2014 Election LASD Sheriff Lee Baca

Tanaka Supporters to Sue LA County Sheriff’s Department for Retaliation


In the past, attorney Bradley Gage has successfully sued the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
in behalf of various department members who claimed that they had been retaliated against, and/or denied promotions, because they had in some way displeased former undersheriff, Paul Tanaka.

Gage has more lawsuits still in progress, brought by LASD employees alleging retaliation by higher ups, including the case of whistleblower deputies, James Sexton and Mike Rathbun, whose lawsuit Gage has just moved from federal to state court.

For years, according to Gage, when would-be LASD clients came into his office with cases of perceived retaliation, more often than not, Paul Tanaka was named as the one behind, or supporting, these alleged acts of retaliation.

“Now,” said Gage, “Tanaka’s gone and those people who are aligned with Tanaka seem to be the targets.”

Gage said he has agreed to represent five such people claiming retaliation by Sheriff Baca for their very public support of Mr. Tanaka, who is now challenging his former boss as Baca makes a bid for a 5th term in office. “And I’ve gotten calls about five more who are being represented by other attorneys, plus I hear from my clients that there are another four or five still out there who are afraid to come forward.”

Until the lawsuits are actually filed, Gage declined to name those department members who have come to him alleging retaliation. But he did say that his new clients were all people who either stood behind the former undersheriff at the August 15 press conference when he announced his candidacy, or they were listed as one if his supporters in a mid-September campaign announcement—or both.

As to what type of retaliation is alleged, Gage said, “In some cases, what we’re talking about is unjustified transfers to areas very far from home, what they call ‘freeway therapy.’ In other cases, [they are being hit by] internal affairs allegations and, in some instances, criminal allegations, for alleged incidents that are maybe two years old, and have never been pursued. These are things that were known for a long time and were evidently not considered a problem before. They are all situations that suggest disparate treatment, meaning that if you’re ‘in the car,’ as they say, you can get away with stuff, but if you’re not, they’ll come after you.”

Asked whether he was surprised to be approached by self-described Tanaka supporters, when he has repeatedly named the former undersheriff in lawsuits.

“No, because this department has a culture of retaliation,” he said. “It’s been a problem for a long time. But the difference is that now the yellow brick road leads back to Sheriff Baca.”

After speaking with Gage, WitnessLA asked Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore about the new string of allegations of retaliatory treatment reportedly coming from the Tanaka camp.

“Look, we understand that this is politics,” said Whitmore, adding, “Its a political maneuver to bring light to someone they’re supporting. There’s no truth to it.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Tanaka is busily campaigning in 88 cities in 88 days.


Photo of Manny Rayes from Manny Rayes collection, via Mission & State

114 Comments

  • “Its a political maneuver to bring light to someone they’re supporting. There’s no truth to it.”
    Really?
    I’m embarrassed on so many different levels. The statement about the department having a culture of retaliation is just as painful. Why? Because its true.
    So if there is no “freeway therapy” where did the phrase come from? Someone just made it up?
    How does the Captain of personnel, who was the Opts Lt there, and the acting Captain prior to being the Captain, get transferred to a north custody facilitating? How is that in the guidelines of Department needs?
    That is just the latest one. There were several prior. And those who have not been transferred, now have as much juice as a walnut.
    Our “culture” comes from 17 years of failed leadership that allowed this develop. We all know it has existed for years. And as much as I don’t enjoy the view of Mr. T becoming Sheriff, I believe the political spoiled child antics of the sitting Sheriff are just as bad.
    Waldie had his people, Mr. T his little Army, the Sheriff his rich folks, and on down the line. How about we get some leaders who lead by example and allow others to have opinions and ideas of their own. (Yeah I know, fat chance.) How I miss the days of going 10-8 with only the thought of that obs frank.

  • #1. What a mess! This morass of management corruption started with Baca and his Undersheriffs who Baca personally selected.

    Myron wasn´t Undersheriff long enough to do much damage but Myron certainly had his favorites.

    Stonich, who was totally unqualified to hold any executive position, never was able to figure right from wrong and would normally select illegal or unethical methods as a way to protect Baca. Ask Stonich why he left so quickly without a word?

    Waldie was very open about his illegal activities and the one person where most of the Retaliation history begins. Waldie acted most like the Grand Viser to the absent minded Sheikh from Alibaba. Waldie is a very sick man who refused to act ethically or morally. Ask Pat Gomez who opened the flood gates of Retaliation.

    However, Tanaka gets the grand prize for the presence of the Deputy Taliban being instituted on the LASD. Everywhere you look Tanaka placed his gang members in key positions and Tanaka has ORDERED them to start the law suits. If these guys were truly interested in bringing down Baca they should contact the Feds and do what is right! But, for deputies who are accustomed to lying and denying, telling the truth maybe a character trait they just don´t have.

    If you get the chance to read Tanaka´s 88 city tour what a joke! Never answers any questions and suggests a ¨focus group!¨ Paul should have stuck around to hear the comments after he left!

  • It’s a shame what these people have turned the LA County Sheriff Department into. The Department was never perfect, but it was much better before Baca took over. No matter who gets elected I don’t see things getting much better.

  • One thing is for sure, Mr. Gage could care less about who the victims are and who the bad guys are. Yesterday’s perpetrators of injustice are today’s victims. And why???…mo’ money, mo’ money, mo’ money.

  • Oh, the irony of it all. The very people (not all but some) who have been involved in dishing out unconscionable pain and suffering on good people who tried to do their job because Tanaka the Hun snapped his fingers, are now crying foul. These self-serving and pathetic group of enablers have done and continue to do Too Tall Paul’s dirty work unethical bidding so they can curry favor, are now bitching? You can’t make it up, this is too much.

