have to prostitute
yourself if you want those positions and higher pay!
What Sergeant Stacey Koon overlooked is under L.A.P.D. manual "eeneral
provisions" vol. 1, section 215. 005, conduct of an officer:
Because an officer is the most conspicuous representation of
government, and to most people a symbol of stability and authority most people
can rely. The current Police Administration has adopted the following:
The Los Angeles Police Department ucode of Silence" shall pertain to al,l
officers who have not criticized the Department, their conduct will not be
scrutinized (whether excessive or unwarranted) and al,l "Staff" including
supervisorial positions shall not be respon sible for comparable conduct expected
of persons in other walks of life. An officer must be faithful in his oath to the
Chief, regardless of the principles of professional, police service and objectives
of the Department or its Citizens it is sworn to protect.
Note: This section or enforcement by the Chief, shall not pertain. when
ovenvhelming evidence has been produced ill the Media or the Courts. ie. Video
tape recordings.
FAX-TRANSMISSION
TO: L.A. Times-EDITORIAL (213) 237-7679
DATE: May 16, 1991
RE: Commentary- "What the Anti-Gates Crowd Wants" by Eric Rose
May 16, 1991-L.A. Times Commentary
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING THIS PAGE: 1
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CISCOPS\ROSE
"THE EPITOME OF PUBLIC RELATIONS IGNORANCE"
It has continued to amaze me bow an unemployed actress (Peggy Rowe) th at nobody heard of
before the "King" incident and Eric Rose (a Public Relations man) have emerged as
"EXPERTS" in the field of L.A.P.D. policies and history.
Where was Peggy Rowe when Fanchon Blake was "fighting for equal rights for women" within
the L.A.P.D. (Gates' controlled promotional system)
What makes Eric Rose think the "current L.A.P.D. promotional system" is not based on
''WHO" you know ... not "WHAT" you know?
I realize the "Times" must give "Equal" press to both sides of the "Gates Go" v. "Gates Stay"
factions, but why does it continue to avoid the past "facts" and issues that are the underlying
causes as to "all L.A.P.D. abuses?"
The public relations "citizens group" of CISCOP is nothing more than the extension of Chief
Gates' "Political face-saving tactics" necessary for his run for Mayor of Los Angeles in 1993
I have been fighting the "institutionalized" discriminatory policies for 8 years, both as a Los
Angeles Police Officer and from outside the system. There are "concrete" verifiable facts of
L.A.P.D. management abuses ranging from "Constitutional" violations as well a Civil and State
Laws. What has been an outright abuse of "ethics" both moral and constitutional is the Mayor,
Police Commission and the entire City Council, has avoided taldng any action (to correct mis­management
of the L .A.P.D .) until faced with the reality of the King beating!
The same "rubber stamp" used to give Chief Gates his approval ratings year after year is the
same one used to condone "unfit officers" longevity & promotion, on the L.A.P.D.
If you "really" want, what the anti-Gates crowd wants-give press from someone who know s!