Quirk-Silva’s Open Letter To Fullerton Residents
Dear Fullerton Community Members:
First and foremost, I extend my condolences to the Thomas family. As a member of our Fullerton community, as a member of our City Council, and as a mother, I am deeply disturbed by the events that led to the death of Kelly Thomas.
For the well-being of the Thomas family and the residents of Fullerton, I will continue to ask the questions and demand the actions that I feel necessary to make sure that justice is done.
Current status: All the officers involved in the Thomas incident have been placed on administrative leave. The city is working with the District Attorney and the FBI to ensure that a full investigation proceeds in the most transparent and expedient manner.
Yesterday, I requested that the city manager seek the resignation of Fullerton Police Chief Michael Sellers. I feel that the leadership required from our chief during this crisis was lacking. Citizens of Fullerton need to have confidence in a police chief who can not only provide expert, professional crisis management, but who is capable of being the face of the city when a police crisis occurs. I believe we were failed on both counts. All of us who are privileged to hold leadership positions in this city should be held responsible and accountable for the well-being of our city.
As we move forward, I understand that there are some things that we cannot address immediately, and for this I ask your patience. We need to wait for final reports from the D.A. and the FBI before we can make a final judgment on the officers involved (and for their own safety, I don’t feel it is advisable for their names to be released publicly at this time). However, there is something we in city leadership can do immediately as we grieve Kelly Thomas and begin our healing: revisit our policy on the homeless in our city and county.
Homelessness and mental illness are serious and complex issues that all cities grapple with, but what can we do to better understand their challenges in Fullerton? How can we work with local and county agencies and churches to make connections for families who struggle with mental illness? How can we find necessary resources for those without a home? At the very least, we can all try to gain a better understanding of their plight (see my P.S. below).
Finally, I love the City of Fullerton! We are a loving, resilient community, and we will make our way out of this very difficult period.
Sincerely,
Sharon Quirk-Silva
Fullerton City Councilwoman
P.S. While speaking to a homeless woman named Kirsten yesterday, I asked her what she might need that could make a difference for her and others on the street. First, she said that, for a woman on the street, it would be safety and shelter. Next, she said, simply: “socks!” She wanted some socks to keep her feet warm and clean. She said that some churches and shelters used to provide a pair, but not anymore. This is a request that we as a community can take immediate action on.
If you have any extra socks and/or travel-size personal hygiene items: toothpaste, soap….please drop them off at City Hall. I will personally pledge to deliver the items to the homeless on a regular basis now and in the future. I know that socks and hygiene items will not solve the issue of homelessness or mental illness, and they won’t bring Kelly Thomas back. But our actions might allow us to better understand the Kelly Thomases who are still out there struggling to live day to day with no place to call home.
You talked to a homeless woman? All by yourself?
Or were there cameras around?
This whole letter smells of PR bullshit. Way to be sincere.
Socks? Fullerton’s problem is a lack of socks?
You have sadistic sociopaths beating a homeless man to death, a full scale cover up, and you are worried about socks?
I don’t think she gets it.
I don’t think she actually even cares about any of this. When did she call for an investigation, was it in the past few days? Sounds like she’s campaigning to get re-elected.
Agree – Silva just wants to dodge the recall backlash. Listen to her on radio, she’s just another scumbag politician.
You guys should probably try to get her out of office also. She’s clearly full of shit and is just telling people what they want to here, albeit a month after the incident happen and shit is blowing up.
Councilwoman Silva’s letter wasn’t about socks. It was about calling for the resignation of the Chief of Police! Did you miss that point? If so, get someone to reread the letter to you out loud.
except for her commercial for socks to the homeless at the end of it- see thats my point…that letter was an inappropriate place to sneak in her crusade….but it knowing it would be printed, it reached the masses, like she had in mind all along.
If she truley cared about the resignation issue case, she would have wrote a separate letter regarding socks for the homeless and not stuck it in this letter with the “calling for the resignation of the Chief of Police”
Wow! Powerful first step.
Fullerton is fortunate to have ANOTHER leader they can count on.
Lets get the socks and hygiene campaign going!
Why are people homeless, in the first place?
believe it or not, many mentally ill homeless people, like Kelly Thomas, chose to live on the street. It’s not as simple as “give them gainful employment” and they’ll stay off the street….while it is sad to see such situations, we still have to honor and respect their lifestyle choices.
I am pleased that Mrs. Quirk-Silva mentioned a review of the homeless “policy” that our city operates within.
This is a really tough problem, for those individuals like Kelly Thomas who suffer from profound (i.e. debilitating) mental illness.
ONE “policy” measure which I think really should be adopted would be that our police should endeavor to identify (that is, learn the name, SS#, next of kin name-address, parents’ name-address-phone numbers and/or the same contact info for any adult children of the homeless-mentally ill individual). THEN it should be our normal routine City of Fullerton policy to contact all of those relatives and at least inform them of the current location and status of the troubled individual.
I would guess or bet that MANY family members are just beside themselves with worry about their relative and would wish to hear from and then take actio to help that person.
This homeless identification policy would only apply to those apparently homeless individuals who appear to be suffering from a mental illness.
Non-mentally ill homeless individuals could be provided with a written list of basic charitable (and/or welfare type resources available to them).
I am not advocating a super aggressive coercion “program” but rather a reorientation of our police, et al, toward finding out if the mentally ill homeless individuals have any relatives who want to find and help that person.
In a case such as Kelly Thomas’ his family would thus have been informed on probably a daily basis that Kelly was sitting at the Fullerton Transportation Center and seemed to be in normal good physical health but obviously not functioning normally.
There probably wasn’t much that the Thomas’ family could have done other than to thank the police and perhaps explain that Kelly had chosen to not take his medicine (I read this elsewhere) and did not want to come home (or whatever the actual facts of their situation were).
But if our City policy was to always (i.e. a mandatory written standard form report) contact and identify each individual such as Kelly and contact those individuals’ parents, perhaps some of them would get reconnected with their families.
AND as a real direct side benefit, our police would in fact KNOW how harmless or potentially dangerous each such individual actually was, and also learn whether or not anyone on this earth was concerned about the person (and thus might help us “manage” the problems associated with his presence in our city). Perhaps a local Church group might take on follow up efforts to facilitate such reunifications of estranged family members.
It is a start (hopefully such policy is already in existence – but this horrid crime seems to suggest that it is not). If it ended up costing a lot of money then I’d say that the people managing it were just ripping off the taxpaying public.
A few phone calls are cheaper than defending a half dozen city employees who apparently committed a murder.
Don’t know if you could just contact random people that way legally. And daily checks might be a bit excessive.
That would violate these peoples privacy. In the US, there’s this thing called the Bill of Rights, and it applies to all in the US. What you’re suggesting would violate these peoples 4th amendment rights. Unless you believe some people don’t have the same rights as others do and shouldn’t?
How “free” do you believe a schizophrenic person is?
If my suggestion sounds draconian to you then I’d bet you have very limited real life experience – but don’t worry it eventually comes to all of us.
Okay Hitler. Next we’ll say let’s get all the homeless together and have them live in a camp. Then you’ll tattoo them so they can’t escape. I’m sure gas will be next too sicko!
Socks are a good idea. We should also look into a program called laundry love. Justone.org to learn more.
Yeah, why not let a couple live with you. Lets call it “Adopt a bum” program.
Is that what Hitler was doing? Gathering family member contact infornation about mentally ill homeless people?
The phrase: “Put a sock in it” comes to mind.
Hey, Bull:
You’re correct. It is a complicated problem. The decisions [they] make to leave the safety of family’s homes, or group homes, and live on the street, are generally made after they have come to believe they don’t need them anymore, so have stopped taking the very meds which enabled them to think clearly and make rational choices, so while we need to respect their Right to make lifestyle choices, we also need to recognize some of those choices are made with diminished capacities (or even while suffering profound mentally disruptive events like totally disabling visual and auditory hallucinations, severe paranoia episodes, or others), therefore decisions they truly ‘believe’ are in their own best interests may actually be just the opposite. As you said, it’s not simple. There is an awful lot we do not understand about the human mind yet. Psychology is still in its infancy. Sad but true.
PS: My stepson’s stepson recently began to suffer hearing voices telling him he should do some terrifying things. Don’t remember exactly what the psychiatric diagnosis was, but do know while he takes some pretty powerful meds, he is able to function perfectly normally and enjoys continuing going to high-school.
Enjoy your posts, btw
All the best,
Xer
Yes, some are mentally ill. Many are not. I think it would be a good idea if activists to determine who is a criminal, who is mentally ill, and who lost their job and home, before they try to “fix” the problem. LAPD has done this in their downtown, why can’t Fullerton?
Whatever we are doing now obviously doesn’t work.
I guess you’re not aware of what’s going on with the economy in the US?
Your point? Just curious, as you’ve not made one.
Unemployment, smarty pants. PJ asked why people are homeless in the first place. My point should’ve been pretty obvious.
Sorry WB. Didn’t mean it to come out mean. The format here sometimes makes it difficult to know which post a reply is to.Things can get a bit confusing. Thanx for explaining.
Actually, I seem to recall homelessnes, especially of the mentally ill first became a national problem under Reagan. But, you’re correct. The problem is increasing under the longterm effects of GWB’s economic policies.
Peace,
Xer
ATB
Xer, it was a problem long before that.
But I see the blame republicans theme in your comment. You should learn what congress does before you start blaming a president for the economy. Then, after you figure that out, you should look at who held congress during GWB’s terms, and Clinton’s and Reagan, and so on. Then, perhaps, you could make an somewhat accurate assumption on which party is more or less to blame. The republicans won’t be able to take full credit for the economy, just some.
A more urgent question…..
Why are people sockless?
Though I appreciate your sincerity on this issue Councilwoman, forgive me for being skeptical of your intentions.
Why didn’t you stand by Bruce Whitaker from the start when he was the only council member to speak up?
Why did it take you a month to speak up?
The people are concerned that you’re only speaking now because of pressure from the community. We don’t need leaders who need to be prompted by the public – you need to speak out on your own, sans pressure.
This is mere speculation on my behalf, but I’m curious – will this be a platform for your re-election?
Your speculation is the most obvious answer, it would seem.
@# 12 things aren’t always as they seem now are they
#15 by fullerton citizen on August 4, 2011
Oh goody, another Zen koan. Have YOU considered running for City Council? Perhaps even bad-wrench’s Job? From your response here you would be a whiz as a media spokesman. Then you could even get PAID to say nothing.
No, disrespect intended, of course.
Due to the format of this BBS: It’s not even clear which post #11 is a non-response to? Much less what the point was intended to be. Many things could be said about the current US economy, but how does it relate to the posts above?
Forgive me if you are a genius and I’m just two stupid to ‘get it.’ Being a genius must be almost as lonely as being homeless.
Oops, #24 was really meant for #23. Meant to mess with ‘Citizen.’
my bad
“Administrative leave”? This story has just made Fullerton the scourge of the country. Your town/district is SICK. The only time we want to hear from you is when the officers involved enter the death penalty phase of their own trials. Then we might listen to you. You’re focused on your re-election? Absolutely disgusting.
Grow up… you’re an idiot.
@avr
“Fullerton the scourge of the Country”
“News Flash”…… The country is completely unaware of this story which makes me mad as hell! I have been watching the local and National news here and nothing has been said except for CNN. I’m shocked by the lack of coverage. This is 100 Times worse then the Rodney King event yet it does not make any national coverage.
For this to gain any significant traction outside of Fullerton and CA more noise has to be made.
I’m not saying that other media outlets have not made brief comments on this at the backend of a news hours,…but come on this should be national front page coverage.
Just my thoughts….. From MN by the way.
NBC did do a piece on this.
