text:
Note: A report regarding the context within which this report has been submitted to the Pine Mountain Club Property Owners Association Board can be read here. Below is the full committee report.
Rational for the Formation of the Citizen Review Committee
The Citizen review Committee was established as a result of concerns voiced by members of the PMC community, indicating that the Board of Directors was intending to significantly alter the operations of the Security Department. The PMC Board of Directors had arbitrarily removed the defensive weapons from the Security Officers.
The Board subsequently established a "Security Task Force," comprised of 3-4 Board Members and one citizen, to address the serious concerns of numerous residents who were upset over the removal of the defensive weapons. The task force was hurriedly established in a manner which was not consistent with current established guidelines and therefore it was met by members of the community with some skepticism.
Therefore, several concerned members of the community who have varied backgrounds in law enforcement, established a Citizen Review Committee to review all aspects of the Security Department, while focusing on the liability issue. The independent review process was meant to provide a clear perspective of the operations of the Security Department, with some recommendations for future operations.
This report is intended to provide a clear non-political perspective related to the operations of the Security Department, with specific goals and recommendations.
Questionnaire sent to the PMC Board of Directors to Obtain Their Concerns
A questionnaire was sent to each member of the Board of Directors to obtain their specific concerns, in order of priority, relative to the operations of the Security Department. The surveys were designed to assist the Citizen Review Committee in ascertaining the problem areas which have become a concern of the board, and thereby focusing solely on their specific concerns. Unfortunately, they refused to participate in the survey.
Page Two
Member Survey of the PMC Security Department
A survey was distributed to members of the PMC community in an attempt to obtain insight into the public's perception of the Security Department and determine any concerns relative to their operation. With the assistance of the Board of Directors, the survey was posted on the PMC website where it could be downloaded.
A total of 70 surveys were returned. This is a significant amount of returned and completed surveys, when considering the traditional poor response from similar surveys which require more than a "yes" or "no" answer.
The surveys were provided to independent statistical experts for their review, and a separate finding will be presented to the Board of directors, which is completely apart from this committee's report.
Overall, the survey revealed that the overwhelming majority of residents supports the current operations of the Security Department and do not want any disruption in patrol services. Note: The surveys are available for review upon request.
Interacton of PMC Security with Outside Agencies
PMC is within the jurisdiction of the Kern County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol.
An in-person meeting was conducted with representatives of both agencies to ascertain the working relationship between local law enforcement and members of the PMC Security Department.
—Kern County Sheriff's Department
During the meeting with Sergeant Mark Brown of the Frazier Park Office of the Kern County Sheriff Department, he had high praise of the PMC Security Department.
Sergeant Brown voiced his appreciation of the crime suppression efforts provided by the high visibility patrol of the PMC area by the Security Department.
He advised that his department's response time to PMC varied greatly dependent upon several factors including weather conditions and where the assigned unit is located when the radio call is received.
Page Three
Obviously, if the patrol unit is in close proximity of PMC, the response time is greatly reduced. Unfortunately, on the vast majority of times, the assigned unit is patrolling in the Frazier Park/Lebec area.
Response time on an average is between 25-30 minutes, which is not reduced significantly in the event that lights and sirens are utilized. During periods of bad weather PMC is not patrolled unless there is a specific radio call necessitating a response. Statistical information relative to the types of radio calls and crime statistics within PMC were provided by Sergeant Brown. Note: See the Addendum portion of this report.
Sergeant Brown indicated that PMC Security is in most cases, the first responder, and a valuable asset. He stressed the importance of PMC Security to "Detect, Observe and Report" all instances which required the Sheriff's response. On numerous occasions PMC Security has assisted the Sheriff's Department with pertinent on-scene information relative to suspects and witnesses.
Additionally, PMC Security personnel have assisted at crime scenes and stood-by for the response of fire personnel, coroner and animal regulation, which allowed Sheriff personnel to clear the scene.
He encourages deputies to provide extra patrol in the PMC area when they are in the general area on calls for service.
Sergeant Brown had no negative comments relative to the PMC Security Department and made no recommendations for changes.
Sergeant Brown suggested that PMC Security personnel should attend classes on crime scene preservation. The suggestion was made, as PMC Security is oftentimes the first on scene, and it is vital that evidence is not disturbed and the scene remains intact pending the arrival of the Sheriffs. NOTE: Please see recommendation #6.
Sergeant Brown emphasized that the PMC Security Department supplemented his crime prevention efforts merely by their high visibility patrol which is a proven crime suppression method.
Page Four
—California Highway Patrol
An in-person meeting was also conducted with the Watch Commander at the Fort Tejon Office of the California Highway Patrol, to obtain any insight as to their working relations with the PMC Security Department.
Sergeant Daryl Brooks indicated that the CHP has a good working relationship with PMC Security and they have successfully utilized security for traffic direction in the past. It is CHP policy to utilize civilian assistance during traffic collision investigations, for traffic control, should the incident necessitate such assistance.
He had no instances of negative incidents involving the PMC Security, and his impression of security has always been positive.
The CHP response time to PMC was discussed. There are significant delays in response to the PMC area, which are consistent with those experienced by the Sheriff's Department. He acknowledged that PMC Security is on the scene of traffic collisions prior to the arrival of the CHP the vast majority of times, and their assistance in traffic control could very well prevent a secondary collision from occurring.
Sergeant Brooks suggested that the security personnel attend a traffic control class to hone their skills and become more aware of safety considerations. NOTE: Please see recommendation #6.
Insight Provided by Employees of the PMC Security Department
It should be noted that the Board of Directors prohibited the formal interview of PMC Security personnel, related to their employment. The prohibition was based on a premise that it was a personnel issue, which was confidential in nature. Despite the board's stand relative to confidentiality, it is of utmost importance to have input from the concerned employees. The employee's input would have been an essential ingredient in the effort to resolve the concerns which were raised by the board of directors regarding the operation of the security department. It was unfortunate that we were prohibited from speaking to anyone associated with the PMC Security Department.
Page Five
1) As outlined in the current Standard Operating Procedures, there must be a stringent chain of command which restricts/eliminates a member of the board of directors, or any other prominent member of this community, from exerting his/her authority in the daily operations of the security department. This should constrain an individual from utilizing the security department to fulfill or enhance their own personal agendas. The Security Department should answer ONLY to the General Manager.
2) Due to the nature of security work, which is constantly under scrutiny, there should be a fair and reasonable review of any personnel complaints, by an independent body which is non-political in nature. Formal complaints should be accepted in a written form, which is specific, in terms of the actual misconduct which is alleged. Guidelines must be established for the implementation of an independent review to properly address citizen complaints against any member of the Security Department.
3) Employees should be considered as valuable members of the PMC workforce and not looked upon as "At Will", which negates an individual security officer from making a decision based on what is right vs. what would save his/her job.
4) The Security Office is not a secure location for confidential conversations relative to members private affairs. Conversations can be overheard by individuals who are there for other business. This causes security officers to leave the building to conduct sensitive conversations elsewhere. Additionally, the Security Office is a shared domain with other employees who have open access to documents and other items which may be sensitive in nature. Documents regarding security operations must be in a secured and locked cabinet. It is recommended that the Security Office be moved and established in a more secure environment.
5) The Security personnel appear to be underpaid when compared to other members of the PMC workforce, and their yearly raises are determined by the Board of Directors who do not oversee their daily work performance. Any reviews for an employee raise should consider the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and any budgetary recommendations from the General Manager. The raises should be based on merit, with no outside political influences involved in the decision making process.
6) Additional training should be initiated in all aspects of security, traffic control, crime scene preservation, in addition to proper Animal/Bear Control techniques.
Page Six
7) There are times when security personnel are asked to carry large sums of money for banking purposes. This task should be closely reviewed, as there are inherent dangers involved, which places our security personnel at risk.
8) Upon inspection of the new Security Patrol Vehicles, it was noted that there are no outside adjustable/fixed spot lights. An outside adjustable/fixed spot light is essential in illuminating scenes such as traffic collisions or animal control incidents. It is recommended that outside spot lights be installed on each security vehicle.
9) Recently it was determined that several of the Security Officers had allowed their Department of Consumer Affairs Guard Cards to expire, which necessitated that they be placed off duty pending their re-certification. It is recommended that a file be initiated whereupon the Security Manager has monthly reminders as to which individual security officer is within three months of guard card expiration. This function could be performed by the Human Relations Department in conjunction with other employees who are required to be licensed. This should eliminate the delinquent expiration of employees' guard cards.
10) During conversations with outside agencies, communications between the entities was discussed. It was agreed upon that regularly scheduled meetings should occur between local law enforcement and the PMC Security Department. It is recommended that the outside agencies meet quarterly with the Security Manager to maintain close relationships and enhance their ability to coordinate our security efforts.
11) During traffic control situations there is an enhanced level of danger, as a security officer could be struck by a passing vehicle. It is recommended that highly reflective vests which clearly indicate "Security," be assigned to each security vehicle for the use of officers during traffic control situations.
