George Beck Receives First Good Neighbor Award

George Beck Receives First Good Neighbor Recognition Award

By Anita Mannila

The South Shores Homeowners’ Association is proud to present retired LAPD Assistant Chief, George Beck with the Good Neighbor Recognition Award for his many years of service to the greater Los Angeles area as well as being a good neighbor in the South Shores’ Community. After graduating from USC he entered the field of law enforcement. In the early years, he drove a radio car in Watts and rose through the ranks, serving as Captain of the Police Academy and as Assistant Chief of Police under Chief Daryl Gates. In a recent conversation Mr. Beck shared that the two best decisions he ever made in his life were to marry Elma, his wife of 60 years and to move to San Pedro. The Beck’s have lived in South Shores for thirty-two years.

Their lovely home is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac adjacent to a rugged path frequented by hikers and surfers. When they first moved to the neighborhood they found that the panoramic views which captivated them, also attracted after-hours gatherings and partying late into the night on the adjacent cliffs. This presented a problem for them as well as their neighbors. Mr. Beck petitioned the Coastal Commission to construct a gate next to his property . He volunteered to act as a gate-keeper which meant that he would unlock the gate at 6:00 A.M and then lock it at 9:00 P.M. Mr. Beck’s initiative and vigilance brought peace and quiet to the neighborhood which continues to this day. Mr. Beck was a founding member of the Angel’s Gate Cultural Center remains committed to the support of the Center.

Mr. and Mrs. Beck are the proud parents of the newly appointed LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck who is married to Cindy, a retired Los Angeles County sheriff deputy. Their daughter, Brandi Scimone is a Police Officer working in the Hollywood Division and their son, Martin, is a Police Officer working in the Rampart Division.

The Beck’s daughter Megan McElroy, also served as a Police Officer and lives in San Pedro, with her husband and their three children.