I live in Seattle and I saw this story for the first time last night on Brian Williams Nightly News MSNBC. I have read through all the story, seen the video, and now keeping up to date on all the releases. I have posted everything I have seen on my facebook to share this story. We have had some beatings up here where the police have gotten off scott free and it is all the same. Public officials covering for their own. It is a terrible thing that happened to Kelly and he should be remembered by bringing justice. The video should be released immediately and those police officers should have been put on unpaid leave (jail actually) right after the incident happened. This is not police accountability. Our former police chief is now the super cop for Obama Admin and it was the same under his watch. It is the same on all the police departments. This should not be happening in our country.
I am a federal employee at an agency that protects the environment and I am disheartened to see news like this and see how government can cover for their own. I would never in a million years be part of this and be the first one to speak the truth. If there is any dignity in any of that police force, someone should speak up, even if he was part of it. There needs to be justice.
@ #16 avr> this is not an isolated case it is happening all over the usa cops given way to much salary most barley with a high school dapolma or they hire psychotic ex-marines and one eye cops (what the fuck is that all about) i guess driving a squad car with no peripheral vision is a good none safety issue Fullerton must pay extra for liability insurance.Police should be a collage graduate instead of over testosterone bully’s
#24 by fullerton citizen on August 4, 2011
‘Police should be a collage graduate instead of over testosterone bully’s’
Not that I don’t agree, but good luck with that. They should also receive much more in-depth pre-acceptance psychological evaluations, not to mention regular OJ counseling and continued psych evals. Yeah, try getting THAT into City and State budgets, even when the economy is healthy! The whine will rise like the shrill of a banshee, “Don’t raise MY taxes!!!” “And, don’t raise taxes on ‘job creaters’ (economic leeches) either.” Americans still havent figured out, you get what you pay for, and you gotta pay for what you get. That is why our education sucks in this country and we are going to become a third world nation within my no longer so long anymore lifetime. We are SO going to be crushed by China! Did you know, in India education is free from 1st grade through undergraduate degree? Why do you think Microsoft and others exported jobs to India!? (not to mention Asian kids actually WANT an education-Americans raise stupid, lazy kids) China is rapidly becoming the ‘new India.’ Free education in America anyone? Oh, no, let’s give everyone vouchers so they can send their kids to religious school to learn about Creationism instead of science. Good education costs MONEY, so does good policing, and that requires more than just better educated recruits.
I AGREE TOTALLY !!! The Mayor & the whole town needs to step down ,and just throw in the towel….cause they ain;’t seen nothing yet !
Sharon Quirk-Silva needs to step down from her position because she incited the citizens, giving them a false hope that their idiotic beliefs were somewhat justified. She absued her power! As for the Chief, I do believe he should have at least spoken out in the beginning, assuring these buffoons that it would be properly investigated. The video and audio recorders will likely show that they didn’t go up and attempt to kill this mentally ill, violent person. What it will show is that he faught and died doing so… end of story. Sad? Maybe. Sadder yet that the family, not there for the “helpless” man, wants to cash in on his death. Please. You all amaze me.
lol are you ignorant or what? Do some research on mentally ill transients and Kelly Thomas isn’t the only homeless person on the street who refused help from networks of immediate families and friends. This is especially true for those who developed schizophrenia in late adolescence to early adulthood. Even for those who are not homeless, often times untreated (due to choice) schizophrenics ostracize themselves from society due to severe paranoia and social anxiety. What the Thomas’s could do was to be there when Kelly knocked on their door asking for food and to have someone to talk to and be loved upon until he decides to leave again for days on end.
By your logic, also it is rightly to say our law enforcement officers are really under trained and inadequate to HAVE to resort to beating him savagely in order to take control of a mere 135lb schizophrenic, malnourished homeless guy. What…1 cop not enough? fine. 2? nope. 3? nope. How about submission holds? (uhh… forgot how…). 4 cops?? nope. 5? Please. YOU amaze ME.
And….how did this play out? Two officers on-scene, fighting until the next arrived. By the time #’s 4-6 arrive, the fight is over. Why? Because it was over. The three that arrived after handcuffed him and hobbled him. Not 6 on 1, but 2 on 1, then 1 on 1 (the other two were pretty much out of it by them), then 3 to restrain him. I can tell that you’re talking from an igorant standpoint, having never faced these issues. Why so angry? Have we stopped you from doing something illegal, or ticketed you for endangering the lives of common citizens of our great…well, once-great nation?
How about I give you that? 2 “TRAINED” officers can’t handle a 135lb kelly? 2 *trained officers can’t make him submit? what’s that can of pepper spray for??? range of 30 feet? tasers won’t subdue him??? really? we’re not asking for them to hold him still to give him a haircut. just hand cuff the dude. What, are you on force so long you think everybody’s a bad guy? LOL i’m a vet and have no beef with law enforcement. I love cops, they’ve always dealt with me in a professional manner and I don’t mean their attitude (I don’t mind their rudeness because it intimidates the guilty). Father in law’s one of the lieutenant in Boise. Just using some deductive reasoning here, guy. sadly it’s you who give law enforcement a bad name.
#24 it was like a mad dog shark feeding frenzy can you imagine this ex marine beating down this 135lb man what kind of animal does that!officer Officer Jay Cicinelli you are a disgrace to the badge you wear and especially to the U.S. Marine Corps you should be tried for TREASON ! your not in Viet-Nam and Kelly Thomas was not a combatant !Officer Kenton Hampton was there
Officer Manny Ramos was there
Officer Joe Wolfe was there
Officer James Blatney
Kelly Thomas you will get justice these are the names of the low life bottom feeders who murdered you!
Pull up your pants, blue boy. Your GED is showing.
Don’t like the truth?
He likes it. Truth is you don’t deserve to wear that badge
If his family wanted to cash in on this tragedy they would’ve accepted the $900k in hush money thrown their way. Its clear that justice is their goal. Seriously, do they remove your conscience and lobotomize you before they send you out patrolling the streets? How can so many officers, especially those not connected to the crime, be so cold and cruel? Geez.
The father said..some guy got 4 million for just a few stitches..why should I take $9k. He said it on 640 radio. Right there it tells you. He is in it for the money. Dont let him fool you fools!!
It would be interesting to put you in a room with six armed men let them beat you and see if you would still refer to that incident as a fight. You are one severely jaded and disturbed individual.Oh and If the video exonerates them I’m sure it would have been put up to public scrutiny immediately to prevent this kind of negative publicity the only thing that would prevent them from showing it is the fact that it is probably much more brutal than we would even care to imagine.
#30 by Sharon Quirk-Silva shold step down on August 4, 2011
” What [the videos and audio recordings] will show is that he ‘[faught] and died doing so… end of story. ”
And the Easter Bunny lays colored candy eggs!!! bwahahaha
“Please. You all amaze me.”
Clearly you are easily duped too. Or, one of the nefarious Monster-Six? If so, best bend over now, and start practicing for prison, cause ‘The People’ really ain’t gonna let this one slide. Not this time,’ hero.’ This kid was no druggie. He had a mentally incapacitating illness, and he had a family that must have cared more than yours did when you were growing up.
Many MANY people from all walks of life who encountered Kelly over the last few years have come forward and posted what a gentle (if you don’t know how to use a dictionary that means non-violent, Einstein) soul he was. Not at all a fighter. It really took six of you armed heroes ten minutes to kill an unarmed undernourished 135 pound weakling? Wow, you must have really big muscles, in your rear! Once again, that will come in handy in prison.
PS: you seem to be proving the point of some here that FPD are not the best edumucated police in the nation? ‘faught?’ Is that what you did after chugging a six pack?
“Please. You [still] amaze me.” bwahahaha
This situation kind of explains why they were so quick to reach a paltry settlement with Mr. Thomas. This goes beyond a beating, its very possible that they knowingly gave a mentally handicap man a badge and gun then let him out on the streets.
If its true that he continued to beat Kelly Thomas after he was unconscious and didn’t stop even after blood was flying out of his head demonstrates a lack of impulse control in my opinion.
Even the police union is keeping quiet. This doesnt look good for the fullerton police dept.
…Just look at the photo of Jay Cincinelli below …look at him. Im sorry but he does not look like anyone who is fit enough to be allowed anywhere near a weapon, let alone make critical life or death decisions.
This wasnt just an eye injury. Look at his stance and posture, the shooting obviously caused brain damage in my opinion.
I wonder why they went through so much trouble to hire him, it wasnt like he was a senior officer with specialized skills. He was a rookie LAPD officer with only three weeks experience.
Michael Hillmann and Patrick McKinley screwed up big time by letting him on the force. Current chief Michael Sellers screwed up by not only letting him continue to be active after the shooting but reassigned him to work undercover detail after the public uproar and as the article pointed out, the union screwed up by turning a blind eye to someone who obviously isn’t physically and maybe even mentally fit to be an officer.
I want to know how many complaints were received about him (from other officers or the public), if he was allowed to drive a patrol car, if he needed any assistance performing his duties and if he was involved in any shootings or traffic accidents.
I think what happened here was a “perfect storm”… You had a young man who badly wanted to be a police officer but that dream was snuffed out when he got shot in the head and lost an eye. I think that shooting left him with brain damage so instead of giving up and taking retirement he was still focused on becoming a cop because the part of his brain that controls impulse and reasoning was damaged.
On the other hand you had higher ups at the LAPD who felt so sorry for him ignored the signs of brain damage and took his constant insistence to become a cop again as dedication and strong will instead of brain damage. They also ignored the fact that he lacked depth perception so it would be impossible for him to shoot without putting the public and other officers in danger.
Fortunately former LAPD Chief Parks read between the lines and made the right decision to remove him. Unfortunately two of the higher ups at LAPD (Hillman & McKinley) were still intent of getting him in law enforcement again and part of this was probably due to Officer Cincinelli’s constant no-stop insistence.
Eventually they decided to put him on the Fullerton PD, probably fudged the psychological evaluation (if they even had one) and definitely ignored the P.O.S.T requirements.
In the meanwhile you had a police dept whose policy was to use heavy handed tactics and extreme force and now you had a brain damaged cop with lack impulse control on the force working in these conditions…
Fast forward to June 5 2011, all of this came together and what you had was a brain damaged cop lacking impulse beat a man to death. The reason why the beating was so severe and obvious is because that part of his brain that used reason, logic and impulse is either gone or screwed up.
The reason why the other cops didn’t step in and stop it is because Officer Cicinelli was a high ranking police officer (a Lt I believe) and they were going off the old “Blue Code of Silence” mentality.
Pat McKinley should be removed from Office and thrown in Jail. He is the one behind the heavy handed policy and he is the one who allowed a partially blind mentally retarded man on his police force.
The other officers who stood by and did nothing while Officer Cicinelli brutally and viciously bludgeoned a man to death should be thrown in jail.
Chuck M, do you personally know Jay Cicinelli? Didn’t think so. Do you know the facts of the case, or are you another of those idiots that believe everything they hear on TALK RADIO? The NEWS? Yes, everything they say is absolute truth. OK, you’re really, really bright. No, I say that with tongue-in-cheek. If you knew the officer….the man….you would know that he has patrolled the Fullerton area and taken some really bad guys off the street – one’s you would pee your pants if you saw them near your house… and protected many a citizen over his career with the department. So are you a friend of the psychotic dead man? Did you know that he was violent? “NO, HE WAS A POOR DEFENSELESS HOMELESS MAN.” Get the facts straight and keep your opinions to yourself.
Snore.
15-you shut the hell up, you douchebag-thug lover, there’s going to be 6 more fat fuck animals off the street- cincinelli and his buds are the ones who make me want to pee my pants and are the violent ones- they are all going to get their salads tossed by those bad guys they took off the streets. now thats justice
this was meant for silva step down not chuck m
Oh my god….what are you on? when’s the last time you passed a piss test? what you’re saying is as long as he has a stellar record, putting bad guys away, he’s free from scrutiny? because I don’t know him as well as i should? what the hell is wrong with you? It’s like saying a soldier who did multiple tours in iraq/afgh and received medals and purple hearts and one recorded incident involving him beating to death a supposedly aggressive civilian was caught on film, and we can’t question that? you’re a disgrace to that badge. leave your post and save it for the next guy who deserves it.
