Duarte reports drop in Part 1 crimes; officials outline homelessness outreach, holiday patrols and emergency drills

Duarte Public Safety Manager Bridal Arazumi told the City Council on Oct. 28 that Part 1 crimes are down 14.8% year-to-date compared with the same period last year, citing a 13% drop in robberies and a 32% increase in burglaries.

The report, delivered during the council's special-item period, credited the city's Special Assignment Team, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and resident engagement for the overall decline. Arazumi said the department will focus on targeted retail patrols during the holiday season, including bicycle and e-bike patrols to deter vehicle-related opportunistic thefts and outreach to local retailers about leaving valuables out of sight.

Arazumi also outlined recent and planned homelessness outreach. The department is conducting riverbed operations and coordinating with a Homeless Outreach Coordinator, the sheriff's department and new service providers identified as 'Lakata' and the 'Sycamores' to provide housing and wraparound services. He said one person encountered along the bike trail was connected with services, fed and housed as part of those efforts.

The department previewed a planned joint operation on Nov. 13 that will involve multiple agencies and service partners. Arazumi said the city's new UTV, acquired earlier this year, helps deputies access areas of the riverbed that are otherwise difficult to reach.

On emergency preparedness, Arazumi described local participation in the Great California ShakeOut on Oct. 16. Duarte held evacuation drills at City Hall, the fitness center and the senior center, practicing drop, cover and hold-on procedures and full evacuation to an outdoor field. He said the exercises included staff training and participation by visitors and customers.

Council members asked about heat- and weather-related coordination as the region faces Santa Ana winds and higher temperatures. Arazumi said the city is participating in weather conference calls with the National Weather Service and the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, and that Southern California Edison had issued some public-safety power-shutoff advisories that staff is monitoring.

The update closed with reminders about public events where public safety staff will provide support, including City of Hope Pediatrics trick-or-treating and a Walk for Hope event, and a Senior Wellness Expo that deputies attended earlier in October.