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By Roy Cook
 Chief
of San Diego Police William Lansdowne is noon guest speaker at Friday,
January 23,2004 meeting of the Council of American Indian Organizations
of San Diego County. Officer Ralph Cummings, Comanche, hosted the Networking
gathering.
 Chief
Lansdowne reviewed his background and enthusiasm for America's finest
city. He has been representing the peace officers at many state and
national meetings. He presented new statistics on the effort to maintain
public safety. In a question and answer session he fielded underlying
concerns and was receptive to new approaches to the police departments
efforts.
 Vicky
Gambala, Wanda Cook and Roy Cook presented the Chief of Police with
traditional honor and recognition: A turn of the century photo of the
Kumeyaay leader, Juan Gonzales and the first official law enforcement
officials. Also a beautiful Pendleton storyteller wool blanket was placed
over his shoulders. Traditionally this makes him part of the Intertribal
Council group. John Hood, Navaho, in jovial humor said, "You are
now a chief. "
Henry
Mendibles, San Diego Senior Park Ranger, was in uniform in support of
the community efforts to improve better communication and networking.
There is a fine healthy luncheon buffet organized by Wanda Cook, Mohawk
Haudeshaunee. Esther Abrahano, Choctaw president of the TONKAWA seniors
club graciously led the blessing for the group and over the food.
Presented
to San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne
Council of American Indian Organizations of San Diego County.
In recognition of Tribal custom and Tradition.
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| San
Diego's First Americans maintained the peace for thousands of years.
In this view Police 'Chief', Chief Juan Gonzales of the Kumeyaay
Florida canyon community is documented with the New Town San Diego
Police officials. Featured in many articles in the San Diego Union
the non-Indian population recalls his tenure, style, oratory and
personal dress with warm reminiscences. Often described as a model
Chief/ Capitan/ Kuchutt, he earned the respect of both non-Indian
and tribal residents. Capitan Gonzales and his spouse Ysabel resided
at the Balboa Park Florida canyon village until his death. |
All
had a fine time; maybe we will see you at the next meeting of the
Council of American Indian Organizations of San Diego County.
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Photos by Ben Nance: WebMaster
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