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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/27/06r� u B A K E R S F I E L D Irma Carson, Chair Mike Maggard Jacquie Sullivan Staff: Alan Christensen SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE of the City Council - City of Bakersfield April 27, 2006 11:30 a.m. City Manager's Conference Room 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 AMENDED AGENDA 1. ROLL CALL 2. ADOPTION OF MARCH 23, 2006 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS a. Update regarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement (Assistant Police Chief Lynn) b. Gathering of signatures by the Advisory Members in Support of SB 155 (Gang Abatement Act) c. Update regarding Security at Valley Plaza Shopping Center (Assistant Police Chief Lynn) 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion regarding the feasibility of establishing an ordinance to authorize seizures of drug/gang houses (City Attorney Gennaro) b. Discussion regarding County Involvement in Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 7. ADJOURNMENT S:\Council Committees\2006\06 Safe NeighborhoodsWgendasWpr2706 Amended Agenda.doc � B A K E R S F I E L D Irma Carson, CI Mike Maggard Jacquie Sullivar Staff: Alan Chri SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE of the City Council - City of Bakersfield April 27, 2006 11:30 a. m. City Manager's Conference Room 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 AGENDA 1. ROLL CALL 2. ADOPTION OF MARCH 23, 2006 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS a. Update regarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement (Assistant Police Chief L� b. Gathering of signatures by the Advisory Members in Support of SB Abatement Act) c. Update regarding Security at Valley Plaza Shopping Center (Assistant Lynn) 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion regarding the feasibility of establishing an ordinance to authc of drug/gang houses (City Attorney Gennaro) C/ l� Alan Tandy, City Manager Staff: Alan Christensen � B A K E R S F I E L D AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Irma Carson, Chair Mike Maggard Jacquie Sullivan REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Of the City of Bakersfield Thursday, March 23, 2006 11:45 a. m. City Manager's Conference Room 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, California 93301 The meeting was called to order at 11:55 a.m. 1. 2. 3. 4. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Councilmembers Irma Carson, Chair; Mike Maggard, Vice Mayor Councilmember Jacquie Sullivan Advisory members present: Bob Malouf, Employer's Training Resource; Stephanie Campbell, Cornerstone Group; Wesley Crawford, SCLC; and Walter Williams, GBLA ADOPTION OF THE JANUARY 24, 2006 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON CRIME, WEAPONS, GANG VIOLENCE AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS Adopted as submitted. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None DEFERRED BUSINESS a. Discussion and update on enforcement activities by the Police Department and other agencies (Assistant Police Chief Bryan Lynn) According to Assistant Chief Lynn, so far in 2006, there were 31 guns seized, 219 felony arrests, 728 probation/parole searches, and 4 search warrants were served. There have been 8 gang shootings. Comparing gang shootings for this timeframe to years past: 2005 — 9; 2004 — 5; and 2003 - 3. The Department applied for a$60,000 grant, which would pay informant fees, and perhaps a gun-buy program and funding for gun analysis. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee March 23, 2006 Agenda Summary Report Page 2 Captain Scott reported that the Speciai Enforcement Unit is concentrating this year on saturating its patrol presence. The number of officers has increased from 14 to 20, complimented by 3 sergeants. Time on patrol has increased from 16 to 20 hours per day. As a result, there has only been 1 gang homicide in 2006; at this time last year, there were 4. The Unit works closely with detectives in the Investigations division, especially on high profile homicides, and attends neighborhood, Church and other group meetings. They are also working proactively with the Crime Prevention division and school resource officers to reach young people to dissuade them from joining gangs. The Narcotics unit has also implemented a street program which culminated with arrest of approximately 24 street narcotics dealers, who were mostly gang affiliated. The Police Department is working closely with the District Attorney's office to obtain the enhanced penalties for gang-related crimes, which could add an additional 5— 15 years to a penalty, depending on the original offense and criminal history of the individual. It was noted that the community is contacting gang hotline. Committee member Maggard asked for an update on security efforts at