Local law enforcement travels back to the 1970s to honor their own

The Palm Springs Police Department strike a pose for the photo booth at the 13th annual Support Services Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 4, 2022.
The Palm Springs Police Department strike a pose for the photo booth at the 13th annual Support Services Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 4, 2022.

Sonny and Cher would have been proud. Bell bottom pants, frayed jeans, mini-skirts, maxi dresses, tie-dye, peasant blouses, ponchos and headbands — those were the glad rags of choice at the 13th annual Support Services Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 4 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort.

Each year the Coachella Valley law enforcement entities take time out of their responsibilities of protecting our communities to thank and recognize the legion of dedicated support staff that work behind the scenes. Each city takes a turn in hosting and organizing the annual appreciation dinner — this year it was hosted by the Desert Hot Springs Police Department and was coordinated by staffer June Casey, communications and records manager.

The scene was one wouldn’t expect from valley law enforcement entities. Instead of a roomful of blue police uniforms, the Esmeralda ballroom was a riot of rainbow colors, 1970s style. As they gathered in Indian Wells, our police officers left their serious demeanor at the door to honor the unsung heroes who have their backs.

And there’s nothing like a playlist of 1970s hits to set the mood for nostalgic revelry. With a fun soundtrack — that included “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Black Magic Woman” and “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered” — the scene for fun was set.

Desert Hot Springs Detective Chris James, Deputy Chief Steve Shaw and Chief Jim Henson bring the 1970s spirit at the 13th annual Support Services Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 4, 2022.
Desert Hot Springs Detective Chris James, Deputy Chief Steve Shaw and Chief Jim Henson bring the 1970s spirit at the 13th annual Support Services Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 4, 2022.

After a convivial cocktail hour with a photo booth, DHS Police Chief Jim Henson, suitably attired in a colorful paisley shirt, welcomed the 200 guests before turning the proceedings over to the evening’s emcee, local newscaster and law enforcement wife Brooke Beare to announce the support staff being recognized.

From the California Highway Patrol in Indio, Capt. Dennis Woodbury and Lt. Craig Howard recognized Maribel Ornelas, Lisa Domenici, Nellie Castro, Rick Broske, Dianne Warner, Alisa Robles, Anissa Navarro, Gilbert Caro and Emma Garcia.

Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum honored his staff: Yurid Castaneda-Anes, Nicole Enos, Marina Genera, Glenn Warnica, Angie Gudino, Adrian Pos, Zane Megard and Dan Foster.

Representing the DHS Police Department, Deputy Chief Steven Shaw presented awards to Jessica Love, Tom Pittenger, Floylaina Smith, Virginia Alvarez, Susie Genera, Kelsey Meuse, Jocelyn Harris, Adrian Cortez, Anthony Estrada, Al Taleghani, Judy Williams and Gale Roberts. DHS city council member Gary Gardner and newly reelected council member Jan Pye were on hand to congratulate the DHS Police Department support staff.

Also present were Citizens on Patrol for the DHS Police Department, who perform duties for the department that would otherwise take the police officers’ valuable time.

The ballroom at the Esmeralda was a riot of rainbow colors, 1970s style at the 13th annual Support Services Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 4, 2022.
The ballroom at the Esmeralda was a riot of rainbow colors, 1970s style at the 13th annual Support Services Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 4, 2022.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills recognized his dedicated support staff: Angela Sawyer, Stephanie Green, Christina Lopez, Barbara Fischer, Frances Lopez, Daisy Macias, Theresa Sweeny, Sarah Escarrega, Jeanine Kelly, Jeanmarie Keough, Destiny Arce, Michelle Sardina, Tim Thomas, Tamara Wadkins and Kym De La Vara.

The support staff of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Palm Desert Station were acknowledged by Captain Dean Agnoletto and Lt. Daniel Porras: David Poag, Cindy Young, Karina Hernandez, Lesley Perez-Solis, Melissa Morales, Martha Roberson, Erika Wiliams, Karina Castro, Alexis La Crue, Brenda Espinoza, Janet Aceves, Lisa Land, Pedro Almanza, Sgt. Chris Gelinas, Berenice Araujo-Zaragoza, Julie Magallanez and Doreen Perez.

Maria “Lupe” Zamora, Claudia Reynaga, Shanna Tucker, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Andrea O’Connor, Biana Garcia, Gladys Dominguez, Jane McCullugh, Letty Padilla, Denisse Valdez, Mary Montgomery, Barbara Morales, Blanca Garcia, Lita Avia, Carmen Smith, Manuel Acosta, Rosie Lobo and Norma Rivera were on-hand to represent the vital support staff at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Thermal Station.

Erika Martinez, division chief of support services for the Indio Police Department, gave thanks to Indio PD support staff: Alma Jahnig, Ana Escobar, Gabby Torres, Katherine Lomeli, Kim Cessna, Sherri Van Dorn and Lina De La Rosa.

Event emcee Brooke Beare and DHS Police Chief Jim Henson celebrate at the 13th annual Support Services Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 4, 2022.
Event emcee Brooke Beare and DHS Police Chief Jim Henson celebrate at the 13th annual Support Services Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 4, 2022.

In his closing remarks, Henson said: “Without the dedicated service of the support staff of our law enforcement departments, we could not do the vital work of protecting our communities. Each of these individuals are unsung heroes.”

Of course, fighting crime is the focus of each of these law enforcement entities. Among the many sponsors of the event was Valley Crime Stoppers, an anonymous tip line that offers cash rewards to tipsters for successful convictions. You can offer an anonymous tip by calling (760) 341-STOP.

Lydia Kremer is a long-time Desert Sun contributor, publicist, travel writer and author of “100 Things to Do in Palm Springs Before You Die.” She is currently working on two other books. She can be reached at 8Lydialane@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Local law enforcement travels back to the 1970s to honor their own