By Brittany Hanson/Garden Grove Journal
No good deed goes unpunished. As for Sheriff’s Deputy John Borrega, his punishment was being given an award in the presence of his peers for work that identified a drug and gang safe house.
At Tuesday night’s Stanton City Council meeting, Lt. Jeff Pasalaqua, the chief of police services for Stanton, introduced a group of deputies that had asked for assignment to the city of Stanton, through the Orange County Sherriff’s Department.
Deputies Isaac Flore, Mike De, Rod Couey and John Borrega all stood before the city council as Pasalaqua vouched for each of their credibility.
Pasalaqua said, “It’s tremendous . . . that they all want to be here to support the community and make it safe.
Borrega was presented with an award of recognition that came from Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. Presented by fellow officer Mike Sharp, who commended not only Borrega, but the group of men on their achievements to getting to their post.
“Only 2 to 4 percent that fill out an application to become a sheriff’s deputy actually make it through all the training . . . and get to that point,” said Sharp, “These are the top drawer people, really the cream of the crop.”
Borrega’s award was from events that occurred Sept. 1, in relation to a child custody exchange. The father involved in the child custody exchange did not show up for, so Borrega used tools and information to locate the father.
When he had located the man, he set up surveillance and witnessed a narcotics business transaction take place.
This witnessing eventually led to arrests and the discovery of the gang safe house containing drugs, weapons and paraphernalia.
“We appreciate all you gentlemen, especially because you all wanted to be here,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ed Royce Sr.
Also, action regarding a new ordinance, number 969, was taken. The ordinance sets in place rules and regulations allowing for specific use of banners, balloons and inflatable’s by businesses for sales promotion.
The ordinance is based on findings during a study period starting last year. Businesses were allowed to use various forms of banner, balloon and inflatable products for promotion.
The regulations from the study session are based on which kinds of items businesses wanted to use the most and how the city viewed the visual impact on the city.
The main idea from the city council is to find ways to promote industry in the city using input from business.