I know that he’s known as One-Eyed Willy.
The American justice system states that it is better to prevent one innocent man from going to jail then for ten guilty men to go to jail. Therefore it does not matter how many people he put behind bars. Specially since oh I don’t know IT’S HIS JOB WHICH HE IS WELL PAID FOR TO PROTECT AND NOT BEAT THE PUBLIC TO DEATH. Oh wait I forgot were not all equal citizens and our right to justice should be based on out income.
Jay watch it. I knew Kelly. I would get coffee with him every once in awhile. He was always by the train station and I’d see him when I dropped my wife off for the train. Jay was a nice guy. Sometimes he was paranoid but it wasn’t his fault. You murdered a man that wasn’t in his right mind. I think yelling at people here must be some kind of therapy or something for you. You don’t need to fight here you’re going to lose all your energy when the fight matters in court when your facing murder charges. Also everything you write here traces back to your ip address so the DA will know who wrote it. You must have forgot the right to remain silent part, figures you didn’t let Kelly have any of his rights.
@# 45 > yea i guess most of the pro cops would like a maniac in the force what makes you think that just because officer j.c put bad guys away he is not guilty of this crime he went over board there were to many eye witnesses to the fact that kelly was not causing any resistance and what about the other officers who played along with this rabid bunch of pit -bulls i think you are the one has has been misled and in denial.While i am at it what makes a cop think he can confiscate a video from a citizen if he sees him with a video recorder?afraid of being caught doing some thing dirty or illegal.the cop on the scene did just that and why has it not been returned.Everything about the Fullerton PD smells like dog shit! a bunch of un-American bottom feeders all of ya! how ironic the city’s own public camera busts the low life maggots you dirty cops almost got away with it.All six of those bottom feeders will have there swan song in prison only a low life maggot like them would support this kind of injustice No body know the trouble I’ve done no body know but Jesus! Be patient BUBBA they are on there way!
Typical brainwashed pig logic. “I’m right and know more than everyone and if you don’t agree with me I’ll write you up or beat you to death”… No, most of us don’t know you guys, and I’m betting most would not care to. No one give two flying shits about you and your buddies previous records. And the only fact that anyone needs to know is that you guys killed an unarmed man and that you didn’t have to. Spare me the “you weren’t there” argument. Nothing about the surrounding details of the incident, nor anything you did in the past can justify what you did to Kelly. Whom YOU didn’t know. I hope you are enjoying your time off with your family, while you still can. A reckoning will come calling for you turds.
Were you there? Didn’t think so. At least I hope you weren’t, because if you were, it would show just how unintelligent you are by making idiotic comments on the internet.
Did you know it appears Jay Cicinelli was violent himself? Do you personally know Kelly Thomas? Didn’t think so. Do you know the facts of the case, or are you just another idiot that repeats what his copper boyfriends tell him? Yes, everything they says is the absolute _truth_. Sarcasm. If you understood that it’s his job to arrest and catch people that break the law, you wouldn’t make such an idiotic comment. The police’s job actually isn’t to protect the citizens of Fullerton, and if you’re a copper, you should know this. The police’s job is to enforce the law, not to protect people.
So, are you a friend of the disabled cop that has numerous complaints filed against him? Did you know he’s behaved in an unprofessional manner on numerous occasions? Get your facts straight and keep your opinions to yourself.
formercop, your voice is much needed. Thanks for your service. I’m a veteran myself (U.S Army, 25ID) and admit there are also unethical personnels in the military. However, there are far more honest, hardworking, intelligent, and compassionate soldiers in our military than the bad ones. I believe this to be the case for police officers as well.
@ # 54Reposter >If i may call you officer i commend your post very informative i wish every one who is posting would have the chance to read it although we currently are concerned with Fullerton this kind of control over people is all over the USA precents i don’t know why the pit-bull mentality is so vamped the main officer doing the beat down(one eye) is said to be a decorated ex-marine my be he had some kind of flash back? i intend to print your post because it makes so much sense i think many people will understand what has happened her in Fullerton.Again i want to thank you for the most intelligent post on the blog thank you officer!
Another stupid self-centered novel. Hello! – No FPD ‘rank and file’ have come forward to denounce what happened.
There is a definite mob mentality going on here.
In order to protect the integrity of the investigation and prosecution, the DA/FPD cannot release the video until time of trial, or until there is a decision not to prosecute. It’s not a conspiracy. It’s an investigation.
Sellers is an idiot, but so is Quirk-Silva. They should both resign, as they are kind of equally responsible for fanning the flames here. Sellers, by his inaction and lack of involvement, and Quirk-Silva by making irresponsible public comments.
As for the settlement extended to the Thomas family, that’s not a PD decision…..that’s a City Manager/City Council decision. Last time I checked, Quirk-Silva was a City Council member.
There are many possible scenarios for what occurred, only one of which is a brutal beating by all six officers. It’s quite possible that one or more of the other officers on scene DID intervene, but that’s not what the mob wants to hear, and now their names have all been published irresponsibly. It’s unfortunate that we just won’t know what happened until the video and DA’s report is released, and that’s probably not going to happen for quite some time.
Actually you make a fair point about Quirk: she hired Sellers!
However she has probably finally been persuaded by the litany of expensive cases that have only now been revealed to the council – only because they were afraid FFFF would do it first!
The first one to resign should be the shameful McKinley who made (and keeps making) a fortune from mismanaging the FPD transforming it into a uniformed gang of thieves, DUI pill-poppers, perverts and killers. Way to go Pat McPension. They named the six killers after you!
She was on the council that hired Sellers. Doesn’t mean it was a unanimous vote.
She’s trying to get re-elected and you cannot see that.
Finally, someone who speaks with intelligence and logic.
#55 by Sharon Quirk-Silva shold step down on August 4, 2011
Really? You didn’t grasp the logic of :#50 by The Reposter on August 4, 2011
As someone who studies science for a hobby, I found it to be not only one of the most logical posts I’ve read on these blogs, but quite eloquent. The formercop obviously spent more than just a sleepless night thinking through what he eventually posted here.
As for #52 by Voice of Reason on August 4, 2011
Talk about a misnomer!
Intelligent? (It’s actually surprising you didn’t misspell that) And, logical?
Most hysterical was this:
There are many possible scenarios for what occurred, only one of which is a brutal beating by all six officers. It’s quite possible that one or more of the other officers on scene DID intervene.
There was only ONE scenario for Kelly Thomas, his unspeakably brutal murder at the hands of, at least, one cop, while the others either participated to some degree, or turned their backs callously on his pitiful pleas for help. If as you suggest, one or more of the other cops made any attempt to intervene in the atrocity, they are either physical weaklings, or poorly trained. In either case, they are unfit to wear the badge. The least they should suffer is firing, without pension, and lifetime humiliation. Unfortunately for them. They are going to face some degree of murder charges, then civil suits that will bankrupt their families. How do you like THAT scenario Mr. Intelligent logic lover? You must be one of the six, aren’t ya? Well, now you know your future, hero. Better start borrowing lots of money to hire a good New York lawyer to keep you off deathrow. You’ve really screwed the pooch by your cowardice. One suggestion, whoever testifies against the others first will receive the lightest sentence. Just a ‘word to the wise,’ you know?
I heard her on the interview last night and she didn’t answer a single question. Just went on as if she was campaigning. She just wants to dodge the recall and is actually 100% behind the other scumbags.
I just put a dozen socks in the backseat in case I see another homeless person. Hello! socks and clothing are available for free at any shelter. What a dumb ass politician she is. Thinks we are all stupid.
There is no reason not to release the video. The line that potential witnesses could be influenced is pure horseshit coughed up by our do-nothing DA to protect cops.
@# 32 the longer they have it the more time they have to alter it i would not even trust the DA of FBI all have corruption in there veins they all support the code of silence communist pigs.
#63 by fullerton citizen on August 4, 2011
Not to worry. If they do that their troubles double. As someone who works in media, I assure you, there are sophisticated tools that will detect any altering of the video/audio recordings. The FBI can afford really good ones too. Any tampering with evidence WILL be discovered in an FBI investigation, and totally blow up in the face of conspirators. Considering the history and levels of stupidity in this case though, it wouldn’t surprise me if they tried. It would sure be a good joke on them.
These numbers are seriously messed up. Even when I c/p the ENTIRE title line of the post title I’m responding to once my post appears the number is wrong! Post #66 was intended to address #65
The DA of any county or city typically won’t release crucial evidence to the public before a trial, dipshit. It’s extremely common for them to do this. How often do you see the DA release crime scene photos of murders before a trial? And, how often do you complain about them not releasing those pictures? I’m guessing your answer is none, never, zilch, zero.
Have you ever read the US Constitution? If the DA released the video and evidence to the public/media before a trial, the defendant could easily make the case that their 6th Amendment right was violated. If the judge agreed, that would be it and they would walk free.
It sounds like you want these cops to get off for what they did and that you’re a sicko that enjoys watching people get beat to death.
Most crimes are committed by civilians against civilians. This was a crime which is a public matter because it was a crime committed by Government employees against a civilian. The evidence is there and it is conclusive this should have already gone to trial and been over with. Also the 6th amendment has to do with a speedy trial, counsel, compulsory process and a few other things but none of them relate to evidence needing to remain a secret from the public.
First, the 6th Amendment applies to cops also. They’re in the US, therefore they have the same rights as everyone else in the US.
Second, the this happened on July 5th, no? There’s no way in hell that there could’ve possibly already had a trial by now. It just would not happen in a case involving someone getting killed. If you think other wise, you’re not thinking clearly.
Third, did you miss the part in the 6th Amendment about an having an impartial jury? You’ve already shown that you’re biased on the matter. Releasing the video tape, which seems to be crucial, to the media could easily taint any jury pool, making it difficult for these cops to receive a fair trial. These cops could then go on and claim their 6th Amendment rights were violated because they never received a fair trial from an impartial jury.
Perhaps you should read the 6th Amendment again and try to understand the words in it.
The “mob” is our local government, starting with six police members’ beating or watching and not reporting the fatal beating. It continued with a family friend of the chief’s on the OC DA’s office delaying (for three-plus weeks) to contact the only civilian witness. It continued with the six cops writing incident reports numerous times to “get it right.” It continued with all six members being left on patrol for four week after the homicidal beating.
Who can you call when “they” are 911? The citizens are now aware and rightly afraid of the Fullerton police and police dominated city council mob.
Citizens’ action to clean house, transform the Fullerton government’s corrupt police/public union culture, and create a trusting relationship between the public and their civil servants is not a mob, it is democracy.
Those are alot of accusations. Do you have your own evidence to support those claims. There is something called Defamation. Look it up in the dictionary, I know it is a big word. It is under the letter D.
Also, as I said on an earlier post, you think this has only happened in Fullerton? Are you that naive? There are pending cases all over the country very similiar to this one. Guess what? Life happens everywhere. Check out San Bernardino this past April or Portland this last January. Do some research and stop being so ignorant.
It’s super hard to prove libel against someone, especially on the internet.
To prove he libeled these coppers, they’d have to prove that Jack knew his accusations weren’t true, but kept telling them anyways.
All Jack has to claim is that everything he wrote, he believed was true. That’s it. Not defamation/libel/slander in the US if he believed everything he claimed was true.
#26 voice of reason/ most likely the voice of treason on the citizens of Fullerton and the USA if some one is accused of a crime such as what happened at the dodger stadium the accuser was plastered all over the news if a cop is accused of a crime we the people are suppose to keep this from the public record and scrutiny why would you think cops who were accused of murdering an innocent man should have any special treatment from the public knowing who they are.Typical low life cop attitude it should be a law no one especially police who are suppose to protect & serve and the people who pay them will not have any special favors and are to be publicly exposed like any other accused criminal. the psycho cops are in charge of the ward.
what special favors are you referring to?
