Q&A With Former Police Chief Dan Watson

The ties between Chief Dan Watson and many in the South Pasadena community ran deep, and when it looked like they’d be losing their chief, there was a concerted, grass-roots effort to keep him in town.  

But in the summer of 2010, Watson accepted an interim position as Mammoth Lakes Chief of Police, a position which became permanent in 2011. Today he and wife Kathy are enjoying life above it all, 8,000 feet above sea level, to be exact.

Q: Back in 2009, when your job seemed in jeopardy, you received a lot of support from the residents in South Pasadena. Why do you think that was?

A: I would hope that response was because it was perceived by the community that the Police Department was doing a fine job while under my leadership and they didn't see the need for a change.

Q: How did you go about forming such a strong bond with so many in the community?

A: It was easy to develop strong ties in the community because there are so many good people in South Pasadena.  The Police Department is the most visible form of municipal government which makes a police chief a visible figure.  I believe it's important for a police chief to become engaged in community affairs.  This helps to build trust, understanding, and support from community members.  So, I became involved in community organizations, reached out to different groups, and made myself available to the public.  That resulted in relationships and friendships, some of which continue today.

Q: Are you forming a similar relationship with the residents in Mammoth Lakes?

A: Yes, I'm working on it. I've gotten very involved in the Mammoth Lakes Rotary Club and other local organizations including various non-profits.

Q: What do you miss most about working in South Pasadena?

 A: The people. Those in the Police Department, the other department managers, and the many friends we made in the community.

Q: And the move to Mammoth Lakes—no regrets?

A: None at all. Kathy and I have a new home - literally. We purchased a log cabin that backs up to the National Forest.

Q: What’s your opinion on shoveling snow: for or against?

A: Being a ski resort, the Town does a great job of clearing the roads and I contract with someone to clear the driveway. That leaves the decks and porches to be shoveled.  The first year we were here we got over 60 feet of snow and our deck had about 8 feet at one time.  I had to hire someone because I couldn't get the shovel to the top of the pile!  The rest of the time I'd use it as exercise on the weekends.  Shovel some snow, take a break, shovel some more snow, another break, and pretty soon it's all gone. 

Q: You’re coming up on your second anniversary in the Eastern Sierras. How would you characterize the quality of life, in terms of health and happiness?

A: There is definitely a healthier lifestyle here. I was surprised to find so many active, healthy retirees in their 70's and 80's. There's no smog or traffic and the pace is slower which reduces stress.  Most homes are two stories and climbing stairs at 8,000 feet is good cardio exercise. 

When I first moved here I realized that everyone seemed happier than people in Southern California.  When you enter a shop or a restaurant, you get more than the perfunctory welcome.  I think that's for a couple of reasons:  First of all, this is a tourist town and customer service is critical. The other reason is that there are very few native residents. Most everyone made a conscious decision to move here and that seems to change how people feel about their home. 

There’s also a slower pace of life. Everyone’s not in a hurry. My commute is 1.9 miles with just one stop sign. That means there’s less stress on everyone and that can only make you happier with your life.

And we live in one of the most beautiful places in the country with dramatic views in all directions.

I asked my lieutenant, who has lived here for 15 years, how long it takes to get used to the beauty of the Eastern Sierras. His response was that he'd let me know when it happens.