Youth and Family Action Committee

LA VERNE YOUTH & FAMILY ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of the Regular Meeting September 24, 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 Robin Carder, Council Member Matthew Lyons, BUSD Carolyn Cockrell, BUSD Denise Fisher, Resident Mark Rodgers, BUSD Eric Podley, BUSD Thomas Gutierrez, BUSD Patti Latourelle, Resident Denise Fisher, Resident Jason Lorge, Resident Ron Serven, Resident Vanessa Hess, Resident David Svatos, Resident Krista Chakmak, Resident Mark Ramos, Resident Lacy Flippin, Fairplex Sam Gonzalez, LVPD Hollie Savage, LVPD Francisco Cambero, LVPD Halie Deguzman, Project Sister David Yim, Tri-City Sara Rodriguez, Tri-City Jessica Vozella, American Lung Association Isabella Alva, American Lung Association Bill Aguirre, City of La Verne JR Ranells, City of La Verne After self-introductions, Council Member Carder noted that the Mayor was unavailable as the result of a prior commitment and that she would be chairing the meeting. 3. Review of Minutes Minutes for the August 27th meeting were approved. 4. Summer Lunch Council Member Carder introduced Peggy Tomita, Director of Children’s Ministry for La Verne Heights Presbyterian. Peggy informed the group of the special activities that children of the church have Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes September 24, 2019, page 2 been doing including giving weekly to support the City of La Verne's Summer Lunch Program. The collection method was especially creative with faux milk cartons that showed information on the lunch program. The children introduced themselves and presented a check to YFAC totaling over $200. 5. School Resource Officer School Resource Officer (SRO) Frankie Cambero noted that despite the higher volume of incidents occurring the first week of school, things had settled down. After looking back at previous information, incidents overall are trending lower this year. The group discussed the likely impact messaging and education was having especially as it related to the decrease in vaping. 6. Pomona Cannabis Shops JR Ranells with the City of La Verne shared information for an upcoming Pomona Planning Commission Hearing related to establishing zoning for potential cannabis shops. The ordinance and draft zoning would allow for shops to open near La Verne’s borders. The La Verne City Council acted to not allow these types of businesses to open in La Verne. Since similar issues have been important to YFAC previously, such as cannabis billboard locations, adult beverages targeting youth via labeling, etc…..the item was agenized to inquire if YFAC wanted staff to draft a letter requesting Pomona to consider La Verne’s border as a sensitive use. If La Verne’s border was considered as a sensitive use, these types of businesses would be prohibited within 1000 feet of La Verne’s border. Resident Mark Ramos provided detailed information on the background of Pomona’s ordinance noting his association with employee unions and working with Pomona officials on its creation. Mark shared information on the serious dangers related to illegal cannabis shop operations and the need for a safer alternative for those that will ultimately use cannabis because of its legality in California. BUSD and YFAC Board Member Matthew Lyons noted his concerns with YFAC sending such a letter when the issue was within Pomona’s boundary of influence and wanted additional information on what the La Verne community thought on the topic. The group entered into a lengthy discussion. Ultimately, the YFAC Executive Board approved a motion for staff to draft a Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes September 24, 2019, page 3 letter requesting Pomona to consider La Verne’s boundary as a sensitive use. 7. School Counseling David Yim with Tri-City’s noted that the respective MOU has been signed and that they were targeting October 9th to be in schools providing services. 8. Therapeutic Garden Sara Rodriguez with Tri-City’s shared information on the Therapeutic Community Garden with the group. Sara also brought some items grown in the garden that attendees were able to take and use including apples and fresh herbs. 9. Round Table Hollie Savage with the Police Department shared information on the upcoming November 2nd Public Safety Open House. Hollie noted that YFAC could have an informational booth and possibly hand out materials and the “Drive Like Your Children Live Here” signs. In order to consider formally, Bill Aguirre will work with Hollie on the details and possibly bring back for the next agenda. Frankie Cambero shared his personal feelings of YFAC needing to support efforts such as the letter to the City of Pomona regarding cannabis shops. YFAC Board Member Carolyn Cockrell shared information she had come across regarding youth cell phone usage and noted that she would get a copy to JR to send to the group. David Yim handed out information related to the Tri- City’s Stakeholder meetings taking place on October 9th and October 10th. Eric Podley with the BUSD informed the group of recent class visits providing education to students on things such as vaping. Eric also updated the group on the Glen Davis construction progress. YFAC Board Member Matt Lyons noted his recent participation with the Principal for a Day event. Matt also noted his desire for additional focus on efforts to eradicate illegal cannabis operations and vaping establishments. Jessica Vozella with the American Lung Association informed the group that they were looking for youth Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes September 24, 2019, page 4 workers and volunteers. Jessica also shared information on upcoming events. Mark Rodgers with the BUSD shared that the youth counseling program was under way and that the case load for counselors was continuing to grow. Mark also provided information on efforts related to suicide protocol, awareness, and prevention. Halie Deguzman with Project Sister provided information on her organization and its programs. Resident David Svatos shared that he appreciated the discussions and information YFAC meetings provide. Lacy Flippin with Fairplex provided information on the Youth Ambassador Volunteer Program and how people 15 years and older can apply to assist with events such as the LA County Fair, the Upland Lemon Festival, and other associated Fairplex events. Resident Jason Lorge noted that he also recently participated in the Principal of the Day program at Ramona and that the experience has furthered his appreciation for BUSD. Resident Ron Serven shared his appreciation for the group as well as his perspective of mindfulness. Ron also noted the importance of programs encouraging the community to avoid substances that alter reality. 10. Next Meeting The next YFAC meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. 11. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, JR Ranells Personnel Officer