    Olmsted is the only candidate who can pull this sinking ship out of the mess it is in and give the wonderful, hard working men and women of LASD ANY hope. Meanwhile, let Baca and Tanaka keep kicking the shit out of each other. It makes for excellent theater. “Oh when the Feds, come marching in. Oh when the Feds come marching in. You can bet, Tanaka and his cut throats, will be shitting bricks when the Feds come marching in.”

  • Good for them. Retaliation is alive and well in the LASD. Hopefully the wrongs will be corrected soon.

    The LASD is a mess!

  • You guys are right, this is becoming the theater of the absurd. Captain Hebert, of all people, should be the last person to cry foul after he personally oversaw the gaming of every promotional exam that came his way. And he did so with the coaching of his predecessors as well. Wanna guess how many careers were destroyed in the process?

    The only shame is the damage to our department’s reputation, which Lord willing Sheriff Olmsted will repair, and the cost to the taxpayer who has to foot the bill for all this skullduggery.

    Speaking of birds of a feather flocking together, did anybody catch the Gil Carrillo endorsement of Tanaka? Hilarious! Like peas in a pod, two unscrupulous individuals find a reason to associate behind a common enemy, their former benefactor.

  • After I read the JDIC of Captain Herbert being transferred to Wayside from Personnel, I saw the picture of Captains and above standing behind Tanaka when he announced he was running for Sheriff and on his Face Book the names of the Captains who were endorsing him; I knew some freeway therapy was about to happen and more.

  • #8- There is an army of others endorsing and supporting Tanaka.

    It should be a great Sheriff’s race!

  • Bradley Gage does not care about LASD. He just wants to make money. Anyway, Baca can move management staff anywhere he pleases. Stop your crying Tanakas punks.

  • You reap what you sow! The Tanaka camp is shameless. Isn’t this a form of “whistle blowing?” So apparently he wasn’t raised to be a “whistle blower,” but he fostered a bunch of them. This is the kind of ironic, two faced side of the department of which I wish the general public was more aware, so they could crave the change we need.

    @ “it’s time”: you are exactly right, all Brad Gage cares about is the money. Should be good for the Deputies who have lawsuits because now these same idiot supervisors who have retaliated against them will have to admit that the retaliation exists. Hopefully, some smart judge and/or jury will tell them (supervisors) to pound sand for trying to claim they are victims of culture they fostered!

  • Rumors are flying that there is about to be a bunch of Captains (those in the picture) being moved and get this, more Mr. T folks getting promoted. Again rumors, I am hoping somebody here has the inside.

  • Well lets think of this one. Transferring people with very little experience from Sergeant until? Most of these people didn’t work a year at any rank. What happened to the old days when a Captain would have to work a station until they could get to a specialized unit. There is a lack of leadership because people lack knowledge and fortitude. Oh yea, 3 out of 4 new Captains, I bet you can’t guess what camp they are in……88 city tour

  • I have to say… There is a significant difference between being a “whistle-blower” and protecting ones self from unfare or punitive labor practices. Either way, there are times when a certain course of action is not only prudent, but necessary. Look at it this way… Regardless of who the Assistant Sheriffs, Undersheriffs, or other execs are or have been, the unethical and unacceptable behavior continues. That is because one common denominator has remained. I hate to say it, but unless everyone is on the same page, the LASD will remain in a cesspool of poor leadership and double standards.

  • Part of the mission statement of the Personnel Administration is:

    “To base our decisions and our actions on ethical, honest, and practical perspectives thereby not compromising the foundation of the Civil Service process or Departmental policy and procedure.”

    Allegations of a cheating scandal on the sergeant’s exam, questionable D.S.T. hires, the nepotism ,and  a Captain’s.  interview that  some recruits  referred to as  a joke. I’m no  fan of Leroy, but he can pull the some files  of some offered employment  under Kevin and justify his decision. This and other issues are what  did Hebert as Personnel Captain. 

  • From what I know, Hebert and Tubbs were not victims of freeway therapy, they are both subjects in an IA investigation and must be moved. Hebert for leaking the test answers to a chosen few, and Tubbs for his comments about the sheriff and management in violation of the new MPP. The Tubbs movement will be announced soon. Regardless of who you support for sheriff, IMO Hebert should be fired and Tubbs demoted since he stated his duties and responsibilities are unclear.

  • I hear Baca has a civilian Volunteer who is a CONVICTED Felon who sits on the Homeland Security Commission.

    Causing everyone to scramble.

    Rumor is there was a “note” stating that he gave $20,000.00 was found in his volunteer jacket!!!

    I hope the FBI is reading this and open an investigation into Baca ASAP!!!

  • Nancy Drew:

    They can make up any reason and try to make it stick. That’s what corruption does and that’s what history has shown us. I wonder what excuse this regime will use to ruin peoples careers and initiate other erroneous investigations?

    All these carnival acts under the watchful eye of the Feds. Now wonder the department is a mess.

  • Speaking of the Homeland Security Advisory Councils, here’s some weirdness that I stumbled upon:

    http://www.sgvexaminer.com/images/2013/A%20January%203%20-%209%2013.pdf
    http://www.sgvexaminer.com/images/2012/A%20June%2021%20-%2027%2012.pdf
    http://articles.latimes.com/2006/apr/07/local/me-badges7

    While the article about S/R Chief Nalbandian fabricating unauthorized LASD identification for his friends was from 2006, he remains tight with Baca today. Would be fascinating to know what discipline transpired. Certainly any of us would have been fired. The other articles are just ridiculous puff pieces from some Glendale rag, but they reveal the names of some of these Friends Of The Sheriff who were supposedly purged a few years ago but are clearly still around (doing nothing of value).

    Besides the fact that none of these clowns have worked patrol, yet parade around with Chief, Commander, Captain and Lieutenant titles and stars/bars, WLA or others really ought to look into who they are and why they have such titles and obvious access. The regulars and reserves who take bad guys to jail certainly don’t.