On J/K today Quirk Silva said that she was told in closed session that no one made an offer. Indeed the settlement paper shown on the J/K web site is more of a “framework” for settlement rather than something that the Thomas family had to sign. So the city attorney is playing semantics.
I agree though, the tape should not be released to the public. You want to preserve a fair trial in Southern California. If they had to move this to Fresno or Sacramento it would be a hardship to witnesses and the public who want to monitor the case.
I don’t see how withholding evidence from the public that a jury would see anyway would impede the fairness of the trial. Now if there were smear campaigns about the officers lifestyle or unrelated matters that didn’t pertain to the case that’d be different.
The Sixth Amendment and jury selection – I want the trial in Orange County, with a jury of one’s peers, in order to be legitimate. Otherwise if there happened to be an acquittal or lesser charges, like in the Mehserle or Rodney King cop cases, then you could see serious unrest. You want a fair jury selection process and a jury that is familiar with policing practices in this county. Myself, I don’t see second degree murder, even for Cicanelli here, unless everyone who has had a problem with Cicanelli shows up and testifies as to his angry state of mind. If you have had a bad encounter with any of the five cops named, drop the DA a line and make yourself available. You could provide evidence to up the charges.
Oh you dont think what people have been blogging or calling in is smearing any of the officers?
What irresponsible public comments has Quirk-Silva made? Since Councilman Whitaker issued his short, factual letter on July 17th, FFFF activists have been demanding that other city leaders likewise take a stand. That’s exactly what Silva has done in calling for Seller’s resignation.
Sharon has to go….little late. Sharon you are longtime resident, great family, but this was on your watch. You must go this how out of touch our leaders are…. NEWS FLASH we do not have a homeless problem in Fullerton WE have a police department that KILLS THE HOMELESS PROBLEM -BIG DIFFERANCE!!
Steps for credibility
1. Name All 6 Officers / murders and all involved supervisors.
2. Fire the Chief Today
3. Remove Taser guns from FPD / Obvious training issues
4. Cut police budget 25% does not need 10 cars and 10 officers for 1 homeless man
5. Recall All city council members-mayor / Fresh start
6. Start a lawsuit on each officer/union/Chief derelict of duty
You’re a moron. other than 1 and 2, the rest is simply idiotic.
@ Bull your name is appropriate you are the only bull shit here mark #33 is totally right say my grandfather use to call the cops Bulls sorry officer all your maggot cops need a good ass kicken just like you guys did to Kelly i think the DA and the FBI are on there way!to do just that.
To Fullerton
This story is big. However it is not gaining the National Attention is deserves. I live in MPLS MN and not a word has been said on local news and you have to sit by the TV for 3 hours to catch a National Network to mention this story… for a second if your lucky. CNN has been trying but this is not enought to get the American public in a uproar.
Just trying to give a non-local view to the way the media is ignoring this story outside of your state.
We have work to do!!!
JLK
Thanks for the concern, we will take any media we can get, but not necessary. The Fullerton residence got this one. This whole thing (outrage) started from 1 photo from Kelly’s Dad
The chief is on his way out
The DA has the Case
The FBI has the case
The recall is ON
The residence are united and mad as hell
@Mark
I hope you guys do!! I was just saying that more media means more heat on the DA to charge.
You guys have supporters outside the community!!!
That tape is already ashes or has been altered before feds got to it.
Lets stay on issue here Councilwoman.
To those of you who are cynical, may I say that the smallest good deed is larger than any rebuke?
@ms silva, i am currently employed at the city of fullerton, about 1 year ago, myself along with many others took and 8% pay decrease. The city council did nothing. My self and other employees went to the council meeting and many good suggestions about saving the city money. Asd of this day the city has done nothing. I am also aware that NONE of the city managers or council people took any type of paycut. It is my understanding that most of the council members & city managers are compensated VERY VERY well (over 100k per year). I think what should be looked into, is all of the city management & council take and 8%+ paycut and donate this money to open a shelter to help the homeless. And if the Thomas family wants justice and is not after a cash cow, then FPD should be donating millions to assist in opening a shelter & provide homeless with medical care……
City politicians are very good at lip service, now then are all soooo concerned. Then I say put your money where your mouth is. If you say you are sooo concerned you keep going back to say you a mother so you understand, then please prove it. Simply talking to a homeless lady and wanting to set up a sock donation?????? may be you could steup and give her some food, donate some of YOUR paycheck to help her out, ask if she may need a ride to a doctor or dentist……a pair of socks……really???????
Good lord, you are dumb. City Council members in FULLERTON making over $100K per year? Where do you get this crap?
This is really stupid. Just pay for your pension like you’re supposed to.
really,,,, a sock drive….I AM EMBARASSED for u Ms. Silva…..
It’s one thing to express concern, it’s another thing to switch the topic over to homelessness and mental health. Those are valid concerns, however what Mayor Quirk-Silva does is conveniently sidestep the real issue by begging for patience. I think the people are patient, they are cognizant of the steps that are involved with an investigation. But were it not for the voices on this blog that brought this story to the nation, those cops would still be working.
So a bit of credit where it is due.
The real issue is that this city has let problems fester for far too long. People here are calling for not just police reform, but a bottom to top change: from the city to the city council and the police. This city has rested far too long on a way of doing things that has masqueraded for far too long in the fuzzy languages of politics du jour. They have tried to overlook demographic changes, continued with over governance and bureaucracy, have maintained what could colloquially be called, “An old boy or good girl network” based on nepotism and political affiliation. This was favor of not budging themselves out of a comfort zone that benefits them.
This is all in the name of business as usual. Believe me, this would have continued had it not been for the efforts of this blog. However, with this tragedy, Fullerton is at an impasse. Does the city council heed the words of the public and press for justice, or do they continue as though this were a blip on the radar and choose to brand us as a “lynch mob?”
What we get from the Mayor is a suggestion to donate socks. But it will not make an iota of difference if we work on the homelessness and mental health access issues, unless we have a cultural change here within the city. We can send in loads of soaps, shampoos, socks and blankets, but guys like Kelly Thomas are still going to be tasered and beaten. Addressing issues of mental health access and homelessness takes an unbending commitment that you are not going to judge them, and that you are going to see the humanity and suffering that besets them. Giving socks is well intended, but it doesn’t go very far to change the mindset and instill in those paid to uphold the law that these are the most fragile in our society, and must be protected.
So spare us the Lady Bountiful act, Mayor Quirk-Silva. While I can appreciate your sentiment, this offer as a stint as the next Mother Theresa is just a bit much.
What’s needed now is firm leadership, commitment, and resolve. Once you have that, we’ll bring the socks to the homeless ourselves.
Geee Mrs. Silva. What a novel idea. Socks?????? You might want to keep your socks so you can keep your feet warm when you are voted out of office. Better yet, maybe you can donate them to the six cops so they can keep their feet warm when they are in jail.
I live in Santa Barbara CA and saw this story on CNN @ work today!! I am sad, outraged, disgusted with the Fullerton police with what they did to Kelly Thomas, I praise the people of Fullerton who are standing up for this innocent man & hope more people in the community & country will also join, my heart & prayers goes out to the Thomas Family. Peace Love & Justice
-Mia Santa Barbara, CA
So from comments it appears that Cicinelli is commenting as the coward he is. Step up, get on camera and say you did nothing wrong, do not hide behind a union hired lying mouthpiece. If you honestly believe you upheld your oath… then say so publicly. No you will not, you will hide behind that tarnished piece of pot metal that you should not have been wearing in the first place. You did NOT meet POST requirements and should NOT have been on the streets. It was blatant cronyism… the feds outed the killers of Henry Glover, they outed the killers at Danziger Bridge, They have taken over the Seattle PD and they will put you and the others covering up and who struck this UNARMED mentally ill homeless guy. You are no longer a Marine and your name should be stricken from the roster of honaorable Marines.
Quirk has gone to the Dark Side and Tony is Darth Vader
Ms Councilwoman if your statement was from the heart good for you but it is quite apparent that you may be out of touch with reality not only should the six murders names be publicized they should be fired and jailed. If it is later determined that they should not have been fired then reinstate them but for now with all of their connections in the law enforcement community they should be locked up until trial
The councilwoman should have answered the question as to WHY she felt cops should get preferential treatment on John and Ken. I saw it asked on another board “If an honest citizen sees cops beating and killing someone, what should they do” the cops on the board would not answer. The probable answer is to carry an AR15 locked and loaded because if you interfere you will be shot or beaten yourself. This is not right, had several citizens been decently armed (no pea shooters but quality handguns) and our society was allowed CCW’s and the authority to protect ones self and other citizens lives…. This could have turned out differently. People do not trust cops, now the Thomas’s cannot trust cops (and Ron is one) ….. I once trusted cops but that ended several years ago due to aggressive, bald headed thugs that took me as a “tough guy” just because of my bearing and build. To many witness’s kept them at bay but the taunts and threats still stay fresh in my ears.
http://WWW.injusticeeverywhere.com what cops are really up to
Most of these people could care less about what happens in other cities across the US. Why do you think the cops keep getting away with this type of shit? No one cares until it happens in their town. Then they only care for a little while, but stop caring after a while, and never, ever, ever care when it’s not in their town.
Shit…Sharon…and I thought Lori Gallagher sounded like a complete idiot the other night. I can see you’re trying, but this shit storm requires leadership with far more sophistication and courage. Grab those fuckers across the street at the PD by their saggy ball sacks and take them down! Stand up to them. Speak for the people. We are outraged.
I remember whn I was rookie deput. Like a lot of Sheriffs departments, everyone in ours started in the jail. You worked your way out on the street. The average time was two years.
Being a jail deputy (particularly in a major urban area) is not a sought after job. For young guys dying to get out on the street it was torture. But the only way through it was through it, so we worked our asses off and waited our turn.
But it is a great place to see and hear everything. Since the day I got out on patrol to this day wit Afghanistan behind me, I have seen nothing truly shocking since my jail time. It was truly the best training experience of my life.
But the lesson I learned that was most transformative didn’t come to fruition until years later.
We heard it over and over – ‘Poh-leese broootality!!!” “Got – Damn crooked cops stole mah munny!!” “Ya’ll be sellin’ that dope you confuhskate!!” “Cops iz da biggest gang in town!!!” “Cops set up my cousin and killed his ass!!!” “So and so wasn’t doing nothing and tey beat his ass!!”
And like everybody else we called it all bullshit. Of course they are gonna say the cops took their money and their dope and kept it/sold it. Thats what THEY would do, so its just projection. They can’t imagine somebody living an honest life. Not knowing how to live pieces of shit is what they are. Sell it to the public defender and get in the cell, scumbag.
Eventually the blessed day came. I got out and spent years on the street, and I always marvelled at the phenomenon -it never gets old t scumbags. The same accusations, the samestories of crooked cops wantonly beating people, stealing their dope and money, maneuvering big players against each other for money and business advantage. Its all such obvious, self justifying bullshit, but it never gets old. Do THEY even believe it?
I knew on 9-11 I was going back in the Army. I didn’t want to, and ignored the truth for a couple of years. But years were rolling by, and finally the day came I knew it was now or never, and I couldnt stop thinking about it. So I went back in and have been there ever since.
My closest friend stayed and is one hell of a shit hot detective now. Best cop, best man, best human being I know. We still talk frequently.
When it all went down and he told me the story, it really helped complete an awakening that had begun soon after I left the department.
Over 50 federal charges on at least 10 officers. Not rookies either. And not low profile – names that were spoken with reverence in cop circles. Some of them people we only knew as names – they were that big – normal slicksleeves never even saw these guys.
