Council members Glen Becerra and Steve Sojka have expressed concern that police resources were used inappropriately during a recent investigation involving the felonious theft of campaign signs.

Throughout the course of these investigations, the detective kept his supervisors informed as to the status and events that led to the eventual resolution of these initial cases.

On the morning in question, Councilmember Glen Becerra received a telephone call on his cellphone from the investigating detective, inquiring as to whether or not he had been a prior victim of campaign sign thefts at the Yosemite Avenue location.

During this call, Mr. Becerra was informed of the details surrounding the investigation, and he was offered all police services available by the detective. Mr. Becerra commented to the detective that he was “glad it wasn’t anyone related to Steve” and that he believed this resolution would now have a “calming effect” on the campaigns, which have been accusatory toward each other, over the issue of campaign sign theft.

Mr. Becerra was thankful for the service provided and grateful the detective gave up his family time to resolve the issue at hand.

The POA is deeply concerned how a confidential e-mail from Chief Lewis to City Manager Mike Sedell justifying the actions of the investigation was provided to the Acorn, which led to the article last Friday. It was confirmed that the confidential e-mail was also disseminated to the mayor and City Council members. We are concerned that our current city leaders continue to further divide and attack the police officers, who are working hard to stop crime, no matter the form it takes.

I have made a verbal request to the city manager to investigate how a possible personnel issue was leaked to the Acorn in violation of city policy. In hindsight, I have wondered if the POA had endorsed the incumbents, would this confidential e-mail involving a personnel matter been provided to the Acorn in violation of city policy?

Bill Daniels