  • Unfortunately when you hire on you agree to work any shift at any location in the county. Despite what it certainly appears to be I cant see a suit doing anything. Keep in mind the public doesn’t care about this kind of thing…news today and forgotten tomorrow. Since so many deputies live outside LA county getting them aroused accomplishes little

  • The homeland security support unit should have been disbanded long ago. . It is nothing more than a  bunch of Baca’s donors. There  was an investigation in 2006 by the State Attorney and IA, but of course nothing wrong was found.  How about 
    Abram Sardarian trying to use the Sheriff’s name and  his badge to gain access to a Glendale  crime scene. He was temporary strip of his position, but currently is back in dept. today. They also had Ousama “Sam” Karawia, who was convicted of fraud earlier this year. Interesting how many of the reserves  in the SGV article   are also  big donors to the Sheriff. If Leroy had any integrity and brains, these guys and their “support units would have been gone long ago.  No surprise they may be wrestling with a possible convicted felon among  their cast of characters. Leroy continues to make political decisions that benefit himself,  instead of  sound business decisions that benefit the department. 

    http://articles.latimes.com/print/2007/jan/29/local/me-badges29
    http://articles.latimes.com/print/2008/jan/23/local/me-baca23
    http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/jury-convicts-security-firm-owner-in-workers-comp-fraud-case.html

  • #26- In your second article, it’s interesting to see that the reserve invoked the name of the Sheriff and disgraced Bell corruption scandal Chief, Randy Adams. Hmmm.

    “Sardarian, who identified himself as a reserve deputy, approached a Glendale patrol officer guarding the front of the house and displayed his badge and gun in an attempt to gain access to a scene clearly marked with yellow tape, the sources said.

    When he was rebuffed, he appeared to take offense, invoking the names of Baca and Glendale Police Chief Randy Adams, the sources said. He told officers at the scene he would be placing calls to both men, said the sources, who spoke on the condition that they not be identified.”

  • Who cares if these supervisors get “Freeway Therapy” they are driving a Tax Payer owned Dodge Hemi Charger filled with Tax Payer Gas and talking on the Tax Payer paid I-Phone. BOO HOO! There is so much cover up occurring in my department I have had it. 16 more months and I flush the Toilet!! I know where a lot of Bodies are Buried! Are the Chong brothers still reserves?

  • Yes, Commanders  Dennis and Chester are still reserves. Leroy fought like hell to keep from turning over information  to the Times about those two. Just last month Chester caused quite a stir in the Chinese  community.

     The lawsuits about assignment change will go nowhere. It’s not an entiitlement for any of 100,000 plus County of Los Angeles employees to choose work locations. We go where we are needed. In some cases if you don’t perform and are not elected, be prepared to be moved.

    http://articles.latimes.com/print/2012/apr/02/local/la-me-reserve-cars-20120402
    http://www.alhambrasource.org/news/suspected-member-chinese-communist-party

  • #30: Sorry–so we’re employing a reserve “commander” who is a member of the Chinese Communist Party, and who apparently routinely carries handcuffs on his person? (Guessing the “badge” is actually a belt buckle and he’s just poorly dressed (check out the tie) and, probably not having completed an actual academy experience, doesn’t know what a gig line is). Honestly, Celeste, LA Times, someone has got to write a piece that ties all these characters and scandals together.

    By the way, anybody else notice in the links below (same as my prior post above) that S/R Sgt. Jack Tehanian actually put sergeant stripes on his Class A uniform, and that S/R Commodore Nalbandian wears commanders’ stars? Honestly, this all just just reminds me of a trend I read about in Asian cultures, where people with boring day jobs form military-like clubs, where they dress up in fake military costumes, with fake titles, and hold banquets and give each other awards. A social club that makes pansies feel like heroes. It’s obviously tremendously pathetic and disrespectful to the people who actually do wear the real uniform, and who have earned their titles … but they don’t care, because it’s just adult-playtime. And that’s basically what these chumps look like here. And I honestly don’t know what’s worse–that the sheriff doesn’t get it, when he attends these ridiculous events that would make you or I throw up in the back of our throats, or that he does get it and doesn’t care.

    http://www.sgvexaminer.com/images/2013/A%20January%203%20-%209%2013.pdf
    http://www.sgvexaminer.com/images/2012/A%20June%2021%20-%2027%2012.pdf

  • Some of these comments show part of the reason why the LASD is in shambles. The level of education and comprehension of its employees (not just the ones commenting) is very low.

  • @Fed Up. These jackals were complicit in destroying the careers of many a good men and women of LASD to appease the little man. Folks, if you are sick and tired of scandal, corruption and all the dysfunction then quit bitching and do something about. Turn over the dirt to WLA, the Times , CH7 or the FBI. This is all pathetic, is this the organization you want to belong to? I think not because Baca and Tanaka are two peas in a pod. Join Bob Olmsted to clean house instead. This shit won’t ever end until there is change. Olmsted for Sheriff 2014.

  • Well I hate to say, “I told you so”. Kevin is one of the most incompetent people imaginable. Tubbs, now she is one piece of work as well.

    It was just a matter of time before they cleaned house over at Personnel. Hebert leaked test answers, hired people whom should never of been hired, fired employee’s with no basis, and many other outlandish things. I’m surprised he still has a job!

    [EDITOR’S NOTE: IN THE ABSENCE OF PROOF THIS IS ALL GOSSIP, AND GOSSIP THAT LEANS TOWARD SLANDER. WATCH IT OR I’M GOING TO START DELETING.]

    However, I guess he’ll be doing a lot of paperwork up north. Oh wait, he’s a “cops cop” Hebert doesn’t do paperwork like he’s stated.

    Does anyone ever know what happened with his kid and the rape charges?

