PSC - Mintues - 02-28-13
The three-fold mission of Public Safety CONNECTIONS is to:
Serve as a community “think tank” and “information clearinghouse” to prevent crime and combat the
impacts alcohol and drug abuse in Rosemead.
Assist in the effort to educate young people about the adverse effects of alcohol and drugs on their
safety, quality of life, and future opportunities.
Increase awareness of parents, grandparents and other caregivers of their responsibilities to help
young people to avoid the negative consequences associated with alcohol and drug use.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER – 6:08 p.m. by Jeff Allred
Community Representatives Present
Wen-li Jen, Asian Pacific Family Center
Roy Rosell, Asian Youth Center
Camilo Munèvar, Calvary Chapel
Josue Delgado, Church of God
Jeff Foutz, Church of Jesus Christ, LDS
Espie Rocha, Don Bosco Technical
Steve Rivera, Evergreen Baptist Church
Chau Tran, Rosemead Buddhist Monastery
Larry Cecil, Rosemead High School
Art Landing, Rosemead Kiwanis
Ron Esquivel, Rosemead School District
City Representatives Present
Mayor Sandra Armenta, CONNECTIONS Chair
Council Member Steven Ly, CONNECTIONS Co-Chair
Jeff Allred, City Manager
Lt. Tim Murakami, LASD
Sgt. Abel Moreno, LASD
Oscar Gutierrez, LA Probation Office
David Montgomery-Scott, Parks and Recreation Department
Mandy Wong, Public Safety Department
Nancy Eng, Planning Commissioner
WELCOME and PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Jeff Allred
1. INTRODUCTIONS/WELCOME
2. MINUTES – January 28, 2013
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM
REGULAR MEETING
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER
8301 GARVEY AVENUE
EOC ROOM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
February 28, 2013
Page 2 of 4
There was a motion by Larry Cecil and a second by Roy Rosell to approve the Public Safety
CONNECTIONS Forum January 13, 2013 minutes with the following correction under Brief
Announcements, Roy Rosell: “City of Rosemead should pass an ordinance to prohibit smoking in
outdoor dining areas as the City of Temple City recently did.” In addition, under Public Comment, “Mardi
Gras” at Almansor Court on March 16, 2013. Minutes were unanimously approved.
3. SIGNIFICANT LAW ENFORCEMENT INCIDENTS
Lt. Tim Murakami provided updated crime reports including the following:
• A house in Rosemead that was a marijuana grow house.
• Deputies continue to identify gambling houses throughout the city. Rosemead Special Assignment
deputies are addressing the issue.
• Lomas activities are being monitored.
• Arrests on cocaine and methamphetamine users/suppliers.
• Continuous parolee and hotel compliance checks.
• Grand Theft Auto (GTA) has increased in the San Gabriel Valley. Of the 165 GTA, 88 are late 1990’s
model Hondas. The increase is partly due to the shave keys criminals are using to easily gain entry
into the vehicles. 150 of the stolen vehicles have been recovered.
• RYA has recovered some stolen items which were listed in Craiglist.
• Tagging activities are being monitored and investigated by Deputy Farley and Probation Oscar
Gutierrez.
• A burglary arrest was made at LA Fitness.
4. PRESENTATION BY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
Deputy McNicholas from the Gang Diversion Team shared some highlights of the VIDA program: Vital
Intervention & Directional Alternatives is now offered to students and families that Temple Sheriff’s
Station serves.
VIDA is a 16-week program designed to deal with “at risk” youth by utilizing proactive and innovative
techniques for positive redirection of “at risk youth”. The program offers treatment, prevention, and
disciplinary components to alter negative behavior. This program is not a boot camp, it is a controlled
environment which is supervised by deputies to help kids in the following areas:
• Building Self-Esteem
• Motivating Success
• Breaking the Cycle of Criminal Behavior
Participants are referrals from Juvenile Courts or from parents who have requested that their children be
admitted to the program. There are seven (7) basic components to the VIDA program. Each youth is
required to go through an assessment process prior to enrollment into the program.
Once admitted to the program, participants meet 2 days a week. On Wednesday evening, parents and
kids participate in break-out sessions and on Saturdays, the youth participate in physical training (ie: sit-
ups, push-ups, etc.) to teach self-control and discipline.
In addition, motivational speakers speak on making right choices and decisions to the youth. Several field
trips are scheduled: Museum of Tolerance and Jail Facilities Tours.
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
February 28, 2013
Page 3 of 4
VIDA programs are available in the Spring and Fall. For more information, contact Deputy McNicholas at
(626) 292-3349.
Mandy Wong has offered to draft a press release to advertise the VIDA - Fall Session to attract a greater
number of youth and family participation.
5. DISCUSSION OF CONNECTIONS PARTICIPATION
Sandra Armenta opened up for discussion on non-active CONNECTIONS members and how to
encourage their future participation.
Discussions as followed:
• “Three strikes and you are out”.
• Send out letters to remind members of the date/time of the meetings.
It was agreed by CONNECTIONS members to send out a formal letter to non-active members to remind
them of the CONNECTIONS meetings.
Roy Rosell mentioned that CONNECTIONS is a very unique group and not all cities have a forum
established like our CONNECTIONS group. We need to hold the value of this group by encouraging all
members to attend the meetings.
At our next meeting, we will brainstorm ways to outreach and to have representation from surrounding
Middle Schools, High Schools and local businesses.
6. COMMITMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CONNECTIONS ACTIVITES FOR 2013
The Ad Hoc committee presented specific action items/activities for forum members to sign-up and work
collectively as a sub-committee to plan, develop, and promote the activities. Sub-committees are to
share at the next CONNECTIONS meeting on bench marks and goals of completion of the activities that
they have signed-up for.
7. BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wenli Jen reminded everyone of 2013 Youth Summit, “You’re Youth, Your Time” scheduled for March
23 at Columbia School, 3400 N. California, El Monte. Youth who volunteer or attend the Summit will get
6.5 hours of community services hours.
Ms. Jen announced the 12th Annual “Got Skills” talent show will be on Friday, May 17, 2013 from 6:00
p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Barnes Park Amphitheater at 350 S. McPherrin Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754.
For additional information, sgvaodyouthcouncil@gmail.com
Art Landing announced some changes to the Rosemead Community Events Schedule which was
furnished by the Rosemead Kiwanis Club. The March 2nd Library Event has been changed to March 9th
and a typo error for the Crochet for Beginners should be Thursday, March 7, 2013 and not Saturday,
March 7, 2013.
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
February 28, 2013
Page 4 of 4
Ron Esquivel invited members to attend the Rosemead Educational Foundation Fundraiser, “Mardi
Gras”, Casino Night on Saturday, March 16th at Almansor Court. For additional information contact Ron
Esquivel at rejn316@earthlink.net.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
None
9. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
The next CONNECTIONS Forum is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public
Safety Center.