Public Safety in the City of South Gate Receives a Temporary Setback.

News Editors & City Desks

Appointment of Assistant Chief Lopez Remains Intact;

City to Meet and Confer With Police Union as Early as Monday on

Five-Day Workweek and Mandatory Uniform Policy

Public safety for the residents of the City of South Gate received a temporary setback today as the Los Angeles Superior Court issued an injunction preventing the city from implementing a series of public safety initiatives designed to curtail crime in the city. The local police union had filed the legal action in June to stop the newly implemented policies, including a mandatory uniform policy and a five-day work schedule, which would increase police presence in the community and intensify public safety. At a press conference downtown, City Attorney Clifton Albright declared that the ruling, handed down by the Honorable Dzintra Janavs, hinders the community's safety.

"We felt we had met our obligation to meet and confer on all issues including the mandatory uniform policy and workweek schedule," said Albright. "Obviously, the judge was not convinced so we will meet and confer with the police union as soon as Monday and ultimately public safety will prevail."

When notified of the court's decision in favor of the City on the appointment of Assistant Chief of Police Rick Lopez, Mayor Xochilt Ruvalcaba was very pleased.

"Lopez will be a strong leader for the police department and the city. He shares the vision of the city council in lowering crime in South Gate. Our ultimate goal for the residents of South Gate is increased public safety and ensuring that our police officers see public safety as a full-time commitment ... not a part time job. We will speak with the unions as soon as possible on the issue of the five-day workweek and the mandatory uniforms," said Ruvalcaba. "I pledge that our residents will soon feel a heightened police presence and public safety."

Assistant Chief of Police of South Gate Rick Lopez said he welcomes the challenge of his new job and feels at home in the city.

"Being a native of Southeastern Los Angeles, I feel comfortable in South Gate and I look forward to working with the city council," said Lopez. "My 18 years in law enforcement has prepared me for the challenges that lie ahead. I feel improving the community dialogue between the citizens of South Gate and the police department is essential to the success of this new department."

Incorporated on January 20, 1923, South Gate is the sixteenth largest city in Los Angeles County and encompasses 7.5 square miles. The City, located just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, has a population of more than 100,000 residents.