  • Remember it was  Gary  Nalbandian  that gave sheriff I.D. Cards to members of his group with Leroy’s signature, without Leroy’s permission. Most ethical people would have returned his  campaign contributions checks and gotten away from this guy. Not our  boy, he’s out partying Gary. He even sends Sheriffs staff to the groups meetings in Glendale every month.  Seriously, we would be fired for forging the signature of the  Sheriff.  The Sheriff states we need these groups for translators and to gain terrorist information.   The County  of Los Angeles pays good money to employ those who translate languages for all 35 department, and we don’t have to give them a uniform, badge, or car. The perks  and ridiculous reasons why  he gives these check writing clowns  privileges are an insult to sworn personnel that have legitimately earned titles in the Department. 

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SOnTnlAEZk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

  • A warning to all voters….the relationship between Tanaka and Lt Thompson…should be alarming enough…..both Lynwood Vikings and both act like gangsters with suits. Back in the 90’s I was told by a close confidant of Sheriff Baca’s that certain untrusting people were aligning themselves with the Sheriff, i.e. Tanaka, that would embarrass him in the future. Gee, someone saw the writing on the wall. Good Luck Baca, clean house, and show the voters your true sincerity…..

  • Following the money is always a good practice – it tells the story without all the bs. Too bad no one paid attention way back in 1998 when then retired chief Baca accepted campaign contributions and attended fundraisers hosted by a “supermarket owner” named Vignali. This cat happened to have a son in the federal penitentiary doing heavy time for cocaine trafficking. Well, Papa Vignali raised about a third of Baca’s money to challenge the dying Block, and Baca repaid the favor by lobbying Clinton for a pardon for his benefactor’s son. Congressional hearings laid this all out, including a sheriff’s letter with his signature addressed to the White House – classic!

    Nalbanian, the self-professed terrorism “expert,” who Baca claimed is the only thing standing between us and another 911, raised over $140,000 for Moonbeam as a “bundler” of campaign contributors.

    Not to be outdone by all these shenanigans, Tall Paul jumped in on the action and joined Baca in shaking down more than $200,000 from their own subordinates, roughly split in half. It took ol’ Leroy 15 years to decide that it wasn’t a good idea to accept money from the very people who he had to make employment decisions on!

    Anybody left standing who still wants to claim to be an honest, ethical, member of this department (past or present) should sprout a spine and tell Bob Olmsted thank you and where do I sign up to help? The department needs good leadership, not a gaggle of jellyfish.

    You have the right to support anybody or nobody, but I recommend removing the mirrors in your house if cheering on the Banakas is your game plan.

  • CORRUPTION: An ex compton station sergeant, we will only ID as J.O received two (2) cars from a tow company in Compton. Here are the plates: 6GWV414 (HON/BLK) and 6GUH442 (HON/RED). LASD management knew of this incident.

  • The department is in trouble. There is really no real candidate to support . They all have their skeletons in their closets and its going to get pretty dirty during election time.

    Baca’s. lost touch and trusted Tanaka to run dept.

    Tanaka supports loyalty to his cause and made some promotional moves that the dept will have to pay for years to come

    Olmsted a whistle blower who says he tried to fix dept and never blew his whistle until after he retired…. Not a sign of good leader .

    I think the department members need to find a strong candidate to support and tell all these other guys to get lost and let the dept heal.

    This is still a great dept. Its deffinately been good to me.

    Their is no substitute for leadership and integrity and these candidates forgot about that along time ago.

    Lets get a real candidate ….. !

    Paul Jernigan “Mr J” for Sheriff. Lets stand behind someone that the community and the dept can trust.

  • 39: You are wrong and obviously new to the blog or in a fog. Olmsted came forward long before he retired and that’s why Chief Burns retired because Burns admitted that Olmsted told him about the abuses. Later Baca also admitted that he was told by Olmsted about the abuses. Get informed before you write! It might help??

    If you can find someone without a skeleton that means they don’t have a backbone!! Get real!

  • It’s pretty weak for these Olmsted backers to make accusation of Mr Hebert and Mr Tubbs, I guess that’s how they operate. #39 you are absolutely correct about Olmsted, why didn’t he go to the media when he was Captain or Commander to blow the whistle? Why did he wait so long after he retired? Something smells pretty bad. How can Olmsted understand the needs of Los Angeles County if he has been residing in Orange County? Things that make you go hmmmmmmm……

  • Tanaka can go on his orchestrated 88 city “Donkey Show” all he wants, but come election time he is going to be asked the tough questions. One of the major concerns of the jail commission is the formation of Deputy Gangs/Cliques, what will Tanaka say, when he was in a tattooed gang at Lynwood Station in which millions were paid out in Federal settlements due to misconduct. What will he say when he again formed another clique of misfits at HQ where they were issued numbered coins and granted special access to his “Cigar Club”. Why wouldn’t these young deputies form a gang/clique? Hell, the man who was running the department is a member of a couple! Tanaka talks of restoring the chain of command, when he was the one who destroyed that chain of command across the entire department with his moles inserted in every specialized unit on the department, whom would report to him directly. Yes, come election time, the fireworks will ignite!

  • What good is this rendered freeway therapy to high positions in key units if their sheep are left behind to mull in the unit after their absence? These Captains that are Tanaka supporters have conformists under them that they brought to their units because the Captain knows they will ask “how high?” when they say “jump.” If any leader, who sits on the fourth floor, is to ever clean house it is going to take the removal of their predecessors remaining in the unit as well. Otherwise, confidential information will continue to be leaked to the removed leader.

