PSC - Mintues - 04-30-15
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 – 6:04 p.m. by Polly Low. Excused: Sandra Armenta
Community Representatives Present
Wenli Jen, Asian Pacific Family Center
Jeff Foutz, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint
Steve Rivera, Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles
Bhante Chao Chu, Rosemead Buddhist Monastery
Chau Tran, Rosemead Buddhist Monastery
Ron Esquivel, Rosemead School District
Joe Basile, Rosemead Resident
James Berry, Rosemead Resident
Juan Tinoco, University of the West
City Representatives Present
Polly Low, CONNECTIONS Chair and Council Member
Jeff Allred, City Manager
Lt. Ignacio Somoano, LASD
Oscar Gutierrez, Los Angeles County Probation Office
David Montgomery-Scott, Parks and Recreation Department
Mandy Wong, Public Safety Department
Nancy Eng, Rosemead Planning Commissioner
Brian Lewin, Rosemead Beautification Committee Member
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Polly Low
1. INTRODUCTIONS/WELCOME
2. MINUTES – March 26, 2015
A motion by Wenli Jen and second by Ron Esquivel to approve the Public Safety CONNECTIONS Forum
minutes for March 26, 2015. Minutes were unanimously approved. Polly Low abstained from the vote as
she was not present for the March 26th meeting.
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM
REGULAR MEETING
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER
8301 GARVEY AVENUE
EOC ROOM
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
April 30, 2015
3. SIGNIFICANT LAW ENFORCEMENT INCIDENTS
Lt. Somoano provided an updated crime report indicating that overall Part One Crimes were down from
last year 8.87%. Decreases included 57% drop in robberies and 26% drop in larcenies. Increases
include; 20% increase in assaults and 100% increase in auto thefts, ten more than last year.
He reported on some crime trends:
o Purse thefts
o Distraction burglaries
o Increase in residential burglaries north of the I-10 freeway
o Theft of older model Honda and Toyota—for joy rides
He also reported on some of the City’s crime prevention efforts including:
o Monthly Community Area Watch meetings where deputies urge residents to report anything
unusual to the Temple Sheriff’s Station.
o Station detectives and Major Crime Task Force are collaborating to share information in an effort
to reduce residential burglaries and car thefts.
4. REVIEW OF THE PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE BOOKLET
Jeff Allred passed a copy of the Parent Survival Guide for review. If there are any typos, please contact
Jeff or Linda Ta at (626) 569-2100.
Juan Tinoco suggested that an electronic copy of the Parent Survival Guide be posted on the city’s
website.
5. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AND SUMMER SURVIVAL CAMPOUT
Mandy Wong invited members to National Night Out on August 4, 2015 from 6 -9 PM at Zapopan Park
and encouraged agencies to have an exhibitor booth to provide information that aligns with the
CONNECTIONS mission to prevent crimes and combat drug and alcohol abuse, promote positive and
wholesome recreational activities, addresses human and social services, and prepare for emergencies.
If anyone is interested in having a booth, please let Mandy know.
In addition, Mandy shared with CONNECTIONS members that the recent Nepal earthquake is a
reminder to us to get prepared: assess family emergency kits and be prepared to meet your own
essential needs for an extended period of time. Kapital Distribution, is partnering with the City to offer
low cost water storage products. Per Jeff’s request, Mandy will forward information with
CONNECTIONS.
The Survival Camp Out is designed as a shelter-in-place exercise for Rosemead families. They can also
learn about emergency preparedness from experts. The camp-out is scheduled Friday, August 7, 6 pm
to Saturday, August 8, 10 am at Rosemead Park. If you have some basic camping equipment, you can
survive on your own.
6. VIDEO OF THE YOUNG AMERICANS WORKSHOP
David Montgomery-Scott showed footage from the Young Americans Musical Workshop to the
Rosemead CONECTIONS group. He thanked the Rosemead School District Educational Foundation
and other local agencies, businesses, and individuals who sponsored the three-day event. 115
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
April 30, 2015
Rosemead students participated in the three-day workshop and performed before a live audience.
To sponsor students next year and/or for more information on Young Americans, contact David
Montgomery-Scott at dms@cityofrosemead.org or (626) 569-2160.
As Jeff highlighted, to lower the crime in the community, kids need to be involved in worthwhile things
such as arts and sports. The City of Rosemead offers wide range of sports throughout the year
including basketball, indoor soccer, football, and volleyball.
7. BRIEF ANNOUCEMENTS
Wenli Jen invited everyone to the Got Skills Talent Show on Friday, May 8, 6 – 9 pm, at Barnes Park in
Monterey Park. Tickets are $3 and includes a variety of raffle opportunities. All of this year’s judges are
entertainers and will bring a different dynamic to the talent show. Wenli will forward information about
the show via email.
Ron Esquivel mentioned that the Muscatel Science Olympiad team won the state title and is going to
the national competition in Iowa in a few weeks. They are looking for an indoor facility that has a 30+
foot celling to practice for the glider competition. If anyone knows of a facility, please contact Ron.
They are also seeking donations to offset the $40,000 needed to take the team to Nationals. Please
consider donating to the Science Olympiad team.
Mandy Wong thanked everyone who participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on April
25 at Rosemead High School. The community helped raise over $15,000. The money goes toward
research and to bring cancer awareness to the community.
Nancy Eng invited everyone to attend the 5th annual Mental Health Day at Pasadena City College on
Saturday, May 2, 10 am – 2 pm. Jeff Allred announced that City Council will proclaim May as Mental
Health Month at their May 12th meeting.
Brian Lewin shared that there are several public meetings scheduled regarding the SR 710
environmental study report: May 6, 5 – 9 pm, at La Cañada High School and May 7, 5 - 9 pm, at LA
Presbyterian Church.
Probation Officer Gutierrez mentioned an increase in marijuana use at local middle schools. Probation
Gutierrez and Deputy Farley have been on school campuses to talk to students during lunch time.
Students are now using “home wax” (a concentrated form of marijuana). Wenli mentioned that Public
Health can assist parents and students with preventative measures.
Joe Basile asked if a skate board plaza will happen. Some discussion followed. A poll was taken by
Polly with a few members opposed and several in favor of building a skate park. Most members did not
vote. Polly expressed concern about tagging and interest in the facility in five years. Oscar shared that
some skaters are also taggers. Wenli mentioned that she knows a professional skater that owns a
portable skate park and will ask if she’s willing to work with the city on a “test run” before a permanent
skate board is built.
James Berry mentioned that competition may help retain skaters’ interest.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
April 30, 2015
9. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
The next CONNECTIONS Forum is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public
Safety Center.