By TR Robertson
The monthly meeting of the Youth Enrichment Services group listened to an informative presentation by six of the twelve female officers from the Carlsbad Police Department given at the Pine Avenue Community Center in Carlsbad. The presentation was led by Carlsbad Police Assistant Chief Christie Calderwood. Assistant Chief Calderwood said the CPD has a diverse department and continues to add highly qualified members. She said females in law enforcement is around 10-12% nationally, but is continuing to grow. The Assistant Chief is a graduate of La Costa Canyon High School and Cal State San Marcos. She said she was initially planning on being a teacher but decided her calling was to be in law enforcement. Calderwood began as an officer in Carlsbad, starting the Crime Suppression Team. She has worked in a variety of positions within the department. Currently, along with her various assignments, she oversees the Explorer Program and works with the Ride Along program. She pointed out that life long education is extremely important and the CPD encourages officers to take the advantage of the assistance the city provides for continuing education. The CPD has a high standard for the selection of the officers in Carlsbad as they feel they have a responsibility for the bringing the best to the community. It was pointed out that the city recognizes this by providing good benefits for the CPD.
Following her presentation the five CPD officers took turns explaining what led them to choose law enforcement as their career, gave information about their background, listed the various departments they had worked in with CPD and what their current assignment includes and several told stories relating to their experience in the department. The CPD officers speaking to the YES group included Officer Puliafico, Lieutenant Darby Ernst, Sergeant Fant, Detective Jackie Pacheco and Sergeant Melissa Zavala. Each of the officers said they have a strong commitment to the citizens of Carlsbad and want to provide the best service they can. They all have worked in many different departments in the CPD, and all want to continue to move up within the department.
California Department of Education Parent Advisor Council
The California Department of Education will be launching the first State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Parent Advisor Council. Visit the website for more information.
Free Webinars
Parents and caregivers interested in learning how to support their children with mental health topics can learn more and gain new tools in a series of free webinars. In partnership with the Transforming Mental Health Initiative at Rady’s Children’s Hospital-San Diego, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) is hosting the free sessions to help families through all-to-common mental health struggles in young people. Parents, caregivers, and family members from across San Diego County are encouraged to attend. Registration is required. The February 28th presentation is Drug Use and its connection to mental health, ways to spot the symptoms and help.