12) Many of the complaints received by the Security Department concern "Speeding Motorists", which raises a very serious community safety concern. It is recommended that a "Speed Trailer" be purchased for use in areas where complaints have been generated. The trailer can be positioned and moved by security personnel dependent upon the level of complaints which were received.
Page Seven
High Risk Activities Performed by PMC Security Personnel
After reviewing activity logs and monthly statistical reports for the entire year of 2008 and the last 7 months of the year 2009 (19 months in total), we were able to draw some conclusions relative to the type of calls which present the highest degree of exposure to liability to the PMC Homeowners Association. As a result of the review, three areas of concern were identified.
Concern #1:
It was noted that large crowd events, such as the October Fest, where alcohol is served and entertainment is provided, oftentimes results in some type of crowd misbehavior whereby security personnel is summoned to break-up a fight or other disturbance. This is the type of call which may result in some form of "use-of-force" being applied, as a solution to resolve, and contain the problem. We all know that when force is used, even minimal defensive force, it will likely result in a complaint or lawsuit.
Recommendation #13
To avoid this type of liability exposure, the Citizen Review Committee recommends the following:
The PMC Association should require any organization or group (including the Association) hosting any large event (50 attendees or more), that serves alcoholic beverages, have outside security officers patrol the event and keep the peace. There should be one security personnel for each fifty persons in attendance. Normally, security companies use unarmed "public event security personnel" who wear golf type shirts that say "Event Security" on the front and back. They usually only carry pepper spray and do not carry batons.
This should provide the desired "Soft" appearance voiced by some members of the Board of Directors, relative to the projection of authority by the security officers.
This would eliminate the PMC security personnel from any liability exposure. Any complaint from a special events incident, would be deferred to and absorbed by the security company and their insurance carrier.
The hosting organization or group should also be required to provide "Event Insurance", in the minimum of one million dollars, to indemnify the Association in the event that some type of accident occurs which could result in serious injury or death.
Page Eight
This proposal would also reduce the additional cost to the Association in paying overtime to our security personnel to attend such events, and would more importantly, allow them to complete their normal duties and patrols without interruption. This policy should include all special events such as festivals, weddings, Concerts on the Green, or any other event which has more than 50 persons are in attendance and alcoholic beverages are served.
Concern #2:
The second biggest concern relative to the liability issue is the Club House Lounge, where an occasional disturbance or fight may occur, and alcoholic beverages are served. Of all the properties owned and operated by the P.M.C.P.O.A, the clubhouse lounge is the highest single area where violence is liable to occur. Since it is highly unlikely that a 25-30 minute response by the Sheriff's Department would be acceptable, it is likely that PMC Security would be called to intervene.
Recommendation #14
Since it would not be feasible to hire outside security to work at the Club House Lounge for routine events such as the Sunday Music Jams, Valentine Day Dances or other on-going events, we believe that liability could be significantly reduced by the use of digital surveillance cameras recording all of the interior of the lounge and the outside smoking areas.
Looking around the community there is only one other lounge, which is "Madd Bailey's", which is located in the commercial center. In an interview with the owner, Mark Bailey, he explained that he has surveillance cameras that record 24 hours a day.
The cameras have been very successful in deterring fights, documenting accidents, recording possible criminal activities, employee theft or misconduct as well as other incidents of interest.
Signs are clearly posted and all customers are aware that they are being monitored, resulting in a strong deterrent to any type of misbehavior.
Should our security be called to a fight or disturbance in our lounge, the entire event would be recorded and documented and thereby reducing the Association's liability.
The recordings could be used as evidence of criminal acts, personnel complaints, civil incidents such as accidents, however they should never be used to resolve political disputes or to routinely spy on anyone.
Page Nine
Review of recorded disks can only be conducted by the General Manager and/or the Security Manager. Board Members could then be briefed by the manager after his/her viewing.
Review of any such recording must have prior approval by the General Manager and meet adopted guidelines. The release of any original disks must be by court order or subpoena only. Copies can be released to law enforcement or the association attorney after General Manager approval.
Security personnel should be assigned to change the disks daily and lock them in a secure place. The disks would be routinely recorded over every 31 days, unless a hold was placed on one at the order of the Security Manager or the General Manager.
Concern #3
The third area of concern would be USE OF FORCE/ARREST. Review of their basic training as required by the California Department of Consumer Affairs addresses private persons arrest and detentions as well as approved control tactics. The current Standard Operating Procedure also addresses these topics in detail.
A review of 19 months of PMC Security "Activity reports" revealed NO "Use of Force" incidents and only one arrest. The arrest was determined to be really only a detention for a person found lying beside a roadway in a state of intoxication and was unable to care for his own safety. The Security Officer detained the individual for fear that he would be struck by a passing vehicle. The Sheriff was notified and responded (with a delay) and placed the subject under arrest. No further action was taken by the Security Staff.
Recommendation #15
These facts are strong evidence that the Security Personnel consistently utilizes restraint while adhering to the established Policy and Training. Continued on-going training and review of policy are recommended.
Page Ten
Public Assist Calls Total = 698 Percentage of Calls = 31%
This is the largest single call received by the PMC Security Department. These type of calls are normally routine in nature.
These type of calls are generally in the category of a stranded motorist, giving directions, providing homeowners with advice regarding Association Rules or the use of facilities, assisting elderly or disabled residents/visitors, referring people to some sort of outside resource. These type of calls give the PMC Security Department an opportunity to be an outstanding representative/ambassador of our community.
No recommendation for change in this area was noted.
Citation and Enforcement Total = 430 Percentage of Calls = 19%
Writing citations or giving warnings to violators of Association rules/regulations. NOTE: CA. Vehicle Code prohibits PMC Security from conducting non-consensual traffic stops.
No recommendation for change in this area was noted.
Page Eleven
Domestic Animal Control Total = 361 Percentage of Calls = 16%
Generally, this call pertains to enforcing stray animals, barking dogs or dealing with dead or injured domestic pets. This is an area which could be enhanced by documented training from animal control experts.
It is recommended that the SPCA or other concerned agencies provide training as needed in this area. NOTE: See recommendation #7
Wildlife Calls Total = 258 Percentage of Calls = 11%
The majority of the calls in this category are for bears who have wandered onto a member's property or rattle snakes which need to be relocated. This type of call begins to escalate in mid-spring and continues well into fall. In July and August 2008, Security was responding to approximately three wild life calls per day.
This is another area that could benefit from specialized training to ensure the safety of the community and security personnel alike. NOTE: Please see recommendation #6.
Suspicious Incidents Total = 214 Percentage of Calls = 9%
This type of call is generally in response to someone noticing a circumstance or event that is unusual, and requires scrutiny from Security. The nature of the calls vary significantly and could encompass an open door, unlocked gate, lights unexpectedly left on, or an unusual car parked in the neighborhood. Dealing with this type of call is covered in the basic 40 hour training class which is required to obtain the state guard card.
No recommendation for change or training in this area was noted.
Outside Agency Assist Total = 135 Percentage of Calls = 6%
This call pertains to assisting outside agencies such as the Kern County Sheriff's Department, Kern County Fire and Paramedics, California Highway Patrol, Kern County Animal Control, California Department of Fish and Game and other official agencies. NOTE: Please see the "Interaction of PMC Security with outside Agencies" portion of this report, for training suggestions. Additionally, Please See Recommendation #6.
There are no recommendations for change or training in this area, with the exceptions of those listed in the aforementioned section of this report.
Traffic Control Total = 23 Percentage of Calls = 1%
This call pertains to traffic control at the scene of a traffic collision or other road hazard pending the arrival of law enforcement personnel who would assume control of the situation. Upon request of the responsible law enforcement agency, Security may remain on-scene to further assist. NOTE: Please see the "Interaction of PMC Security with outside Agencies" portion of this report, for training suggestions. Additionally, Please See Recommendation #6.
There are no specific areas of concern, and the only training recommendation is enumerated in the section of the report noted above.
Total calls for service in the calendar year of 2008 was 2,219, which averages to just over 6 calls per day.
Page Twelve
Regularly Performed Duties Approximate Amount of Time = 60%
Any activity performed on a regular basis such as lock/unlock gates or doors, run compactors, attend meetings, write reports or other administrative time, the patrol of Association properties or assets, and all duties that directly relate to the protection of all common properties.
Calls for Service Approximate Amount of Time = 10%
This category is for the response to members or other citizen's call for service which could pertain to enforcing the CC&R's, animal calls, traffic problems and other miscellaneous details involving private property or public right away OTHER than Association assets.
Available Patrol Time Approximate Amount of Time = 30%
This is the time dedicated to patrolling the PMC community, which includes the roadways within, as well as the privately owned properties.
The above estimates of time usage is calculated by looking at an entire 24-hour time period, and estimating time on details and calls for service, which leaves the balance for general patrol duties. These figures will vary based on time of day, day of week and by season. The ideal available patrol time, as prescribed by law enforcement professionals and criminologists, is approximately 50%.
