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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/15/2011Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report December 15, 2011 Page 2 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS Will Chandler spoke about the problems that are occurring at a relative’s home, that include regular burglaries when the residents are out of town. It is believed that the perpetrators congregate at the Food Maxx across the street and watch for the ti me when the house is empty. Neighbors will run them off and call the Police, who, they claim, are slow to respond. He requested increased Police presence. Assistant Police Chief Martin said that the department would not only provide additional patrols, but also educate the homeowners and neighbors on other methods to help deter the crimes. Crime Prevention staff will be involved. Stephanie Campbell remarked that the parking lot of the store is very dark. Assistant Chief Martin said that when the store was initially constructed, there was concern that lights in the parking lot might light up the neighborhood, also. City Attorney Gennaro suggested contacting Planning staff to revisit the issue, as efficient lighting improvements have been made. 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS A. Update regarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement Assistant Chief Martin reported that between August and December of 2008, there were 26 gang shootings, and 60 for the entire year. For the same time frame in 2011, there have been 17, with a total of 33 for the year to date. Lieutenant Mullins reported that the Eastside Crips gang was not following the recommendations provided to them during the Safe Streets call-in program, and continued to engage in gun violence. As a result, the FBI Violent Crime Task Force coordinated a sting operation that resulted in 39 arrests. There are still 6 individuals who are wanted on warrants. These individuals are sentenced to federal penitentiaries for a period of 5 to 25 years. The Task Force includes an officer from the Bakersfield Police Department, and they specifically address the issue of gang enforcement and reducing violent gang crime in the streets. Federal resources are used to pay for informants, illegal drugs to be used in the operation, and later, for informant relocation. Lieutenant Mullins also reported that the Western Knights Motel in the 500 block of Union Avenue, is now closed and undergoing renovation. The illegal activities at this facility had generated more than three times the number of calls for service, and more than six times the level of violent crimes, of all of the motels in that area. The City Attorney’s and District Attorney’s offices were both instrumental in pressuring the owner, who had been actively involved in the illegal activities, to sell the property. That owner is out of business because he would not listen to the community’s message and abide by the program. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report December 15, 2011 Page 3 Committee Chair Salas asked how the Violent Task Force is funded. Lieutenant Mullins said that the program is fully funded by the federal government. The Bakersfield Police Department contributes officers, local knowledge and street experience only. The officers who are assigned must first have completed a cycle with the gang unit. Stephanie Campbell said that the community greatly appreciates the efforts. Lieutenant Mullins told the Committee that there is a call-in tonight at 4:00 p.m. at 1800 Height Street, and another one at Martin Luther King, Jr. facility at 7:00 p.m. He gave an overview of the process, and said that there are a lot of success stories that have resulted from the program. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Update regarding the November 17, 2011 Community Forum Lieutenant Mullins reported that the community forum program was initially established approximately five years ago. It had been dormant due to the recent fiscal difficulties. The forum on November 17, 2011 was coordinated with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools and held in their facility. Forty community members attended, who were able to hear officers speak about their job duties, participate in a question and answer dialog with them, and take part in some scenarios. The goal for 2012 is to stage a community forum every quarter at different locations within the city. B. Discussion regarding 2012 Committee Schedule Assistant to the City Manager Teglia stated that the draft calendar is consistent with past calendars for the Committee, with all meetings, except one, being on the third Thursday of the month at noon at City Hall North. He opened the topic for discussion. Committee member Johnson asked about the joint meetings with the County. He recalled a suggestion being made that that body would meet in January to update the plan. Mr. Teglia indicated that while January had been suggested initially, the date had not been solidified. Staff is working with the County to update the plan to be ready by February. If this Committee approves the proposed dates with the County, the County would then be contacted for their input. The Committee approved the 2012 Committee Schedule, pending approval by the County of the Joint meeting dates. At the request of Committee member Sullivan, Assistant Chief Martin provided the history of Peace Officers Memorial Week. While it is a national event of remembrance and respect, a local memorial will take place on the third Thursday in May. This is the reasoning behind the date for the Joint meeting being scheduled on the fourth Thursday of that month, instead of the third Thursday, as all of the other meetings are. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report December 15, 2011 Page 4 Committee Chair Salas asked about the citizen forums. Mr. Teglia said that they will be scheduled separately from the Committee meetings and will probably be held during the noon hour. No definite plan is in place. Committee member Johnson asked to be notified when a community forum would be held in Ward 7, so that he can inform the school district superintendent. Mr. Teglia indicated that the success of the last forum was due to several factors. Committee Chair Salas informed his constituents; the City Manager’s office notified everyone on the contact list they have; and the Police Department notified neighborhood watch block captains, and gave a report on local news and radio channels. RSVP’s were required. 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee member Johnson said that he heard a presentation by the President of the DBA regarding the crackdown on medical marijuana dispensaries and grows throughout the community. He is appreciative of the work that is being done and the role the City’s police officers play. He asked that staff provide a progress report or memorandum to Council. Committee member Sullivan asked about the efforts to combat distribution of synthetic drugs. Assistant Chief Martin said that legislation has been passed that now designates some of those drugs as illegal. Committee Chair Salas asked about the status of the Coplink software. Assistant Chief Martin said that the item will be brought to Council for action in January. Assistant to the City Manager Teglia said that an update would be provided to the Committee. Committee member Sullivan reported about a local nonprofit organization that advertises illegal activities, such as prostitution, on the internet. Lieutenant Mullins said that the Vice Unit investigates such advertisements as part of their duties. Committee Chair Salas lauded the Police Department and City Attorney’s office for their efforts in reducing the gang violence. Stephanie Campbell reported that staff at Ebony Counseling Center addresses gang and violence prevention, including a cooperative effort with middle schools to provide a curriculum-based conflict resolution program. She also informed the Committee that on Saturday, December 17, 2011, Stay Focused Ministries is holding a toy give-way, and they are in need of volunteers. The event will be held at 2300 East Brundage Lane. 7. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 12:50 p.m.