Youth and Family Action Committee

LA VERNE YOUTH & FAMILY ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of the Regular Meeting March 26, 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 Matthew Lyons, BUSD Ernie Dorado, Resident Carolyn Cockrell, BUSD Mark Rodgers, BUSD Eric Podley, BUSD Vanessa Hess, BHS Student Rep. Patti Latourelle, Resident Denise Fisher, Resident Jason Lorge, Resident Kim Svatos, Resident Matt Svatos, Resident Hollie Savage, LVPD Francisco Cambero, 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 Minutes for the October, November, January, and February meetings were approved. 4. School Resource Officer School Resource Officer (SRO) Frankie Cambero noted that things had been relatively quiet at the schools. However, SRO Cambero shared information involving an incident that took place at the high school earlier in the day. SRO Cambero commended the quick response and actions by both City and school employees and noted that the student involved is expected to make a full recovery. The group discussed what applicable resources were available to students, parents, and staff. 5. Vocational Programs Mayor Kendrick provided information on the programs available through the Career & Technical Education Center or CTEC at Fairplex. CTEC is an educational center that provides training to increase industry- related skill and knowledge. Programs offered include Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes March 26, 2019, page 2 Automotive, Visual Design, Water Technology, Fashion Design, Urban Farming, Culinary and Hospitality. The group discussed the programs and the continued need for local youth to have options outside of college. Mayor Kendrick noted that the programs also focus on teaching soft skills to better prepare participants for employment. Lastly, the methods of outreach and program promotion were discussed. Mark Rodgers with BUSD explained the school district’s programs as well as a history of how the programs have evolved. Currently known as Career Technical Education, the various pathways provide exposure to students into areas outside of traditional education curriculum. The group discussed other potential program areas including medical/health related as well as coding and computer programming. 6. Youth Intern/Apprentice Resident Denise Fisher has been interested in exploring a new potential program involving internships and/or apprenticeships with local business for La Verne youth. While the potential for the program is very encouraging, there are also liability related and other concerns that would have to be addressed. City staff will continue to look at options for this type of a program and it is possible to pursue further. 7. Youth of the Year Bill Aguirre provided information on the Youth of the Year Award, noting that the nomination period was now open. The Executive Committee will review nominees and select a winner prior to the April meeting. 8. Round Table SRO Cambero noted the importance of showing kids affection. Jason Lorge emphasized his desire to help kids find their passion. Isela Moreno with Tri-City Mental Health shared information on the Public Hearing of Mental Health Commission being held on April 9th. Isela also provided information on a new Community Navigator for La Verne and efforts on homelessness. Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes March 26, 2019, page 3 Mark Rodgers updated the group on progress with the expansion of school district counseling programs. Matthew Lyons shared his compliments of Mark and the BUSD for their efforts on mental health issues and the district’s commitment to the community. Eric Podley provided information on recent training attended by administrators and school staff. 9. Next Meeting The next YFAC meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. 10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, JR Ranells Personnel Officer