    Case in point, I’ve observed that many throughout the department are familiar with the name Bobby Tubbs but few realize that there are TWO Tubbs in LASD. Mr. Tubbs’ wife is the Ops Lt. at Personnel. [EDITED BY THE MANAGEMENT. GEEZE, PEOPLE!] She is loyal to no one but will do what her husband tells her to do. Kevin Hebert is gone – big deal. He was a tool anyway. It doesn’t matter the unit you send Mr. Tubbs to, Mrs. Tubbs still sits at Personnel, still has access to vital, portal information regarding LASD. …Guess we can all be certain of what their dinner conversations consist of…

    Oh! And since #32 does have a point, I thought it would be fitting to include a formal definition of the word “sheep”: a meek, unimaginative, or easily led person. to separate good people from bad or those intended for a specific end from unqualified people.

  • 43: BS! Didn´t you read the Tanaka policy that all personnel are forbidden to give information to the press? Baca lives in San Marino. What does San Marino know or care about problems in Compton? Baca is a local boy so by your own illogical logic Baca is best suited for sheriff? Tanaka has two homes, one in Diamond Bar, in violation of the law by not living in Gardena? As far as things smelling bad take a shower and that stench you smell won´t be so bad! Things that go hmmm well you know about hmmm more than anybody else!

  • #39: Mr. Jernigan ran for Sheriff in the 2006 race and scored last in a field of five candidates. Also, he garnered 4.5% of the vote, as opposed to Baca’s 66.8%, as seen in these official election results http://www.laalmanac.com/election/el34.htm.

    Also, his website from that campaign (http://digital.library.ucla.edu./websites/2006_996_005/welcome.html) indicate that he has neither education beyond high school nor military experience, as opposed to two candidates (Vince & Olmsted) who both have advanced degrees & served as ground-pounders in the military–Vince in the USMC, Olmsted in the U.S. Army.

    Is Jernigan still stuck last?

  • #43 That smell you are smelling is your cigar! Might want to put it out and get some fresh air. #45 Mr. and Mrs. Tubbs are divorced! Due to an affair he had. I’m fairly sure there is no dinner conversation.

  • Wow, the misinformation being thrown out is shameful. First off, the captain at personnel did not leak anything. Everything that came about regarding the test was found to have been traced to a single “Subject Matter Expert.” That SME had no ties whatsoever to the captain. As for Ms. Tubbs, that’s right Ms., she and the Mr. have been divorced for a while and it would seem their split was less than amicable, she is dedicated to her job, period… Let me see, if you check around, even do a simple internet search, you’ll see Tanaka has lived in Gardena practically all his life, and still does. Look into it. I did.

    If you believe I am taking sides, you’d be wrong. I just believe in people making well informed decisions based on facts. Facts that come from reliable sources, not rumor or conjecture. Just do your homework before you go laying people out, especially if you foolishly decide to use names. If it’s true, it will stand. If it isn’t, you may be called on it and it won’t reflect well on you or your chosen candidate. This libelous slander needs to stop. You should all know better. #19, it would seem that your post has merit, although I was skeptical at first. I would like to see some hard evidence of the connection though.

  • Looks like I hit a nerve and must be true that Olmsted is an Orange County resident….kind of hard to take him serious about being the Sheriff of LOS ANGELES COUNTY when he only cares about buried bodies rather than the communities of Los Angeles County…..oh wait, that sounds like a self serving agenda…….very interesting

  • Our department is going downhill. We have “leaders” who didn’t do any real time going 10-8. They are just pretenders. Tanaka what a joke. Baca can’t remember yesterday. Some of us know the real stories about our “leaders”. It’s time to let it out and see where it goes..

  • @”True North”:”do a simple internet search, you’ll see Tanaka has lived in Gardena practically all his life, and still does. Look into it. I did.”

    You just lost all credibility by making yourself sound like that commercial where the girl is going on the blind date with “the French Male Model.” Must be true because it’s on the internet?

    So let me get this straight he lives in Gardena, but his wife lives in Diamond Bar with the kids (unless he moved recently I know this for a fact). As much as some of us think that is actually the perfect arrangement, I doubt that is true. However, if it is, he’s my hero!

  • Who cares where he lives as long as he is off the Department and not able to screw with people anymore…

  • #53, You are correct that they do still own a house in Diamond Bar. But, it is my understanding, his primary residence is in Gardena. A primary residence is where a person usually resides, which can obviously be a misnomer. Your point is well taken, but where are the facts? And while you insist on detracting, Tanaka grew up in Gardena and has lived in the city for a very long time, which would back up what public records indicate. So, as far as credibility goes, the facts are in the records, not in what I hear or choose to believe. Check public records related to all the candidates and you’ll see for yourself what is true and what is not. Besides, you don’t think people have checked and rechecked this claim while he has been mayor of the city. Come on now…. Show me something I can hang my hat on and I will concede… Until then, good day to you…

  • Thanks Celeste for clarifying that with “EX280TS,” but rest assured that was not going to happen. Making the point that Tanaka is not being truthful is one thing, posting his address and possibly jeopardizing he and his family’s safety is another.

  • James Carter, if that is your best shot at trying to discredit Olmsted, that only verifies that he IS the true threat to the status quo. You don’t make a whole lot of sense, would you rather keep all the bodies buried and somehow that serves the best interest of the “communities of Los Angeles county?”

    Mr. Olmsted served the residents of Los Angeles County his entire adult life, and served his nation in wartime as a young man. He just happens to live in Los Angeles county and meets all the requirements to run for sheriff, much to your dismay!

    Both Hebert and Tubbs are cigar-coin carrying good ol’ boys who owe their entire professional “success” to Tall Paul, as their resumes tend to run as thin as their performances would indicate. They were placed in positions to serve the very narrow interests of Tanaka’s empire-building ambitions, nothing more. Deal with the truth.

    I’m always curious why people with such naked ambition like Tall Paul never took the time to develop themselves professionally, but spent their entire careers skulking and slithering through the halls of power, looking for any angle to get a toehold up the ladder.

    James Carter, I encourage you to educate yourself a little more about Bob Olmsted, and read through his website. His career journey is exactly what a good leader’s resume should look like.

    Hmmmmmm.

