LBPD Police Commissioner Resigns

Long Beach Police Department Commissioner Thomas Sofield Sr. submitted a letter of resignation, effective Nov. 29, following the Democrats' sweeping victory in the City Council elections.

Anticipating the reslgnation, some people have speculated that Sofield, whose son Thomas Jr. is the outgoing Republican president of the City Council, will receive a substantial compensation and benefits package, but City Manager Charles Theofan said the outgoing commissioner would not receive a "golden parachute," according to a report by the Long Beach Herald.

“All he’s going to get is … his accumulated vacation time and a portion of his sick time that he’s entitled to."

Patch reported Thursday on the Democrats' transition team, lead by former City Councilman Scott Nigro, and in addition the Herald reports about concerns and circumstances surrounding the incoming administration, including union members who worry about potential layoffs, possible budgetary cutbacks based on an anticipated independent auditor’s report, plans to hold Good and Welfare sessions at both monthly council meetings, and Republican Councilman John McLaughlin’s take on working with the new Democrat administration.