Youth and Family Action Committee

LA VERNE YOUTH & FAMILY ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of the Regular Meeting January 29, 2019 1. A regular meeting of the Youth & Family Action Committee was called to order by Mayor Don Kendrick at 6:30 p.m. 2. Executive Board Members present: Executive Board Don Kendrick, Mayor Robin Carder, Council Member Ernie Dorado, Resident Carolyn Cockrell, BUSD Mark Rodgers, BUSD Patti Latourelle, Resident Krista Chakmak, Resident Denise Fisher, Resident Jason Lorge, Resident David McElwain, Resident Hollie Savage, LVPD Francisco Cambero, LVPD Sam Gonzalez, LVPD David Yim, Tri-City Isela Moreno, Tri-City Bill Aguirre, City of La Verne JR Ranells, City of La Verne 3. Review of Minutes October & November minutes were not approved due to lack of a quorum. 4. School Resource Officer School Resource Officer (SRO) Frankie Cambero shared information on recent incidents occurring at the high school as well as the elementary school. One incident involved a parent discovering threats being posted on social media by a local youth against other youth. Through the review of the issue, the school and SRO Cambero were able to provide necessary mental health support to the person making the threats before it escalated. Officer Cambero reminded the group to address these types of discovered issues immediately in order to prevent them from growing into more significant issues. Parents have been supportive and receptive of information regarding vaping. It continues to be a prominent and reoccurring issue facing the community’s youth. The group is hopeful that the latest video will have a positive impact. Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes January 29, 2019, page 2 5. BUSD Report Mark Rodgers with the Bonita Unified School District provided information on expanding mental health counseling in local schools. Mark noted that catching students in need of mental health services early will help the students be more successful and prevent larger problems from developing later on. The group discussed how students in need are referred for services and how to ensure that they are properly and expeditiously identified. Mark informed the group about previous classes for students involving alcohol and drug use prevention. Mark noted that the BUSD was reviewing the possibility of bringing this course back with a vaping component as well. Mark also reported on a planned Drug Identification Training for Educational Professionals being hosted by BUSD in March. This training will assist educators in identifying signs of being under the influence and associated symptomology. 6. School Counseling Program David Yim with Tri-City Mental Health Services reported that there have not been any significant changes from previous reports. November and December naturally have less activity due to the holiday season. David clarified the referral process and the need for parents to approve treatment. Some issues are more appropriately handled by the school counseling staff and not by Tri-City staff. 7. Mentor Program Carolyn Cockrell from Roynon Elementary School spoke regarding the mentor program. Carolyn noted that last semester had 18 participants and that they are now making preparations for the new semester. 8. Vape Video JR Ranells from the City of La Verne shared the draft vape video with the group. JR was provided with suggested changes and comments to be incorporated in the final video. Once the changes are made, the video will be finalized and posted on various social media platforms. 9. Round Table SRO Cambero shared his desire to expand his and others knowledge through conversation. Hollie Savage inquired if the BUSD was doing any monitoring of social media sites. Mark informed the group that there is no formal monitoring in place. Sam Gonzalez provided follow up on YFAC fundraiser associated to the end of the NFL season. Sam shared Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes January 29, 2019, page 3 some of the local winners and the positive impact of the program. Bill Aguirre provided the homeless count results and PD efforts for programs. Bill noted that there were increases from last year. The group discussed homelessness issues and programs available. Isela Moreno spoke about the upcoming stakeholders meeting. Resident David McElwain noted his connection to the Los Angeles County program that assists low income parents in finding employment. David also shared information on the Little Free Library program & benefits. Additionally, David informed the group on the Welcome Your Neighbor program started by the Mennonite Church as well as a Re- Entry/Records Expungement opportunity hosted by Los Angeles County taking place March 22nd. Greg Noyes from Ramona Middle School commented on Ramona having a great year. Krista Chakmak shared her interest in the community and schools. Council Member Robin Carder stated she appreciated the Police Department for all the wonderful things they do for the community. 10. Next Meeting The next YFAC meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. 11. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, JR Ranells Personnel Officer