CITY OF PASADENA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION COMMITTEE

Transcription

1 CITY OF PASADENA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION COMMITTEE February 7,2008 Pasadena Unified School District Board Room South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena CALL TO ORDER Chair Bogaard called the regular meeting of the Youth Development and Violence Prevention Committee to order at 6: 15 p.m. Members Present: Members Absent: Rill Rogaard, Jean Burch, Renatta Cooper (arrived 650 p.m.), Jacquelynne Corby, Ed Honowitz, Esteban Lizardo, Steve Madison, Jeanette Mann, Jacque Robinson, Sandra Thomas (alternate for Tim Kelly) Consuelo Rey Castro, Victor Gordo, Tim Kelly, and Anna Pembedjian APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Member Mann, seconded by Vice Chair Robinson, to approve the minutes of January 24, 2007 as submitted. (Motion unanimously carried) (Absent: Members Castro, Cooper, Gordo, Kelly, and Pembedjian). PRESENTATION BY PASADENA POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE ALTADENA SHERIFF'S OFFICE ON RECENT ACTIVITIES Lieutenant Lisa Perrine, Pasadena Police Department, stated the 2008 arrest information was unavailable, but she would provide the data at the Committee's next meeting. Lt. Perrine provided a 2007 statistical profile of violent crime suspects and victims and reported on the success of Officer Gordon and her work with parents of African-American female youth participating in gang violence. She also reported on the recent arrest of two individuals involved in the February 7,2007 homicide of Shawn Baptiste. Lieutenant Cheryl Newman, representing the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, reported there had been many arrests in Altadena, but no violent gang related crimes since January 1, Discussion ensued regarding the collaborative relationship between the Sheriffs Department and the Pasadena Police Department (PPD). Lt. Newman stated she would report back to the Committee on whether or not a collaborative relationship exists between the Gold Line Transit deputies and the PPD.

2 PUBLIC COMMENT In response to questions regarding the recent gang activity in Monrovia, both Lt. Perrine and Lt. Newman indicated they do not foresee any roll over of gang activity to the City of Pasadena. There was public comment from the following individuals: Ms. Najeeba Syeed-Miller, Executive Director of the Western Justice Center, distributed a handout and invited the members and their constituents to attend the "51h Annual 2008 Peer Mediation Invitational and Peace Festival" on March 18 and 20. Ms. Adrena Lockhart, Pasadena resident, expressed concerns regarding gang violence and encouraged the Committee to look at the education youth receive in the schools, noting many gang members read at the second or third grade level. She stated that unless this problem is addressed, things will not change. Ms. Janet Pope Givens distributed a handout and discussed the invitation to participate in "Pasadena Night with the LA Kings" at the Staples Center on March 6, 2008, with the offer of discount tickets and a portion of the proceeds going to support the Pasadena Youth Development & Violence Prevention Program. Ms. Pope Givens stated she would be responsible for promoting the event citywide and to various local affiliations, and shc encouraged each member to promote the event through their respective agencies. Member Mann noted that the Pasadena Neighborhood Outreach Worker (NOW) program would benefit from this opportunity if a corporate sponsor could be found. It was suggested Ms. Patsy Lane, Director of Human Services and Recreation, may be able to assist (if corporate sponsors are found) in distributing tickets to youth through Ms. Lane's contacts with nonprofit organizations. Member Cooper arrived at 6:50 p.m. Member Madison commented that another benefit of the event is to raise public awareness, and he noted the Pasadena Ice Rink has free skating for youth at various times, and the Ice Rink has a desire to involve more local youth in the sport of hockey. Ms. Pope Givens stated she would contact Staple Center staff regarding whether they plan to follow up with the local hockey leagues. PRESENTATION BY THE PARENT PROJECT Member Mann asked that this discussion come back to the Committee in two weeks. On the order of the Chair, this item will be agendized for the next Committee meeting.