  • @34. You must not know Kevin Hebert. I’m sure you have never worked for him, or worked around him; because if you had, you would know that what you wrote is not true. I am a civilian employee at Personnel, I have never worked for a better Captain in over 20 years. All of my friends felt the same way. He truly cares about people and works harder than anyone I’ve ever met. I would like to know who he hired that was so bad. It’s my understanding that deputies that were hired 5 or 6 years ago under another Captain have been the main source of problems. Who did he leak test answers to? Who did he fire? I’m sure you don’t have the answers to these questions, because your statements aren’t true.

  • EDITOR’S NOTE:

    Everyone, please watch your allegations. There’s a lot on this very rich thread that is of real interest to all of us, but there are also allegations made with no facts attached, some of which skate perilously close to slander.

    I’ve been in and out of town, so have not always caught everything in as timely a fashion as I would like. But #63 got me to look back at #34, which is an example of what I’m talking about.

    Here’s the deal: please write with care, as if your real names were attached. No matter who you do or do not favor, I trust that we all want the best department possible.

    Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

    C.

  • The problems in personnel have been well documented. This past May one of our former Sheriff Security officers murder conviction was upheld. Mr. Ochoa was hired in the  Departments  rush to hire civilian  armed guards, when we took over the County Police in 2011. Wasn’t personnel  under Mr. Hebert watch at that time? We had some good  hires and  others  like Mr. Ochoa, not so much. It becomes a problem when the not so great hires have recently  promoted  to sworn positions. Mr. Hebert was also in charge when we put one deputy in the academy.  Who also happened to be a friend of Baca’s son.  It seems strange we couldn’t  have him complete the academy with class 385 which started in Aug. of 2011 with over 60 LASD recruits. He could have continued to work in  a civilian position  for a few more months, like others from that class did. Was that cost effective to the tax payers? This passed July, IA open an investigation in to cheating on the Sergeant’s  exam. Last Wednesday, Judge  Michelle R. Rosenblatt gave the Times permission  again to publish information they have on   backgrounds  investigations.  It was only a matter of time that Mr. Hebert would be reassigned.  

    http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-judge-rejects-attempt-to-block-publication-of-sheriffs-deputies-backgrounds-20131009,0,3131372,print.story

    http://articles.latimes.com/print/2013/jul/18/local/la-me-ln-20130718-sheriffs-brass-suspect-deputies-of-cheating-for-promotions

    http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/nonpub/B239196.DOC

    http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/29/local/la-me-baca-hire-20110529

  • @ “True North”: we can go back and forth all day about where Tanaka really lives and many other things, but the fact is you will believe what you want. I would expect nothing less from Tanaka than to keep a residence in Gardena (you don’t have to like him to admit he is intelligent), first so that he can continue to be part of the city council and second, when he loses the election for Sheriff he’ll be able to “somewhat” maintain his hunger for power.

    My question for you, and the rest of the Tanaka supporters is this, why do you guys bad mouth Olmsted for having lived in Orange County and now moving to LA County in order to meet the criteria to run for Sheriff. He like so many others on our department felt the need to live elsewhere, for whatever reason, rather than in the county for which they work (can’t really blame them). It was only after he (Olmsted) felt compelled to help fix the department, that he chose to move.

    On the other hand, you have Tanaka who has always talked about being the Sheriff and yet feels the need to maintain two residences. I would be willing to bet, if he were two win the election for Sheriff, he would then admit Diamond Bar as his primary residence (of course I hope that never happens). Which of the two sounds deceitful?

  • Any deputy that worked Walnut between 2008 and 2012 can tell you where our Dear Past leader lived. They saw him jogging in the morning along Grand Av, heard him complain about graffiti along the 60 Fwy, had to deliver flowers to his condo after his child was born and investigated the case when his step-son was robbed. I know, he was REALLY living in Gardena!!! His Gardena house was just being remodeled for FOUR years. But of course, this is just another GRAY area of election law that we can all ignore.

    Hebert ENSURED that promotional testing was absolutely SECURE and not compromised. Funny how a region 2 buddy knew most of the questions on my oral exam. I’m sure it was all coincidental.

    North, Carter, Pink Owl, et. al. attempts at revisionist history is COMICAL…..They blame Olmsted for not fixing the jail when his boss (BANAKA) wouldn’t hear of it. They criticize him going public after he retired.

    Funny, I didn’t see the MIGHTY MIDGET going public or fixing anything until he was finesed into retirement. I didn’t hear him going public about a detached, nutty sheriff before last March.

    Funny, I thought his cementhead soldiers were too tough to hire an attorney like Gage to fight their battles. I thought they settled their battles in the parking lot of Compton Station with a reving Tahoe or in the elevator at Century Station. I guess they have converted to WHISTLEBLOWERS!

    I’m impressed that Tanaka can pretend he had nothing to do with this mess with a straight face. How come so many Department employees watched King Paul’s testimony at the Jail Commission Hearing and left before the leader of the Department (Sheriff Baca) testified?? Who’s really in charge??

    The answer is as plain to see as the shine off of Moonbeam’s head.

  • So the questions still remains, why didn’t Olmsted fix the problems at MCJ? If he was a true leader he would have fixed them, and the department wouldn’t be where it is today. Hmmmmmm……I guess he was to busy commuting in from the OC…..

  • So after the cheating scandal of the LASD Sgt. test was fixed and a 09/13/2013 letter was sent to its candidates informing them of the adjusted scores due to the CHEATING of certain individuals.

    On October 03, 2013, a new letter was sent regarding the Sgt. test. The letter states that the only people that would be affected would be the personnel that took the Custody/Patrol test.

    The above statements are fact from the Department…

    Through various Department friends 30-40 earlier Deputies that failed the Custody part of the test have now passed it and have a November 4 oral interview.

