At WATCH, we had serious moments and light moments

LASD

Lake Los Angeles – LLA Plaza – The Lake Los Angeles WATCH group held its monthly meeting at M&G’s in the LLA Plaza on Tuesday evening, January 20. The gathering, which included sixteen participants, fostered active and engaging conversations throughout the evening. Attendees were fully involved, contributing to a lively and productive discussion during the meeting.

Resident/Resource Deputy Borruel opened the meeting with, “December was eventful. It was happy, exciting, terrible, sad, just a roller coaster. It was well, we did well. The Christmas parade was bigger. So many people participated. I called my LASD Reserve partners in to help, LASD Search and Rescue (SAR) came to help. Our annual bike giveaway this year to Wilsona Elementary students, being randomly chosen, was successful. I had one bike left over and a student became visible in need of a bike and had never owned a bike, so he got that. Dale Brown’s road crew put the bikes together for us as they do each year, an anonymous donor provided us with helmets, my son Jonathan home form the US Army took part, the kids paid more attention to Johnathan than me. Late in the day the rain started, like we had never experienced before, and all first responders were on high alert.

“We sere saving lives, using helicopters to rescue people caught in the water. Barricades were ignored. One life was lost. We recovered his body the day after. Obey the signs! 150 citations were issued. Citations for going around the barricades start at $1,500 and go up to $3,000.

“Dale and Nick from the road yard spent 4 days on an island. They set up tow truck yards, physically checked for people who might be in the cars as it was too cold to smell deceased conditions, and insurance claims were being denied because the barriers were breached. Two tow truck companies were working on towing to clear the roads to get cars out of the way. You pass the barricades, you are On Your Own (YOYO). There are “gypsy” tow truck companies out there picking out cars on their own, without any request for tow. That’s Grand Theft Auto. Do not fall for that.

“We had serious accidents that took lives. On 170th as I was headed south, a 3-car head-on occurred killing one young local girl who lived and worked in Lake Los Angeles. Earlier in the day there was a roll-over on 138.”

Borruel warned of a scam going on where a homeowner gets a call, the caller makes demands for money or ‘we will take your house’, and other threats. It’s a scam. Do not fall for it. Hang up.

Borruel noted in the November statistics that homicides were up. Year to date 2025 there was 5 homicides while year to date 2024 had 3 homicides. GTA was down 36.3%. Year-to-date 2025 is 87 compared to year-to-date 2024 at 142. “Retail crime = prison time. Retail crimes are being vigorously worked. We have the technology of facial recognition and we are arresting shoplifters.”

Dale and Nick spoke of the enormous project of rebuilding the shoulders and the length of time it is going to take to restore shoulders. There is still water on J flowing. The monitoring of road ice is going on with the lower nighttime temperatures.

Fact: This is a 20-year water event. It is identical to the year 2005 where Littlerock Creek and Big Rock Creek overflowed, same disastrous results.

At 110th Street East and both East Avenue J and K will be a long-term fixer issue. Progress will be noted to keep the community up to speed on the status of where the work is being done.

Adam Diamond was present representing LASD Search and Resource (SAR) and spoke of their huge efforts to save lives and rescue. When the mud clears, Adam will give us a break down of their huge undertaking during this 20-year water event.

SAR and Public Works need everyone’s help during this crisis. Honor the barricades. Be patient with people who are working day and night to reverse the damage done by this weather crisis. As the community faces the significant challenges brought on by this extraordinary weather event, it is important to recognize the dedication and tireless efforts of those working on the front lines. Teams are laboring around the clock—often in difficult and dangerous conditions—to address the widespread damage and begin the recovery process. Please be patient with all individuals who are committed to reversing the impact of this crisis, as their work is essential to restoring safety and normalcy for everyone.

Borruel announced he will be getting an F150 4X4 truck. It will be a light show! As soon as he gets his truck, we will post a photo. Flash and Bling!

“Going forward in 2026, we will continue to do our work, continue in recovery stage process, doing alcohol checks more frequently. We will be visible.”

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