Recommendation #16:
It is recommended that a 91 day manpower study be initiated by tracking in the exact time expended for each task that is performed by all officers including general patrol. This will identify busy times by time of day and day of week. This will also identify manpower deployment, safety issues, determine if it is staffing is being properly utilized, and if there is a need for personnel expansion.
Our Committee has reviewed both the 2002 and the 2007 revisions of the PMC Security Department Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and have found that all basic topics are covered either S.O.P. or a combination of the two.
Page Thirteen
S.O.P.'s are designed to instruct and require personnel to deal with repetitive tasks within certain guidelines that are based on training and policy. Attempting to write a procedure for every type of call is not feasible or prudent. Officer discretion must be applied to adjust to each individual set of circumstances on any given call. Common sense and sound reasoning should always be the basis of any decision making process. Established procedures that are too restrictive often cause more problems that they solve.
Concern #1
The Committee did note that there was a procedure covering the confiscation of weapons which included FIREARMS.
Recommendation #17:
Firearms should only be handled by personnel with the proper training. Note: Please see recommendation #6. It is recommended that Firearms that are confiscated be handled by Law Enforcement Personnel Only.
Concern #2
In the event that a FIREARM is confiscated, due to exigent circumstances, there is a huge liability issue upon it's release. Law enforcement would normally check the FIREARM for proper ownership and ensure that the party receiving same was a responsible adult who is not a felon, mental patient or someone with a restraining order against them. Only Law Enforcement has access to data bases to properly check for the aforementioned concerns.
Recommendation #18:
In the event that PMC Security comes into the possession of a FIREARM, it should ONLY be released to proper Law Enforcement personnel.
Concern #3
The current S.O.P. leaves open the possibility that PMC Security could shoot an injured animal.
Page Fourteen
Recommendation #19:
It is recommended that this portion of the S.O.P. be eliminated, as it opens up a huge area of liability. The dispatch of animals should only be performed by the proper outside agency.
Concern #4
The S.O.P. has a provision for a rank structure, which is NOT currently adhered to. The rank structure, in its current form, appears to be in excess when considering the size of the workforce.
Recommendation #20:
Initiate a supervisorial position which would assume the overall control of the Security Department in the absence of the Security Manager. This position, would also assume the responsibilities of coordinating the appropriate training of new employees, as well as maintaining the required training of established employees. It is recommended that the rank of Sergeant or Lieutenant be designated for the aforementioned position.
Concern #5
Maintaining an up to date S.O.P. is an on-going process and it should be revised as needed. With an increase in outside development, such as Tejon Mountain Village, the demographics of the surrounding communities will surely be altered. Forward looking planning with alterations to the S.O.P.s may be required to keep up with the outside changes, which may directly impact the PMC Community. A long term plan should be established which would include a future expansion of outside assets (Kern County sheriffs and CHP) to provide the required security services to this area, which are currently met solely by the PMC Security Department.
Recommendation #21:
The S.O.P. Manual should be revised by the PATROL MANAGER with input from the General Manager, and not from outside political influences. The Patrol Manager has the experience and background to properly address each issue, and write a procedure that meets the expectations of the membership, while guarding against unnecessary liability. Additionally, input should be obtained from every member of the security force to garner their insight into the actual working conditions, which they experience on a daily basis.
Page Fifteen
The Board of Directors should review and approve all changes to the S.O.P., after the Association Attorney has had an opportunity to review it for legal issues.
Writing new procedures must always be based on training and policy, while keeping in mind any liability issues which could be impacted.
It is further recommended that the California Department of Consumer Affairs (BSIS) be contacted to determine if they have an up to date MODEL SECURITY SOP, which could be used as a foundation for a revision of our manual.
The Citizen Review Committee is fully aware that the PMC Board of Directors has procured an outside security firm to review the operations of the PMC Security Department and make recommendations relative to their future operations. Our committee is also aware that the outside consultant firm DID NOT contact any member of the PMC Security Department, to obtain any information as to the current operations of the security department.
NOTE: A copy of the outside review/investigation of the Security Department was requested by the Citizen Review Committee. The Board refused to allow our committee to review it.
The Citizen Review Committee found no problems areas with the current Security Department which would negatively result in an elevation of liability. Although, the Board of Directors has been successfully sued on numerous occasions, there is no such trend affecting the Security Department.
It is this committee's strong recommendation that no outside committee (such as ours), or any other committee designated by the Board of Directors, dictate or change policy for the PMC Security Department without the appropriate oversight. The appropriate oversight must include a free and open dialogue with the community.
Page Sixteen
Throughout this review, one question was repeatedly asked, "Why is there a review of the Security Department, when everything that they do is overwhelming supported by the community?"
A considerable number of community members interviewed, expressed a belief that the current close scrutiny of the Security Department, by the PMC Board of Directors, is based on a long standing vendetta.
The alleged vendetta resulted from a previous felony arrest of one of the board members (with the assistance of the PMC Security Department), coupled with a recent alleged illegal incident involving the same Board Member. This serious allegation of illegal activity was made public through the written press, and it is common knowledge throughout the PMC Community.
Unfortunately, as a result of this allegation of inappropriate activities by one board member, there is a widespread public distrust of the entire PMC Board of Directors. Currently, there is a perception that the board is retaliating against the Security
Department, when there is absolutely no factual basis to do so.
These allegations were widely circulated in a local newspaper, and were very troubling to many members of the community.
NOTE: Please see Addendum items #2-5.
NOTE: *This report from the Citizen's Review Committee did not address the issues of any alleged inappropriate activities/actions by any Member of the PMC Board of Directors. This report was meant to be for recommendation purposes only, and it is strictly non-political.
Page Seventeen
1) Chain of Command.
2) Personnel Complaint Procedures.
3) Employee "At Will" status.
4) Security Office Confidential Concerns.
5) Proper pay for PMC Security Personnel.
6) Additional Training for PMC Security Personnel.
7) Large money transfers.
8) Spot Lights for Patrol vehicles.
9) Reminders of pending license renewals.
10) Quarterly meetings with outside agencies.
11) Deployment of reflective safety vests.
12) Purchase/Deployment of a traffic "Speed Trailer".
13) Hire outside security.
14) Install surveillance cameras in high liability areas.
15) Training for Security Personnel.
16) 91 Day Manpower Study.
17) Handling of Firearms.
18) Release of Firearms
19) Shooting of Animals.
20) Initiation of Supervisor position.
21) Revision of Security Manual.
Page Eighteen
The Citizen Review Committee will continue to accept information vital to the community, on a strictly confidential basis, from any member in good standing relative to their concerns regarding the PMC Patrol. We can be contacted via Mail @ P.O. Box 5115, PMC, CA 93222-5115.
1) Statistical report of crime and calls for service in PMC which was provided by the Kern County Sheriff's Department.
2) The Mountain Enterprise Newspaper dated December 18, 2009.
3) The Mountain Enterprise Newspaper dated December 25, 2009.
4) The Mountain Enterprise Newspaper dated January 1, 2010.
5) The Pioneer Newspaper dated February, 2010.
6) California Department of Consumer Affairs B.S.I.S Handbook.
7) Information relative to the deployment of a "Speed Trailer"
Page Nineteen
Respectfully Submitted by the following members of the Citizen Review Committee:
_______________________________________________ Date_____________
Gary Biggerstaff, 32 years of Southern California Law Enforcement experience as a Police Officer, Supervisor, Manager, Administrator, Chief of Police, a Coordinator of Security for the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, a graduate of the FBI Academy, and a full time PMC resident since 1995.
__________________________________________________ Date _______________
Jay Wickers, 30 Years of Southern California Law Enforcement experience as a Police Officer and Detective working Uniform Patrol, Traffic Collision Investigations, Area Detectives, Metropolitan Division and Anti Terrorist Division. Full time resident of PMC since 1993.
____________________________________________________ Date ______________
William Martin, 34 Years of Southern California Law Enforcement experience as a Police Officer and Sergeant assigned to Detectives, Vice, Narcotics, Gangs and Public Relations. Licensed Private Investigator for 28 years and a full time resident of PMC since 2007.
Citizen Review Committee Survey Results
March 20, 2010 by Mar Preston
I was asked to present results to you as an independent reviewer whose working career was spent at USC and UCLA as a survey researcher. Survey questions were developed by retired law enforcement personnel well versed in security operations.
Seventy responses were gathered in January/February 2010 through a network of people making the effort to copy the blank survey and pass it to friends and neighbors. Only one response was received through the Association's website.
Many members felt strongly enough about issues to sign their surveys, indicating a high rate of interest in patrol department operation.
Who completed a survey? More than half were turned in by residents between 6-20 years. The other half, equal in numbers, came from those who had lived here from 1-5 years and those resident here more than 21 years.
These are members who have a long-term stake in our community.
Overwhelmingly, residents regard the Patrol Department positively. Responses to questions were frequently in the above ninety percent range. Ninety percent of those who had occasion to call for assistance or come into contact with patrol regarded the experience as positive. The remaining had never had contact with patrol.
Ninety-nine percent of respondents felt patrols' efforts help prevent crime and promote safety. Furthermore, 86% of respondents supported a wage increase bringing personnel up to a level competitive with outside private security. .
