Jason Pesick, SB Sun Staff Writer
RIALTO - On the one-year anniversary of the City Council vote to eliminate the city's Police Department, about 50 residents celebrated the department's survival.
"This is all about you,'' said Andrew Pilcher, police benefit association president, speaking Wednesday at a luncheon where residents gathered, many wearing shirts reading, "We support our Rialto Police.''
After allegations of corruption and favoritism, the council voted to eliminate the department but changed course after a legal battle and under pressure from the city's residents.
"They've proven how great they really are," said Linda Chapman, a resident who was active in the campaign to preserve the department.
Dieter Dammeier, the union's attorney, said police officers were asked not to wear their uniforms to the event because politicians would be there. There was concern it would appear as if officers were taking sides politically, Dammeier said.
Glen Anderson, the union's treasurer and political action committee director, said it was the department's command staff that expressed a strong desire to keep the event focused on residents who supported the police and not on politics. He said on-duty officers were not supposed to attend.
But at times the luncheon, sponsored by the Rialto Police Benefit Association, did turn political.
"I think it's time for some new blood in the city," Anderson said during a speech at the luncheon to honor residents who helped reverse the council vote to eliminate the department and contract with the Sheriff's Department for law-enforcement services.
"We all know that change needs to be made," he added.
Councilman Joe Sampson and Councilwoman Deborah Robertson, both of whom voted to eliminate the department, are up for re-election in November. Neither attended the luncheon.
However, one of their opponents was in attendance.
Lame-duck Assemblyman Joe Baca Jr., D-Rialto, spoke during the luncheon's awards ceremony to honor residents. Baca filed for the council race after losing his bid for his party's renomination t o the Assembly after one term.
"I will always stand behind the Police Department," he said.
The only council member in attendance was Mayor Grace Vargas, who cast the lone vote in favor of keeping the Police Department a year ago.
The union will endorse candidates in the council election, but it has not yet done so, Anderson said.
Councilman Ed Scott, who is not up for re-election, said no other council member attended the luncheon because they were not invited.
In response to Anderson's comments calling for change, Scott said, "I think that's up to the voters of the city."
"Right now we all support the Police Department," he said.
Scott said he was concerned about the tone of the event, which was intended as a thank you to supportive residents.
"I didn't know this was a campaign function to support Joe Baca Jr.," Scott said.
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