It seems that for the last two decades these high profile detectives and narcotics cops along with uniform patrolmen (one of whom I remembered from the academy) had been stealingdope, extorting drug money, and playing dealers off against one another, among other various and sundry charges. They were implicated in murders by omission, and were responsible for trafficking incredible amounts of coke and weed into the region.
Everybody in police work knows there is no honor among thieves, and it is no different when those thieves are cops. Everybody was rolling on everybody in the hope they would get out of prison someday, but even the people getting deals weren’t getting much better than a looooooong time. Reading between the lines, it looked as though everybody small had already got the juicy deals and rolled it up to these big players before the grand juries even convened. The prosecutors weren’t in a dealing mood anymore – they didn’t have to be.
When he told me the story, especially the names I was stunned. I said to him, “brother, do you remember when w were young, wet behind the ears young deputies dying for our chance to go out and do battle with evil, all those scumbags telling us stories about corruption and violence and we told them how full of shit they were? How does it make you feel to know we were the ones full of shit?”
He said, “it makes me feel like watching them go to prison forever. Which, fortunately, is exactly where they are going.”
Now I sit here reading comments from serving police officers about how this poor miserable guy getting beaten to death by six cops is not worth all this outrage because he was just some homeless pos that was no good to anybody anyway and these guys are really heroes for their service and all you crybabies making such a big deal out of this should just go away. Oh, and don’t call us when you need help – if you are gonna get all bent out of shape when we beat some defenseless loser to death well fuck you and fuck our oaths.
Good cops should be calling that bullshit out. Not lecturing the rest of us about “patience” and “putting ourselves in those cops shoes” when their brother officers are making posts on this site announcing to the world that they believe they have the right to decide who deserves to live – that they have the right to decide who has rights worth respecting.
I only had to say it once to my guys in Afghanistan – respecting the civilian population, any of whom could have been (and some of whom certainly were) Taliban that were killing and maiming us with ied’s and shooting at us regularly – “you don’t have to like these people. I don’t like these people. But unless they are bringing war to us or we can see they are about to, you will NOT abuse them. That is the best recruiting tool the Taliban could ask for.”
That made sense to 18 year olds under enormous pressure, who were seeing there buddies killed and maimed at least weekly. You are grown police officers, in your own country, dealing with your own neighbors.
Maybe they should start issuing moral compasses. FOP could makeit a contract issue.
Mike, once again you come through with a home run post.
“Oh, and don’t call us when you need help – if you are gonna get all bent out of shape when we beat some defenseless loser to death well fuck you and fuck our oaths. Good cops should be calling that bullshit out.”
NAILED IT ^
Thanks Bro.
I realize it’s already been said, Soldier Mike, but that WAS a rockin’ post. Thanks for the insights. Sure glad you fight for the USA and not the other side. (thumbs UP)
#102 Sorry, wrong title. #102 was meant for #101
Xer
Thanks Bull. Just got up and was saw your posts and wanted to thank you for them as well. Take care.
I agree… and it’s another reason why Sellers has to go. He talks about integrity on the web site but whatever ethics training isn’t working.
Any of you interested in hearing another side of the story like waiting for the facts to come out, tune into KABC 790, Jon Phillips show, from 6-10 pm every night except when Dodgers in town.
“Finally, I love the City of Fullerton! We are a loving, resilient community, and we will make our way out of this very difficult period.” – Really? Youtube Fullerton Police, and see how many videos come up of the Fullerton Police being “excessive”. This seems like a problem that was out of control long before this man died.
socks….really ….what an insult….@ ms silva, u hired sellers and he has done nothing but take away pay. you knew about this incident from the start and did nothing until you felt the public pressure…..so nice that now ur sooo concerned and ur a mother,,, but socks!!!
why don’t you offer some of ur 6 digit paycheck and provide some food, clean clothes, a safe place to sleep (like your big house) but u want people to donate socks……
not sure what rock you crawled out of but maybe u should go back under it….
maybe can demand that fpd offers to settle this by means of opening a homless shelter to help these folks, give them medical care, dental care, a bed to rest their head…. demand that fpd fund this in the name of kelly thomas in vs handing over money to the family…. as for you and all the other big wig city people who have never given a crap about any home less people, if u really care the step up, donate ur time and money to operate a facilty. have officers and city employees doante time, all the residents who now undertsand how sad it is for a homless person…STEP UP, if you can’t afford to donate money, donate ur time…….. the fact is if the father (x cop) had the inside info therefore he knew how to shake up the system, but how many other unknown homeless people will be beat or killed and no one will ever know or care……..
and people stop bashing ALL officers,,,,,, do u really think that all the info provided has been provided by the mayor, counsilmemebers, city management?????? think again… the info is from the inside,,,,so there are some good officers that want justice…..
Americans are not going to take shit from you anymore!!!
If the video exonerated them I assure you it would have been made public long before now.
Word.
So what who is asking?
Ken Chiampou from KFI lives at:
451 29th Street, Hermosa Beach CA 90254He lives there with his boyfriend (no joke, he is gay)
He has been outed for awhile…. where have you been?
@83 > who’s cop dick are you sucking john and ken are celebrity’s because of there journalism for informing the people about low life bottom feeder cops like yourself and your dog shit corrupt police force.You really think they care about giving out there personal address.
You dumb fuck this definitely shows your a Fullerton cop or cop ass crack licker is your name brown?
Officer Jay Cicinelli
Officer Kenton Hampton (smile your on Busted camera)
Officer Manny Ramos
Officer Joe Wolfe
Officer James Blatney
are now world famous murderers
hey i bet you don’t have the balls to tell us were Chief squatting bull shit lives.
Ken has not beaten anyone to death that I know of… John would have let us know.
This is the second message I’ve posted on Dr. Drew’s website. It has yet to appear in their comments at (10:00 PM 8/4/11):
Hey, DR Drew, how about explaining the psychology of SIX large fully armored/armed police officers murdering a 135 pound defenseless homeless schizophrenic man by tasering him six times and repeatedly brutally beating him with flashlights, and smashing his face into the curb/pavement, and dropkicking him in the face and throat with their knees until his windpipe was crushed, he went into a coma and died?
Come on Dr Drew, grow some hair and defend the truly defenseless mentally ill homeless people. They have Constitutional Rights too, don’t they…? Isn’t this at least as important as girls finding sugar-daddys for money?
How about dedicating even one hour of your life to this horrific incident and profound problem in America?
PS: I am openly posting online this question to you.
ADMIN, could we have one blog where people can openly post their e-mails, letters, communications to media, public officials and Washington DC denizens, to prove these people HAVE been informed of this issue?
If so, thank you. If not, still I appreciate what you have allowed us to all find out about on your website. Uh, one more thing, can you make it easier to locate earlier blogs here? Again, thanks.
You should read about the fucked up shit that the DC/Baltimore area cops do on a regular basis. It makes this look like chump change.
Then again, no one gives a shit when an inner city person that doesn’t have a father that’s a cop/former cop or a non-white crack-head/heroin/meth junkie is killed by the coppers.
Better than a sock drive!!
Not a resident of Fullerton, but this whole mess has me totally shocked. The police chief should have put the officers in question on UNPAID leave until the case had been fully investigated.
@Councilwoman Sharon Quirk-Silva – as I said, I don’t live in Fullerton, but your last couple of paragraphs in your post touched my heart. I don’t make much money anymore, and cant imagine ever being homeless (have been close). I will go to the local store and buy some socks and other personal hygiene items and drop them off at City Hall to your attention. Thanks so much for caring.
They can start by ending the criminalization of the homeless in the city.
See: Fullerton’s unlawful camping and vagrancy laws, misuse and abuse of enforcing trespassing and obstructing business ordinances.
Recall Sharon Quirk-Silva too, for writing this pandering smut. You typical politoco whore.
That fake sincere p.s. is bullshit so you can try to save face.
WE the people don’t buy it! Time for you to lose your job too.
@ # 84 page>the police are protected by there corrupt union because of this they will still get there salary’s it will cost the city of Fullerton $74,000 a month a month to keep this pit-bulls off the street enjoy your vacation maggots your going down with your pig vomit captain.
So let me see if I understand the citizens correctly. The chief should quit because he has not or did not stand up and be a politian and tell the citizens what they want to hear? It’s obvious that a wrong was committed by the officers involved. However let the three investigations take their course and if they do not then let the beheading begin. Now ask yourself the question, if this beating/killing never took place would you even care about any homeless person. How many times have you walked past and paid them no mind?
@ 94 the chief needs to quit he is incompetent ass it is what the people want or don’t you get it.The murder of Kelly Thomas is extremely tragic maybe the people of Fullerton were blinded before but now that the corruption is a major key in this case and if Kelly was not murdered by these 6 pit bulls we would not know of the corruption that plagues the Fullerton PD.Your chief needed to go long time ago.If the beating never took place i would treat t a homeless person with dignity they are gods children and should be treated as such.WE the tax payers can pay the overblown salary’s of the chief and all his little Gestapo Hench men how much has Fullerton law enforcement donated for the homeless? they just do show off community side show because they are a circus.Kelly Thomas has become a Martyr for the homeless and defenseless corrupt Fullerton PD
First the Chief should resign because he allowed murders to patrol the streets. It wasn’t until a few days ago they were put on paid leave. By the way I know many police officers and some who have been put on leave. One was placed on unpaid leave (suspension) for getting into a car accident however for murder you get free vacation.
Wenare waiting for the investigations, however why wait to fix something that is broken when others could get hurt from our inaction.
First my condolences to the Thomas family. 2nd I hope those cops rot in hell. I’m from Riverside and every month we have our neighborhood meeting. We always have our “area” cops in attendance who appear to know the the homeless in their area. I find it odd that everyone in this community knew Kelly Thomas but the cops. Two words – Cover Up
DJ JAFFE: The California Mental Health System and the Death of Mentally Ill Kelly Thomas
DJ Jaffe, August 4, 2011 | 11:56:16 AM (EST)
In California, it is playing out with relentless familiarity: the death of Kelly Thomas at the hands of Fullerton police has led to the usual criticisms of the police and calls for better training and more compassion.
But Carla Jacobs, founder of the California Treatment Advocacy Coalition founder, and California’s most astute mental illness advocate, notes in an interview that while police could always use better training in how to handle dangerous mentally ill individuals, the police are not always the villains: “When it comes to treating people with the most serious mental illnesses, the police will react where California’s mental health system won’t. Police are almost never out on a call regarding mental illness unless one condition is met: the mentally ill person has been abandoned by the mental health system. That’s when they deteriorate, become psychotic, delusional and dangerous.”
That happens too often. Ms. Jacobs remembers when mentally ill Edward Charles Allaway killed seven individuals on the Fullerton campus of California. “It was police who tracked him down.” Ms. Jacobs’ own sister-in-law was abandoned by the mental health system and shot her mother. Again: the police stepped in.
As Randall Hagar, Director of Government Affairs for the California Psychiatric Association who has been a relentless advocate for better care for the most seriously ill observed, “About 50% of people with schizophrenia suffer from anosognosia, the inability to recognize they are ill because the illness eliminates the capacity of the brain to exercise insight. Medications can provide the type of symptom reduction that can prevent violence.”
California’s mental health system needlessly and intentionally created their own horrific and violent catch-22: it refuses to provide any treatment unless the mentally ill person is well enough to recognize their need for it. All others are turned over to the police. And even their hands are tied until after the individual becomes danger to self or others. Mr. Thomas’s family made multiple attempts to get California’s mental health system to help Kelly. On the KFI John and Ken show, Kelly Thomas’s sister said, “We tried everything… I feel it is the law that has kept us from keeping him in a place on his medication and healthy.” The system refused to budge.
Law enforcement is desperate to return treatment of the seriously ill to the mental health system. Untreated seriously mentally ill not only put the public at risk, they put officers at risk. Michael Biassotti, Vice President of the NYS Chiefs of Police wrote movingly on police and mentally ill after an incident in NYS:
The last thing any police officer wants to do is pull out a gun. It’s a sign that something has gone terribly wrong. But increasingly officers are being forced to pull out their guns, and often it’s to protect the public from someone with untreated mental illness.
