PSC - Minutes - 06-27-13
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 – 6:05 p.m. by Sandra Armenta
Excused –Steven Ly, Lt. Somoano, Ron Esquivel, and Wen-li Jen
Community Representatives Present
Lena Woo, Asian Pacific Family Center
Roy Rosell, Asian Youth Center
Steve Rivera, Evergreen Baptist Church
Larry Wiener, Evergreen Baptist Church
Karen Kho, Evergreen Baptist Church
Robert Uchzono, Evergreen Baptist Church
Louisa Day, Guadalupe Pregnancy Service
Aroon Seeda, Los Angeles Buddhist Monastery
Sergio Medrano, My Spot Afterschool
Jane Chavez, Pregnancy Help Center
Bhante Chao Chu, Rosemead Buddhist Monastery
Chau Tran, Rosemead Buddhist Monastery
Art Landing, Rosemead Kiwanis
Joe Basile, Rosemead Resident
City Representatives Present
Sandra Armenta, CONNECTIONS Chair and Council member
Jeff Allred, City Manager
Sgt. Abel Moreno, LASD
David Montgomery-Scott, Parks and Recreation
Mandy Wong, Public Safety Department
Nancy Eng, Planning Commissioner
Tam Dinh, Planning Commissioner, Payless Pharmacy and Block Captain
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM
REGULAR MEETING
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER
8301 GARVEY AVENUE
EOC ROOM
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
June 27, 2013
WELCOME and PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Sandra Armenta
1. INTRODUCTIONS/WELCOME
2. MINUTES – May 30, 2013
There was a motion by Steve Rivera and a second by Larry Wiener to approve the Public Safety
CONNECTIONS Forum minutes for May 30, 2013. Minutes were unanimously approved.
3. SIGNIFICANT LAW ENFORCEMENT INCIDENTS
Sgt. Moreno provided updated crime reports including the following:
• Extra patrols for the Summer Team.
• Parolee ops and vehicle ops are conducted monthly.
• The COPS team arrested two people for possession of heroin and cocaine.
• Vehicle burglaries are down.
• Community Services Officer Manny Sanchez was the first to arrive at a house fire call in Rosemead.
CSO Sanchez heroically saved an elderly lady from her bedroom. The fire was started by a lit
candle in the closet.
• Arrests were made by the patrol team.
4. REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES FOR 2013 (I.E. PARENTING CLASSES PARTICIPATION,
DRUG/ALCOHOL EDUCATION FOR YOUTH, ETC.)
Sandra shared that the venue of choice for the Family Fun Night planned on August 23, 2013 is
Rosemead High School. Activities will include game booth, dinner and movie. Sandra Armenta shared
that Rosemead High School Principal, Larry Cecil, will be transferred to Mountain View High School and
replacing him is Keith Richardson. Thus, we have yet to get approval for use of RHS. Sandra suggested
we send a letter to invite Mr. Richardson to the next CONNECTIONS meeting.
Louisa Day shared two tentative dates, October 17 or 26, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., to host the “Very, Very
Early Childhood Forum” at 1168 Rosemead Blvd. More details to follow. Louisa also mentioned the
need to update the Parent Survival Guide to include abstinence information. Jeff asked her to send him
any materials and information for review.
Mandy Wong shared that she and Wen-li Jen will be planning a parent-youth education seminar in
conjunction with her monthly community safety meeting. More details to follow.
5. RELAY FOR LIFE UPDATE
Mandy shared that the City of Rosemead will be participating with the American Cancer Society Relay
for Life on July 13-14. She has encouraged CONNECTIONS members to join in to walk for 1 hour
and/or donate to the cause. She listed available times to walk on the white board.
6. BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENT
David Montgomery-Scott invited everyone to the City’s 4th of July celebration starting with a 5K run at 8
AM ending at Rosemead Park, followed by our annual parade at 10 AM, carnival at noon and firework
show at 9 PM. Wristbands for carnival rides can be purchased in advanced for $12 or $15 at the
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
June 27, 2013
carnival.
Steve Rivera mentioned that a Health Fair is being planned for October hosted by Evergreen Baptist
Church of Los Angeles.
Art Landing shared some information about the Boys and Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley. The
Kiwanis and Boys and Girls Club will do a joint project on “Life Skills Literacy”.
Bhante Chao Chu invited CONNECTIONS members to the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Mystic
Dharma Temple on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at 5206 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. All are welcome.
Sergio Medrano shared about his new business, My Spot Afterschool. He provides before, during and
after school recreation and academic activities for youth. My Spot Afterschool focuses on S.T.E.M.
(Science, Technology, Engineer, Math) as well as basic reading and writing. He is starting an
afterschool program Willard Elementary School in eth fall. For more information, go to
myspotafterschool.com or contact Sergio at Sergio@myspotafterscool.com.
Jeff Allred mentioned the Rosemead Splash Zone at Garvey Park and the Aquatic Center at Rosemead
Park are now open. The recreation swim fee $1 for youth and $2 for adults.
Sandra Armenta shared about her recent three-week seminar at Harvard. As a result of her experience,
she is excited about some efforts she would like to see implemented that would benefit the community.
She would like to see a Beautification Committee formed that includes members of churches,
businesses, Sheriff’s personnel, community and school groups, and residents interested in helping to
beautify Rosemead. Though in the planning stage, activities would include:
• Quarterly clean-up days to assist the elderly and disabled,
• Bring back Beautification Awards for residents and businesses, and
• Establish “Christmas Castle” Awards for the best decorated house in Rosemead.
Roy Rosell mentioned that Asian Youth Center offers emergency food distribution once a month for
families in Rosemead, El Monte, and San Gabriel. The distribution is held at the corner of Broadway and
Del Mar. In addition, a free clinic will open in a few months at the Del Mar High School campus.
Lena Woo shared about APFC Parenting classes. Cantonese and Vietnamese classes are underway,
and a Mandarin class will begin July 6th. These classes teach effective parenting skills. The summer
LEAD program starts in August for youth from 13-18 years old. LEAD will focus on leadership,
communication, diversity and much more. The Youth Council will start its volunteer service hours
program in September. Lastly, Lena stated that the Young Americans flyer that is being distributed to
youth.
Louisa shared that her Pregnancy agency needs volunteers. All volunteers will be trained. If you are
interested or like more information, email Louisa at GPS.pregnancy@ymail.com.
Nancy Eng invited everyone to come to the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update Workshops on July
10th at City Hall Council Chamber and July 11th at the Garvey Community Center from 6 – 8 PM. The
City is working to ensure that the Zoning Code aligns with the General Plan and to incorporate recent
state mandates. Public input is being sought. For more information, call the City’s Planning Department
at (626) 569-2140.
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
June 27, 2013
Tam Dinh mentioned the need to encourage residents to serve as volunteer block captains and believes
that every block should have a representative.
7. BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS
Joe Basile asked for additional information on the Beautification Award and Sandra said more details
will follow as the Beautification Committee and its activities is further developed.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
The next CONNECTIONS Forum is scheduled for Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public
Safety Center.