We Get Letters: In Support of David Llanes

First, I would like to thank David Llanes for his article of November 28, regarding the shooting of Anthony McClain in which he shares his “view from a different lens.” One of the most salient issues he raises, from my perspective, is that the officer who killed McClain never had his day in court. In short, the public was denied transparency that would have evolved through a court case. The officer was denied his Sixth Amendment rights including a decision rendered by a jury of his peers, access to legal council, the right to face his detractor(s) and to know in advance who would be the witnesses brought forth to testify for or against him.

Because the case was settled out of court, and there was a rush to judgment among a vocal minority without knowing all the facts, the public will never know the finite details of the unfortunate circumstances that led to McClain’s death.

By sweeping the case under the rug with an out-of-court settlement, questions and accusations will most likely follow the officer through the end of his days. A trial would have at least put to rest questions regarding whether or not the officer overstepped the boundaries of law enforcement by the manner in which he dealt with a non-compliant individual who violated the conditions of his parole.

 I assume a monetary settlement could have been pursued by the McClain family after the trial if the officer were found guilty.

I have always been grateful to live in a well-run city like Pasadena and have tried my best in various ways to be supportive of our community and city government. We are not perfect, but If I had my choice of living in any city in Southern California, it would be Pasadena.

A contributing factor to my love of this city is that I feel safe. Yes, there has been an uptick in crime, but the PPD remains at the ready to deal with it to the best of their ability.

Though there has been an outcry from a vocal minority regarding the unfortunate death of Anthony McClain, at least cooler heads have prevailed in our community that has neither demonized the entire PPD for the action of one officer nor called for its defunding, as has been the case in various other cities throughout the country.

Our city isn’t perfect and neither is the PPD. However, ask yourselves this question: Would you rather see Pasadena become like San Francisco? When you have an entire police force actively engaged and putting their lives on the line each day to protect us, there are bound to be instances of overreaches and flawed decisions. This can happen in any profession. I’ll take my chances on these possibilities as opposed to stepping over bodies, needles, and feces in too many parts of San Francisco where policing is MIA.

Each year, I look forward to mingling with people from all over the world who come to our world-famous destination city to ring in the New Year and to partake of the unique festivities provided by the City of Roses. And who will watch over us to ensure our safety? The Pasadena Police Department for which I am grateful.

Linda Simmons, Retired Educator

Got something to say, email Managing Editor André Coleman, at andrec@pasadenanowmagazine.com