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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 09 11 CC MIN SS/SPECIAL1999 09 11 CC MIN SS/SPECIAL§peCC SPC MIN SEP 11 1999H4£8JULIA MCNEIL SENIOR CENTER SEPTEMBER 11,1999 4100 BALDWIN PARK BOULEVARD SATURDAY BALDWIN PARK, CA 91706 9:00 a.m. The CITY' COUNCIL of the City of Baldwin Park met in Special session at the above time and place. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers: Linda Gair, Mayor Pro-Tern William Bill" Van Cleave, and Mayor Manuel Lozano. Also Present: Richard A. LeGarra, Chief of Police; Steve Cervantes, Director of Community Development; and Ralph Nunez, Director of Recreation and Community Services TOWN HALL MEETING TO DISCUSS SAFETY ISSUES CONCERNS WITH PUBLIC Mayor Lozano thanked all of the City law enforcement SAFETY ISSUES officers and school district police officers for being present. He also thanked all those present who took time from their schedules to be here today. Together, we will address and resolve some of the issues we are currently facing in the city. He also acknowledged the presence of Mayor Pro-tern Bill Van Cleave, Councilwoman Linda Gair and Recreation and Community Services Director, Ralph Nunez. Mayor Lozano feels that this is a great opportunity and a big step forward for the city. We are beginning to see change with all of the new redevelopment that is going on within the city. The reason we are having this meeting is to address certain crime-related issues within the city. The city of Baldwin Park is a community... a family. This is a time for all of us to work together to begin a process to make changes. It is the City Council's obligation to make sure the City of Baldwin Park is safe. Mayor Lozano also stated that he has zero tolerance for any type of violence or crime. He will go to the fullest extent of the law against anyone who commits a crime in the city of Baldwin Park. It is unacceptable for anyone to have to live in fear or in intimidation. That is why we are here today to let you know, that along with law enforcement, we are going to work together to resolve these issues. I will not let any gang leaders or drug dealers tell us how to run our city. He believes it's wrong to blame the Police Department or the schools. He feels that it all starts at home. He would also like to get together with the police officers from the school district and the city of Baldwin Park, and having a series of different in services programs that would help those that need the help. Gang members present a threat to innocent individuals. BIB] 37642-U01 1999-U02 09-U02 11-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS/SPECIAL-U02 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3888-U03 DO3964-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 SPECIAL-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1999 09 11 CC MIN SS/SPECIAL§peCC SPC MIN SEP 11 1999H4£8City Council Minutes September 11, 1999 Page 2 We need to have more residents participating. Baldwin Park has 76,000 residents and there should be more people here today. There was a survey taken on teenagers between the ages of 13-19 years old. There are 30-36,000 teenagers in that age group. 640 of those teenagers are gang members 40 of those are considered hardcore. The vast majority of our kids are good kids, because of the number of programs that the police department has to offer. When you ask a person about Baldwin Park, they always say ifs a horrible city they have a lot of gangs and crime. When in reality Baldwin Park has a lot to offer its residents for example, we have the biggest football team in the San Gabriel Valley. We also have the concerts in the park where people from all over. Mayor Lozano stated that he jogs late at night and he feels comfortable. But, when he goes to residents homes and he hears that they don't come out of their house because people are intimidating them. Or because there are gang members out them or drug dealers this is not acceptable in the City of Baldwin Park. There's 6.7 square miles in the City of Baldwin Park with about 75-76,000 people. We have 76 police officers that patrol this whole area I personally think that's not enough, hopefully someday we will be able to increase that amount. However, you as residents need to get involved to reach a solution to resolve this criminal element that has affected us. This city is progressing in so many ways we are here to work together. CRIME RATE LOWERING Chief LeGarra stated that in the last six years the crime IN THE CITY OF BALDWIN rate in Baldwin Park has gone down 50%. He also PARK stated that school safety is a big issue and he insured that the police department is working with the school district to ensure their safety. COMMENTS FROM MAYOR Mayor Pro-Tem Van Cleave stated that getting involved PRO TEM VAN CLEAVE is very important. He thanked the officers and the audience members that are here today. It is important that you call the police to let them when there is something is going on in your neighborhood. Participation is very important on your part as a resident. COUNCILWOMAN GAlR'S R'S Council member Linda Gair thanked everyone for COMMENTS being present. She stated that we have to take back our community. If you are going to feel threatened you need to get involved. Get to know your neighbors because helping each other is the only way we can resolve this problem. We need to stand up to these BIB] 37642-U01 1999-U02 09-U02 11-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS/SPECIAL-U02 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3888-U03 DO3964-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 SPECIAL-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1999 09 11 CC MIN SS/SPECIAL§peCC SPC MIN SEP 11 1999H4£8City Council Minutes September 11, 1999 Page 3 gang members and show them that we are not going to tolerate this anymore. COMMENTS ON PARTICIPATION Steve Cervantes wanted to let everyone know that he FROM THE CITY ABOUT CRIME appreciates all the people that showed up. He is happy ISSUES to see that those here are taking a stand. We need to work together we need to get involved. PUBLIC COMMENTS RESIDENT CONCERNS An audience member stated that she is a teacher and she teaches her students to be happy with themselves for who they are. She also tries to instill in her students to get along with each other as we should