Chief Biasotti believes a big part of the solution is returning treatment of the mentally ill to the mental health system through greater use of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (“Laura’s Law” in California). The National Sheriff’s Association agrees.
Laura’s Law allows courts to order certain individuals who are too ill to recognize their need for treatment to accept treatment as a condition of living in the community. It returns care of the mentally ill to the mental health system. Research in Nevada County, the one California County to implement this optional law shows it works and saves money.
Californians should stop blaming law enforcement for the failure of the mental health system. Put the blame where it really belongs: on a mental health system that refuses to focus its resources on treating the most seriously mentally ill.
The mechanism — Laura’s Law, and the funding, Prop 63 is available. What’s lacking is leadership.
This is a silly novel, seems it’s the rogue cops that are mentally ill doesn’t it?
@88, not sure what u are are talking about when ur thinking that i am involved insome type of sexual act… nice profanity, if u have a point please make it…. the persons revealed have been revealed from the inside……… as far as where the chief lives, employees at fpd are not entitled to his home address, and its not our business where he lives…… let the fbi do their job…. discriminating aginst gays and providing personal info has nothing to do with the kelly thomas incident…… and if people in the inside did not want justice, they would have not stepped up and said anything…. but guess what, who do u think is providing information????????
@96, u r right.. so many people have been abused by civil employees both physical and mental. prior to this incident, no one ever bothered to give a crap about homeless people… now that everyone has a bleeding heart, i strongly encourage people to step up and help these people out…… seek justice, not revenge……..
DJ JAFFE: The California Mental Health System and the Death of Mentally Ill Kelly Thomas
DJ Jaffe, August 4, 2011 | 11:56:16 AM (EST)
In California, it is playing out with relentless familiarity: the death of Kelly Thomas at the hands of Fullerton police has led to the usual criticisms of the police and calls for better training and more compassion.
But Carla Jacobs, founder of the California Treatment Advocacy Coalition founder, and California’s most astute mental illness advocate, notes in an interview that while police could always use better training in how to handle dangerous mentally ill individuals, the police are not always the villains: “When it comes to treating people with the most serious mental illnesses, the police will react where California’s mental health system won’t. Police are almost never out on a call regarding mental illness unless one condition is met: the mentally ill person has been abandoned by the mental health system. That’s when they deteriorate, become psychotic, delusional and dangerous.”
That happens too often. Ms. Jacobs remembers when mentally ill Edward Charles Allaway killed seven individuals on the Fullerton campus of California. “It was police who tracked him down.” Ms. Jacobs’ own sister-in-law was abandoned by the mental health system and shot her mother. Again: the police stepped in.
As Randall Hagar, Director of Government Affairs for the California Psychiatric Association who has been a relentless advocate for better care for the most seriously ill observed, “About 50% of people with schizophrenia suffer from anosognosia, the inability to recognize they are ill because the illness eliminates the capacity of the brain to exercise insight. Medications can provide the type of symptom reduction that can prevent violence.”
California’s mental health system needlessly and intentionally created their own horrific and violent catch-22: it refuses to provide any treatment unless the mentally ill person is well enough to recognize their need for it. All others are turned over to the police. And even their hands are tied until after the individual becomes danger to self or others. Mr. Thomas’s family made multiple attempts to get California’s mental health system to help Kelly. On the KFI John and Ken show, Kelly Thomas’s sister said, “We tried everything… I feel it is the law that has kept us from keeping him in a place on his medication and healthy.” The system refused to budge.
Law enforcement is desperate to return treatment of the seriously ill to the mental health system. Untreated seriously mentally ill not only put the public at risk, they put officers at risk. Michael Biassotti, Vice President of the NYS Chiefs of Police wrote movingly on police and mentally ill after an incident in NYS:
The last thing any police officer wants to do is pull out a gun. It’s a sign that something has gone terribly wrong. But increasingly officers are being forced to pull out their guns, and often it’s to protect the public from someone with untreated mental illness.
Chief Biasotti believes a big part of the solution is returning treatment of the mentally ill to the mental health system through greater use of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (“Laura’s Law” in California). The National Sheriff’s Association agrees.
Laura’s Law allows courts to order certain individuals who are too ill to recognize their need for treatment to accept treatment as a condition of living in the community. It returns care of the mentally ill to the mental health system. Research in Nevada County, the one California County to implement this optional law shows it works and saves money.
Californians should stop blaming law enforcement for the failure of the mental health system. Put the blame where it really belongs: on a mental health system that refuses to focus its resources on treating the most seriously mentally ill.
The mechanism — Laura’s Law, and the funding, Prop 63 is available. What’s lacking is leadership.
In America, we fire the Chief and his cronies. Then turn everything over to FBI immediately. You do not just sitting there.
Never trust these Mayor, Deputy of Mayor, politicans and Fullerton councils. They should be charged with collaboration and cover-up.
Citizens of Fullerton are cowardice and got exactly what it voted for.
DJ JAFFE: The California Mental Health System and the Death of Mentally Ill Kelly Thomas
DJ Jaffe, August 4, 2011 | 11:56:16 AM (EST)
In California, it is playing out with relentless familiarity: the death of Kelly Thomas at the hands of Fullerton police has led to the usual criticisms of the police and calls for better training and more compassion.
But Carla Jacobs, founder of the California Treatment Advocacy Coalition founder, and California’s most astute mental illness advocate, notes in an interview that while police could always use better training in how to handle dangerous mentally ill individuals, the police are not always the villains: “When it comes to treating people with the most serious mental illnesses, the police will react where California’s mental health system won’t. Police are almost never out on a call regarding mental illness unless one condition is met: the mentally ill person has been abandoned by the mental health system. That’s when they deteriorate, become psychotic, delusional and dangerous.”
That happens too often. Ms. Jacobs remembers when mentally ill Edward Charles Allaway killed seven individuals on the Fullerton campus of California. “It was police who tracked him down.” Ms. Jacobs’ own sister-in-law was abandoned by the mental health system and shot her mother. Again: the police stepped in.
As Randall Hagar, Director of Government Affairs for the California Psychiatric Association who has been a relentless advocate for better care for the most seriously ill observed, “About 50% of people with schizophrenia suffer from anosognosia, the inability to recognize they are ill because the illness eliminates the capacity of the brain to exercise insight. Medications can provide the type of symptom reduction that can prevent violence.”
California’s mental health system needlessly and intentionally created their own horrific and violent catch-22: it refuses to provide any treatment unless the mentally ill person is well enough to recognize their need for it. All others are turned over to the police. And even their hands are tied until after the individual becomes danger to self or others. Mr. Thomas’s family made multiple attempts to get California’s mental health system to help Kelly. On the KFI John and Ken show, Kelly Thomas’s sister said, “We tried everything… I feel it is the law that has kept us from keeping him in a place on his medication and healthy.” The system refused to budge.
Law enforcement is desperate to return treatment of the seriously ill to the mental health system. Untreated seriously mentally ill not only put the public at risk, they put officers at risk. Michael Biassotti, Vice President of the NYS Chiefs of Police wrote movingly on police and mentally ill after an incident in NYS:
The last thing any police officer wants to do is pull out a gun. It’s a sign that something has gone terribly wrong. But increasingly officers are being forced to pull out their guns, and often it’s to protect the public from someone with untreated mental illness.
Chief Biasotti believes a big part of the solution is returning treatment of the mentally ill to the mental health system through greater use of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (“Laura’s Law” in California). The National Sheriff’s Association agrees.
Laura’s Law allows courts to order certain individuals who are too ill to recognize their need for treatment to accept treatment as a condition of living in the community. It returns care of the mentally ill to the mental health system. Research in Nevada County, the one California County to implement this optional law shows it works and saves money.
Californians should stop blaming law enforcement for the failure of the mental health system. Put the blame where it really belongs: on a mental health system that refuses to focus its resources on treating the most seriously mentally ill.
The mechanism — Laura’s Law, and the funding, Prop 63 is available. What’s lacking is leadership.
@100, what is a pig vommit captain? are u upset with the chief or captain? do know the ranks of the police dept?????? and not 74k a month. look up payscales of the officers. its on the web page…. unless u have just given them a raise.
Dear Mr. President and Father of 2 Young Children;
Justice for Kelly Thomas. We need to uphold justice before further destruction. Local justice system and councils members are part of the problems. Since dead man can talk, we need your attention.
White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/
U.S Dept. of Justice: http://www.justice.gov/
CA Governor Ed Brown: http://gov.ca.gov/
If it was 40 years ago, these gang should work for Hitler. These Orange County Polices and its management will make Hitler proud.
Fullerton,
Forty years ago Adolf Hitler would have been DEAD for 20 years! and it would have been another ten years since he sent jack booted thugs to beat citizens.
If you are going to make a ridiculous statement, please have the facts reasonably accurate.
These officers are plain and simple street thugs undertrained and undersupervised, protected by a powerful union. But to compare them to the SS does a dis-service to everyone protesting Kelly’s beating.
In the 70’s? Hitler and the Nazi’s were long gone by the 70’s. They were defeated in 1945. Math
The following link was posted on the Drudge Report this morning around 8 a.m., but it disappeared later in the day. There is a link on the drudge reports’ first page where you can provide news tips. I sent a link yesterday and just sent another one. If people want this to gain serious traction, do the same. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/04/earlyshow/main20087973.shtml
it is obvious that Chief Thug thought he could cover his ass by turning this whole thing over to his cronies at the D.A.’s office and he would have nothing to worry about because that office is as coprrupt as the FPD. Let us hope that the United States Department of Justice and the F.B.I. have enough integrity to open a R.I.C.O. investigation into both of these corrupt entities.
No doubt Sharon Quirk is one of these bitches writing above. This city is in trouble and watch what happens next…..
just hang ALL of them by their balls already FFS. I know where they ALL live, so shut up you “for-SOWS”!
fullerton city councilwoman quirk-silva’s plea for socks for the homeless and mentally ill recalls the popular quip “put a sock in it” which obliquely references the advice not to make stupid comments. Quirk-silva says Fullerton is a loving, resilient city. We don’t need a loving, resilient city, we the people of fullerton need a police force that doesn’t beat people to death and a city council that shows immediate leadership and moral strength when their police murder people. quirk-silva you sat silent too long before you made your public outcry and this tells me you are a coward and an opportunist , not the people’s hero
As easy as it to ridicule Quirk-Silva about the sock thing, that is the one thing that homeless people constantly say they urgently need. Think about it: you’re homeless, you’re walking around all the time, your feet sweat and blister and get gross. There’s an organization in downtown Los Angeles, socks for the homeless, that gives socks every weekend. Just saying…http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sock-the-Homeless/120410848007449
digressing from the beating death of a homeless man ar the hands of fullerton police officers, degrades the memory of Kelly thomas. There is a time and place for everything and segwaying from murder to handing out socks is at best tacky
# 107-you BEST STHU-my dad was homeless, you ignorant bastard
to # 108 AKA really? —–you BEST STHU-my dad was homeless, you ignorant bastard
BINGO—CHING CHING AND WHAT DO WE HAVE FOR THE WINNER =oD>
Posts #140 through #155 illustrate the lowest form of political debate strategy–to batter others with profanity, slurs, sound bites, and name calling.
Councilwoman Silva is now being administered a brutal online beating here because her open letter contains a post script that calls for action to assist the homeless and the mentally ill, the other Kelly Thomases here in our city. Not only did readers miss the main point of her letter, they also missed the cruel irony of their own words. It’s as though they are screaming,”Let’s attack the police AND any advocate for the homeless and mentally ill . . . because of what the police did to someone who was homeless and mentally ill!”