Valley Plaza. Assistant Chief Lynn reported that the number of Valley Plaza security officers has increased, and they have increased patrols both inside and outside of the mall. The City's Crime Prevention division continues to meet with Valley Plaza management to discuss proactive approaches, such as identifying gang members, sharing information, and ways to handle incidents, should they happen again. Stores frequented by gang members involve the sale of sports clothing and tennis shoes. The Special Enforcement Unit is also continuing their presence there, making contact with gang members, and arresting them, if necessary. b. Discussion and recommendations regarding analysis of SB 155 — Gang Abatement Act (City Attorney Gennaro) City Attorney Gennaro gave a brief overview of the bill and an update on the status of the bill, which was introduced by Senator Feinstein. Sarah Moffatt, with Senator Feinstein's office, stated in a recent conversation with City Attorney Gennaro that the bill is supposed to go back to the Senate Judiciary Committee, with Alan Spector as Chair. Should this bill not be placed back on the Committee agenda, a new bill will be introduced. This Committee will be kept apprised. Ms. Moffatt asked that this Committee direct the Chief of Police to send a letter to Mr. Spector in support of the bill, and request that it be placed on the agenda. This action was approved by motion and second. Committee Chair Carson asked for additional letters from everyone, including the Sheriff's Department, Probation, and the Department of Human Services. She plans to meet directly with Senator Feinstein the week of March 27th, and would like to deliver the letters personally. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee March 23, 2006 Agenda Summary Report Page 3 Advisory member Wiliiams will try to get a letter from Mt. Elgon, who wiil be applying again for Weed and Seed program. A letter wiil be circulated for signature by the Advisory members at the next meeting. c. Continued discussion and recommendations regarding Advisory Committee appointments The Advisory Committees were designated, as follows: • Education and Prevention — Walter Williams, Bill Andrews • Job creation — Stephanie Campbell, Bob Malouf, Wesley Crawford • Enforcement and suppression — Police Department, Wesley Crawford, Beth Gong • Intervention w/ families — Beverly Johnson, Wesley Crawford, Beth Gong, Walter Williams Each group will choose their own chair. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion regarding graffiti enforcement activities by the Police Department (Assistant Police Chief Bryan Lynn) Assistant Chief Lynn reported that there are two officers assigned full-time to a program called GHOST (Graffiti Habitual Offender Suppression Team). This team works closely with the General Services division and their graffiti staff. General Services' staff takes photos, which are sent to the GHOST officers, who in turn work closely with Probation and the Kern County High School District. In the past week, 5 arrests were made (4 felonies and 1 misdemeanor) and 34 cases were cleared. There has been a tremendous spike in reported cases in January and February, with nearly 1,000 cases each month. The Police Department intends, by May, to assign two detectives to supplement the team. A large component of the program is education of school children, merchants, and general citizenry. A yet-to-be-hired Community Resource Specialist will ensure businesses that sell paint are in compliance with the law. b. Discussion regarding 2006 Committee meeting schedule It was agreed to meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee March 23, 2006 Agenda Summary Report Page 4 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Advisory member Wiiliams stated that the Speciai Enforcement Unit is making a difference within the community with their presence. Specifically, Officer Miller is doing a miraculous job at Sequoia, Emerson, Wayside and Curran Schools. He spends time with children during school, after school, walking house to house, and walking kids home. The response time overall has improved. Mr. Williams also suggested holding a community forum every few months to show the community that the Committee is being proactive. Advisory member Campbell reported that she and Advisory member Malouf had discussed an innovative way to create� jobs by holding a contest that would be judged by local business owners. The winner would receive assistance in seeking capital. Advisory member Crawford stated that the response time at Wayside Park is excellent. Officers are running offenders out of the park so that the kids can play. According to Bill Andrews, the Stop the Violence action group is meeting every Monday night at the PAL center. Every Saturday, they pass out flyers and talk to the community. They are looking at a broad range of activities either to help create or partner with others in the community to provide alternatives with respect to jobs and training, such as starting small businesses, going into schools, and after-school programs. Committee member Maggard reported that the African American Male Mentoring Program meets monthly on Saturdays at Emerson School. Committee Chair Carson directed that Valley Plaza management and the FBI be invited to the next meeting. She also wants to see a fact sheet of enforcement efforts. Jim Scott, with KGET — Channel 17, reported that the station is presenting a forum on gang violence on April 23, 2006. In May, MASK (Mothers Against Senseless Killings) is holding a series of events for community awareness. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12 53 p.m. Staff present: Mayor, Harvey L. Hall; Assistant City Manager, Alan Christensen; City Attorney, Virginia Gennaro; Assistant Police Chief, Bryan Lynn; Capt. Archie Scott and Lt. Jess Molinar, Bakersfield Police Department; and Sean Cacal, Public Works Department. Others present: Beth Gong, Kern County Probation; Craig Porter, Kern County Sheriff's Office; Beverly Beasley Johnson, Kern County Department of Human Services; William Andrews, Stop the Violence; David Strong; Jim Scott and Steve Van Scheck, KGET — Channel 17; and representatives from Channels 23 and 29. cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council BAKERSFIELD POLICE Date: April 17, 2006 MEMORANDUM To: Irma Carson, Chairperson Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee From: W. R. Rector, Chief of Police � Subject: Gang/Graffiti Enforcement Summary I have attached a summary of the requested information for the gang and graffiti programs. Please call if you have any questions. WRR/vrf Attach ment: Ganqs and Graffiti, memo dated 4/1 BAKERSFIELD POLICE MEMORANDUM April 14, 2006 To: Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Members From: Bryan L. Lynn, Assistant Chief of Police Subject: Summary of Recent Police Department Enforcement and Prevention Activity Regarding Gangs and Gra�ti Gangs In December 2005, the Police Department increased the size of the Gang Unit (SEU) to 20 officers and three supervisors. This additional staffing allows for gang patrols nearly twenty hours per day, seven days a week. Since the beginning of this year, SEU has seized 31 firearms, made over 200 felony arrests, conducted over 700 probation searches, and served four search warrants. Gang shootings and homicide numbers are down: 8 gang shootings and one homicide since January 1, 2006. The Police Department recently conducted an undercover narcotics buy program that resulted in 29 arrests - all documented gang members. The department continues to pursue grant funding that focuses on gangs and has finro grant applications pending: A$60,000 federal Department of Justice grant for overtime, firearms analysis/ballistics, and informant fees, and a$200,000 Bureau of Justice Assistance grant for gang resistance education and training for fourth through seventh grade students. We continue to partner with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to address the gang problem. Graffifi In February, the department added a mid-year position to our complement and placed that position into the GHOST (Graffiti Habitual Offender Suppression Team) Unit. The two police officers now assigned investigate all graffiti cases, whether the incidents are reported to the Police Department or to Public Works via 32-ERASE. In January and February of this year there were nearly 2,000 referrals made for gra�ti removal. In April, the City Council is approving the addition of a Community Relations Specialist to the Police Department's complement to spec�cally address graffiti prevention and education. This new position will have responsibility for educating businesses regarding the laws that address the purchase of materials typically used for graffiti by juveniles. The Community Relations Specialist will also Page 1 work on public information campaigns to keep public awareness of graffiti removal and abatement high. In March, the Police Department and the Kern High School District co-hosted a multi agency gra�ti committee that had representatives from all local law enforcement, including Probation and the District Attomey's Office. These agency decision makers committed to work together and exchange information to address this community wide plague. At this first meeting, the District Attorney Representative agreed to re-evaluate an egregious graffiti complaint request that had previously not been filed. This case has subsequently been filed with the court and the defendant now faces a gang enhancement charge (as a result of being in a graffiti tagging crew) and upon release from custody will be required to register as a gang member. This multi-agency committee will continue to meet on a bi-monthly basis to facilitate the exchange of information. Page 2 n �J B A I� E I� S F I