SAN FERNANDO : New Principal Seeks Police Partnership

The new principal at San Fernando High School isn’t necessarily looking to throw the book at anyone, but if Philip Saldivar has his way, law enforcement will play a more integral role in his students’ education.

“I want to add my 2 cents to the development of young people in this community,” said Saldivar, 48, who was born and raised in San Fernando and comes from a family with San Fernando roots that date back more than 50 years.

Before taking over for former principal Bart Kricorian, who retired in June, Saldivar had been principal at Jefferson High School in South-Central Los Angeles, where he and officers from the Newton Division of the Los Angeles Police Department helped implement the Cul de Sac Program.

The program uses temporary cul de sacs to create a one-mile safe zone around the school to insulate students from gangs, drugs and other criminal activity that can thwart the goals of education.

“Coming to the Valley, I see there aren’t necessarily the same types of criminal activities, but there is a need to show members of the community that the police wear several hats--maintaining law and order and being involved in activities with young people, senior citizens and just the regular inhabitants of the community,” he said.

Tutoring, youth sports and camping outings are some of the activities that police groups have participated in, Saldivar said, and he hopes to work with San Fernando Police Chief Dominick Rivetti to expand such efforts at the high school and elsewhere in the community.

“There is another side to the law enforcement institution than what has been put forth by the Rodney King incident,” Saldivar said, adding that he has met with Chief Rivetti and will meet with officers from the LAPD’s Foothill Division to discuss options for cementing a partnership between the schools and police.

Other goals Saldivar has set for himself include bringing high-tech teaching methods involving computers and interactive television into the school.

He says a lot of individuals, groups and businesses are willing to help, but don’t know where to begin.

“My role is to search and knock on doors and ask the question, ‘Do you want to be part of the solution?’ ”