atascaderodemocraticclub.org@gmail.com
Building Community and Moving Forward
Our meetings are usually every 4th Thursday at 6:30 pm, upstairs at Atascadero Library. (Subject to change.)
Guest Speakers 2025
June 26
The June 26 meeting of the Atascadero Democratic Club features two speakers who serve and lead in the Atascadero and SLO County Public Safety departments. The presentations by 911 dispatcher Carla Strobridge and Daniel Suttles, Chief of the Atascadero Police Department, put a human face on our civic and county institutions that are vital elements of our democratic society. The ADC meets in the Martin Polin Room at 6:30 PM in the Atascadero Public Library. The presentations will commence around 7 PM.
Daniel B. Suttles has been the Police Chief of the City of Atascadero since January 2024. Before coming to Atascadero, he served as Chief of Police for the Bear Valley Police Department in the Tehachapi area of Kern County.
Suttles grew up in Oregon. While in high school he became interested in police work and was advised to get military experience prior to entering law enforcement. He enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving eight years as a Reconnaissance Marine with overseas deployment. In recalling his service in the Corps, Suttles says he valued their emphasis on “leadership, leadership traits, and leadership principles. They [the USMC] really want you to understand these things and be able to step in and be a leader.”
When his enlistment ended, Suttles began applying for law enforcement positions in California and was hired by the Glendale Police Department where he served and advanced through the ranks during his 18-year tenure. His positions in Glendale included Public Information Officer and Adjutant to the Chief of Police. When Suttles left the GPD, he was its Lieutenant - Patrol Commander.
Chief Suttles’s career includes developing and implementing an emergency action response plan for disaster preparedness, a strong focus on leadership development and a collaborative list of community engagement including weekly outreach “Chats with the Chief,” periodic “Coffee with a Cop” gatherings, citizen group meetings, Elder outreach programs, public safety and involvement in a variety of public platforms from volunteers to schools to community groups and the media.
For his presentation to the ADC, Chief Suttles will be introduced by Linda Baker, ADC member and Team Organizer, Indivisible (SLO). Ms. Baker collaborated with Chief Suttles to ensure that the June 14 “No Kings” rally was peaceful and orderly, with an appropriate law enforcement presence.
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Carla Strobridge is a public safety dispatcher who fields 911 emergency phone calls for the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. Carla is a vital link between the public and first responders, coordinating law enforcement and medical resources during high-stress and life-threatening situations. As a 911 dispatcher, Carla’s job requires quick decision making and strong situational awareness. She is passionate about mental health support for people in crisis.
Certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), CPR, and First Aid, Carla brings both technical expertise and compassionate care to her role. A first responder must present a calm demeanor, empathy, and be quick thinking. 911 dispatchers are expected to provide life-saving instructions over the phone while simultaneously managing other dispatch functions.
Prior to her career with the Sheriff's Office, Carla served for 14 years in the Monterey County Office of Education. She also served as a council member for the city of Soledad for 6 years. During her tenure she restored funding for the police department’s K9 unit, and supported a Victim Advocate position, i.e. a professional social worker who assists victims of crime, abuse, and trauma and who provides emotional support, information, and resources. While living in Monterey County, Carla also helped found and run a non-profit animal rescue, personally fostering over 80 animals into new homes. She is an avid dog owner and lives in Atascadero.
For her presentation to the ADC, Carla Strobridge will be introduced by her mother and ADC member Mary Strobridge who also serves on the Cuesta College Board of Trustees.