On the issue of whether security personnel should carry defensive tools such as batons and mace, providing they have been properly trained and certified, the response was 99%.
The current patrol uniform issue was not addressed directly and there were as many positive endorsements in hand-written comments of the present uniform as a wish for change. One respondent disliked "Ninja uniforms looking like a SWAT team." Another respondent didn't want to see patrol in "Disneyland tour guide uniforms." These may be summed up along the lines of "you can't please everybody."
However, three quarters of respondents agreed that "crimes in progress or acts of violence should be handled by professional law enforcement and act at the direction of a police officer."
This is part of the April 09, 2010 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you.


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WOODCLIFF LAKE, NEW JERSEY – Style, opulence and fuel economy may be the public talking points that automobile manufacturers will foist on consumers at this week's New York Auto Show, but behind the scenes, the buzzword sweeping the automotive industry is modularity.
It may not be catchy or even remotely ad-worthy, but modularity is the all-important under-skin commonality that allows the Volkswagen Group to predict that every car in its entire 10-brand product portfolio will soon be built on one of three basic platforms; it lets Mercedes craft a sleek "four-door coupe" — the CLA — with the very same underpinnings of a B250 mini-minivan; and is why Chevrolet's high-tech and futuristic Volt looks so much like the Cruze subcompact. It is the one and only way may to make multiple variations of high-volume models cost-effectively.
BMW, however wants to take this parts universality even further, engineering its engines not only so they can be swapped between cars but also that all its engines share common parts. To the outsider, this would seem like one of those "Duh" moments, an obvious solution to parts proliferation as cars get more complicated and model selection even more diverse.
But, in reality, such commonality is still a relative rarity. Indeed, while other manufacturers use common engine architecture — for instance, Jaguar, whose recently introduced V6 is the XJ's V8 with two cylinders lopped off — they don't always share as many internal bits as their shared origins would seem to indicate (that Jag V6, for instance, uses a different bore and stroke than the V8 it's based upon).
But, here I am in the mean streets of The Big Apple testing a new BMW 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with three cylinders. Yes, you read that right, a three-cylinder engine. But its odd piston configuration is not what's significant here. What really matters is that the new B38 (BMW's internal code name for the all-new engine) is that it is exactly half of a BMW 3.0-litre inline six.
It's also the first in an entire revision of BMW's engine lineup that will see the 1.5L join revised version of the current 2.0L and 3.0L powerplants. It will eventually — when the six is redesigned — share the same pistons, the same connecting rods and even the same valves with the bigger engine. In fact, everything between the cylinder head and the crankshaft will be identical across the range.
BMW says the proposed range of 1.5L three-, 2.0L four- and 3.0L six-cylinder engines will eventually share almost 60% common parts with each cylinder displacing 0.5 litres and pistons are added as engine size dictates. It also says that its research indicates that these 500-cc cylinders are the best compromise between efficiency (a few big cylinders have less internal friction than many smaller ones) and comportment (those efficient big cylinders tend to vibrate more than smaller ones).
Those vibration issues were front and centre in BMW's development of the new three. Fairly common amongst motorcycle manufacturers — the mainstay of Triumph's lineup is its "trident" three, Laverda was famous for its raucous three-pot Jotas and BMW briefly produced a K75 three-banger sport bike — the layout does present vibration issues not present in more common typical four, six and eight cylinder engines.
Specifically, the three-cylinder 120-degree (the spacing between pistons on the crankshaft) has perfect primary balance but significant secondary imbalances (essentially the engine "rocks" on its crankshaft). BMW tames this to-ing and fro-ing with a secondary balance shaft beneath the crank and claims the three is all but as smooth as a four.
So, does all this high-tech work? Does the 1.5L three have the character worthy of the spinning propeller logo? Will it have the performance and the civility to replace the four-cylinder engines it proposes to supplant? Loyal BMW fans need not worry that Munich is compromising its sporting integrity (the jury is still out on its intentions to move some models to front-wheel-drive, however). Compared to some of the ambivalent evaluations that have been rendered on BMW's latest four-bangers, methinks the little three is going to be a huge hit.
Our early production example, being prototyped in a 120 hatchback, was good for 177 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, more than enough to imbue the lightweight 1 Series with sprightly, if not outright sporty, acceleration. The spread of power is excellent and, as an entry into the luxury segment, performance is more than adequate, even for a BMW.
If the new engine gets a solid 7.5 for its performance, it gets a perfect 10 for its sound. BMW's powertrain engineers made all manner of phantasmagorical claims for tonality and timbre (sometimes this exhaust tuning stuff devolves into the downright artistic), but for once the beat matches the brochure. At low speed, the 1.5L sounds like the growly RGS1000 I used to love, the three's burble a little coarser (but no less sporty) than a four or six.
But, once the rev needle shifts above 4,000 rpm, the little three starts singing like a grown-up six. I would have never believed it possible but at 6,000 the little 1.5L sounds almost as authoritative as the company's trademark 3.0L.
And a whole bunch better than the N20 four-cylinder that is a mainstay in the lower reaches of BMW's current lineup. Indeed, anyone shopping BMW's entry-level models should specifically seek out versions powered by the three cylinder. And if rumours be true that this engine may see its way into Mini's lineup, then those hard-edged John Cooper Works Editions will finally have the engine they deserve.


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Food & Drink
Competitive travelers: The people who've been everywhere
By Pam Grout, for CNN • Updated 18th September 2013
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In 1954, wanderlust, a desire previously associated with nomads and hobos, officially became a competitive sport.
A clique of frequent fliers -- before the term was co-opted by the airline industry -- banded together to start the Travelers' Century Club.
To join, members needed a minimum of 100 country stamps in their passports.
Rivalries between members and various groups eventually became cutthroat.
Factions duked it out over what qualified as an official destination: The United Nations now claims 193 countries; Travelers' Century Club, 321 countries and territories; and MostTraveledPeople.com offers 873 places to methodically cross off your list.
Other issues included how much dust has to gather on a traveler's boots before a visit counts.
The bickering got so contentious that Guinness discontinued its listing for "world's most traveled person."
Today, the Travelers' Century Club has more than 2,000 members and 20 regional chapters, and no surprise, the competition for the crown of most traveled remains intense.
At latest count, there were four affiliate groups with members who tick off destinations the way birders might tick off white-throated needletails or upland sandpipers.
For the most part, members of these rarefied groups (many belong to more than one) enjoy camaraderie and comparing notes.
After all, who else could they consult for tips on the best B&B in Chuvashia? Or commiserate with over the three times they attempted to tick off Bouvet Island, only to fail, three weeks and $25,000 later, because the icebergs were too massive for the ship to break through?
"More than anything, TCC is a social group," says Klaus Billep, chairman of the Santa Monica, California-based organization. "It started at country clubs in Los Angeles before jets and the ability to get places caused an explosion of travel agents.
Klaus Billep (far right) at the Berlin Wall. Impressed?
courtesy klaus Billep
"In many ways, it was one of few places you could swap travel tales and learn that if you stay at this place versus that place, you'll be right on the beach and have the chance to meet the owner and his daughter who works as the chef."
'This title cost me six marriages
Over the years, with new ways to parse destinations and titles -- endorsements and websites have come, too -- the social interaction part has become more competitive.
At age 37, Charles Veley became the youngest person to bag all 321 countries and territories on the Century Club's list.
Charles Veley on Southern Thule. Go ahead and Google it; we had to.
courtesy charles veley
Some then thought he went too far in attempting to take over the coveted Guinness World Records title by adding more official destinations to the list.
Tahiti, for example, is by some official counts part of the French Republic; Veley wanted it counted on its own.
John Clause, an attorney from Indiana and at the time the decade-long record holder of "world's most traveled man," got his travel shorts in a knot.
As he said before he died in 2008, "This title cost me six marriages, and I do not intend to surrender my sword lightly."
Jeff Shea is another road warrior who has walked across Transylvania, sailed across the Pacific and reached the mountain summit of every continent, including Everest. He contends that he's seen far more of the world than Veley, who, after selling his successful high-tech company at the height of the dot-com boom, became so focused on marking off countries that he logged all but 70 of the club's 321 in three years.
The one thing all these modern day Marco Polos agree upon is this: Naysayers who insist an obsession to collect passport stamps is an inferior way to travel are simply spitting sour grape seeds.
We'll ask you to decide.
Do these jet-lagged travelers suffer from dromomania, an uncontrollable psychological urge to wander? Or is all this scheming and plotting to get to the more obscure reaches of the globe a noble vocation?
Here are arguments both ways.
Thirteen countries in two weeks does not an expert make
Neither does living for six weeks in Provence.
"Who's to say how long is long enough?" asks Veley. "If you stay a week, they'll tell you you need three weeks. Stay three weeks, they'll say you need to spend the whole season.
"You can never win that game."
As far as he's concerned, "for a complete world view, you have to go everywhere. Because the news media doesn't begin to present an accurate picture."
Veley says the more information you can get on your own, the better.
