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03-18-1991 - Regular Meeting - MinutesM I N U T E S ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL March 18, 1991 The adjourned regular meeting of March 18,_1991 was called to order by Mayor Tarozzi at 7:40 pm at the Rincon Intermediate School cafeteria, 2800 E. Holling- worth Drive, West Covina. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sharon Robison, Superintendent of the Rowland Unified School District. ROLL CALL Mayor Tarozzi, Mayor Pro Tem McFadden, Councilmembers Herfert, Jennings, Manners Others Present; Thomas, Wylie, Manheim, Holler, Miller, Hanna, Jones, Urban, Holmes, Wolff, Distelrath, Nalian, Smith, Simonton, Pearinan, Lopez, Mulherin, Berry COMMUNITY MEETING ON GANGS Mayor Tarozzi stated that the purpose of the meeting was to.gain input from the citizens as to the gang activitie: in West Covina and any suggestions they may have to abate the problems. He then.turned the meeting over to Commander Distelrath of the West Covina Police, who in turn narrated a slide presentation with the assistance of two officers: Mulherin and Nalian. Public Comments Mayor Tarozzi opened the microphone to comments from the citizens. The following persons addressed Council. Neil Mann Neil Mann, 2724 Brookfield Place, noted that the SCE easement was used extensively by gangs and suggested patrolling it as part of.the regular "beat." He suggested planting thorny bushes along walls to discourage graffiti. Isidro Gomez Isidro Gomez, 2851 Valley Boulevard 1152, stressed' the importance of involving kids in community activities. He was frustrated with gang members getting right back on the streets once they are picked up and detained by the police. 1, Dorothy Andrews Dorothy Andrews, 3008 Cindy Street, agreed that there were not enough "acceptable" activities for kids and that many teenagers are stopped and harassed by the officers. Brenda Osunar.. Brenda "Osuna, 17.18 Parkside Circle, suggested more after school activities and pushing businesses to get involved - since the community puts money into the businesse; William Williams William Williams, 3163 Eucalyptus Street, noted drug activity at the shopping center at Nogales and La Puente Road and -at the HUD subsidized apartments. He felt that once gang members were identified, they should be evicted from the apartment complex. He wants more police exposure at the South end of West Covina. Jerry Garden Jerry Garden, 1800 Arizona Street, noted kids were destroying property across from Giano School and agreed with the need for after school activities. La Sandia Morales La Sandia Morales of Dream Quest, spoke of her agency's intention to help with after school activities. Roberta Azpeitia Roberta Azpeitia, 1801 Woodgate Drive, felt that the family environment, schools, and laws were the reasons why gangs evolve. She requested the School District impose dress code. Vera Conkey Vera Cohkey, 3821 Ferntower, suggested a seminar for kids on how to get along with their parents and for the parents on how to get along with their kids. - 1 - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3/18/91 Page Two Frank Munoz Frank Munoz, 2700 S. Azusa, noted his satisfaction with the West Covina Police Department. Bobby Lavender Bobby Lavender, 3004 Hollingworth Street, who works as a gang specialist in Los Angeles, explained that gangs are becoming inter -racial. Sharon Robison Sharon Robison, Superintendent of Rowland Unified School District, explained the Community Action Plan of the Rowland Unified School District and its four components: a) community information .b) community mobilization c) parent educationand parent support d) student education and intervention activities Elias Martinez Elias Martinez,of the West Covina Unified School Dis- trict Board of Trustees spoke on the importance of parential influence with their children. Henrietta Camara Henrietta Camara, 1733 Oakridge Circle The public comment portion was closed and Police Chief Holmes responded to the suggestions, comments, and com- plaints, noting the capabilities of the police force and the need for community support. Xavier Hermosillo Xavier Hermosillo, 1930 Shamwood Street, offered his opinions as well. Council comments The Council expressed appreciation to..-the:citizens for attending the meeting and -sharing their thoughts with the Council. They concurred on the need to address gang activity within the community as an all -encompassing plan, using parents, school districts, community leaders and organizations, as well as City personnel and Police Department. It was noted that budget review was forth- coming and gang activity abatement, including after school activities, would be an issue for discussion and delibera- tion. C1 On another matter, Councilmember Herfert requested that the issue of Planning Director's Modification No. 3 relating to an amendment to UUP No. 71, Revision 5 (BKK) be brought forth to the Council for consideration. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Jennings, seconded by McFadden, and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 pm to 6:30 pm on Monday, March 25, 1991 for the Five Year Strategic Plan/ Budget Parameters Study Session. Mayor Bill Tarozzi ATTEST: City Clerk Janet Be y - 2 -