Youth and Family Action Committee

LA VERNE YOUTH & FAMILY ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of the Regular Meeting September 28, 2021 1. A regular meeting of the Youth & Family Action Committee was called to order by Chair Robin Carder at 6:30 p.m. 2. Executive Board Members present (virtually): Executive Board Robin Carder, Chair - Council Member Rick Crosby, Vice Chair - Council Member Carolyn Cockrell - Resident Denise Fisher - Resident Don Kendrick, Resident Donna Redman, Resident Greg Polatto, Resident/BUSD Mark Rodgers, BUSD Sam Gonzalez, LVPD Janessa Gonzalez, LVPD Isela Moreno, Tri-City Mental Health Jessica Vozella, American Lung Assoc. JR Ranells, City of La Verne Alfie Sanchez, Majestic Cycling/Kiwanis International 3. Review of Minutes Minutes for the June 22, 2021, meeting were approved. Don Kendrick followed up on the Teen Center grant application but there was not an update on its status yet. 4. School Resource Officer School Resource Officer Janessa Gonzalez provided a report to the group. Janessa noted the differences in having students fully back on campus this year. Janessa shared that vaping is still evident at the high school and that there continues to be efforts to address this ongoing problem. Vice Chair Crosby complimented Janessa on her role as the SRO and her ability to engage with the students. Chair Carder inquired about Homecoming and activities surrounding those festivities. 5. BUSD Report Mark Rodgers with the Bonita Unified School District provided an update regarding the start of the school year and continuing impacts of COVID-19. Mark also highlighted specific support for students related to mental health impacts and learning support. Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes September 28, 2021, page 2 The group also received information on the free breakfast and lunch program with an interest in YFAC’s support for the Summer Lunch program if needed. Lastly, the group had a discussion regarding troubling trends related to vandalism promoted on social media (TikTok) such as damage to restrooms. Janessa shared information on instances that have occurred so far and ways to prevent future issues. Mark also provided an update on BUSD Member changes and the status of designating a YFAC representative in October. 6. Ordinance 1100 Jessica Vozella with the American Lung Association provided a presentation on the recent adoption by the City Council of a Tobacco Ordinance banning all flavored tobacco products and the ordinances impacts. Jessica shared there is an exception in regard to menthol products related to legal challenges as well as current La Verne businesses that offer hookah related services. Jessica also informed the group that she will be wrapping up her work in La Verne at the end of the year and thanked the group for all their work toward this accomplishment. Administrative Lieutenant Sam Gonzalez shared information on enforcement related to the ordinance and how the Police Department is utilizing its grant resources. The group thanked Jessica for her many contributions to YFAC and the La Verne community. 7. Bicycle Program Vice Chair Crosby introduced the background for a new program distributing bicycles to La Verne youth around Christmas time. Rick introduced Alfie Sanchez with Majestic Cycling who brought this idea to the City and is also a part of La Verne Kiwanis International. Alfie shared his vision of distributing 40 free bikes, helmets, and locks to the community’s youth around Christmas. The specific program details are still being ironed out but staff is working directly with Alfie to ensure the program can be successful. JR noted that staff was looking for general support of this idea and that the item would come back in October with more specifics. Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes September 28, 2021, page 3 8. Youth Representation JR reported to the group that there is a desire to bring back youth representation to YFAC as has been done in the past. JR noted how representatives where identified in the past and how valuable they were in providing insight and perspective with discussion issues brought forth to the group. Janessa shared her support for a youth representative and will work on identifying some students that will be able to participate and share their perspective. 9. Public Comment Greg Palotto noted he is eager to formally be part of the group and is learning a great deal. Administrative Lieutenant Gonzalez shared information regarding the upcoming Public Safety Open House. Sam also informed the group of his pending promotion to Police Captain and that Lieutenant Chris Dransfeldt will be representing the department at future YFAC meetings. Isela Moreno with Tri-City Mental Health Services shared information on the formation of a Transition Age Youth Wellness Advisory Council. Isela also provided information regarding the upcoming stakeholders meeting. 10. Next Meeting The next YFAC meeting is scheduled for October 26th at 6:30 p.m. 11. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, JR Ranells Assistant to the City Manager