E L D CALIFORNIA April 27, 2006 Senator Arlen Specter 711 Hart Senate Office Building Washington D.C. 20510 Re: Senate Bill 155 (Feinstein) Dear Senator Specter: Due to an increase in gang violence in our community, the Bakersfield City Council recently formed the Safe Neighborhood and Community Relations Committee. We are the citizens that comprise the advisory sub-committee which focuses on the reduction of gang violence in the community. The purpose of this letter is to urge your support for Senate Bill 155 (Feinstein). This legislation will provide much needed tools for law enforcement to crack down on the proliferation of gang activity within our community. Please take the necessary steps to get S.B. 155 before our legislators your consideration. Yours very truly, cc: Senator Diane Feinstein Thank you for To be s ig n ed at the com m ittee m eeti ng City of Bakersfield 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield • California • 93301 (661) 326-3751 • Fax (661) 324-1850 ,. � _ .,i�nb�,. _ ,, March 27, 2006 C��� �af ��r�f�� C�tt�.tfnrmtt . ,. : . LI ,.. =, .•� =, The Honorable Arien Specter, Chairman Senate Judiciary Committee 711 Hart Building Washington, DC 20510 Re: SB 155 — Gang Prevention and Effective Deterrence Act of 2005 Dear Senator Specter: As Mayor of Bakersfield, I wish to lend my support to SB 155. 1990 Gang violence is a huge problem all over the United States, and Bakersfield is no exception. When one city starts to clamp down on the gang element, the members just move to another city and start over. Our Bakersfield Police Department has had to increase its Gang Enforcement Unit due to this unsavory element in our community. People should not have to worry about getting shot while sitting on their front porches, enjoying a day at a local park, or shopping at a mall. We work hard toward improving the quality of life for our citizens; it's a shame to have it deteriorate due to this criminal element that doesn't value the lives of others. We need to be able to get these criminals off the streets quickly and effectively. I believe that increasing penalties and making it easier to prosecute gang members, including juveniles, would be a great deterrent. �� Harv�� Mayor ly L. Hall HLH/ndw rs, 1501 Truxtun Avenue • Bakersfield, Califomia 93301 •(661) 326-3770 • Fax (661) 326-3779 E-mail address: mayor@BakersfieldCity.us ��1 _� . CITY COLTNCII., Han�ev L. Hall 1layor �'Iikc �Iaggard Y7ce-,bfa,y�or Ii"ard 3 Irma Carson liard 1 Susan �I. Benham {iirrd 2 Da� id Couch li•'ard •F I-iarold�V. Hanson {i"ard .i Jacquie Sulli��an «'ard 6 Zack Scrivner li'ard 7 B A K E R S F March 24, 2006 � I E L D C A L I F O R N I A Senator Arlen Specter 711 Hart Senate Office Building Washington D.C. 20510 Re: Senate Bill 155 (Feinstein) Dear Senator Specter: Due to an increase in gang violence in our community, the Bakersfield City Council recently formed the Safe Neighborhood and Community Relafions Committee. Our Committee meets monthly and has support and interaction from muitiple agencies throughout our City and the County of Kern. Eariier this year, our City Councii passed Resolution No. 051-06 in support of Senate Bill 155 (Feinstein) and our Committee now urges your support, as the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to place S.B. 155 on the agenda of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This legislation will provide much needed tools for law enforcement to crack down on the proliferation of gang activi:y within our community. Please take the necessary steps to get S.B. 155 befor2 our legislators. Thank you for your consideration. Yours very truly, � IRMA CARSON Counciimember, Ward 1 cc: Senator Diane Feinstein S:`�COi,�`�C;L'�.Letters`.05-06`�.arlen Spec:er.doc I �Ol Truxtun Avenue • Bukerstield, Calitornia 93301 •(661) 3?6- �,6 i• F�ix (661) �?i-37�30 � C ITY OF BAKERSFlELD CALIFORNIA POLICE DEPARTMENT _,.R. RECTOR Chiet of Police March 24, 2006 Arlen Specter 711 Hart Senate Office Building Washington D.C. 20510 Re: Senate Bill 155 (Feinstein) Dear Senator Specter: (661) 326-380� FAX (661) 852-2158 The City of Bakersfield urges your support for S.B 155 (Feinstein). it is our understanding that this Bill needs to be placed on the agenda for the Senate Judiciary Committee in order to be considered. This legisfation wiil provide much needed too{s for law enforcement to crack down on the proliferation of gang activit within our community. Y As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, please take the necessary steps to get S.B. 155 before our legislators. Thank you for your consideration. Yo s very truly, �� � ILLIAM RECTOR ` Bakersfield Chief of Police cc: Senator Diane Feinstein S:�.COUNCIL\Letters\05-GE'A:!