do with our neighbors. We should get to know are neighbors, instill pride that you care. If we do this can respect each other and they will have confidence. David Veda, a 16 year resident, feels that kids are being segregated at schools according to the gangs that they belong to. His Son was part of this at North Park, and he stated that it wins their lives. He says there is a lot of problems with shootings in his neighborhood. He also stated that the police interrogate the victims rather then chasing after the criminals. Marlen Garcia, resident, stated that it is not the responsibility of the police department and schools. As parents we need to keep an eye on our children. Get involved with your child's activities. It all starts at home with the parents not anyone else. An audience member who is a volunteer at Tracy school and a resident stated that we need to take away the attention that gang members are receiving. We highlight these gang members and by doing so, we give them the status that they are seeking. We have good kids who deserve to be recognized for their achievements. We need to reflect more on the positive aspects of the community. It's wrong that certain schools have dress codes because, students should be able to express themselves. When we say that certain clothing is gang related we are giving them more attention. Margarita Vargas, a 21 year resident, stated that we need to reward the good kids of Baldwin Park because the majority of our kids are good. She also said that there are to many programs offered for gang members and kids that get in trouble. There should be more programs offered for our good kids. BIB] 37642-U01 1999-U02 09-U02 11-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS/SPECIAL-U02 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3888-U03 DO3964-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 SPECIAL-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1999 09 11 CC MIN SS/SPECIAL§peCC SPC MIN SEP 11 1999H4£8City Council Minutes September 11, 1999 Page 4 Larry Walton, a 20 year resident, and his wife is a 40 year resident. He commended the Police department and School police for doing an outstanding job. He is proud to live in Baldwin Park. He also believes that we need to stop isolating police officers because they put their lives on the line everyday for us. INFORMATION ON NEIGHBORHOOD Officer Martinez, has been assigned the Neighborhood WATCH PROGRAM Watch Program. She has flyers and information about this program. She assured everyone that if they had any questions or concerns about the program that they could contact her or a representative. Spanish speakers are also available to assist the callers. The purpose of this program is to take action on crimes in the city. Also to let you know more about the program and things you can do to prevent them. Resident, name unknown), expressed concern with the speed vehicles are travelling around Tracy Elementary. He suggested installation of speed bumps. There is also a motel behind his house on Garvey. And around 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning there are people from the motel jumping his fence and breaking into cars. Chief LeGarra asked the resident that there is a motorcycle officer that he will send out there. Resident, name unknown), expressed concerned with traffic on Vineland and Merced, no one is they're monitoring and there are two schools nearby. Chief LeGarra assured her that they would get a school police out there. An Ohio Street resident, name unknown), stated that there are cars that speed down her street at 45-50 mph. She would like someone to look into it Resident name unknown), would like to know if there is something that can be done about the traffic on west Los Angeles Street. There is a school and people travel at 50 to 60 mph. He is concerned with the children's safety. An Athol Street Resident, name unknown), expressed concerned because the cars coming from Foster Street and South Athol do not stop. Resident would like to know if something could be done. Chief LeGarra reassured the resident that he would bring this to the attention of the Public Works BIB] 37642-U01 1999-U02 09-U02 11-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS/SPECIAL-U02 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3888-U03 DO3964-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 SPECIAL-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1999 09 11 CC MIN SS/SPECIAL§peCC SPC MIN SEP 11 1999H4£8City Council Minutes September 11, 1999 Page 5 Department. Also they will make sure that there is not a problem with the speed bumps in the street. Alicia Quineros, resident, is concerned with the rock quarries. People cause a lot of commotion. Chief LeGarra let the resident know that the property was part of Irwindale. However, they will talk to the Mayor and the Chief of Police in Irwindale. Martha Flores, an Athol Street resident, is concerned with the shootings going on. Resident, name unknown), would like to know if the signals on Ramona in the early morning are synchronized. Director Cervantes responded that staff is aware of the situation and they are looking into adding another lane. Mariana, a Corak Street resident, is worried about the parties that they have on Athol and then end up on Corak. Rick Padilla, a 33 year resident would like to know if they can do anything about the jaywalking going on in front of the Post Office. He suggested moving the crossing signal that is on the comer to the front of the Post Office. An Athol Street resident, name unknown), is here as part of the Neighborhood Watch Program. She recognizes a lot of people from her neighborhood that is present tonight. She would like to let them know that it is a good time to get involved. There was no one else wishing to speak. Mayor Lozano thanked all who were present and encouraged all those in attendance to take an active role and interest in their neighborhoods. Meeting was adjourned at 11:00a.m. Approved as presented by the City Council at their meeting held December 1,1999. Deputy City Clerk BIB] 37642-U01 1999-U02 09-U02 11-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS/SPECIAL-U02 LI1-U03 FO3433-U03 FO3888-U03 DO3964-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/11/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 SPECIAL-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06