    Even more concerning is the Custody personnel with contacts that didn’t pass or barely passed. Apparently certain individuals have had their scores adjusted to insure they will get promoted. Even though the letter stated no Custody personnel would be affected

  • Carter has been sized up, measured, and found wanting. I don’t think he understands the nature of paramilitary organizations and chains of command. When the guy with three or four stars is busy sending his sycophants to your jail under orders to report directly to him, exactly what are you going to fix that does not get vetoed by the little guy with the big ego?

    Don’t worry about Olmsted’s commute by the way, it’s considerably shorter…

  • #73…..Outstanding point because we know very well this did NOT just happen in Custody Division.

  • So I was informed that Baca was asked how to stop Carping in a deputy meeting, he said we need about 36 million to stop Carping. Low and behold the BOS approves 36 million thinking that Carping would be finished and Baca spends all the money on EBI, wtf. The BOS needs to get to the bottom of where the funds are going and help throw MoonBeam to the curb.

  • LT. M.S FROM INDUSTRY STATION WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH 647b….oh! Boy. THANKS BACA AND TANAKA FOR YOUR WEAK LEADERSHIP.

  • Lt. Michael Strickland, Industry Station, just made the news. Got arrested for prostitution….thanks Baca for your great leadership.

  • #’s 77 & 78: FYI that story can be Googled, as of right now, search words “L.A. Times: Sheriff’s Lieutenant arrested for prostitution.”

    Lotsa entries under that Google entry & it’ll keep you up all night reading it all.

  • “Hi sailor, new in town?” But then there are the executives who have their own way with the ladies and nothing is ever said. Go figure.

  • Anybody want to bet they let this Lt. retire before they fire him? You guys come visit us at Greg Thompson’s retirement party this Friday. We will have dear leader say a few words, pass the hat around, and figure out who else is approved to sue the department.

    Tickets are $50 and all proceeds go to the Lynwood Vikings defense coalition and community outreach fund.

  • Hey Jack, show up to the gathering and maybe you’ll have the opportunity to meet some real street cops that weren’t chained to a desk for their entire career.

  • @87, you raise a good point. That party is as much as “surprise” as what GT did to those young men was a “mistake”. Those guys think they are so slick. However, I can’t wait to see the atmosphere in this room. You know when dear leader stands up to say it few words, it is definitely going to show up in a negative campaign add in 2014. I wonder if they are going to check people at the door. You don’t know who is in the crowd or who wants to crash the party.

    Hidden cameras, wires, and informants oh my! You could not write a better mafia scene if you tried. Just remember to smile and say cheese…. I am going to enjoy a beer and watch the fireworks at this one. See you there.

  • The biggest “surprise” is the feel good whistle blower Olmsted testifying on BEHALF of five Mexican Mafia members, two of which have life sentences, as a use of force expert. I can understand testifying for the Department, but what a surprise he is going against the Department and for the Mexican Mafia members. Now I truly question Olmsted’s agenda and what his connection he has to the Mafia.

  • So no one wants to comment on how the Department is now handing out Sgt. promotions by adjusting scores to the chosen. Total hypocrites dogging either party. A bunch of Rhinos acting like Conservatives is all I see here.

  • #90 Carter, you can’t be a policeman? Please tell me you are just a confused civilian trying to desperately push Tanaka’s agenda! The Olmstead-EME nexus you are throwing out is laughable. Let us in on your parody please!

  • @ “James Carter”: are you sure Olmsted testified as a “force expert” on behalf of the Mexican Mafia or was he subpoena by the defense, with no choice but to testify truthfully? If I were you I would check my facts, because if your wrong and you just put it in writing you could be setting yourself up for a lawsuit.

    Are you really going to spin this as a connection between “Mexican Mafia” and Olmsted? I guess the Tanaka supports have to come up with something to tarnish his (Olmsted’s) credibility and integrity. The difference is, one persons written word hardly holds the same weight as numerous facts about Baca and Tanaka!

  • If that’s true Carter where is the Criminal case number and name of this case Olmstead testified at? Court case are public record, so if it’s true, put it up.

  • James Carter, it’s okay to shill for Tanaka out of desperation, but you don’t get to make up your own set of “facts.” Olmsted was subpoenaed to testify as a result of his testimony to the CCJV, and you will see a parade of individuals, both retired and still on the department, that will be forced to respond to subpoenas.

    To try to somehow link anyone who has to respond to a subpoena with organized crime, well, that speaks volumes of who you are. I would probably encourage the Tanaka camp to distance themselves from your efforts if they wish to remain viable.

  • Carter, you are pathetic. Olmsted did NOT testify as a force expert and you know it. If you were one of the 15 or so LASD representatives sitting behind Mr Cruz (and I can name names) acting like gangsters, eye fucking the witnesses, then you know exactly what Olmsted did and did not say.

    What you posted is a straight out lie, right out of the Viking handbook. Make up shit and play the character assassination game. Are you that desperate that you have to cheat, lie and fabricate against an opposing candidate? You wiped what little sense of honor and integrity you had and flushed it with that posted comment. By the way, where is Tanaka in all of this MCJ mess? “I got your back, fellas,” were his words. He is no where to be found, ’cause it’s all about him, just watch.

  • P.S, Carter, you question Olmsted’s agenda and connection to the mafia? Get real. In fact, I got one for you. Let’s set up an interview with CH7 with Olmsted and Tanaka, do it live. Let see if Tanaka would make the exact, word for word, bullshit comment you just posted. Tanaka can call a news conference anytime he wishes and parrot your comment. Let’s do it cowboy. Do it in front of Olmsted, let him respond. Let Tanaka sing your song, what do you say? Come on son, break out that smoke wagon and put it to work! Are you just gonna stand there and bleed? That’s what I thought. You talk your trash in the shadows and run. You have no honor.