To be sure, the issue at hand is first and foremost about inexcusable police brutality. Citizens are fearful and have requested that Fullerton City Council members take a public stand and respond. And that’s exactly what Silva has done. The main purpose of her letter was to inform the her constituents that she has communicated with Kelly Thomas’ family, that action against the police involved is being taken, and that she is calling for the resignation of the Police Chief (a bold move). Her open letter is similar to that of Councilman Whitaker’s of July 17th. In his letter, he stated that he had communicated with the family, that an investigation is underway, and that “related evidence, including video and audio recordings be made public” (a bold move).
Why then are the two council member’s letters received so differently? Whitaker’s public statement gets lionized by FFFF posters. Silva’s gets demonized. Why aren’t more at least acknowledging that Silva, too, is serving their agenda by calling for the Chief’s resignation? Why the double standard? Is in because she’s a woman? A Democrat? Easier to beat up?
Or is it because Silva issued a post-script appeal on behalf of a group of nameless, faceless people for whom the townsfolk have nothing but contempt?
Brother, I was with you there and was ready to write a post in support of your position right up until you played the gender/ democrat card. Can’t support a post decrying the lowest form of political debate strategy with an equally low debate strategy.
Where do I use “profanity, slurs, sound bites, or name calling”?
I didn’t say you did. I said you played the gender card/democrat card. IOW you implied she was being attacked because she was a woman, or a democrat, or both. See –
“… right up until you played the gender/ democrat card.”
See how that works? If I wished to accuse you of “profanity, slurs or name calling” I would have said –
“…right up until you used profanity, slurs or name calling.”
Instead, I said that the gender/democrat card was just as low (or more accurately, tired) as “profanity, slurs or name calling.”
I’m sorry I wasn’t more clear in my post but I really don’t see how I could have been.
Probably because of these rhetorical questions. She only released her open-letter, oh, almost a month after the man was killed. It’s clearly for political reasons, and for some reason you’re too blind to see that. It has zilch to do with her being a woman, a democrat, or anything. There’s no double standard. She’s clearly trying to do whatever she can to get re-elected now that people are discussing the recalls.
Her open-letter cannot even be compared to Councilman Whitaker’s, and it’s disturbing that you have tried to compare her’s to his. Councilman Whitaker seems to actually care about the people he represents, while Councilwoman Quirk-Silva just seems to be concerned about is not getting recalled and she wants to get re-elected. Hence, the bullshit letter that clearly shows she uninformed about the people she represents. Homeless people can vote to, and she represents them. Now, all of a sudden she cares? Give me a break.
Asking rhetorical questions is a legitimate attempt to get honest answers from a reader. One can answer yes or no as one pleases and then follow up with logical explanations.
Waterbottle, FYI, Councilwoman Silva has taught for 25 YEARS in and the low income neighborhood where she grew up here in Fullerton. The poor, the homeless, the mentally ill are no strangers to her. She has been involved in community service and the city council for a total of 10 YEARS.
Bruce Whitaker has been on the council for 7 months.
Hey Tony and Travis, how about a new post that delves into the weirdness of City Manager Felz telling your boys over at Fullerton Stories that they city hasn’t made a settlement offer to Ron Thomas. Yet, if you click on the link on KFI’s Facebook page, you can clearly see the actual document! http://www.kfiam640.com/pages/KellyThomas.html?article=8921886#.Tjncfsczkhs.facebook
Also CNN broadcast an interview with Ron Thomas tonight that he plans to sue the city…
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/08/04/california.homeless.death.father/
according to this witness the a video was shot up close but was confiscated at the scene what right does a cop have to take personal property from a citizen?
all effort to retrieved that tape should be out in the open who has it and why was it not given back to it’s rightful owner .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_hivslQiE8
She is just making a platform to campaign.
Many people reading this blog do not realize that Sharon Quirk-Silva is a union goon, as is her current husband. So it’s not surprising she is opposed to releasing the officers’ names — after all, this is union mentality at its finest.
Sharon teaches, I believe, 4th grade at Richman Elementary. As such, her letter needs to be read in the appropriate context. I don’t think it’s fair to call her stupid. Naive, yes. But like many school teachers, she is stuck in a K-8 cocoon and doesn’t always relate well to the outside world.
The second half of her letter can be summed up with two words, BE NICE. This is the type of message teachers give classrooms full of 10-year olds. These sentiments fall on deaf ears to people of all ages. Besides, we don’t need a councilwoman to figure this out for ourselves.
I appreciate her willingness to diverge from the majority and stand alone on certain issues. Believe me, I do. But there’s still room for improvement.
The last time I said this on FFFF, I was flamed rather vehemently, but I’ll say it again anyway. I REALLY wish our City Council had an attorney on it right now. For reasons too long to explain here, I abhor, detest, loathe, _______ the assholes at Jones & Mayer, the city attorneys employed by City Hall.
I don’t trust them for a second. With Nelson gone and Chaffee not elected, it is significantly easier for them to lie to the City Council or conveniently leave out certain facts. There’s nobody left at their level to call them out on their bullshit, particularly during closed session council meetings.
watchit
I think socks is a great first step to reaching out and learning more about the needy in our community.
Its the lack of caring that helped create this terrible tragity. I can’t understand all the trash talk comments posted on this blog. Is this really the type of people that make up our city? How many of you have the abilty to show a little compassion and understanding and take a first step in healing our community? Its easier to sit behind your computer keyboards and annonomous names and trash talk someone who is trying to make a connection that seems to be missing in this community.
The complaints are about it being a month late, diverting from the main issue, and pandering as opposed to legitimate concern. What is the first step towards healing our community? to sit passively by while the human rights of others are trampled by those who are supposed to protect them?
Really? You think the investigators will compromise the investigation because someone like you wants them to. Really? You think that this blog is going to effect some kind of change. Really? You think these officers are guilty before all the information has come out. Really? You think that this Councilwoman Quirk-Silva is not using this situation for her political gain. Really? You think you have the power to ruin people’s lives and smear their names for your own selfish reasons. Really?
What exactly do you think ? Kelly was a ninja and unless severely beaten to the point of death was a threat to six officers? Also explain how it compromises and investigation to show that tape? Is the tape going to change because more people saw it? Being held accountable is not smearing someones name if you even pee in public you could be a registered sex offender listed on a website for all your neighbors to see. The only thing your right about is Silva’s opportunism on every other point you are tragically mistaken.
Well I’m glad we agree about Silva. Again I researched other schizophrenic cases from other cities involving police where the schizophrenic died, and we still do not know the cause of death for Kelly. But I have my suspicions.
Shawn Nelson and Chris Norby are the opportunists here. Both are former Fullerton City Council members who for years had buddy-buddy relationships with the strong arms of the Fullerton law. Nelson received contributions from the Fullerton Police Officers Association (union) and proudly used their endorsement of him in his campaign mailers.
Sharon Quirk-Silva has taught for 25 years in a low income Fullerton neighborhood and has a long history of community service with the disadvantaged.
Outraged you sound like an idiot. Dumb 16 year old girls finish every sentence with the word, really ?
The entire FPD is guilty at this point, no story or smear campaign you shit bags can come up with will justify what happened to Kelly. And the longer you try to avoid accepting responsibility for your actions, the worse you’re making it for yourselves. Really. So, go grab another doughnut and enjoy your paid vacation.
Im sorry I guess you do not watch Saturday Night Live with Seth Myers.
Youre another member of Mob that John Phillips was talking about yesterday on KABC 790. He said the mob doesnt care about the facts. They just want the fpd and officers to suffer.
Well, you couldn’t be more wrong but if it makes you feel at ease to lump me in with the “mob” I won’t ruin that for you. You are right about one thing, I do want each of these 6, the Chief, the night watch commander, the 3 Blind mice on the council and the entire network of friends and family for each of these people to suffer dearly. It would bring a huge sense of satisfaction to me to know that the wives and children of these “peace officers” are left without their fathers or husbands when this is all said and done. And hopefully the officer’s in question futures’ will entail nothing but lonely jail cells and frequent prison rape at the hands of their fellow criminals. John Philips (whoever that is) was spot on with that call. And no, I don’t watch SNL, so reference missed.
oh boohoo we wouldn’t want people who murder the homeless and mentally ill to suffer. God forbid the guys who caved someone’s fucking skull in with the butt end of a pistol have to bear ANY inconvenience or discomfort. Go fuck yourself outraged.
You mean one of the ones that aren’t thinking rationally, as has been displayed by many on here.
thats correct
Cop hater, talk about an idiot! A detailed investigation will bring to light what happened, not the ramblings of a complete fool. I’m pretty sure you are 1 of the many dirt bags who frequent Fullertion and the sourrounding areas just by your mindless rant.
I’d love to see your rap sheet, as I’m confident its a few pages at minimum. Get a job, pay taxes, read a book (if you can read) before shooting your mouth off.
Just because the person has a badge, doesn’t mean I have to believe what they say-nor does anyone else….you remember that and pass it on to your animal friends….that is no rant, thats the truth, and you all havent seen “resisting” yet..a hole, fat, hillybilly GEDers
Cop Friend. Just like your buddy, you couldn’t be more wrong. There’s no wrap sheet here punchy. And other than protests and vigils to pay respects to an old friend who was murdered, I have no business nor interest in stepping foot in Fullerton. When your friends murdered Kelly, and tried covering it up, they made a monumental mistake in assuming he was expendable. However, to the contrary there is a network of people who are not intimidated by crooked police and have the tools and resources to ensure you will all pay. Perhaps, if you are so inclined you may wish to re-think the types of people you call friends. And that is giving you the benefit of the doubt that you are in fact not another trolling FPD Pig on this site. If the latter is true, then I would advise you leave town, or just make the best of the time you have with your family because whether it takes a week, or a year, you and your family will suffer for what you’ve done. I don’t mean to imply physical harm will be visited upon anyone, but its safe to assume life as you have known it and the rule of unquestioned power by the local police will end with this case. And in case you aren’t paying attention, most people will welcome the change. It’s over for you guys.
“read a book (if you can read)”
does comix books count?
Yes, Really.
I have read your concerns for the homeless in Fullerton. I live in Pensacola Florida. My church is very small about 50 members, our Pastor has a huge heart for the homeless so he started Nothing Lost Outreach. Every Sunday 2 – 6pm they have 3 vans and go pick up the homeless and bring them, they get a hot meal a lunch bag with sandwiches to take back with them. we have a shower trailer comes every Sunday, a clothing trailer once a month and a health clinic trailer once a month.Then we have a praise and worship service. Two other local churches have joined in to help. It has just turned out unbelievable success. We serve about 100 homeless every weekend. They keep coming back, they say they now come not just for the food but the fellowship without being judged. This is truly changing lives, at least they know they have someone that cares. Maybe if some churches could get this going it would be wonderful. I will provide a link to a local tv spot for them. Thank you for listening and I pray everything will work out for your town. Anita http://nothinglostoutreach.com/
I’m sure my small church would be interested, If we could get an idea as to how he started this, maybe get some startup tip.
It is easy to see how ordinary German citizens could become the monsters they did in the ’30s. All they needed was to be convinced that their victims somehow derserved what they got. Trying to deflect the facts by bringing up past offenses by Kelly Thomas or calling his father a gold digger are just that – deflections and justifications. Nothing has anything to do with this other than what occurred at the bus station.
And for the cops posting here to exhonerate their fellow cops. You are complicit in this by harboring criminals.
Automedon,
999 times out of 1000 I simply ignore violations of Godwins Law and keep reading, but your post is such an excellent point. If people are going to bring up Hitler, that is the right way to do it. Thanks bro.
You should have ignored this one because it’s a major violation. A majority of the ordinary German citizens had no idea about what Hitler and the gang were actually doing to the Jews and others. Many serving in Germany’s military didn’t even know.
To imply that all of Germany’s ordinary citizens knew about the camps is just wrong, sick, and majorly ill informed.
Huge godwin violation on you both. Trying to compare this to what Hitler did, and your uninformed ignorance on what you two think the ordinary German people knew is sick.