3 PROPOSAL FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TO ASSIST THE COMMITEE Mr. Tony Massengale, Senior Human Relations Consultant for the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, expressed his thoughts regarding the future of the Committee, the Western Justice Center's (WJC) withdrawal of its proposal to be a candidate for the sole source contract, and Supervisor Antonovich's decision to fund direct services rather than the Committee initiative. Mr. Massengale spoke of the time invested to assist in making certain that youth and gang violence does not become a trend, and the County's involvement in Duarte and Monrovia and the monitoring of approximately 30 locations throughout the County. Mr. Massengale reported that the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission Director and the County CEO were interested in his proposal that the County offer to assist in staffing the Committee based on their subject matter expertise, in the continuity between meetings and linking some of the grass-root community engagements, at no cost to the Committee. Mr. Massengale reviewed the progress, collaborative efforts and milestones the Committee has made towards its commitment to the community. He added that the Deputy CEO is interested at the County-wide level to convene County department heads that serve in mental health, children and family services, and probation to determine what can be done to scale up services to the Pasadena and Altadena area. Mr. Massengale further stated that the County is actively pursuing and preparing to roll out initiatives and new projects, such as the formation of the Inter Agency Operations Group (IAOG), in an effort to better collaborate with departments that serve children, youth, families and communities. He reassured the Committee that the approval process for these initiatives and new projects would move faster, particularly with the submission of his preliminary recommendations and there being no major gaps. He also clarified that the County is waiting for the Committee to confirm acceptance of its offer, stressed his desire for the Committee to not let this momentum grind to a halt, and to work towards finishing the Committee's mission. In response to questions from Committee members, Mr. Massengale defined "staff support" as providing continuity between meetings, coordination of subcommittees and working groups of the Committee, and connecting the working groups and subcommittees to similar efforts that are happening at a volunteer level in the community. He stated approximately one-and-a-half days of staff work would be required over the next couple months to evaluate where we are and to determine what comes next. Mr. Massengale also noted his ability to have access to County experts that would be available to provide additional administrative support, as well as his staff to provide assistance. (This item was further discussed concurrently with the following item.)

4 REPORT FROM SUBCOMMITTEE FOR MASTER PLAN CONSULTANT SELECTION AND MANAGEMENT, AND STAFFING BUDGET Member Burch reported at its last meeting, the subcommittee was working with a budget of approximately $20,000 in which a significant portion was to be allocated to staffing. She noted that based on Mr. Massengale's presentation, if the Committee accepted the County's offer of staffing, the matching funds could be directed towards a better use. Committee members expressed appreciation to Mr. Massengale for the County's offer to provide staff support. Discussion ensued regarding the role of the Western Justice Center (WJC), the valuable work being done by the WJC; the WJC's active involvement in the NOW program contract and support for its role beyond that contract, in terms of staffing, administrative support, research, and drafting of plans; and the need to continue an active participating relationship with the WJC in the Committee's endeavors. Ms. Najeeba Syeed-Miller, representing the WJC, stated that at a minimum, the WJC is dedicated to continue volunteer services when asked to provide any reporting, and that the WJC would be happy to re-engage with the subcommittee, to discuss the new configuration that is now on the table. Committee members expressed concern that it is unfair to continue to ask and expect the WJC to volunteer their services; the need to have every agency buy into this process; and if more financial support is identified, then more resources can be made available. There was a consensus of the Committee that the participation of the WJC in the Committee's work is highly valued and the Committee hopes that it will be possible for arrangements to be made to continue active participation by the WJC to the Committee's work. It was suggested that both Mr. Massengale and Ms. Syccd-Miller meet with the subcommittee to further discuss the County's offer of providing staff support to the Committee, and to also discuss how to best leverage the funding contributions the Committee has, which may involve the ability to pay for certain staffing services by the WJC and not lose this valuable resource. Member Lizardo reported that PUSD staff is looking at how PUSD may contribute toward this effort in an amount that would approach what PCC has contributed, and staff is trying to identify a funding source that would not impact its general fund. PUSD staff is expected to report back to the Board at its next meeting, and Member Lizardo expressed optimism that this would allow more resources for the Committee's work.

5 Member Madison stated he would be willing to go back to his colleagues on the City Council and ask that the $50,000 City allocation not be based on matching funds from the other agencies, but rather be a full contribution of $50,0OQ. Member Mann briefly discussed the following as positive outcomes that directly relate to the work of the Committee: 1. There will be a Career and Technical Education Day at PCC in March 2008, with an estimated 800 students participating. 2. The introduction of 40 student ambassadors from local high schools that will act in the capacity of career counseling on high school campuses to answer questions regarding college and the college experience. 3. Plans to offer GED courses at Jackie Robinson Center. 4. The Community Education Center offers reading courses to anyone reading at a first, second or third grade level, and this could be made available at the community centers. The Chair commented that the Committee is fortunate to have the offer of assistance from Mr. Massengale, as well as the offer of help and participation from the Western Justice Center. He noted these efforts should be welcomed provided the Committee is satisfied they are being coordinated and synergized in a way that contributes to the work of the Committee. He stressed the need for the Committee to deal with pcoplc fairly and if compensation is needed or appropriate, to figure out how to meet that need and responsibility. The Chair noted that when it comes to the plan/solution, there are many resources to turn to in the community, and the challenge is not to create anything new, but to take advantage of the tremendous resources that are in the community and utilize contacts that are significant in our own agencies to re-enforce, nurture, and help coordinate those efforts so they have a more powerful impact in the future than they have in the past. The Chair commented that he is encouraged by what has been discovered and accomplished, and noted this effort can and must be successful. Member Honowitz suggested as a starting point, and with the help of Mr. Massengale and Ms. Syeed-Miller, to look at the County Probation Report and some of its recommendations as it relates to coordination and how, on a staff level, some of our agencies could start some of the coordination. He proposed having a discussion of asking each of the participating agencies to assign their own staff to work with some of the recommendations that will be generated by the subcommittees. It was moved by Vice Chair Robinson, seconded by Member Lizardo, to accept the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission's offer of staff support to the Committee, and for the subcommittee to convene with Mr. Massengale and the Western Justice Center to discuss and bring back a report to the full Committee on what that staffing would look like and be charged