"Five hundred countries is better than 400," he says. "Every place you're going to learn something new."
As of two weeks ago, Veley had been to 829 countries -- at least by his count on MostTraveledPeople.com, the site he started to help quell the Guinness furor.
Travel is supposed to be fun. Why do it this way?
Getting to many destinations requires massive amounts of planning, time and cash.
Even then, it doesn't always work out.
BIOT (also known as Diego Garcia), a British territory leased to the American military halfway between Africa and Indonesia, usually requires hiring a British law firm to secure a permit.
You'll also need to inform the U.S. military base located there that you're not a Somali pirate (so they'll call down their missiles).
Bouvet Island, a Norwegian possession located between Africa and Antarctica, is covered in glacial ice and penguin guano. Getting there requires cooperation from Mother Nature.
You can pay the $25,000 for three attempts to get to the island, but there's no guarantee. The Russian icebreakers that take you there might still be unable to make landfall.
Even Veley, one of a handful who has been to Bouvet, says there were times he was ready to throw in the towel.
Bragging about all the countries you've visited makes you sound like a self-involved ass
According to Billep, bragging isn't part of the program.
Rather, members seek out enlightening and useful conversation with others who share their hobby.
It's like finding a fellow Depeche Mode fan who caught their "World Violation" tour at the Spectrum in Philly. Only a few will ever really "get it."
There's enormous satisfaction to be had in meeting rare, kindred spirits.
What's the point of being in a country for a day or two, or for that matter, a few hours?
Point taken, but Fred Finn, a British-born businessman who holds the Guinness record for most air miles logged (a less contentious title than "ultimate traveler"), flips that sentiment on its head.
Over the years, Finn hasn't just traveled a lot; he's amassed an impressive résumé of experiences.
He's been serenaded by John Denver ("Take Me Home, Country Roads"), spoken with Mikhail Gorbachev, had ribs with fellow first-class passenger Johnny Cash and played celebrity cricket with Pamela Anderson.
He also calls Richard Branson a friend and has more tales than Scheherazade.
Does all
this really make you a better person?
In the end, "competitive travelers" generally make the case that the pursuit of travel stamps is really a way to better understand the world.
Sure, as Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder so eloquently put it, "we all know that people are the same wherever you go," but it takes being in a place to truly understand its people and customs.
Or to understand how geography explains everything -- how rain falling on one side of a mountain and not the other radically affects how people live.
"The more you travel, the more regional perspective you get," Veley says. "It helps you relate to different types of people, and the world becomes more beautiful because of it. It helps you understand the chaos."
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For Christmas, Jessica have this gorgeous 5 piece Nail Polish Set called the Heritage Collection. I have only ever bought Jessica when it's been in a gift get (they're just the best value) and I am happy with the texture and finish of their polishes.
In this particular kit is Antique (Metallic Gunmetal), Estate (Shimmering Royal Blue) and Tradition (Creme Pine Green).
Sound festive? I think so, and a nice alternative to the usual Golds and Reds. You also get the Reward Base Coat and Brilliance Top Coat in this set for £21.00.
Closer look at the colours:
You get 7.4ml of colour (7.5ml of the base coat) so it's pretty generous and more than enough for me.
I've always had a soft spot for cooler colours so this set with a combination of green, blue and silver is ideal for me!I thought that these polishes were quick to apply and non-streaky; I also liked the shine that it gave on the nail. I do prefer polishes that are more liquid than thick (I find them harder to apply) and Jessica polishes are a great texture.
Tradition is a shimmer free dark green. I am not one for green polish but this one to me, looks dark enough to be wearable but without being too hardcore goth.
Antique is one of my favourites – this gives such an even, metallic silver finish. How perfect with this be for Barry M Nail Effects on top?! Yeah!
Estate is a beautiful aqua blue, with a hint of green to it. There's a fine metallic look to it and it's really pretty- I don't know, although I wouldn't wear blue to the office I can't help but feel like this hue is as close to a wearable blue as there can be.
Verdict: What a lovely set of colours, totally up my street and the polishes are easy to apply and don't chip easily. The addition of the base and top coat is really useful and it makes it a great gift because not everyone necessarily has (or bothers!) with a top and base coat.
Buy it from Lookfantastic for £21.


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Tag Archives: restaurants in natal
Where to eat in Natal
Written by pgranoff on March 17, 2016 — Leave a Comment
If you are in Natal for just one night you want to go to Camarões Restaurante located on Av. Engenheiro Roberto Freire, named the best restaurant in Natal. Ask anyone and they will tell you you need to try this place! When you walk into the large open 2 floor space you are greeted by a long […]
Posted in Amazonian, Asian, Pipa, Restaurants, Travel in Brazil | Also tagged best restaurant in natal, Camarões Restaurante, Where to eat in Natal
Where to stay in Natal
Written by pgranoff on March 10, 2016 — Leave a Comment
Looking for an awesome family vacation destination or a fun layover on your way to Fernando de Noronha? Natal is the place and Serhs Natal Grand Hotel is where to stay! This 5 star beach front resort has everything you are looking for. There are 8 restaurants to choose from including a pizzeria, Brazilian steak house […]
Posted in Activities, Bar Scene, Beach front, Beaches, Dunes, Hotels, Natal, Outdoor dining, Pizza, Restaurants, Seafood, Traditional Brazilian, Travel in Brazil | Also tagged family vacation natal, hotel for kids natal, hotels in natal, natal, resort in natal, sand dunes, serhs grand resort natal, serhs hotel, Where to stay in Natal


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Gaming in BrikWars
BrikWars is a versatile and expansive game, which lends itself well to many playstyles and variants. The BrikWars Community drives the creation of several of these innovations and various philosophies, themes, and persistent ideas have sprung up around them.
Game Style
Game Styles determine how players set up a game of BrikWars.
The Scale of Battle, or Battle Levels, determines the level of engagement and the size of the forces involved in a game of BrikWars. These are mere guidelines but they can help new players get a sense of proportion for the game as a whole.
Alternate Game Types are ways to play BrikWars outside the normal scope of the typical wargame. This includes things like racing, campaigning, roleplaying, and (perhaps most popular) Microscale Space Battling. The ruleset is versatile enough to modify without much trouble and several BrikWarriors have done just that.
Variant Rules show just some of the ways that the rules can be modified to supplement certain play styles.
Rules Supplements and Miscellany
The BrikWars community sometimes develops complementary material and unofficial addendum to the BrikWars rulebook in order to make the play experience smoother for new players and veterans alike.
Play Style
Play Styles determine how individual players approach playing BrikWars on an intellectual or emotional level.
Tactics and Strategy discusses various cunning ploys, clever plans, and mechanical manipulations players use in BrikWars games.
Theoretical Warfare examines several approaches to and attitudes about BrikWars.


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Heal Pelvic Pain: The Proven Stretching, Strengthening, and Nutrition Program for Relieving Pain, Incontinence,& I.B.S, and Other Symptoms Without Surgery
Bronze Medal Winner of a 2009 National Health Information Award
Stop your pelvic pain . . . naturally!
If you suffer from an agonizing and emotionally stressful pelvic floor disorder, including pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, prostatitis, incontinence, or discomfort during sex, urination, or bowel movements, it's time to alleviate your symptoms and start healingwithout drugs or surgery. Natural cures, in the form of exercise, nutrition, massage, and self-care therapy, focus on the underlying cause of your pain, heal your condition, and stop your pain forever.
The life-changing plan in this book gets to the root of your disorder with:
- A stretching, muscle-strengthening, and massage program you can do at home
- Guidelines on foods that will ease your discomfort
- Suggestions for stress- and pain-reducing home spa treatments
- Exercises for building core strength and enhancing sexual pleasure
Product Details
|McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing
|Publication date:
|Edition description:
|Sales rank:
|Product dimensions:
|5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)
About the Author
Amy Stein is the founder and premier practitioner of Beyond Basics Physical Therapy in New York City, specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, and manual therapy for men, women, and children. A well-recognized expert in her field, she lectures nationwide and has been interviewed for NBC, the New York Daily News, and www.ourgyn.com. Amy is a contributor to the medical textbook Female Sexual Pain Disorders: Evaluation and Management, and she serves on the board of the International Pelvic Pain Society. She lives in New York City.
Read an Excerpt
Heal Pelvic PainA Proven Stretching, Strengthening, and Nutrition Program for Relieving Pain, Incontinence, IBS, and Other Symptoms Without Surgery
By AMY STEIN
McGraw-HillCopyright © 2009 Amy Stein
All right reserved.
Chapter OneAT THE BODY'S CORE
Copyright © 2009 by Amy Stein. Click here for terms of use.
Say good-bye to your pelvic pain.
No matter how much it hurts, no matter how long you've suffered, no matter how many different pills you've taken or treatments you've undergone, the program in this book can help alleviate your pain or disorder and start the healing.
No drugs, no surgery. Instead, this is a program of natural healng—of exercises, massage, nutrition, and self-care therapies that will focus on the true underlying condition of your pain. Heal the condition, and your symptoms will go away—and that's just what the program in this book can help you achieve.
