Ted Parker shares his energy, expertise with the community
Mar 11, 2010
Ted Parker
Ted Parker retired from the RAND Corp. in 1992 after a 33-year career as a military operations analyst. He has a B.S. in engineering from Duke University, a S.M. in engineering from MIT, and a J.D. from San Fernando Valley College of Law.
Since retiring, Parker became a volunteer with the San Diego Police Department and is on the Neighborhood Policing Resource Team where he works in crime prevention; reviewing building plans for safety and security; assisting officers in solving crime and disorder problems on properties; and keeping the SDPD's crime prevention publications, Web site pages and community resources guide up to date. He also writes crime prevention articles for newspapers.
In 1999, he was named Crime Prevention Volunteer of the Year by the California Crime Prevention Officers Association, and in 2003, he was named the San Diego Law Enforcement Volunteer of the Year by the Business Exchange Club of San Diego.
Parker is a member of the California Crime Prevention Officer's Association, the Anti-Defamation League's Inter-Agency Security and Safety Committee, the State Bar of California, Scripps Ranch Music Club and Friends of the Carmel Valley Library.
What brought you to Carmel Valley?
I wanted to be near my two children and their families, which include seven grandchildren.
What make this town special to you?
Aside from being where my children live, it's special for its good weather, sports facilities, cultural organizations, clinics and hospitals, and opportunities for volunteer work and continuing education.
If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add, subtract or improve in the area?
I would keep the libraries and recreation centers open every day except holidays, fix all the potholes in the streets, prohibit parking RVs and buses on public streets, complete the landscaping of the strip under the power lines that runs between Carmel Center and Graydon roads, build basements and storage rooms in all the single-family homes, provide art and music classes in all the schools.
Who or what inspires you?
The examples set by my parents.
If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?
My children and their families.
Tell us about what you are currently reading?
"The Six Wives of Henry VIII" by Alison Weir. I like history, and once I find an author I like, I read all his or her books. I just finished all of Bob Woodward's books.
What is your most-prized possession?
My flute, guitar and music library.
What do you do for fun?
I swim, play tennis, read, do crossword puzzles, play flute and guitar, and attend my grandchildren's high school games - now just soccer, tennis, basketball and volleyball.
What would you say was your greatest accomplishment?
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