Youth and Family Action Committee

LA VERNE YOUTH & FAMILY ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of the Regular Meeting April 23, 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 Carolyn Cockrell, BUSD Mark Rodgers, BUSD Eric Podley, BUSD Vanessa Hess, BHS Student Rep. Mike Gaydos, BHS Student Rep. Patti Latourelle, Resident Denise Fisher, Resident Krista Chakmak, Resident Kim Svatos, Resident Matt Svatos, Resident Hollie Savage, LVPD Francisco Cambero, LVPD David Yim, Tri-City Sara Rodriguez, Tri-City Elsa Matsumoto, Tri-City Bill Aguirre, City of La Verne JR Ranells, City of La Verne 3. Review of Minutes Minutes for the March meeting were approved. 4. Summer Lunch Program Bill Aguirre with the City of La Verne provided an overview of the upcoming Summer Lunch Program. The program will begin on June 10th and will go through August 16th this year. As in previous years, the City will be providing a recreation component to go along with the lunches. JR Ranells with the City of La Verne noted that the group had previously shared interest in doing a video advertising the Summer Lunch Program. The group further discussed the program’s outreach efforts and possible opportunities to expand with partnerships. Additionally, this year’s program will continue to include visits by the Community Navigator and the Police Department will review the possibility of distributing school supplies donated through the Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes April 23, 2019, page 2 Stuff-a-Squad car program. After no further discussion, the group provided staff direction to complete a video informing the community of the program as well as requesting donations to support it. 5. School Resource Officer School Resource Officer (SRO) Frankie Cambero noted that things at the schools had been going well. He credited the administration and faculty for being proactive with their efforts and training. The group was also very pleased to hear that SRO Cambero would be returning as the SRO next school year. 6. BUSD Report Mark Rodgers with BUSD provided a report on school district items including an update on the expansion of counseling services in La Verne schools. Mark also noted that testing has been taking place and that district staff will be moving back into the revamped offices in San Dimas soon. 7. School Counseling David Yim with Tri-City Mental Health Services provided the March 2019 School Counseling Report. Visits with students contain the same subject matters including depressive symptoms, poor behaviors, family issues, anxiety, and grief/loss. Students receiving services have shown improvement in their behavior at the schools which is a positive sign of the program’s success. Some recent challenges are related to shortages in office space to meet with students as a result of the unusually rainy season. Normally, outside spaces are used to meet with students but with a number of days experiencing inclement weather, finding meeting space has been more difficult. Mike Gaydos with Bonita High School noted that the program has had positive benefits to students and complimented YFAC for continuing their support. 8. Youth of the Year Mayor Kendrick reported on the creation of the Youth of the Year Award and how the YFAC Executive Committee became involved as the selecting body. The award is based off of nominations from the community and this year’s selection was YFAC member and Bonita High School Representative Vanessa Hess. Vanessa’s recognition is well deserved. Her participation has been a great help to YFAC by ensuring that programs and discussions include a youth perspective. Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes April 23, 2019, page 3 9. Therapeutic Garden Sara Rodriguez and Elsa Matsumoto from Tri-City Mental Health’s Therapeutic Community Garden provided a report on their recent activities. The garden helps to nurture wellness through spiritual, mental, and physical health. The garden is open to community members and tours are available. 10. Round Table Hollie Savage of the Police Department noted that the recent Tip-a-Cop fundraiser held at Mi Ranchito supporting the Special Olympics raised $2,300. The next fundraiser will be held April 30th at Lordsburg Taphouse. Hollie also provided information on the associated upcoming Torch Run and the Police Department sponsored Drug Take Back Day being held on April 27th. SRO Cambero shared a personal story on mental health impacts in law enforcement. David Yim shared information on the recent 88 Cities feature in the LA Times that shared information about La Verne. Eric Podley provided updates on the construction taking place at the high school. Mike Gaydos noted the importance of being aware of what programs are available and being able to remove the stigma associated with utilizing those services. He also shared that he will be attending American Legion Boys State. Vanessa Hess reported to the group that she had been accepted to UC Irvine and will be doing fundraising events to help with expenses. Her first effort will be a yard sale on May 4th. Krista Chakmak inquired about the upcoming Recreation Guide. JR Ranells noted that Denim Day which provides sexual assault victim awareness would be taking place the next day. Council Member Robin Carder gave compliments to the school district, Tri-City’s, and the Police Department for all they do for the community. Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes April 23, 2019, page 4 11. Next Meeting The group discussed the reasons for not having a meeting in May and determined that a May meeting will be held. The next YFAC meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. 12. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, JR Ranells Personnel Officer