6 with. (Motion unanimously carried) (Absent: Members Castro, Gordo, Kelly and Pembedj ian). Vice Chair Robinson thanked Mr. Massengale and asked that he convey the message to the County CEO that the Committee appreciates the show of support to the City of Pasadena and Altadena, and the Committee is more than willing to accept the offer of staff support as outlined by Mr. Massengale. The Chair acknowledged Member Honowitz's prior suggestion that each of the principal agencies consider a staff allocation. The Chair stated this would not necessarily be staff to attend these meetings, but who are available to assist the Committee members who come from those agencies, to implement, communicate and explore ways in which the individual agencies might implement initiatives, ideas and efforts that are consistent with the overall plan of meeting the needs of young people in this community. He noted that by each of the principal agencies having an assigned and dedicated staff person for some portion of the Committee's work, this is one of the ways in which the work of the Committee can reverberate effectively between meetings into productive action. The Chair expressed hope that this concept would be pursued in future meetings and formalized in some way so that it becomes part of the commitment that each of the principal agencies makes to the work of the Committee. Member Honowitz proposed that each of the members at one of their subsequent board meetings or council meetings have a discussion regarding allocation of staff time so there is at least a key point person, and as the work group starts forming, there is a direct contact other than an elected official to work with. Member Robinson encouraged that all of the bodies could make every effort to have that discussion prior to the next meeting on February 21, 2008 and be prepared to report back to the Committee. Discussion Renardinn Future Meeting Locations Member Mann asked to revisit scheduling another meeting in the community, such as at Villa Parke. Ms. Pope Givens reported that arrangements have been made for the next meeting to be scheduled at Villa Parke Community Center, and that arrangements are also being made with Supervisor Antonovich's Office to schedule a subsequent meeting in Altadena. She noted that KPAS will be submitting invoices for their televised services, which will then be forwarded to the City Manager's Office.

7 MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS Mr. Massengale noted that the County has assisted in convening two Latino Leadership Caucuses and offered to assist in mobilizing the meetings at Villa Parke and in Altadena. Ex Officio Member Corby emphasized the value of Mr. Massengale and the Western Justice Center, and noted they have already orchestrated meetings in which they have created collaborative opportunities. She noted that in order to hear from the Latino community, the Committee will need the help of partners that can make sure that every community is heard from. Ms. Syeed-Miller suggested that the Committee consider translation services in order to receive a broader representation from the Latino community, and emphasized the concern of a small population to having a police presence as it relates to immigration status. Discussion among the Committee members reflected support for meetings that are community based, with appropriate outreach efforts, and arrangements for translation services to make those meetings successful when they occur. Member Mann reported on PCC's Science Day planned for March 2008 for approximately 700 girls from middle school. Ex Officio Member Hines announced that the Pasadena Education Foundation will celebrate "Kids with Heart Awards" at the Pasadena Paseo on February 15, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Member Honowitz reported that he had attended the Verdugo School Work Coalition, which is doing some interesting collaboration work that might be a model for what is being done within the Committee, noted there may be a possibility of collaborating with them in a larger regional partnership, and suggested looking at what the Coalition is doing. Member Thomas noted that February has been proclaimed Scholars Month and asked Committee members to provide encouragement to the 120 Pasadena and Altadena students that qualified for the prestigious "Bright Future Scholar Award." ADJOURNMENT On the order of the Chair, the regular meeting of the Committee adjourned at 7:54 p.m. / ' Beverly ~c&ak, ~ecouin~ Secretary Bill Bogaard, &air Youth Development and Violence Prevention Committee