To start, I'll explain what pelvic floor disorder is, why doctors have trouble diagnosing it, why you may have had so much trouble treating it so far, and how you can feel better as quickly as possible.
The first thing you should know is that you are not alone. Of course, nobody likes to talk about bladder problems or painful sex or itching or burning in the genital region, so you may not hear or read much about pelvic floor disorders. But the truth is that millions of us suffer from these disorders—women and men, athletes and couch potatoes, young and old, even children.
Mostly, it's women who suffer. As I write this, 9.2 million women have pelvic floor disorder but don't know it because it has not been properly diagnosed. And the sad fact is that if you're a woman, you have at least a 5 percent chance of suffering chronic pelvic pain.
But your pain right now is what counts. That's why you're reading this book. You may be one of the more than 30 million women who have irritable bowel syndrome or one of the 700,000 with the urinary frequency, urgency, and pain that are collectively referred to as painful bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis.
Maybe you suffer some form of incontinence, especially if you gave birth recently or exercise frequently.
Maybe you have some form of sexual dysfunction; 43 percent of women do. Pain during intercourse, performance problems, and declines in sexual response and enjoyment are all more common than you think. All can adversely affect your relationship with your partner. And all can be treated with the natural healing program in this book.
What is the pelvic floor? Take a look at the figures. The pelvic floor is all the muscles, plus the nerves controlling the muscles, plus the tissues—called fascia—that connect everything together, plus the ligaments that link bone to bone and bone to organ that are attached to the front, back, and sides of the pelvis, from the pubic bone in the front of the body all the way back to the tailbone. These muscles, nerves, tissues, and ligaments sheathe the floor of the pelvis and together act like a sling or hammock to support the pelvic organs—the urinary tract, digestive tract, and reproductive organs—including the bladder, the uterus (or in men, the prostate), and the colon.
This is an essential part of your body's core, the center of gravity in your frame, the place where movement originates—in a sense, the seat of raw power in your body. Eastern religions attribute spiritual as well as physical significance to this part of the body, seeing it as the place where the vital energy of your life force resides.
In much of Hindu tradition, it is the coiled serpent of Kundalini, waiting to be awakened into energy. In Chinese culture, the pelvic floor is the home of ITLχITL, the life energy that must flow freely in our bodies in order for us to remain healthy. In Japanese martial arts, it is the hara, the vital center of the self—located just three fingers below the navel and three fingers inward toward the spine. The recognition of this vital life force is at the heart of spiritual practice in these traditions, and it is the focus of the physical exercises that invariably accompany such practices.
Western scientific research confirms that a strong and healthy pelvic floor at the core is essential to overall health and fitness. It's critical to feeling good. It's key to that sense of physical vigor that is so important to your sense of well-being.
All the muscles of the pelvic floor work together to support the pelvic organs and to assist in bladder, bowel, and sexual function and with trunk stability and mobility. But each muscle also has its specific individual role.
As shown in Figures 1.3 and 1.4, the pelvic floor has two parts. The upper part (lightly shaded) comprises the superficial layers of the pelvic floor. The muscles here constitute the urogenital diaphragm, also known as the urogenital triangle because, as you can see, the muscles form a triangle. These muscles are the bulbocavernosus, ischiocavernosus, and the transverse perineum, all of which assist in orgasm and bladder control in both men and women.
The lower (darker-shaded) part of the pelvic floor, sometimes called the anal triangle contains all the other muscles of the pelvic floor, all of which are found in the deep layers of the pelvic sling. These muscles include the levator ani, the urethral and anal sphincters, and the coccygeus, piriformis, and obturator internus.
The levator ani muscle moves the coccyx or tailbone. It is made up of the pubococcygeus (an important muscle that assists in orgasm in men and women), the puborectalis, and the iliococcygeus (see Figures 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5). You won't see the puborectalis labeled in the illustrations because it is located beneath the pubococcygeus muscle. Both muscles originate at the pubic bone. The pubococcygeus attaches to the coccyx bone, or tailbone, and the puborectalis wraps around the rectum. The puborectalis assists in bowel emptying; therefore, if the puborectalis is tight or spasmed, this might result in incomplete or difficult bowel emptying.
The urethral and anal sphincter muscles assist in bladder and bowel function in men and women.
The obturator internus, coccygeus, and piriformis all work together but have slightly different roles (see Figure 1.5). The obturator internus is also a hip rotator and is the conduit for a very important nerve, the pudendal nerve, that helps control a great deal of pelvic floor function. A dysfunction in the obturator internus can therefore result in a slew of problems. The coccygeus muscle assists the levator ani muscles in moving the coccyx bone or tail-bone when the muscles are contracted. The piriformis, like the obturator internus, is also a hip rotator.
Experts in evolution theorize that the pelvic floor musculature once controlled the tails of our apelike ancestors, before hands proved to be more effective. Eventually, the use of hands naturally selected a new branch of evolutionary development. In that new branch, which eventually became us, the tails went away, but the muscles remained. Now, however, instead of controlling wagging and hanging from trees, the muscles took on the function of helping to support the body's core. So today, the evolved pelvic floor serves three vital purposes:
It upholds and cushions the organs within the pelvis and lower abdomen: urinary organs, digestive organs, and reproductive organs.
It controls continence by signaling elimination urges to the bladder and bowel and by opening and closing the urethra and anal canals to allow voiding.
It is the mechanism of sexual function, contracting the muscles around the female and male genitalia to respond to arousal and to enhance appreciation.
These are big and important jobs, which may be why so many thick, closely connected muscles are involved. We can characterize these pelvic floor muscles in several ways.
First, they're voluntary muscles. That is, we control them consciously. This is different from the smooth muscles of the bladder, intestines, lungs, and blood vessels, which are involuntary; that is, they're controlled by our nervous systems in such a way that they operate automatically.
Second, the muscles of the pelvic floor are skeletal muscles. That means they are attached to the skeletal frame. When we contract the pelvic floor muscles, the energy of the contraction applies force to the tailbone.
The pelvic floor muscles also come in two "speeds." About 70 percent of the pelvic floor muscle fibers are slow-twitch or slow-contraction fibers; the rest are fast-twitch fibers.
Put simply, the slow-twitch muscle fibers fuel endurance. They're the marathoners of muscles, providing support and resisting fatigue. Think of the muscles in your lower back: they are mostly slow-twitch fibers that can work for a long time without tiring. That's essential, because these are the muscles responsible for helping keep you upright. The slow-twitch muscles that make up the bulk of your pelvic floor are that kind of slow-to-tire, persistently supportive muscles.
Fast-twitch fibers, by contrast, provide the quick forcefulness of sprinters. The muscles that move your eyes, for example, are fast-twitch muscles. In the pelvic floor, the fast-twitch muscles assist in controlling the contraction and relaxation that open and close the bladder and bowel and that serve the sexual function so essentially.
While both the slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscles lose strength as the body ages, the fast-twitch muscle fibers do so more readily. The slow-twitch muscles that make the pelvic floor a center of endurance and support tend to keep their power and function longer—unless there is trauma or injury. In a sense, the power to endure remains, while the power to perform some of the pelvic floor's key functions can diminish.
That's natural. As we get older, our powers diminish. That's why it's so important to stay as fit as we can for as long as we can; physical strength and vigor are the best defense against the aging process.
That's certainly true where the pelvic floor muscles are concerned. It's no exaggeration to say that a healthy pelvic core is a major component of a healthy you. For that reason, it's important to pay attention to any pelvic pain or disorder; it could be a signal that something may be wrong. And unfortunately, lots of things can go wrong.
Of course, anytime you have a mechanism as highly complex as the pelvic floor, with all those muscles, nerves, tissues, and ligaments holding all those organs and attached to all that bone, it's prone to things going wrong. Basically, however, there are four root causes of pelvic floor disorders: inflammation, infection, trauma, and a range of what we might term "mechanical" muscular conditions—and any number of contributing factors that set the causes in motion.
Any kind of chronic inflammatory condition in any of the pelvic organs can originate a disorder.
So can any kind of infection: urinary tract infection, yeast infection, bacterial infection, or a major disease that affects the area.
Certainly, an injury from an accident or fall can cause dysfunction. Surgery—a hysterectomy, prostatectomy, or Caesarean section—can leave the muscles weak or injured. And physical or sexual abuse may also produce harmful trauma.
But it's equally possible that an individual's pelvic floor disorder has been caused by simple weakness in the trunk and pelvic stabilizers. Or maybe the person's spine and pelvis are misaligned. The individual may simply have been born with these conditions; it's not uncommon to inherit a weak trunk or a spinal misalignment. Or the conditions could be a result of poor posture, excessive strain from heavy lifting or other physical activities, or working at a repetitive-motion job. It is possible that you are using the pelvic floor muscles incorrectly, resulting in incoordination of the muscles. All can overload and/or shorten the pelvic floor muscles. Such stress weakens the muscles and decreases their range of motion.
