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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/2014 B A K E R S F I E L D Staff: City Council members: Steven Teglia, Assistant to the City Manager Russell Johnson, Chair Chris Gerry, Administrative Analyst III Jacquie Sullivan Willie Rivera REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE of the City Council - City of Bakersfield Thursday, October 16, 2014 12:00 p.m. City Hall North – Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 A G E N D A 1. ROLL CALL 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS 3. ADOPTION OF MARCH 20, 2014 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT 4. REPORTS A. Update regarding Gang/Graffiti Enforcement and Safe Streets Partnership Efforts - Williamson B. Update regarding Police Staffing – Williamson 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion regarding Door Kick-in Burglaries - Williamson 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 7. ADJOURNMENT B A K E R S F I E L D /s/ Steve Teglia Committee Members Staff: Steven Teglia Russell Johnson, Chair Assistant to the City Manager Jacquie Sullivan Willie Rivera REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Thursday, March 20, 2014 12:00 p.m. City Hall North – Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The meeting was convened at 12:00 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Committee members: Councilmember, Russell Johnson, Chair Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan Councilmember, Willie Rivera City staff: Steve Teglia, Assistant to the City Manager Caleb Blaschke, Management Assistant – City Manager’s Office Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Richard Iger, Associate City Attorney Tom Geddes, Associate City Attorney Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Lyle Martin, Assistant Chief of Police Captain Hajir Nuriddin, Bakersfield Police Department Captain Joe Bianco, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenance Joe Mullins, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Jorge Gomez, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Rene Chow, Bakersfield Police Department Sergeant Dave Boyd, Bakersfield Police Department Additional Attendees: Gregory Pulskamp, Deputy District Attorney William Haywood, Ebony Counseling Center Dulce Flores and Clara Hernandez, Bakersfield College Members of the media Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 20, 2014 Page 2 __________________________________________________________ 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None 3. ADOPTION OF JANUARY 16, 2014 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The Report was unanimously adopted as submitted. 4. REPORTS A. Update regarding Internet Cafés City Attorney Gennaro introduced Mr. Pulskamp of the District Attorney’s office, and thanked him for his efforts. Mr. Pulskamp stated that he and his staff had been working closely with the City Attorney’s Office, County Counsel and the California Attorney General’s office on this issue. The Fifth District Court of Appeals ruled that illegal gambling was taking place in the facilities. It is a published decision that other jurisdictions can follow, as it is now law. He speculated that by the end of the week, all of the facilities in Bakersfield would be closed. A letter was sent to all of the facilities to cease and desist, and it instructed the owners to contact the District Attorney’s Office. The City Attorney’s Office followed up with a letter to all of the property owners. With the exception of one, all café’s had closed by the date of this Committee meeting. The one business still in operation is Shockers, located at 3201 F Street. Committee member Sullivan asked if the Court’s ruling is effective statewide. Mr. Pulskamp said that it is a published decision, which makes it a public record, so all other jurisdictions in California can abide by it. He also said that the ruling also resolved the outstanding lawsuits; however, café owners can appeal the ruling to the California Supreme Court and ask that it be unpublished or ask for a Motion to Reconsider. Committee Chair Johnson thanked Mr. Pulskamp for his efforts. He said he understood that the City of Los Angeles was now investigating the software companies that supplied the gambling software. Mr. Pulskamp said that they are looking closely at taking action against those companies, too; but that was more complex, as some operate across state lines. Captain Nuriddin noted that at one point there were 21 internet café’s operating within the Bakersfield City Limits, but, generally, there was an average of 12 to 13 in business. Committee Chair Johnson asked staff to provide the Committee with one copy of each of the letters. There were no public comments on this item. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 20, 2014 Page 3 __________________________________________________________ B. Update regarding Gang/Graffiti Enforcement and Safe Streets Partnership Efforts Lieutenant Mullins reported that, to date, there had been five gang-related shootings, but no gang-related homicides. The latest two incidents when individuals fired on Police were related to former prisoners who had been released as part of the AB-109 prison realignment. He added that the crime rate usually rises in the summertime. The Safe Streets Partnership is still working well. To date, there have been 11 arrests made for graffiti violations, and 126 cases were cleared. Staff has taken a more aggressive stance in collection of restitution. Committee Chair Johnson said he was encouraged that there had been no gang- related homicides so far this year. There were no public comments on this item. C. Report regarding Union Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Enforcement Efforts Lieutenant Gomez reported that the Vice Unit has been very aggressive in their efforts to combat prostitution. In 2013, there were 165 operations, resulting in 565 arrests. Year to date, there have been 7 operations, resulting in 76 arrests. Some operations are conducted under cover, and some are handled by patrol officers. While those arrested can be cited or booked, it has become standard to book the majority of the offenders. The areas generating the most focus are E. California Avenue, Baker Street, Buck Owens Boulevard, California Avenue and Oak Street, Union Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Committee member Rivera believes he has noticed a difference, but has seen large groups of people loitering in dirt lots, and they have chairs with them. He asked if posting signs to stop loitering in the area, or if any other efforts could be used to help persuade these individuals to move on. One suggestion might be to coordinate efforts with Code Enforcement. Assistant Chief Martin said that when patrol officers do notice large groups such as that, they will stop to determine if any illegal activities are taking place. He also said that they would investigate the signage question. Committee Chair Johnson asked that the City Attorney’s office send the report to a citizen who had expressed concern. There were no public comments on this item. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 20, 2014 Page 4 __________________________________________________________ D. Update regarding Police Staffing Chief Williamson referred to the memorandum that had been included in the meeting packet. The last recruitment was successful; and when the current academy ends, the Department should be close to its full complement. Committee member Rivera asked if the representatives from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) had met with the public when they were in Bakersfield. According to Assistant Chief Martin, Department staff coordinated meetings with specific groups, as requested by IACP, which included the Bakersfield Police Activities League Board of Directors, liaison committee for the Safe Streets Partnership and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. They are to return in April; and at that time, the Department will coordinate further meetings, according to the direction that will be given by IACP. Assistant to the City Manager Teglia provided an overview of the meetings that took place and the projected upcoming timeline for their continued research. Chief Williamson reported that the Department recently hired 48 officers for an academy that began March 10, 2014 to fill 37 positions. Department staff will request to hold two more academies, with the hope of one beginning in September. Funds are being requested in the next fiscal year’s budget for this purpose. Committee Chair Johnson asked that staff report back in August, when the academy ends, as to how many vacancies remain. He noted that he referred IACP representatives to a few of his constituents who had been in contact regarding relations with the Department. There were no public comments on this item. 5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS None 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:34 p.m. BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT 48 46 49 13 10 3 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 2012 2013 2014 SHOOTINGS HOMICIDES* YEAR TO DATE GANG VIOLENCE INDEX 2012-2014 Graffiti Enforcement Year to date 2014 Stats  40 Arrests  1,540 Cases cleared  $119,360.32 in restitution sought We are continuing our full participation in the Bakersfield Safe Streets Partnership. The next BSSP meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 13th at 5:15 pm. The meeting will take place at 1300 17th St. *Please note that the homicide stats include all gang related homicides, including but not limited to shootings and stabbings. 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