Youth and Family Action Committee

LA VERNE YOUTH & FAMILY ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of the Regular Meeting October 24, 2023 1. A meeting of the Youth & Family Action Committee was called to order by Vice Chair Lau at 6:30 p.m. Executive Board Members present: Executive Board Wendy Lau, YFAC Vice Chair, Mayor Pro Tem Greg Palatto, BUSD Board Member Denise Fisher, Resident Don Kendrick, Resident Dan Harden, Resident Jason Prows, LVPD Cory Leeper, LVPD Eduardo Burgos, LVPD Mark Rodgers, BUSD Nikole Burgess, BUSD JR Ranells, City of La Verne Erin Beilstein, City of La Verne Emily Turner, Resident Jeff Allred, Resident Bill Aguirre, Resident Ron Serven, Resident Nathan Kwan, BHS Student 2. Review of Minutes Minutes for the September 26, 2023, meeting were approved. 3. YFAC History Assistant City Manager JR Ranells presented the history of the Youth & Family Action Committee. He shared about the founding mission and programs of the committee. Additionally, one of the founding YFAC members, Dan Harden shared more about how the committee began and grew to what it is today. 4. Reed Foundation Dan Harden shared with the group about the Ruth & Joseph Reed Foundation. This foundation supports over 50 arts programs for kids at risk across California. The Youth and Family Action Committee was presenting a check for $17,000 to be used to move the mission of the committee Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes October 24, 2023, page 2 forward by continuing to support La Verne youth. Dan noted that YAC should include at least one art related program. 5. Program Review Assistant City Manager JR Ranells talked with the group about how YFAC can expand its mission and vision through revamped programs. At a previous meeting, the committee discussed creating a program proposal process for the school district’s faculty and staff. City staff will share a draft of that grant proposal with the committee. 6. SRO Report Student Resource Officer (SRO) Eduardo Burgos discussed his role in the community and how meaningful it is to be in the position. He shared more about the explorer program and how it is building back up as an alternative way for students to get involved in positive programs. Additionally, SRO Burgos continues to work on education programs surrounding vaping. 7. BUSD Report Mark Rodgers from BUSD reported that the test scores for the district have been released. La Verne students have scored ahead of some neighboring cities. La Verne scores reflect close to pre-Covid performance, which is unusual for most districts. They are seeing an improvement in attendance on every one of their school campuses which has many benefits to the district and students. He also shared more about the counseling program. Youth Representative Nathan Kwan shared that he thinks the programs are very successful and helpful. 8. Public Comment Jeff Allred shared about how YFAC continues to succeed. He also shared an idea about the gym at the former Lutheran High School and using it for public benefit. Bill Aguirre, former La Verne Community Services Director, talked about his time with YFAC and the origin of some of its programs. Denise Fisher also shared about her Christmas Elf program. Every year they’ve been filling the needs of over 100 kids, and they’ve already hit that number with two schools not yet reporting. 9. Next Meeting The next YFAC meeting was scheduled for November 28, 2023. Youth & Family Action Committee Minutes October 24, 2023, page 3 10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Erin Beilstein Management Analyst