PSC - Minutes - 04-29-10 CITY OF ROSEMEAD
PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM
REGULAR MEETING
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER
8301 GARVEY AVENUE
EOC ROOM
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010
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—6:11 PM by Jeff Alfred.
Community Representatives Present
Bhante Chao Chu, Rosemead Buddhist Monastery
Daniel Sumarriva, Calvary Chapel Rosemead
Wenli Jen, Asian Pacific Family Center
Jasper Lim, Asian Pacific American Legal Center
Larry Tamez, PRIDE
Jason Kossareff, University of the West
John Crandall, First Evangelical Church
Joshua Cheng, First Evangelical Church
Steve Rivera, Evergreen Baptist Church
Larry Cecil, Rosemead High School
City Representatives Present
Polly Low, Council Member
Sandra Armenta, Council Member
Jeff Allred, City Manager
Lt. Tim Murakami, LASD
Oscar Gutierrez, Los Angeles County Probation Office
Francisco Romero, Los Angeles County Probation Office
David Montgomery-Scott, Rosemead Parks and Recreation
Mandy Wong, Public Safety Department
1. WELCOME and PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—Jeff Allred
2. MINUTES—March 25, 1010
Motion by Jason Kossareff and seconded by Bhante Chao Chu to approve the Public Safety Connections
Forum minutes from the meeting on March 25, 2010. Minutes were unanimously approved.
ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
April 29,2010
3. "THE PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE"
The Parent Survival Guide booklet is a project that will be worked on at every meeting.Wenli will forward
an electronic copy of changes/suggestions of the booklet to all members.
To make the booklet more appealing and attractive, development of an attractive cover page was
suggested. Jason Kossareff and Daniel Sumarriva offered the assistance of their agencies to develop
some ideas for future consideration.Additionally, Daniel has made his agency available to the group for
the translation of materials into Spanish if needed.
Jeff Allred suggested we carry this item into May's agenda.
4. SOCIAL HOST ORDINANCE
Attendees were asked to consider the future recommendation to the Rosemead City Council for the
adoption of a`Social Host"ordinance in which parents/guardians would be legally responsible in the
event that alcohol is served to minors at family/residential parties.
Jason Kossareff suggested including counseling services for first-time offenders and lessening the
tine/imprisonment under the enforcement section. It was also suggested that community services for
parents and minors be included.Jeff Allred reminded members that the draft ordinance leaves penalties
to the discretion of the City attorney.
Jeff Allred suggested revising the ordinance specifically for Rosemead and including it on the agenda for
the next meeting.
5. MOVEMENT IN CALIFORNIA TO LEGALIZE MARIJUNA AND PRESENCE OF NEW DRUG
"STRAWBERRY QUICK" ON SCHOOL CAMPUSES
Lt. Murakami shared that alcohol and marijuana are gateway drugs. He expressed concern about a
forthcoming state proposition to legalize the recreational use of marijuana and the potential problems this
will create for law enforcement.
There were a lengthy discussion regarding the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana and whether it will
lead to increased consumption by minors.
It was proposed that the committee consider means to communicate opposition to the legalization of
marijuana.
"Strawberry Quick" is a new drug that has been popping up around school campuses.The
Methamphetamine"crystal meth" is now being manufactured to appear like"pop rocks"candy in an effort
to entice greater use by youth.
It was recommended that all school campuses be informed about this new trend. Lt. Murakami will ask
Deputy Farley, School Liaison Officer,to inform the principals at all local school sites.
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ROSEMEAD PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTIONS FORUM MEETING MINUTES
April 29,2010
6. COUNSELING SERVICES
Given the breadth of experience and services available through the committee, Deputy Probation Officer
Gutierrez suggested providing in-house counseling service similar to that offered through Alhambra's
'ACTION."program for teens.
Committee members agreed and suggested to Probation Gutierrez to attend an A.C.T.I.O.N. evening and
see how the service is coordinated and provided to the families. Probation Gutierrez will share his
findings at our next meeting.
7. PROPOSED AQUATIC CENTERS AT GARVEY AND ROSEMEAD PARKS
Jeff Allred shared that the City hopes to construct new Aquatic Centers at Garvey and Rosemead Parks
to replace inoperable existing pools.This will benefit youth through the provision of sate activities.
8. DEVELOPMENT OF GOALS AND ACTION PLAN
Chairperson Polly Low shared her vision for the committee specifically as it relates to the development of
an action plan that specifically addresses the root causes of concerns such as alcohol and drug use and
abuse.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
Jasper Lim invited everyone to attend their Family Forum on Saturday, May 22nd at the Rosemead
Recreation center from 8:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. The Family Forum discussion will focus on Employment,
Housing, Study Skills, College Access, Health, Immigrant Rights, and Financial Literacy.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The Public Safety Connections Forum meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
The next monthly forum is scheduled to take place on May 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Center.
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