Refreshing Positivity

It’s so refreshing to turn on the local news and see our Department being portrayed in super positive ways. It’s even more refreshing when we see a Department leader showing cool, calm leadership qualities. We expect it and see it constantly when Sheriff Luna appears in the middle of a crisis and his thoughtful demeanor rises through the uncontrollable news events surrounding him. The same positive sensation occurs when we see a leader that we personally know and who we’ve watched up close and watched from a distance as they exhibit continued extraordinary leadership. This past December, I saw this over and over with one of the top captains on the Department, and someone I have had the privilege to serve with off and on over the years. I am referring to Captain Jennifer Seeto.

I met Captain Seeto about 10 years ago when she was a lieutenant at the Sherman Block Building. Knowing I was involved in PPOA “stuff,” she often called me into her office in the basement of the Monterey Park building and would have me look at emails she was preparing regarding the movement of employees, transfers and other issues that the union may or may not want to know about. What impressed me most was that she thought of the employee first and wanted to make sure everything was done correctly. This type of proactive leadership is sorely lacking these days, and I hope her view of how a captain should operate spreads to her peers.

What made Captain Seeto so visible in mid-December was the newest rash of Malibu fires. She was a calming influence on the many press conferences she held. I liked seeing how composed and professional she was. She was not acting glib or making light of the tragedy surrounding her. Oftentimes, when our leaders appear before the cameras, you wonder if they care more about how many clicks or shares their clips will get on Instagram and other social media platforms. I am very sure Captain Seeto has no idea how many likes her appearances generated, but I have no doubt she knows how many rescues were made by Malibu Lost Hills deputies, how many families lost their homes and how many were saved. Good job, captain. 

One of the stories that emerged was the rescue of actor Dick Van Dyke. At 99 years old, he is still doing great and had to be rescued by Malibu Lost Hills Station residents and volunteers. He was interviewed on TV and said, and I quote from ABC News: “He’s looking forward to his next big birthday, but hopefully, without the same kind of fiery drama. As he continues to dance his way to 100, he said there is still so much more he wants to do.”

“It’s still not enough,” Van Dyke said. “I need more time. I’ve got plans.”

I thought of that line. “I need more time. I’ve got plans.” I feel the same way, and the clock ticks on my own service to my fellow Unit 621 members. As my last season of contract negotiations approaches, I need to hear from everyone about what you want from me and what you want PPOA to focus on in the next year. If every Custody Assistant, Law Enforcement Technician, Crime Analyst, Court Services Specialist and Public Response Dispatcher blew up my email here at PPOA, it would be the best New Year’s present ever. Thanks for listening.