Full Notification

The Palmdale Sheriff's Station and the Antelope Valley Mall presented their annual Public Safety Expo, Car Show and Chili Cook-Off. This year’s event was held on Saturday, June 15th, and featured 17 public safety organizations serving the Antelope Valley.

One of the many highlights of this year’s event was a dunk tank, generously donated by Lancaster Harley-Davidson. Deputy Greg Chatman did a fantastic job of encouraging the crowd to "Dunk-a-Cop." Sheriff's motor deputy, Jason Jackman and Palmdale Station Captain, Don Ford, took turns being dunked. The Antelope Valley Search and Rescue Team operated a rock wall, which was also a big hit with the crowd.

There were numerous chili contestants and over 50 car show entrants. The Rustic Jailhouse Chili, operated by Kela Nagel and her neighbor Ginger Balcom, had a facade of a jail with bars. This was the second year they have participated in the chili cook-off. The women were dressed in black and white striped prison uniforms serving chili through the jail bars.

Another team sponsored by Chronic Taco featured masked "Lucha Libre" participants serving chili and taking photographs with the crowd. The Lucha Libre team won the "Most Spirited Booth" award for their zany antics.

This year's event raised funds and awareness for "999 for Kids." This is a joint charity between the Sheriff's Department and the Department of Children's Services. This organization provides funding for extracurricular items and activities to abused, physically and/or mentally challenged youth. It is part of the Sheriff's Youth Foundation which includes numerous programs for at risk youth.

All of the Sheriff’s personnel working this event volunteered their time for this worthy cause. Sergeant Andrew Nagel stated, “It is amazing to have so many volunteers helping us out. Our search and rescue team, reserve deputies and Department volunteers have all pulled together to help make this event such a success. I can’t thank them enough. Two weeks ago they were working three and four days straight, helping with the fires in Green Valley and Lake Hughes. Last week they volunteered at Thunder on Lot, and here they are again volunteering their time today.”

The Safety Expo drew in approximately 1000 people from throughout the Antelope Valley. It allowed the public to meet the men and women who provide emergency and disaster services to the community.

For more information about 999 for Kids and other youth programs offered by the Sheriff's Department, visit the Sheriff's website at www.sheriffsyouthfoundation.org or www.lasd.org

Below are the results of the car show and chili cook-off judging.

CAR SHOW
Best of Class – Commercial Vehicle Pre 1965: Pat & Carol Fegan, 1949 Chevrolet
Best of Class – Commercial Vehicle Post 1965: Keith Jones, 1965 Ford F100
Best of Class – Rat Rod: Michael McKie, 1940 Ford
Best of Class – Pre 1948: Johnny Garcia, 1947 Chevrolet Convertible
Best of Class – Post 1948: Charlie, 1956 Chevrolet
Best of Class – Pre 1965: Don Winters, 1965 Chevelle
Best of Class – Post 1965: David Turell 1969 Mustang
Best of Class – Original: Steve Sgrignoli, 1957 Chevrolet BelAire
Best of Class – Custom: Rob Reader, 1931 Oldsmobile
Best of Class – Special Construction: Pete & Cindy, 1967 Camero
Best of Class – Paint: Larry Walton, 1939 Chevrolet
Best of Class – Interior: Larry Walton, 1939 Chevrolet
Best of Class – Engine: Bob Pina, 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe
Best of Class – Engineered Vehicle: Mike Johnson, 1933 Willys
People’s Choice - Car Show: Cory Kennedy, 1971 AMC Javelin


CHILI CONTESTANTS
Best Traditional Chili – 1st Place: Rustic Jailhouse Chili (The Rustic Café & Bakery; Kela Nagel)
Best Traditional Chili – 2nd Place: John’s Chili (Al & Brenda Lopez)
Best Traditional Chili – 3rd Place: Gunfighter, Inc. Chili (Dave Sauer)
Best Non-Traditional Chili – 1st Place: Lucha Libre (Palmdale Station, Frank, Lindsay & Charles)
Best Non-Traditional Chili – 2nd Place: CHP Volunteers (Lancaster CHP, Gil Hernandez)
Best Non-Traditional Chili – 3rd Place: Probation Department (Steve Sturdevant)
Most Spirited Booth – 1st Place: Lucha Libre (Palmdale Station, Frank, Lindsay & Charles)
Most Spirited Booth – 2nd Place: Rustic Jailhouse Chili (The Rustic Café & Bakery; Kela Nagel)
Most Spirited Booth – 3rd Place: Gunfighter, Inc. Chili (Dave Sauer)
People’s Choice Chili Award – 1st Place: Rustic Jailhouse Chili (The Rustic Café & Bakery; Kela Nagel)
People’s Choice Chili Award – 2nd Place: Lucha Libre (Chronic Taco, Frank Huelga, Lindsay Voda and Charles Dana)
People’s Choice Chili Award – 3rd Place: Gunfighter, Inc. Chili (Dave Sauer)

Prepared by Jodi Wolfe