Five new in blue: Alcantara swears in officers

Interim Chief Lt. Rudy Alcantara swears in five new Barstow police officers on Monday in the City Council chambers.

Barstow PD close to full staff By AARON AUPPERLEE Staff Writer BARSTOW - The staffing woes of April and May are long gone at the Barstow Police Department. On Monday, Interim Chief Lt. Rudy Alcantara swore in five new officers, bringing the depleted force close to full staff. Jarell Gilmore, Peter D'Andrea, Scott Johnston, Richard Villegas and Johnathan McDowell got their badges pinned on during a ceremony in the City Council chambers. "We're almost there," said Alcantara. The number of officers in the department dropped considerably in the beginning of April, when four officers tendered their resignations, leaving only 29 of the budgeted 38 positions filled. However, two new officers joined the ranks in May and five more on Monday. Alcantara hopes to fill the remaining spots soon and then expand the number of officers. At one point, Barstow had 44 officers; Alcantara thinks the city could see that number again. "As time goes on, Barstow is going to grow, and there a lot of things we're going to have be able to do," he said. "We're going to take it slowly." If the department does expand to 44 officers, he thinks Barstow could have school resource officers, motorcycle cops, mall officers, a K-9 team, an increased detective division and street-impact teams to deal with narcotic problems and gangs in the area. Alcantara hopes offering a variety of tasks for officers will boost morale, a reason cited for the exodus of officers. "You know, guys get tired of the same thing," he said. "You want to expand your horizons. Being able to offer these positions is something to work toward." One of the new officers, Gilmore, has some experience with gang enforcement. Gilmore came to Barstow after five years in the Los Angeles County Police Department. His last post there was with a gang task force. He said a lot of his experience will transfer but that Barstow is a unique place with its own rhythm. "I'm definitely open to learning the Barstow way," he said. Also learning the Barstow way is the department's new chief, Lt. Dianne Burns from the Los Angeles Police Department. Burns attended the ceremony on Monday to meet the new officers. Earlier in the day, she met with other officers at the department for the first time. What impressed her most about Barstow's officers was their versatility. Each officer does a myriad of tasks, she said. Burns will be in and out of Barstow during the next week as her background check finishes up and she settles into the area.

Mitchell signs with Royals, to start in rookie ball

Good Luck Matt!

By MATTHEW PETERS Sports Editor BARSTOW - Matt Mitchell is officially a Kansas City Royal. Mitchell signed with the Royals Saturday night, a day after Kansas City drafted him with the second pick in the 14th round of the Major League Baseball Draft. Mitchell will report to the Arizona League Royals, Kansas City's rookie ball team, in Surprise, Ariz., located about a half an hour outside Phoenix. The AZL Royals' season begins June 22 against the AZL Rangers and ends August 29. Mitchell, a right-handed pitcher, led the Barstow High School baseball team to a third place finish in the Desert Sky League and a victory in the CIF-Southern Section Div. IV playoffs wild-card round. The Royals made one offer, and Mitchell accepted it. Mitchell's dad, Curt, declined to offer specific details but said, "It's a very fair offer, and it included money for school and a signing bonus." The money for college was a sticking point for Mitchell. There are some restrictions on the college money, but Curt said Matt can use the money even after his contract expires. He won't have much time to celebrate the signing or his high school graduation as he flies from Ontario to Arizona on Wednesday. Despite the quick turnaround, Curt said his son is confident and ready to play baseball professionally. "We knew that was going to happen regardless of who took him," Curt said. "He's been aware of it for a while. "He's just anxious to get started. He's been looking forward to this for quite awhile." The Royals haven't made the playoffs since winning the 1985 World Series and are currently 24-40 and in last place in the American League Central Division. Despite the Royals' recent struggles, Mitchell said he's excited to join the organization and sees potential to move through their farm system and, one day, to the major league team. Nine MLB teams, including the Royals, have rookie ball teams located around the Phoenix area. Mitchell's family is already making plans for at least a few journeys to Arizona. "I'm sure we'll make a few trips," Curt said. "It's not hot enough in Barstow, we need to go to Arizona."