Police Foundation stands with ‘Chief Joe’
Late last week City Manager Jill Ingram placed Seal Beach Police Chief Joe Stilinovich on paid administrative leave. There has been no explanation as to why this drastic action was taken and, as a result, small town rumors and unfounded suppositions are being circulated. We would remind the community that this process, determined by the City Manager, includes a presumption of innocence on the part of Chief Joe. It also potentially has the possibility of being quite lengthy, as an investigation has begun, and then, following the “findings,” the City Manager determines an action. As we understand it, this process could take more than 300 days to complete. This seems to have the potential to damage in a permanent way Chief Stilinovich’s professional career and personal relationships with many of us.
Urgency and thoroughness of process should be key factors in this investigation as should the credibility of the complaint.
The Seal Beach Police Foundation, a supportive and fully independent non-profit organization, is dumbfounded, shocked and very curious. Long-term, invested and knowledgeable citizens and community leaders have characterized Chief Stilinovich as the best Police Chief in over 30+ years. We concur most heartily. As an advisor to our organization, Chief Stilinovich has worked tirelessly to see that our efforts were translated into real benefits for his department and the citizens of Seal Beach and their safety and security. He has exponentially increased positive relationships within the community, built bridges of understanding where misconceptions once stood, and he has created an approachable department in an unfortunate, increasingly hostile, divisive and distrustful world.
We would call on all citizens, voters, and City Council to encourage City Manager Ingram to reconsider her action and if that is not possible, ensure transparency and maximum expediency for this situation to the best outcome possible for our Chief Joe. It is the time that those of us who have witnessed the Chief’s exceptional work let our voices be heard. To be clear, we wish to fully understand and support Joe Stilinovich and his family during this difficult period.
We will go the distance for him. We also believe that as an organization designed to enhance both the safety and quality of life in Seal Beach through our Police Department, it is time to show other communities our appreciation for a community oriented, servant leader and his well-run department. We will continue, until credible hard evidence and the complete process has run its course, to stand steadfast on his side, as he has done for all of us in Seal Beach and beyond. To do less would be to accept the banality of evil and take no action. Whatever this charge may be, we stand united with Chief Joe.
Thomas W. Stretz, President
Seal Beach Police Foundation
Wag ‘n’ Walk raises $25K for local shelter
The 20th Annual Seal Beach Animal Care Center Wag ‘n Walk on Sept. 24 was a success and fun for all! Many thanks to everyone who came out to support the event! We had a great turnout, and everyone seemed to be having a good time! Special thanks to Justin Rudd and POTUS the Bulldog for being Grand Marshalls, Reverend Tia Wildermuth for the blessing, the Seal Beach Lions and Leos for all of their day of support, our sponsors and vendors, and of course our wonderful SBACC volunteers!
We cleared over $25,000 in support of the cats and dogs at the Care Center!
Special thanks to our Top Dog sponsors: Amore for Dogs/Simple Green, Animal Hospital of Huntington Beach, Doug Baker, Gay & Rob Johnson, Run Seal Beach (Presenting Sponsor), Seal Beach Lions Club, and Sun Newspapers; Big Dog sponsors: John Garey Fitness & Pilates, Kriddr, Silversage Advisors, Sun Surf Veterinary Hospital, and Watson & Associates; Lap Dog sponsors: Baytown Realty, Belmont Shore Optometric, Compound Central Pharmacy, Finbars Italian Kitchen, Javatinis, Joie de Vivre, Just Food for Dogs, Keith Cowhey DDS, Inc., Los Alamitos Animal Hospital, Poundwishes, Seal Beach Animal Hospital, Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Star Real Estate/Jim Speicher; Dog Lover Sponsors: 16th Street Garage, Alpha Pet Care, Anna Katsuki, Braithwaite Chiropractic, Citywide Escrow Services, Coldstone Creamery, It Works!, Joyful Paws Pet Hotel & Daycare, Laura Chitthum, Medusa Salon, Patio Pet Life, Race for the Rescues, Seal Beach Launderpet and W.Woodruff Hair Design!
Dee Carey
Seal Beach Animal
Care Center
Sunset Beach Chili Cook-off a success
I’m delighted to report our Annual 19th Sunset Beach Chili Cook-Off was a tremendous success! With your generous support, we are able to provide grants to local school and charities, award continuing education scholarships and help our local Community Center.
Thank you for your generous contribution; it is an investment for today and continued hope for the future well-being of our community.
Kathy Hammond
President-Sunset Beach Women’s Club Tennis exciting to watch
The US Open recently was exciting. Competition among champions was overwhelming. They were full of energy and vitality. Spectators cheering were delightful. My husband was an enthusiastic tennis player in college. My nephew bought us US Open tickets one summer. There was a huge crowd. We were fortunate to meet and shake hands with some champions. They were friendly and cheerful.
My cousin has a tennis court in his backyard in Florida. My enthusiastic husband enjoyed playing tennis with my young energetic nephew and nieces in their backyard. I always anticipate the US Open to watch and cheer the tennis champions from all over the world. Very exciting sport.
Lisa A. Dickson
Leisure World