  • Good one #98. And I agree with #93, this person “James Carter” probably thinks he/she won’t get sued. What complete and utter arrogance to display that type of comment on this blog regarding a peace officer being ordered to testify in court.

  • Someone want to start that missing person report on “James Carter?” I’m willing to bet, either he does not come back to try and defend himself, he’ll lay low and pop up and say something stupid on another subject, he’ll post something simple minded like Tanaka for Sheriff or he’ll change his screen identity and come back as someone else.

  • Get Real nailed it. Always bonus points for quoting Tombstone, of course.
    Carter, this was one of two scenarios. Either you don’t know enough about how the court system works (made any arrests? Had to testify much?) or you just decided to straight out lie about the situation. Scenario #1, you’re woefully ignorant and should resolve never to post again. Scenario #2, you are so desperate and terrified for your candidate that a real live policeman with integrity is going to be challenging him, that you decided to post lies in the hopes of bullshitting everyone. You’ve been called on it and embarrassed good and proper. If you have any shame (I know, what are the chances) just walk away with your tail between your legs and leave your candidate to implode on his own. He really doesn’t need your help.

  • Testifying is merely verbalizing the facts. Many if us have done it, and in doing so we sometimes lost cases. Not because the defendant was not guilty but because we made an error. We didn’t lie, or hide the facts, because we are suppose to find facts and truths.
    Somehow over the years leadership encouraged the three page obs arrest report. Deputies no longer reviewed case law nor did they know the manual of policy. Heck even supervisors who came to stations were there for a minute before they left to a new, “better” assignment.
    So forgive James Carter for his ignorance and blind loyalty to a group that does not represent us, nor will it “represent” him when the feces is applied to the fan.
    Mr Olmstead was called to court to testify to the facts. They do not paint a pretty picture of the department, MCJ, or the leadership, at that point and time.
    This causes the ignorant and blind to label him a traitor and defense expert.
    THAT IS THE MENTALITY THAT IS CAUSING OUR DEPARTMENT A LOT OF TROUBLE, EMBARRASSMENT, AND LACK OF QUALITY POLICE WORK.
    To those who did not believe the leadership has failed miserably in the past several years, please read Mr. Carters lies and ask yourself is that the Deputy I want at my door?

  • To: #90, James Carter:

    It is important to understand that expert witnesses testify for the evidence. Experts do not testify for or against anyone or any organization.

  • James Carter is just following dear leader’s lead…. What was the quote? “I wasn’t raised to be a whistleblower” – Paul Tanaka

    I hope that is reverberated in tonight’s toast at the surprise party. Oh yea, the silent auction and hand rolled cigar bar proceeds are going towards the Cruz Scholarship for the Disinfrachised Youth of Bauchet Street. High fives!!! Too soon?!?

  • Dark side, that isn’t exactly how it works.
    In a civil case, which this is, expert witnesses can testify for either side. They are hired by either side to examine the evidence, and render an expert opinion based on what they examine. That is one scenario, and the one that Carter was trying to state happened. It would be a bit odd for Olmsted to participate in this scenario, but that is NOT what happened in this case.

    Another option, which occurred with Olmsted, is either side is free to subpoena any witness with knowledge of the facts of the case. Olmsted, by virtue of his assignment at MCJ and subsequent effort to correct the out of control situation, has knowledge regarding the practices and culture that existed. That was why he was subpoenaed and testified according to what he knew of the situation at MCJ, as he had previously done before the CCJV.

    It’s possible that Carter thought Olmsted was testifying pursuant to scenario #1, in which case he was just ignorant (see my post above). Olmsted was instead testifying pursuant to scenario #2. If Carter was aware of that, he was just flat out lying. Indefensible either way, but obviously #2 is much worse.

  • Carter: I know that you don´t read much on current events. Google,Yahoo and numerous other sites get subpoenas regularly from all types of government agencies. NSA, IRS and the FBI. Marissa Mayer (look her up) complained that her company had to comply and ID those who use her company´s services. Surely you are not that dumb to understand that the FBI monitors this site on a daily basis. The FBI knows who you are and where you are. Why would you risk your livelihood and that of your family? You are not shielded from prosecution or libel in a criminal or civil case. It´s not that I care about you (because I don´t) but your family deserves better!

  • No matter what you say, Olmstead still testified on behalf of 5 EME members, all with life sentences without.

  • Baca owes $100,000.00!!!

    WOW! Add this to Baca’ campaign and you have a loser campaign come June 3rd.

    Anyone hear about another Baca Executive Aid who was search warranted and arrested for FRAUD by Orange County DA’ office?

    I am sure that Baca’s Sworn, Executive Commander, Warren Asmus knows a lot. Right Warren.

    Word in the yard is that you “TIPPED” off Kareem Ahmed the day before the warrant was executed. Isn’t that a FELONY???

    Warren word is that you have been asking about a note in his SECURITY jacket about Mr. Ahmed GIVING THE SHERIFF $20,000.00

    I wonder where Ahmed’ badge disappeared to?

    I hope that the media reads this!!!

  • Pink Owl, Olmsted will testify on behalf of the TRUTH, as required by law, in response to a subpoena. If you have the inability to appreciate that, we understand that is part of being a Tanaka cheerleader.

    Deal with it.

  • “Slam Dunker Says:
    October 9th, 2013 at 10:07 am

    It’s a shame what these people have turned the LA County Sheriff Department into. The Department was never perfect, but it was much better before Baca took over. No matter who gets elected I don’t see things getting much better.”

    As a retired class 159 (1973) Deputy I say Slam has it. It really started with Block, but that is another story. Pitchess was the last of the honorable who kept the place as clean as possible while still supporting the deputies.

    IMHO the good deputies will now try and lateral out (I would), and leave the place to more of the same no matter which political hack gets elected. Or hold your nose, collect the money, and hope the prosecutor leaves you alone in the future. Your choice.

Leave a Comment