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PSC - Minutes - 02-26-15 The mission of Public Safety CONNECTIONS is to: • Serve as a community “think tank” and “information clearinghouse” on ways to prevent crime and to combat drugs and alcohol abuse; • Develop and promote positive and wholesome recreational activities and community service opportunities for young people and their families; • Coordinate with organizations that address human and social services needs to promote a healthy community; and • Promote and encourage emergency preparedness by all community members. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER – 6:07 p.m. by Bill Alarcon. Excused: Jeff Allred and Lt. Somoano Community Representatives Present Wenli Jen, Asian Pacific Family Center Steve Rivera, Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles Sara Lawson, Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles Karen Roberson, Family Promise Matt Rayburn, Family Promise Dr. Brian Bristol, Rosemead High School Art Landing, Rosemead Kiwanis Joe Basile, Rosemead Resident Jim Longthorne, Rosemead Resident Amy Longthorne, Rosemead Resident City Representatives Present Bill Alarcon, CONNECTIONS Chair and Mayor Sandra Armenta, CONNECTIONS Co-Chair and Council Member Sgt. Abel Moreno, LASD David Montgomery-Scott, Parks and Recreation Department Mandy Wong, Public Safety Department Brian Lewin, Rosemead Beautification Committee Member PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Bill Alarcon 1. INTRODUCTIONS/WELCOME 2. MINUTES – January 26, 2015 A motion by Brian Lewin and second by Karen Roberson to approve the Public Safety CONNECTIONS Forum minutes for October 30, 2014. Minutes were unanimously approved as amended. Sandra Armenta abstained from the vote as she was not present for the October 30, 2014 meeting. CITY OF ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM REGULAR MEETING ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER 8301 GARVEY AVENUE EOC ROOM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES February 26, 2015 3. SIGNIFICANT LAW ENFORCEMENT INCIDENTS Sgt. Moreno provided an updated crime report including the following: • Law Enforcement are keeping a close watch on the Lomas Gang • 50 batteries were stolen from buses at Durham Bus Yard. • Recently, two catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles. • Incidents of Grand Theft Auto are rising. Hondas made from 1989 – 1994 are frequently targeted due to easy accessibility. • Parole and Probation searches are on-going. Jim Longthorne asked about the residential burglary notification process and Mandy Wong shared that residential burglary notification serves as a reminder to residents to be on alert, to harden the target, and hopefully gain some information that might aid law enforcement. Informational flyers about residential burglaries are distributed to adjacent homes approximately one week after the incident occurs. Further dialogue ensued as some as asked if there were faster means to reach area residents (i.e., email) and others wanted to expand the area of distribution. Mandy Wong said she will take concerns back to Lt. Somoano. . 4. COMMUNITY AREA WATCH MEETINGS Mandy Wong shared that the first Community Area Watch meeting on February 12 was very well attended. The Community Area Watch meeting discusses Crime Prevention, Community Beautification, and Emergency Preparedness as they relate to public safety and quality of life issues. The Area 2 meeting is scheduled for March 19th at Rosemead High School. Sandra Armenta mentioned that it is a community effort and we must all do our part. To encourage attendance, dinner and childcare is provided. For more information on future locations and dates, visit www.cityofrosemead.org. 5. YOUTH SUMMIT Wenli Jen asked that members encourage all youth to participate in the Youth Summit scheduled on March 7th at Garvey Intermediate School, 2720 Jackson Avenue. It is an opportunity for 6-12 grade students to learn about leadership, communication, police policies, cultural sensitivity issues, and much more. First 200 in attendance get a free T-shirt. This year’s event also features new parent workshops on the topics of Mindful Communication and Financial Literacy for Education. To register go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/sgvyouthsummit. For more information on the Youth Summit, contact Wenli at wjen@pacificclinics.org. 6. AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE Mandy Wong mentioned that the City of Rosemead will be hosting the Relay for Life on April 25, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., at the Rosemead High School Track. This is a community effort to bring cancer awareness, celebrate survivors, and raise funds for research. To donate, start your own team, and/or register as a cancer survivor go to, www.relayforlife.org/rosemeadca City of Rosemead team, “Hope Shines On”. 7. BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS Sandra Armenta thanked everyone that assisted with the clean-up project on Saturday, February 2nd on Valley Boulevard. Assistance was also provided by several service clubs including San Gabriel High School’s Care Bear Club and the Key Club from Rosemead High School. Another clean-up effort is ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES February 26, 2015 scheduled for April 18 at the Savannah Cemetery. Volunteers will spread mulch. For more information, contact Sandra at sarmenta@cityofrosemead.org. Wenli Jen suggested connecting the April clean-up project with Earth Day. Mandy Wong thanked those who attended the Relay for Life Kick-off Celebration on February 7th. The event focused on reasons for participating in the Relay. Cancer survivors talked about their triumph and caregivers reflected on their journey assisting others. Mandy encouraged CONNECTIONS to join the Rosemead Team “Hope Shines On” or to create your own teams by logging onto www.relayforlife.org/rosemead.ca. Any amount donated is greatly appreciated. Members were also encouraged to donate $2 and to wear purple at the March 26th CONNECTIONS meeting. Those who do will receive a homemade cookie from Wenli Jen. Wenli Jen shared that Got Skills is coming and encouraged everyone to urge youth to bring out their talents and audition. Further, she distributed flyers about Asian Pacific Family Center’s Night at the Pasadena Playhouse on June 9 for a performance of WATERFALL and discussions about the musical. Tickets are $40. For more information, contact, Dr. Wenli Jen at wjen@pacificclinics.org. Brian Lewin mentioned that applications will be available in March for the Beautification Awards. There are three categories – Traditional (flowers), Xeriscape, and Business. Awards will be presented at a City Council meeting. In addition, a draft of the Garvey Specific Plan will be out soon and community input will be much appreciated and helpful. Karen Roberson shared that they have the availability to host two new families if they meet the criteria. She also introduced Matt Rayburn. He is part of the board and will be attending CONNECTIONS meetings when his schedule permits. Steve Rivera mentioned that the third Saturday of June, August, October, and November they have a youth committee that helps clean-up the community and will be happy to assist the Rosemead Beautification Committee. Dr. Brian Bristol said he is happy to be back and to be more involved. Art Landing mentioned that Kiwanis-affiliated service groups are doing a great job throughout the community. 8. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments. 9. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. The next CONNECTIONS Forum is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Center.