Long Beach Police Chief Anthony Batts and his command staff walked part of the Anaheim corridor to kick off the Cambodian New Year and get to know the area and make contact with the merchants and people of the area. Chief Batts talks with cosmetologists in a beauty shop on the right in stripes is Sary So. (Leo Hetzel / Press-Telegram)By Tracy Manzer, Staff writer
Long Beach Press Telegram
LONG BEACH — Police Chief Anthony Batts kicked off the Khmer New Year on Thursday by walking along the Anaheim corridor, a diverse business and residential district that is home to many local Cambodians.
Shopkeepers and store managers were startled to see the chief and his entourage, which included West Division Cmdr. Billy Quach and officers who regularly patrol the corridor. Some feared they were the subject of an investigation.
A few relaxed with smiles once it was explained that the police were there merely to meet them and offer their assistance. But there were a few who were simply too afraid to let their guard down.
"She just wanted me out of her store," the chief laughed after stopping at one Asian market.
The reaction was not that surprising, authorities noted, given the negative image many Khmer people have of law enforcement. Their experience with police in their former country was one of brutal force and flagrant corruption.
Younger people seemed to warm to the chief much more quickly. One shop owner shared a laugh with officers by bringing a $5 bill out of the cash register, a nod to old practices in Cambodia, and in the U.S.
Several said they were impressed that the chief recognized such an auspicious time the new year begins today for the community.
"You know, I've been here for 22 years and this is the first time I've seen this," Lehoa Quach told the officers after shaking Batts' hand.
Quach runs an insurance and immigration firm on Anaheim Street.
"That is really good," she added. "We feel like … you care about us."
Quach, who joked with Cmdr. Quach about a possible long-lost relation, also recognized Officer Tomb Neal. It turns out Neal is a former client who earned his citizenship with her help in 1987, not long after he came to the United States as a Cambodian refugee.
And Quach was one of the few business people on the street to take the opportunity to enlighten the chief on some problems in the area, mostly people loitering around the strip mall where she works and scaring off customers.
"I told my landlord, but it hasn't been much better," she said.
"We'll be sure to take care of that," Batts replied.
Authorities also offered a few tips to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy New Year.
Residents are encouraged to keep all doors and windows locked while out at various local festivities or when attending temple services. Celebrants should avoid carrying large sums of cash and overexposure of valuable jewelry and should travel in groups, not alone, said Officer Jackie Bezart.
"Asian criminals tend to target Asian victims and are familiar with the traditions of Cambodian New Year," she said.
Tracy Manzer can be reached at tracy.manzer@presstelegram.com or at (562) 499-1261.
Shopkeepers and store managers were startled to see the chief and his entourage, which included West Division Cmdr. Billy Quach and officers who regularly patrol the corridor. Some feared they were the subject of an investigation.
A few relaxed with smiles once it was explained that the police were there merely to meet them and offer their assistance. But there were a few who were simply too afraid to let their guard down.
"She just wanted me out of her store," the chief laughed after stopping at one Asian market.
The reaction was not that surprising, authorities noted, given the negative image many Khmer people have of law enforcement. Their experience with police in their former country was one of brutal force and flagrant corruption.
Younger people seemed to warm to the chief much more quickly. One shop owner shared a laugh with officers by bringing a $5 bill out of the cash register, a nod to old practices in Cambodia, and in the U.S.
Several said they were impressed that the chief recognized such an auspicious time the new year begins today for the community.
"You know, I've been here for 22 years and this is the first time I've seen this," Lehoa Quach told the officers after shaking Batts' hand.
Quach runs an insurance and immigration firm on Anaheim Street.
"That is really good," she added. "We feel like … you care about us."
Quach, who joked with Cmdr. Quach about a possible long-lost relation, also recognized Officer Tomb Neal. It turns out Neal is a former client who earned his citizenship with her help in 1987, not long after he came to the United States as a Cambodian refugee.
And Quach was one of the few business people on the street to take the opportunity to enlighten the chief on some problems in the area, mostly people loitering around the strip mall where she works and scaring off customers.
"I told my landlord, but it hasn't been much better," she said.
"We'll be sure to take care of that," Batts replied.
Authorities also offered a few tips to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy New Year.
Residents are encouraged to keep all doors and windows locked while out at various local festivities or when attending temple services. Celebrants should avoid carrying large sums of cash and overexposure of valuable jewelry and should travel in groups, not alone, said Officer Jackie Bezart.
"Asian criminals tend to target Asian victims and are familiar with the traditions of Cambodian New Year," she said.
Tracy Manzer can be reached at tracy.manzer@presstelegram.com or at (562) 499-1261.
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