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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/25/06� B A K E R S F I E L D AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT ) � Staff: Alan Christensen, Assistant City Manager Councilmember, Irma Carson - Chair Councilmember, Mike Maggard Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan REGULAR MEETING SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS and COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE and Community Advisory Committee of the City of Bakersfield Thursday, May 25, 2006 11:30 a.m. City Manager's Conference Room The meeting was called to order at 11:45 a.m. 1. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmember, Irma Carson - Chair Councilmember, Mike Maggard Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan Advisory member present: Stephanie Campbell, Cornerstone Group ADOPTION OF THE APRIL 27, 2006 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Adopted as submitted. 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS Karen Shah spoke at the end of the meeting. She is a member of M.A.S.K. (Mothers Against Senseless Killings) and the mother of Perry Robinson, who was kilied by a gang member. She stated that she was encouraged to read in the local newspaper that five of the alleged suspects in his killing had been arrested. The names of these individuals had been provided by the community. She has spoken with people in Los Angeles who had neighbors who were gang members that had somehow been persuaded by either their police department or the community to leave the area. However, they are moving to Bakersfield. She asked that whatever strategy may be implemented in Bakersfield include whatever Los Angeles developed to persuade them to leave Bakersfield, also. She reported that M.A.S.K. is working with schools and making contact with youth in general in an attempt to deter them from getting involved in gangs. She suggested creating a website similar to the one that profiles sex offenders that would show pictures of known gang members. This would allow the community to recognize them on sight. Mickey Sturdivant, also of M.A.S.K., informed the Committee that the group has some prevention and intervention programs that will be implemented this summer, and that there is a candlelight vigil on May 2g`n Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee May 25, 2006 Agenda Summary Report Page 2 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS a. Update regarding gang and graffiti enforcement and use of video cameras (Police Chief Rector) Committee Chair Carson noted that The Park at River Walk has cameras, but there are none installed in high crime neighborhoods. Police Chief Rector reported that the use of video cameras is being researched by cities nationwide. Putting together crime analyses with street officer information and quality equipment will make the most significant impact. The plan is to install cameras in strategic locations where there are continued problems with gangs or graffiti. The Police Department has been testing different systems, and has found one that looks promising. It is a wireless system, with a cost of $50,000 -$60,000, that produces quality pictures. Because it is wireless, it would be portable and easily hidden. A grant application was recently sent to Congressman Thomas' office, which would help with funding. Committee member Sullivan asked about the use of decoy cameras. Police Chief Rector reported that, according to studies by the Department of Justice, decoy cameras are very effective as a deterrent. Graffiti: To date, over 55 arrests have been made by the GHOST unit. More arrests have been made by officers not part of this team. Staff has met with the Kern High School District officials to coordinate efforts, which will include the use of software that will enable better communication between each entity. Temporarily, two additional detectives have been assigned to this program. Ganqs: To date, the gang unit has made 836 arrests, seized 56 guns, and conducted 1,224 probation/parole searches. As of this date in 2005, there were 36 shootings. To date in 2006, there have been 15. The main reason for the improvement is that the community has become more aware of the problems and is providing more information. b. Continued discussion regarding the feasibility of establishing an ordinance to authorize seizures of drug/gang houses (State of California Health and Safety Code Section 11469) (City Attorney Gennaro) City Attorney Gennaro informed the Committee that all four new associate attorneys have now been hired, one of whom is assigned to Code Enforcement and another who is assigned to issues related to Health and Safety Code Section 11570. More information will be provided in upcoming meetings. Ms. Gennaro will invite the District Attorney to the next meeting for a report on how they prosecute these crimes. The City Attorney's office is currently revising the Municipal Code to strengthen Code Enforcement ordinances. First reading will be given at the June 7, 2006 Council meeting. Police Chief Rector said that, for a period of time, the Police Department had a staff person who specifically addressed abatement of drug houses. That assignment will be reinstated, coordinating with the Community Prosecutor who is assigned to that issue. c. �'.l Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee May 25, 2006 Agenda Summary Report Page 3 Committee member Maggard asked about school zones, the ability to search, and enhanced levels of prosecution and consequences when people are convicted for drug offenses in these zones. Mr. Maggard further asked if ordinances could be adopted that would expand and enhance the ability of the Police and Sheriff's Departments in this regard. City Attorney Gennaro responded that State law sets the fines for crimes around hospitals and schools. State law pre-empts cities when it comes to criminal enforcement and the determination of sanctions and fines. She will provide a report at the next meeting. Reports from subcommittees Advisory member Campbell reported that the job creation subcommittee continues to put together a plan. There have been discussions with the Police Activities League regarding advertising of all that the center has to offer. Chief Rector will provide her with the relevant information. She encouraged the Committee to distribute it, also. Discussion regarding amending the Committee calendar The regular meetings were rescheduled to the third Thursday of each month. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion regarding security at Rockin' Rodeo (Police Chief Rector) Mr. Noriega, attorney for the owners of Rockin' Rodeo, spoke in support of the owner and his efforts to maintain safety at the facility. He listed the various steps taken by the owner in this regard. Sgt. Grundeis stated that the Police Department had been in the process of renewing the cabaret license for the facility and came to the meeting in case additional conditions for the license were recommended. He stated that the owner was open to any new conditions. Ms. Bjorn, attorney for the owners of the shopping center, numerous problems at the facility, the owners are terminating While they do understand that this will not eliminate the gang believe it will eliminate it at this location. stated that, due to the he Rockin' Rodeo lease. problem in general, they Committee Chair Carson stated that the issue regarding the lease termination is between the attorneys, and not decided by City staff. Advisory member Campbell disagreed with the closing of the facility. In her opinion, this action would eliminate a recreational opportunity for young people. She believes it means that the gangs are holding everyone hostage with their behavior. Committee member Maggard stated that he understood that there were numerous calls for service at the facility. He is encouraged that the community is coming forward with Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee May 25, 2006 Agenda Summary Report Page 4 information and that the landlord is taking this responsibility seriously to provide a safe environment for the community. Committee Chair Carson also does not want gangs to hold citizens hostage, and called for an improvement in the type of entertainment allowed in the City. Facilities in the downtown area, also, have closed due to gang violence. The key is to change the behavior. 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Chair Carson encouraged everyone to become more aware of strategies across the nation. She distributed information regarding a webcast on Tuesday sponsored by the Department of Justice. Committee Chair Carson noted that M.A.S.K. is doing a great job and encouraged their members to continue with their work. Police Chief Rector reported that research is being done on the application of GPS bracelets to gang members, and the sentencing enhancement if the device was removed. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m. Staff present: Assistant City Manager, Alan Christensen; City Attorney, Virginia Gennaro; Police Chief, William Rector; and Sgt. Glen Grundeis and Det. Steve London, Bakersfield Police Department. Others present: Mickey Sturdivant, Beatrice Sanders, Sidney Walker and Karen Shah, M.A.S.K.; Matthew Kundinger, Kern County Probation; Donna Berlin and Tom Dinnauer, Valley Plaza; Max Steinert and Randy Steinert, Olive Drive Partners; Teri Bjorn, Kronick, Moskovitz, et al — representing Olive Drive Partners; Jack McMurrow, Rockin' Rodeo; James E. Noriega, Attorney — representing Rockin' Rodeo; Karen Goh, Garden Pathways, Inc.; Jim Parks; Jeff Lemmucci, KBAK — 29; Mark Howell, KUZZ Radio; Emily Valdez, Channel 23; and Sandra Gonzalez, KGET — 17. cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council