Moreover, it doesn't take much to throw a monkey wrench into the works and kick off a disorder in the pelvic floor. Something as common as childbirth can do it. So can wearing clothing that is too tight, sliding too hard into third base at the Fourth of July softball game, using the wrong over-the-counter treatment for a yeast infection, or even playing a wind instrument. Any or all of these triggering factors could lead to a spasm or weakness or impairment of the muscles, producing dysfunctions ranging from debilitating pain to irritable bowel syndrome to skin disorders to erectile dysfunction and/or lowered libido.
And here's the problem: precisely because the pelvic floor muscles are so closely interconnected, any kind of disorder anywhere in the pelvic floor can have an impact on any or all of the pelvic floor's other functions. You might strain a muscle during a gym workout and find that you are having a hard time fighting urinary urgency and a painful time having sex with your partner—all from a spasm suffered during spinning class!
This is the heart of the matter: one pelvic floor dysfunction may lead to another. And another. And still another. One disorder anywhere might therefore cause disabling pain, incontinence, urinary and bowel retention, and sexual dysfunction—often, all at once.
What's more, since the pelvic floor connects our upper and lower body, a dysfunction in the floor can, unfortunately, affect both upper and lower body. I've treated patients for pelvic floor disorder who then reported that their foot pain or back pain disappeared with the treatment. The reason? Pain from their pelvic floor had radiated downward or upward to affect these other areas of the body.
In fact, that's typical. All those muscles, nerves, tissues, and ligaments networked together in support of the pelvic organs simply turn into speedy highways for the pain from a pelvic floor dysfunction. What starts at the core is soon cascading every which way throughout your body. That's why so many people who suffer from a pelvic floor disorder feel a combination of symptoms, and it's why their suffering may not stop at the pelvic region.
And it's the main reason why pelvic floor disorder is rarely the first thing we think of for the range of symptoms the disorder can prompt. A case of diarrhea may send us to the Pepto Bismol bottle or the gastroenterologist. Vaginal pain prompts us to make an appointment with the gynecologist. And back pain is typically a signal to go see an orthopedist or lie down for a couple of days with some heat and ice.
The problem is compounded by the fact that once in the doctor's office, many pelvic floor disorders are often diagnosed as a problem in the organ. They feel like organ pain even if there's no infection there, and they can mimic organ disorders, so that's what doctors tend to treat, even though the pain is actually radiating out from a dysfunction in the muscle, tissue, nerve, ligament, or all of them.
Wherever it hurts, these dysfunctions can affect the quality of life in the most intimate arenas of life; at their worst, their impact can make the individual utterly miserable every minute of the day.
Think what can happen if the pelvic floor no longer performs its vital functions well. If the organs of the pelvis—reproductive organs, bladder, bowel—are not well supported against gravity and cushioned against pressure, they literally may begin to drop. As they sag, they fail to work properly, and pressure and pain may ensue. Incontinence may result. And finally, surgery may be required.
If the muscles that control the urges and openings for evacuation grow weak or are impaired, the result will be difficulty in either evacuating or retaining—or both. You'll experience strain, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal and/or pelvic pain. You may suffer incontinence and a range of other urinary and bowel symptoms as well.
If the muscles that power sexual activity grow weak or are over-tensed, your ability to respond to your partner will be diminished—and so will your enjoyment and your partner's. At worst, if the tension is really bad, penetration may prove painful, even impossible, for the woman, while men may suffer pain following ejaculation.
The whole subject of pelvic pain may be one you're uncomfortable talking about—to your partner, a friend, even to your doctor. Maybe you assumed that the pain or discomfort would subside, then go away in time. Or maybe you've decided it's just something you have to learn to live with.
No, you don't. In fact, you shouldn't.
Excerpted from Heal Pelvic Pain by AMY STEIN Copyright © 2009 by Amy Stein. Excerpted by permission of McGraw-Hill. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Part I. Healthy at the Core
Chapter 1. The Pelvic Floor
Chapter 2. The Healthy Pelvic Floor
Chapter 3. When the Pelvic Floor Is Not Healthy
Chapter 4. Sex
Part II. The Program: Strengthening the Pelvic Floor
Chapter 5. Your Pelvic Floor
Chapter 6. Stretch and Drop: The Key Combination for Your Core
Chapter 7. Strengthen and Tone the Muscles, Keep the Blood Flowing
Chapter 8. Putting it All Together
Chapter 9. Better Sex for More Years
Part III. The Program: Relax
Chapter 10. Letting Go
Chapter 11. Manage Stress
Part IV. The Program: Nutrition and Pampering for a Healthy Pelvic Floor
Chapter 12. Foods That Can Harm
Chapter 13. Foods That Can Help
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Are Wedding Bells in the Near Future for Britney Spears + Jason Trawick?
Britney Spears and boyfriend Jason Trawick seem so in love. They didn't need to act to show off their passion in their sexed up scenes in her 'Criminal' video, either. That was the real thing! This is the most stable relationship Brit Brit has been in forevs, so we're not shocked that there are rumors that Brit and Trawick could be engaged to be married by year's end.
Radar Online reports that a Spears source revealed that "Britney and Jason discuss marriage all the time. Britney is truly in love with Jason, and well, Jason has loved her for a very, very long time." Spears is currently on tour in support of 'Femme Fatale' and her man is on the road with her. The source intimated that Trawick is "planning on taking Britney on a secluded getaway once the tour wraps, and it's very likely he will pop the question at that time." How romantic!
While Trawick clearly supports Spears' career, he's also enamored by her two young sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James. Their dad is her ex-hubby Kevin Federline. That's the most important variable here, since Brit's sons are the priority in her life.
Before Brit could marry Trawick, she'd need to clear it with a judge, since she is still under her father's conservatorship. She was placed there for protective purposes when she went off the rails a few years back and made very bad decisions and unraveled in front of the whole world. She can get engaged, but she can't legally marry without seeing a judge.
The source said, "When Britney does get engaged, her father's attorneys will notify the judge in her conservatorship case. It's extremely within the realm of possibility that the conservatorship will end, and then Britney will get married. It will be a very smooth transition."
The Spears family reportedly is quite fond of Trawick.
This would be Brit's third marriage and her second to a Jason. She was married to childhood friend Jason Alexander for a grand total of 55 hours after a trip to Las Vegas in 2004. It was immediately annulled. See, there have been Hollywood marriages shorter than that of Kim Kardashian.


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By JOHN FLOWERS
MIDDLEBURY — A New Hampshire family is seeking permission from the town of Middlebury to establish a 16-acre gravel pit on land off Route 116 near its intersection with Quarry Road.
The Middlebury Development Review Board (DRB) is tentatively scheduled to hold its first hearing on the project on Sept. 22. Middlebury Town Planner Fred Dunnington said the DRB will consider, among other things, the proposed gravel pit's proximity to the nearby Lindale Mobile Home Park; its potential impact on the town's underground water supply; and the increase in truck traffic, excavation dust and noise the project would generate.
Ronald and Susan Fenn of Danville, N.H., are proposing the project. They own the 70-acre parcel on which the new pit would be located. Ronald Fenn was born and raised in Middlebury.
Susan Fenn said her husband's family has owned the 70 acres off Route 116 for more than a century. They have now decided to develop a portion of it.
"We know there is gravel in there," Fenn said of recent engineering studies at the site.
The Fenns have submitted a project narrative indicating the gravel pit site contains approximately 660,000 cubic yards of material. Plans call for an average of 35,000 cubic yards to be removed annually during the next 30 years. The Fenns said there are no plans to do any blasting or crushing at the proposed pit. The couple plans to lease or sell the pit property to an entity that would operate the business.
Excavation of the 16-acre pit would occur in four phases. Topsoil from each new phase would be set aside to reclaim the site of the preceding phase, according to the project narrative.
MIDDLEBURY — The UD-3 school board will spend the next few weeks crafting a policy for the Middlebury Union High School Tigers' Print newspaper that could range from continuing to allow the administration to pre-screen the content of the publication, to simply ensuring that students' names are withheld from articles that could get them in trouble.
Board members on Tuesday decided to take that course after two hours of at-times impassioned debate, focusing on the balance of protecting students while allowing them the freedom to produce a newspaper with an unfiltered voice.
School leaders have been considering a policy since last spring, after a Tigers' Print scribe printed the name of a student who confessed to having attended classes while under the influence of marijuana. That student was retroactively suspended from classes for three days. The UD-3 board's policy committee met during the summer to gather a series of legal opinions and public testimony on potential ground rules for the student newspaper.
The policy committee on Tuesday unveiled two potential newspaper policies.
The first proposed policy calls for the journalism course teacher to be responsible for reviewing all material prior to publication. The superintendent or his designee, however, would have final approval over the material to be published. The policy also stipulates that the superintendent will not permit censorship "of any article because of administrative disagreement with the article's viewpoint or opinions of the author, or merely because of any controversial nature of an article or its subject matter." At the same time, the superintendent won't allow into print any information that "could violate the rights of students, constitute discrimination of any portion of the student body, or advocate behavior that exposes all or a portion of the student body to harm."
