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DEVONSHIRE AREA
COMMUNITY POLICE ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting Minutes
By Senior Lead Officer Kathy Bennett #27437
September 16, 2009
CPAB Attendees
Captain Kane John Manning Greg Baker Lt. Tom Zak Shirley Ellis Ira Kaplan Donna Smith Larry Stearn Lorraine New Helen Davis Erica De Smith Rod De Smith
Beverly Adler Tom Williams Yolanda Petroski Jim Dellinger Carol Jenson Jerry Volkenant Mary Ann Conron Frejeanne Scott Howard Jenson Laura Kelly Tony Pasano Officer Kathy Bennett
Tom Williams Ron Howell
Absentees
Erik Ingelbrigtsen Debbie Moorman
Guests
Caroline Lammers - Department of Recreation and Parks
Juan Soto - Department of Recreation and Parks
Captain Sean Kane called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Larry Stearn made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous CPAB meeting. John Manning seconded and the minutes were approved by unanimous vote.
Larry Stearn advised there were some scheduling conflicts in regards to the next CPAB meeting. Because Devonshire Area is the only Geographical Area in the City that is allowed to hold bi-monthly CPAB meetings, he recommended the meeting be rescheduled rather than cancelled. The date for the next CPAB meeting was scheduled for November 4, 2009. Lorraine New advised the new Youth Center would be open by the next meeting and suggested the meeting be held there.
Captain Kane advised one of the events happening in November was the Devonshire Area Inspection, which is occurring on November 19th. He also indicated there was a possibility the inspection could be cancelled due to the transition of a new Chief of Police. However, along with the inspection, a Recognition Day for Devonshire’s Civilian Personnel and volunteers has been planned. The Recognition Day plans will go forward regardless of the Divisional Inspection.
Erica DeSmith suggested that in remembrance of CPAB member Rick Wiener a Certificate of Appreciation be purchased and presented to Rick’s wife, Monique. Larry Stearn advised money would be collected at the end of the meeting for those wishing to participate.
Mary Ann Conron previewed a Powerpoint presentation she’d recently created highlighting the Mission Statement, goals and services of the CPAB. The presentation was well received and Captain Kane suggested the presentation be shown at the up-coming Devonshire Open House and at the next Semi-Annual District Meeting.
Lieutenant Tom Zak, Officer-In-Charge, Devonshire Area Gang Impact Team, provided a presentation giving an overview of the gangs in Devonshire Area. He advised Devonshire currently has 13 gang officers. There are five active gangs in Devonshire Area and 1534 identified gang members in Devonshire’s 51 square miles. Zak stated the current problem we’re having is they are actively recruiting new members. He stated the goal is to provide help and alternatives to get out of gang lifestyle.
Captain Kane noted Newton Area of having approximately 6700 gang members within 10 square miles. Newton gang boundaries overlapped which lead to increased tension within the gangs. Zak also advised there had been an undercover drug “buy bust” operation today, but due to increased community involvement, the overt drug activity has greatly reduced.
Captain Kane gave an update on the search for a new police chief, as Chief Bratton’s last day will be October 31, 2009. Kane advised the search is nationwide and all of the current Deputy Chiefs in LAPD have applied for the position. Kane advised how the process worked, with Personnel Division selecting six candidates to be forwarded to the Police Commission, and then the Police Commission selecting three candidates to present to the Mayor. The Mayor makes the final selection.
Captain Kane also discussed the budget situation and advised the Department’s civilian staff has all ready taken 10%-15% pay cut through furlough days. It is anticipated pay cuts in some form will spread to all employees.
Captain Kane provided an overview of the memorial services in remembrance of the Metrolink Train accident. He advised one of the main themes in both services was high praise for the first responders.
Jim Dellinger, Council District 12, gave appreciation to the loud party enforcement that has been provided over the summer. He said complaints to his office about loud parties have been greatly reduced.
Tony Pasano inquired about the removal of the billboard advertising trailers. Jim Dellinger advised of the legalities which make it difficult to remove the trailers. Greg Baker also advised the owner of a local alarm company has a current lawsuit against the City, claiming many advertising trailers have been illegally impounded.
Ron Howell brought up a location in his neighborhood where a house had been inhabited by squatters who were destroying the house. The squatters advised they had permission from the owners to be there. However, Howell stated the owner is deceased. Larry Stearn recommended that Howell try to find a realtor in the neighborhood who could check on ownership of the residence to notify the owner about the squatters. Officer Bennett advised if the windows and doors were broken at the house, he should contact the Department of Building and Safety (DBS). They will research who the owner is and contact the owner of the property and advise them to get the property up to code. If the owners don’t comply, the DBS will secure and fence the property and bill the property owner.
Carol Jensen inquired if any further headway had been made in providing CPAB members a tour of the Criminalistic Laboratories at the California State University – Los Angeles campus. Erica DeSmith advised Officer Lori Lee, Community Policing Unit, was the contact person for that event.
Laura Kelly inquired about outreach efforts to the schools regarding student traffic safety. Captain Kane advised the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Police have jurisdiction of the schools. Donna Smith offered to make inquiries to LAUSD as she is involved in a task force in the schools.
Tony Pasano discussed the CPAB Reagan Library Tour. He stated he is a docent at the Library and would try to arrange for a private tour. A quick poll was done and it appeared there would be approximately 15–20 persons attending. It was also decided the best day for the tour would be on a Sunday. A tentative date of October 18th was chosen. Pasano reminded members there would be an admission charge of $12.00 for those 18-61 years of age and $9.00 for those 62 years and older. Pasano advised he will personally conduct the extended tour. The coordinators for the tour are Tony Pasano and Erica DeSmith.
Lorraine New announced the PALS Youth Center would be opening on Sunday, October 25, 2009, and the PALS Monte Carlo night will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009.
Captain Kane reminded SOLID Pasta Dinner will be on Friday, October 16, 2009, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
Yolanda Petroski advised the Women’s Club was having a Meet the Author event.
Larry Stearn made a motion to adjourn the meeting. John Manning seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.
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