Youth and Family Action Committee

LA VERNE YOUTH & FAMILY ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of the Regular Meeting August 27, 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 Patti Latourelle, Resident Denise Fisher, Resident Jason Lorge, Resident Morgan Kostolefsky, Resident Kristin Charlebois, Resident Vanessa Hess, Resident Kim Svatos, Resident David Svatos, Resident Krista Chakmak, Resident Michael Gaydos, BHS Representative Sam Gonzalez, LVPD Hollie Savage, LVPD Francisco Cambero, LVPD David Yim, Tri-City Jamie Ritchey, Tri-City Isela Moreno, Tri-City April Fousz, American Lung Association Jessica Vozella, American Lung Association Bill Aguirre, City of La Verne JR Ranells, City of La Verne 3. Review of Minutes Minutes for the May meeting were approved. 4. POA Fundraiser This item was postponed to a future meeting. 5. School Resource Officer School Resource Officer (SRO) Frankie Cambero noted that the school year was under way and there had been some incidents that required his involvement. SRO Cambero reminded the group about the dangers of vaping and that there recently was a death likely related to vaping. The group discussed further outreach and opportunities to educate the community on these issues. Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes August 27, 2019, page 2 6. BUSD Report Mark Rodgers with the Bonita Unified School District (BUSD) provided an update on the new counselors/mental health professionals now in schools. Mark also informed the group of new leadership at La Verne Heights and Ramona as well as the BUSD’s focus for the upcoming year. Mark lastly provided information on an upcoming Parent Partnership Academy taking place on October 12th. Eric Podley with BUSD provided an update on the Glenn Davis Stadium construction. 7. Executive Board Opening Bill Aguirre with the City of La Verne informed the group that there was now an opening on the YFAC Executive Board. Mayor Kendrick nominated Denise Fisher which was seconded by Council Member Carder. Denise was approved unanimously by the Executive Board and the recommendation will now go to the City Council for approval. 8. Summer Lunch Program Bill provided an update on this year’s Summer Lunch Program. 832 children and 316 adults participated. The group discussed possible reasons for the overall numbers being lower than previous years. 9. Video Updates JR Ranells with the City of La Verne shared the Mental Health themed video that had been created and put out on social media earlier in the month. The group also discussed several different options for future videos including Every 15 Minutes/underage drinking, pharmaceuticals, marijuana, vaping/nicotine, opioids, school shootings etc... JR will coordinate the ideas and possibly make into a combination video covering multiple topics. Denise also suggested a video on the CTEC programs and Mayor Kendrick noted that he would assist with that video. 10. American Lung Assoc. Jessica Vozella and April Fousz with the American Lung Association introduced their organization to the group. They are working in the La Verne area on issues such as health risks associated with vaping. Jessica is working directly with the Police Department, schools, and area city councils. 11. Round Table Isela Moreno with Tri-City Mental Health provided information on the upcoming Stakeholders Meeting. Hollie Savage with the Police Department shared Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes August 27, 2019, page 3 ideas on utilizing Instagram with shorter videos/messaging to inform the community on important topics. Hollie also noted that the Public Safety Open House will be taking place on Saturday, November 2nd. SRO Cambero discussed the impact of mental health issues on a community and police officers. Bill shared that the City had applied for a grant to assist with funding the Teen Center construction. Carolyn Cockrell noted issues surrounding youth cell phone use and tools that parents might be able to take advantage of. David Yim with Tri-City shared information on the Counseling Program and that work was underway with the beginning of school. Jamie Ritchey shared information on upcoming events regarding mental health stigma reduction and suicide prevention. Kristin Charlebois shared that she has a child entering middle school and that it would be beneficial for the group to explore doing a regular “parent tip” on topics of interest. Morgan Kostolefsky noted that attendees should also invite friends and neighbors so additional people can participate in YFAC and receive the information discussed. Vanessa Hess informed the group that she was willing to assist students by sharing her personal story and experiences with mental health. Krista Chakmak suggested that the YFAC videos be played at public places such as the Teen Center and library. Krista also praised the Police Departments presence around the schools during the last couple of weeks. Denise provided an update on the K9 Committee and future fundraising efforts. Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes August 27, 2019, page 4 Matt Lyons shared information about the upcoming Smudge Pot football game between Bonita High School and San Dimas High School. Council Member Carder shared information about La Verne Day at the Fair. Mayor Kendrick thanked the group for attending and generating the informative and productive discussions. 12. Next Meeting The next YFAC meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. 13. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, JR Ranells Personnel Officer