�� Specter.doc 1601 Tr7- UXTUN AVENUE • P.O. BOX 59 • 6�KERSFIELD, CA 93302 • wwvv.BakersfieldPD.us COUNTY PROBA'TION DEPARTMENT R. Roberts Probation Officer Arlen Specter 711 Hart Senate Office Building Washington D.C. 20510 March 24, 2006 Re: Senate Bill 155 (Feinstein) Dear Senator Specter: The City of Bakersfield urges your support for S.B. 155 (Feinstein). It is our understanding that this Bill needs to be placed on the agenda for the Senate Judiciary Committee in order to be considered. This legislation will provide much needed tools for law enforcement to crack down on the proliferation of gang activity within our community. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, please take the necessary steps to get S.B. 1 �5 before our legislators. Thank you for your consideration. cc: Senator Diane Feinstein �ery truly � k� Z. ROBERTS Chief Probation Officer TfY RELAY 1-8�0-735-Z9Z9 �r. :-. • o�a '_� . _ . � �I• • a �: _ _._ :��_ �I�I� :� F �T� P� .�. . IIII: • • BAKERSFIELD OFFICE 1115 TRUXTUN AVENUE, ROOM 505 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 PHONE (661) 868-3690 FAX (661) 868-3645 d i s V i ct5 @co. kem.ca. us To: FROM: SUBJECI': DATE: MICHAEL J. RUBIO SUPERVISOR - Fl�rx DIS�uCr LAMONT/ARVIN OFFICE 12014 MAIN STREET LAMONT, CA PHONE (661) 868-5815 FAX (661) 845-6357 www.co.kern.ca.usJbos/dist5 KERN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS; RON ERREA, COUN1'Y ADMI1vISTRATTVE OFFICER; BERNARD G BA�F:MANN, SR, COUNl'Y COUNSEL; BAK FIELD QTY COUNQL; HARVEY HALL, MAYOR OF BAKERSFIELD; ALAN TANDY, Q AGER NIICHAEL J. RUBIO, SUPERVISOR, FIFTH DISTRI JOIN'I' STANDING COMMITTEE ON GANG VIOLENC� APRIL 27, 2006 I respectfiilly request that the Kern County Board of Supervisors and the Bake�sfield City Council create a Joint Standing Committee on Gang Violence. Modeled after the defunct Intergovernmental Committee, this collaborative effort would gain new insights and comprehensive plans of actions to continue attac�ng the cutrent gang problem in Kern Counry. Beguuung with Universityof Ciucago professor emeritus and gang expert Dr. Irving A. Spergel's groundbreal�ng work on developing community-wide gang program models, we must focus on wor�ng in three particular areas: prevention, intervention and suppression. The gang violence problem in Kern County has reached epidemic levels and it is long overdue for the Board and City Council to come together on this important public safetyissue, instead of worlflng separatelyand oftentimes in disjointed fashion in fighting this war on gangs. In order to regain control of our community and continue producing a safe and thriving envirorunent for our children, I therefore propose that we constitute a Joint Standing Committee on Gang Violence in lieu of any efforts that the Countyand Cityalreadyhave in place. We must have a centxalized bodywhere the entire community at-large can voice their concerns and then together form a comprehensive plan of attack against tivs "cancer" that plagu�es metropolitan Bakes�field and Kern Countyat-large. We lmowthat suppression of gang activityis currentlyalreadyongoing withinthe Kem CountySheriff's Departm�ent, Kern CountyProbation Department, Bakersfield Police Depaitinent, and the California Department of Corrections Parole Division. In establishing this Joint Standing Comiriittee, I believe that inforn�ation will be more easilyshared among and between these bodies to make certain that gang suppression efforts are not being duplicated As I have noted before, these efforts should all be working in tandem, without replicating work across agencies. Equally important, we must work with faith based groups, schools, businesses and communityorganizations to be successful on the prevention and intervention front. I look foiward to working with all interested parties, particularly within the City of Bakersfield, to facilitate the creation of this joint body. I optimisticallyhope that bythe next meeting of the Joint Caty/CountyMeeting in September, we will have already begun to establish the action plan to end the violence ui Kern County. B A K Senator Arlen Specter 711 Hart Senate Office Building Washington D.C. 20510 � � R S F I E C�3_��r�� : ► _ April 27, 2006 Re: Senate Bill 155 (Feinstein) Dear Senator Specter: L D Due to an increase in gang violence in our community, the Bakersfield City Council recently formed the Safe Neighborhood and Community Relations Committee. We are the citizens that comprise the advisory sub-committee which focuses on the reduction of gang violence in the community. The purpose of this letter is to urge your support for Senate Bill 155 (Feinstein). This legislation will provide much needed tools for law enforcement to crack down on the proliferation of gang activity within our community. Please take the necessary steps to get S.B. 155 before our Iegislators. Thank you for your consideration. / ,,. d����i . . - ./. Yours very truly, � Bob Malouf cc: Senator Dianne Feinstein City of Bakersfield 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield • California • 93301 (661) 326-3751 • Fax (661) 324-1850 /� � .�;�„ ��-. . .. -. . ....