I see your point but I have to respectfully continue to disagree. I know and have argued in the defense of the majority of gemans) were unaware of the excesses of Hitlers policies (at least that he was actually doing what he said would do in Mein Knampf) but not everyone was. The people who were in the vicinity of what hapened on Kristallnacht, people wo lived on DachauStrasse, people who lived in the vicinity of the camps, who ere involvd in coordinating the massive logistics of transporting people to the camps etc. knew SOMETHING was going on. but they were told these peopl were “spies, saboteurs, gypsies, homosexuals, enemies of the state – IOW, they were told these people were the OTHER. That hat was happenong was unfortunate but necessary for the whole. So, where they could they controlled the information that got out – not hard to see the parallel here – and when the couldn’t, they explained it away – “Loser homeless schizophrenic scumbag that fought the cops and was probably a drug addict who got what he deserved and theseguys are heroes putting their lives on he line and he wasn’t no good t nonbody no how.”
Its no accident that we never hear headlines like “Local millionaire beaten to death by police after resisting arrest during a DUI stop.” Now maybe you believe millionaires never drive drunk or get stopped for it. Or resist arrest. Or basically show their asses just as loudly and effectively as any various and sundry lower class lawbreaker. They do. I submit that you don’t hear these things because too many cops know when they are dealing with “the other” – that not many will cry for or speak up for – and when they aren’t.
But more to the point, don’t know that I’d be throwing around charges of “uninformed ignorance” when one can extrapolate that anyone implied “that all of Germany’s ordinary citizens knew about the camps” when in fact no one implied any such thing. A quick re-reading of Automedon’s post (read the black part, that should help) should help you see what I mean.
This likely will come down to Kelly Thomas sensing that he was about to get violently rolled and reacting – and that is exactly how JC set it up – so he could beat the shit out of a homeless person to move him out of Fullerton – that is murder.
***watch the stock go up***
a lot of you people are idiots and shouldn’t comment because because you don’t know or realize what’s really going on. Most of the council and the culture of Fullerton operations has always been pro police and clean up Fullerton by ridding of homeless and lower class citizens. Fullerton is not an aggressive city, but the police have always been instructed to make it uncomfortable for certain people in hopes they will leave in an attempt to make Fullerton more valuable city like brea or yorba Linda. Most city council and ex city council own properties and businesses in Fullerton including the current mayor. Thats why we have pit bulls for police officers and not German shepards. This is obvious if you pay attention to The police. They get new expensive vehicles with useless accessories, while other city departments get stuck working with outdated tools. The asshole cops get promoted and the one eyed aggressive pigs from LAPD get hired on.
Please do not comment if your not from Fullerton or if you live in a rock on the hills. I have seen on countless occasions, the FPD pulling over Hispanic men on bicycles at 2 in the morning going home from work, homeless people being question, young minorities in any kind of car being pulled over, all while drunk party goers are walking the streets from downtown Fullerton bars.
In the post titled: Quirk-Silva’s Open Letter To Fullerton Residents
Note the following: “…We need to wait for final reports from the D.A. and the FBI before we can make a final judgment on the officers involved (and for their own safety, I don’t feel it is advisable for their names to be released publicly at this time)….”
This entry was posted on August 4, 2011, 6:40 PM…
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In the post titled: Who Was There? The FPD Six
Note the following: “…According to our sources:
Officer Jay Cicinelli was there
Officer Kenton Hampton was there
Officer Manny Ramos was there
Officer Joe Wolfe was there
Officer James Blatney was there”
This entry was posted on August 4, 2011, 9:52 AM…
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Am I missing something or did you change your mind in 9 hours and forget to update your website??? Do you really care about the citizens of Fullerton??? Do you really care about the police force of Fullerton??? Or are you like “Doc Hee Haw” and a country bumpkin who is in over their head as well???
Should he care about the police in Fullerton?
To be honest i have seen Fullerton PD arrest people coming out of the continental room for being drunk in public so im not sure anyone is safe from them. They randomly picked someone out and busted them as they walked down the street.
Schizophrenic people have the same rights as everyone else. I believe in the US Constitution, and you may not, which is fine. But once you give someone the power to take away these peoples rights, you’ve also gave them the power to take away your rights.
Waterbottle, FYI, Councilwoman Silva isn’t running to the front of a parade. She has taught for 25 YEARS in the low income neighborhood where she grew up here in Fullerton. The poor, the homeless, the mentally ill are not strangers to her. In addition, while teaching, she has worked tirelessly in community service and on the city council for a total of 10 YEARS.
Bruce Whitaker is a nice man who has been on the council for 7 MONTHS. His main concern in the community has been financial–saving tax dollars.
Sharon Quirk-Silva sure knows how to write a self-serving and painfully naive open letter. I wonder if this is the norm for the city council?
IDEA FOR THIS SITE,,,
CLOSE ALL POSTING CAPABILITIES FOR A LITTLE WHITE , ONE WEEK MAYBE TWO,
BECAUSE ,,
WE NOW KNOW WE ARE NOT ALONE
AND WE DO NOT WANT TO BICKER POINTLESSLY
AND THE THEM , WILL POSSIBLY CULTIVATE THE IDEA THAT THE PEOPLE ARE ACTING LIKE A LYNCH MOB.
.
BREATH
CHXN
whatever,
i am still enjoying posting , too,,,
was just a thought ,,
still good to breath
pax
chxn
I am sick to death this morning after watching the news about this murder of Mr. Thomas. These beatings need to stop now and the officers involved need to be fired without pay! I haven’t seen my brother for 25 years. He has been on and off the streets since I was 19. I know he has been homeless in California at times and it scares me to death that I will be contacted some day saying that this incident has happened to him. Police need to trained with handling the homeless people, not just in California but in every city. The homeless are scared, intimidated, and sometimes mentally ill. This is a very sad day for me.
Just like they state that Mr Thomas chose to be homeless, Well the Police of Fullerton CHOSE to beat him to death! They should be held accountable for their crimes. The city and the police need to step up or we will have another “L.A Riots”
“or we will have another “L.A Riots””
NO, we won’t.
You should learn about how the police have treated blacks in this country over the years. You think this guy getting beat to death is bad? Read about the shit the coppers were and continue to do blacks from the early 1900’s to now. This is chump change.
The riots happened because the white cops got off for beating the shit out of a black man and were caught on video doing it. The people in L.A. rioted because they didn’t receive justice and probably felt they never would. If I recall correctly, the jury in that case was all white.
Mr. Cooper,
I have been a fan since first seeing you introduced by Wolf Blitzer years ago. Your work has always impressed me! There is a story I believe you would be interested in that could use some serious investigative journalism, and you are the best in the business today, imho. Please follow the below link to Youtube. As an investigative reporter I’ve full faith you will be able to find more information yourself on this subject.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_hivslQiE8&feature=youtu.be
Thank you for your time and interest, and thank you for your years of excellent reporting.
All the best,
Xer
Water Bottle, you should read Hitler’s Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and The Holocaust by Daniel Goldhagen.
You’re wrong. Ordinary Germans knew and were complicit. In fact, police units were used to perform executions by mass-shooting. Those police units were given no extra ideological training such as the SS, but were able to carry out their killing duties with zeal and purpose. Eliminationist antisemitism predated Hitler. Hitler simply watered the seeds that had been planted long before him.
Hitler’s Willing Executioners is one of the most repudiated bits of pseudoscholarship on the subject, and that’s saying something. Look it up.
Not saying I agree with every point he makes, but that the average German knew, and was in general agreement with, the necessity of ridding Germany (and then Europe) of Jews is something the book presents clearly.
You and Ronnie Reagan…
Are you actually trying to convince us, that people who cannot make normal, rational decisions due to mental incapacity, are thought to be trusted and functional when make ‘competent’ housing choices?
That is as self-serving and ignorant a thing to say now, as it was in the 80’s.
You Fail at American.
Go back to school.
Hitler didn’t all of a sudden ‘happen’ in 1941.
He rose to power over time, which began in 1921.
The almost decade and a half he had to work with before WWII started in the 1930’s, is where he laid the groundwork for his future, and the mindset of the German people.
Few, if any of them now, will admit to what they did, but Aryans were united in cause, and goal.
No one can watch any footage of his public appearances, and come away with the impression anyone in Germany was unaware.
apologies for the sidebar.
this story is nowhere to be found on google news this morning. i will be keeping it alive with those around me. my small part to play in this thing.
I like how Quirky-Silver writes this letter, then adds a commercial for her crusade at the end of it. Am I the only one who noticed this? This is not appropriate to add this in this particular letter, she could have written a separate letter regarding this, but its obvious she knows how to get her message out to the masses.
Quirk is only saying and doing things she thinks everyone wants to hear and appears very wishy washy-especially by saying on KFI that she doesnt feel the cops names should be released
I’d watch her
Her “commercial” at the end is a call to action. She is urging concerned citizens to offer support and assistance for the homeless, particularly those who suffer from mental illness. Kelly Thomas’ own father has made similar calls to action this month. He has also publicly stated that some of the settlement money will be used in his son’s name to provide aid to the homeless.
The call for socks may seem odd. However, in context, it is only part of a general appeal for some kind of immediate, practical solution to an ongoing local problem. The courageous announcement in the letter, ignored by most on this thread, is that she has called for the resignation of Sellers! That is exactly one of the things FFFF has urged City Council reps to do!
Yesterday, three days after Silva’s call for Sellers to step down, Bruce Whitaker has followed suit. He has called for the Chief’s resignation. Will posters here be similarly condemning him for doing that?
i still dont trust her and feel “her call to action” had no place in this particular letter-my opinion, my free1st amendment right to feel- time will tell if im right or not
I read that Ron Thomas wants to start a homeless shelter or something in Kelly’s name if and when he gets his big payday from his impending law suit. Interesting. The one homeless person could have done something for, his son, he chose to ignore. Mom, too, she calls the police on him when she finds him asleep on her porch. No shower, no meal, just get the hell out of here. Maybe they only had him over for holidays and then….OUT.
SO THAT GIVES FPD TO BEAT HIS ASS TO DEATH?
So that gives FPD the right to beat him to death
Ran into a guy involved with a SOCO restaurant this morning.I facetiously said that I didn’t see him at the rally last night (no business in downtown fullerton, ESPECIALLY bars want anything to do with the protest or in anti-cop talk; bad for business and they need to be on good terms with the po-po since they’re nightly visitors at their establishments, both in terms of off-duty and on-duty). But then he said something that really pissed me off. “Yeah, it’s such a tragedy. Why doesn’t Bushala use his $140,000 or what-ever to build a homeless shelter and those people use their money for their signs and donate it to that. It’s all so negative.” I lashed out: protesting doesn’t cost a fucking cent and a homeless shelter has absolutely nothing to do with six cops beating the fuck out of somebody. But his perspective is endemic of a lot of Fullerton people. Guy died, sucks, but come on, there are far things more important. Along with the hurdles of the DA and the Police Chief and City Hall, that mute acceptance of the status quo is something that people who really want justice, and real change, are going to have to face.
Stay on point, brothers and sisters.
The Fullerton police murdered Kelly Thomas.
It is a cold-blooded criminal murder and nothing else.
All this other stuff is noise and distraction. The need of the moment is keeping Kelly’s murderers up front, and making sure they and their enablers are roasted, by us.
We’ve been through this before, many times.
Remember Matthew Shepard? He was killed by ignorant thugs, exactly like Kelly.
This fight will be a long fight. The Fullerton dirtbags are in full tilt rope-a-dope, counting on us to lose interest. Bet on that.
I won’t lose interest. Never.
No one should give any Fullerton Police any respect or obey their commands until the Police Chief is fired and the people trust the Fullerton Police agian.
IF they try to pull you over, DO NOT STOP. Call 911 and request a State Police to meet you and observe the stop.
The pricks will kill agina.