By KATHRYN FLAGG
MIDDLEBURY — Local foods aficionados will kick off this year's third annual Eat Local Challenge in a manner befitting a movement dedicated to celebrating locally produced food: they're breaking out their forks and casserole dishes and turning out for a picnic.
But the Addison County Localvores, as the individuals behind the Eat Local Challenge are dubbed, have more up their sleeves than a simple potluck. This year, for the first time, the month-long challenge to eat locally grown and produced foods will include a harvest festival that should prove educational, entertaining and, of course, appetizing.
Slated to take place on the Middlebury town green — or, in the case of rain, in St. Stephen's on the Green Episcopal Church — the Sept. 6 festival represents what Monkton resident Jonathan Corcoran called the localvores' efforts to reach beyond their core of dedicated supporters to the "next concentric circles" in the community.
"This year we thought, wouldn't it be great to try to draw more people in, and wouldn't it be great to try to educate people about how to actually do more eating locally?" said Cornwall resident Kristin Bolton, one of the localvores organizing the kick-off event.
Definitions for what constitutes locally produced food vary — do foods baked or processed locally from ingredients produced from afar count? — but a general rule of thumb is that anything grown within 100 miles of one's home is local.
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Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Paper Chef #15: Limes, beetroot and pears?
As it happens, I'm preparing the dish on the über-sweet Valentine's Day, and thus a dessert would be more appropriate anyway. The aphrodisiac I chose was chocolate, or more precisely, white chocolate. After the ultimate chocolate blogger David Lebovitz himself praised this particular type of chocolate recently, I picked up a bar of Green & Black's white chocolate with Bourbon vanilla.
Here's my entry:
Mascarpone mousse with white chocolate and lime juice, topped with candied pear and beetroot
The mousse is a mixture of mascarpone, whipped double cream and melted white chocolate, seasoned with freshly squeezed lime juice. Topping - beetroot and pear slices that I first cooked in sugar syrup (separately, of course), and then dried in a very cool oven. The idea for candied beetroot slices came from here.
My previous Paper Chef #8 entry
MagicTofu's round-up of Paper Chef # 15
Tagged with: Paper Chef
7 comments:
- ilva said...
This sounds really really nice, I love the idea of white chocolate and lime!
- 9:39 am, February 15, 2006
- MagicTofu said...
Beets and pears confit in syrup! I love the idea! And the extra colors they add to the mousse...
(I am getting hungry now)
- 2:39 pm, February 15, 2006
- Clivia said...
What a challenge to make something of those ingredients together! It looks so delicious...
- 3:05 pm, February 15, 2006
- Alanna said...
CANDIED beets -- why not?! Just lovely!
- 4:54 pm, February 15, 2006
Pille, see küll teemaväline s6num, aga ei leidnud kusagilt Su eestikeelset blogi, et sinna kirjutada. Leidsin Šotimaalt t6elise kohupiima! Siin on ta tuntud "crowdie" nime all. Teada-tuntud mägismaalaste toiduaine ja toodab seda vähemalt üks meierei Ross-shire's. Ostsin poest proovimiseks 140 ml(4,5% rasva) topsiku, maksis £1.05. Kohupiimaplaadikoogi tegemiseks kalliv6itu, aga ta on vähemalt olemas!
- 6:35 pm, February 15, 2006
- Chopper Dave said...
Nice! Mascarpone cheese is such a great thing to work with. And, it's actually easy to make ;-)
I like the idea of candied beets too. Accentuating their already wonderful sweetness.
- 7:14 pm, February 16, 2006
- Pille said...
Ilva - white choc and lime were lovely together indeed, the sweetness of one counteracting the sharpness of the other.
Magic Tofu - thanks for your kind words, and a great round-up!
Clivia - it was a challenge indeed, but am much more pleased with this dish than I was with my sugar high/low Friday one..
AK - candied beets was the most unusual bit of this dish, but beets are very sweet on their own, so they worked just fine. I'm thinking of trying that cake where I took the candied beets idea from.
Anonüümne - aitäh teatamast! Olen crowdie'st kuulnud, ent maitsenud ei ole. Peaks proovima, aga kuna nüüd saan kohalikust poola poest osta ehtsat kohupiima (99 penni 250grammise paki eest), siis kohupiimaroogi saan nüüd ikka tavalise kohupiimaga teha.
(ja niiiiiii tore oleks teada, kes mu anonüümne lugeja on:)
Chopper Dave - I buy mascarpone in 250 gram tubes, and I eat probably 50 grams of it straight from the tube before I even start cooking. Delicious (though very naughty, considering the amount of calories it contains). Spread on a slice of biscuit or scooped with strawberries - mmmmmm.....
- 6:20 pm, February 21, 2006


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- Productbeschrijving
- Specificaties
- Fitment info
- Beoordelen
- Review
Roland Sands Design 14,61cm (5-3/4inches) Vintage Chrome Headlight
o Based off of RSD's original headlight designo CNC machined from billet aluminumo Design matched to the Vintage product lineo DOT approved H4 bulb has twice the illumination of standard sealed beamso 3/10,16cm (4inches) wide mount for a 3/20,32cm (8inches) bolto Mounting hardware included
Product Specs
Bulb Type: H4 60/55 Watt
Diameter: 14,61cm (5-3/4inches)
Finish: Chrome
Lighting Lens Color: Clear
Manufacturer Part Number: 0207-2006VIN-CH
Mount Location: Bottom
Sealed Beam or Halogen: Halogen
Sold in Units: Each
Extra informatie
|OEM Code
|Manufacturer Code
|Universal Custom Attribute
|Ships In
|2 business Days
|Fitment Info
Harley-Davidson® Models
|Fitment Note
|Harley-Davidson Model
|Dyna, Softail
|Our warranty is determined by the manufacturer. We are (not yet !) able to show you the exact warranty for every product. Therefore we would like to ask you to visit the manufacture page to get this information. In case of a warranty claim we will of course inform you about the specific details. Incorrect or damaged goods are not issued true the warranty claim. See our Return claim.
Harley-Davidson® Models
|Dyna Street Bob FXDB : 2014
|Dyna Street Bob FXDBP : 2014
|Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC : 2014
|Dyna Wide Glide FXDWG : 2013–2014
|Softail Breakout CVO FXSBSE : 2014
|Softail Breakout FXSB : 2014
|Softail Custom FXSTC : 1986–1998, 2007–2010
|Softail Deuce CVO FXSTDSE2 : 2004
|Softail Deuce EFI FXSTDI : 2001–2006
|Softail Deuce FXSTD : 2000–2007
|Softail Night Train EFI FXSTBI : 2001–2006
|Softail Night Train FXSTB : 1999–2009
|Softail Standard EFI FXSTI : 2001–2006
|Softail Standard FXST : 1984–1990, 1999–2009
|Wide Glide FXWG : 1980–1986


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SumOfUs has launched a petition to get Apple to create the iPhone 5 in a fully ethical manner, and has already garnered over 40,000 signatures. The petition is particularly critical of Apple's use of n-hexane, a harmful glass cleaner which can cause neurological damage over long-term exposure. Inhumanely-long working hours are also called into question.
Apple CEO Tim Cook remains adamant that the company is doing its best to ensure the well-being of manufacturing employees abroad. Even within the fast-paced technology sector, however, Apple is well-known for cultivating a high-stress culture, and those standards are imposed on just about everybody Apple works with. Under these conditions, it's no surprise that basic humanitarian standards take a back seat to shipping a product. That said, I might agree with this petition, but I really doubt Apple or Foxconn will make any sweeping changes that hurt their bottom line.
If you're interested in signing the petition, hit the link below.
[We'll post links to the petitions for HP, Dell, Sony, Nokia, Motorola, HTC, Amazon, Lenovo, Toshiba, Samsung, and every other technology company who operates in similar manners without enjoying the link-bait status that seems to drive online media attention. We want everyone held to the same, high standards. - ED]
Source: SumOfUs via The Register


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CapableObjects provides tools that help you capture complex concepts and facilitate communication of your ideas to others. Our tools will make you a better thinker by using models, and our tools will help you to turn your models into running solutions. Productivity gains will enable development of more detailed systems than you dared to build before, with faster time to market.
Using declarative programming together with proven language standards such as UML and OCL, MDriven Framework will allow deferral of decisions on questions such as: What database to use? MSSql, MySQL, Oracle or other? What User Interface? MVC, WPF, Mobiles, WindowsStore, ASP.NET, Silverlight, WindowsForms or other? Premature choices are not forced on you. You decide and you are allowed to change your mind whenever you must.
Having your KnowHow in a model rather than blown into pieces by a traditional code-a-lot-strategy gives you other perspectives and possibilities. The only constant is change – and with a model in the center you are prepared… Everyone will do it this way in future – you decide when the future starts for you.
Read these interviews with some of our users
"I get paid to be productive but I live for being creative – MDriven Designer merges the two – Thank you!" – When we get comments like this we know we are on the right track.
Checkout MDriven Turnkey – our AngularJS based model driven concept
Check out the concept WPF application WhenAndWhere project