The Santa Monica Police Department has invited the entire community to a barbeque on Saturday, August 19, 2006 at Virginia Avenue Park from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to wish Police Chief James T. Butts, Jr. well in his upcoming endeavors and thank him for his many years of service.
Chief Butts, who has served the City 15 years in that position, accepted a position in May of this year as Deputy Executive Director of Law Enforcement and Protective Services at the Los Angeles World Airports, where he will oversee law enforcement and security at LAX, Ontario, Palmdale and Van Nuys airports. He is expected to undertake the duties of his new position shortly.
Hot dogs and refreshments will be provided at the barbeque, which is sponsored by the Santa Monica Police Officers Association, Santa Monica Firefighters Local 1109 and 7-11 Stores.
Virginia Avenue Park is located between Cloverfield Blvd. and 20th St., and between Pico Blvd. and Virginia Ave. south of the Santa Monica Freeway. Parking is available on Pico Blvd.; the park is wheelchair accessible. Additional information is available from the SMPD Community Relations Office at 310.458-8474.