Attendees: Captain James Miller, C-PAB members, Debbie Kleve’s, Rick Crivier, Gloria Gesas, Gail Pincus, David Rankell, Paul Samek, CRO Sergeant Marti Whittemore, SLO Jose Verdin, SLO George Aguilar, SLO Tony Cabunoc SLO Saul Paredes, SLO Justin Bergman, Field Deputy Laurie Davidson from Councilman Wendy Gruel’s Office and community guests Mark Vafiades and Debi Staron and C-PAB Liaison Officer Michael Perez

Introductions:
Captain Miller and Debbie Klevens (Co-Chair) welcomed those attending and introduced themselves. Everyone attending also went around the room and introduced themselves.

Captain Miller began the meeting by providing an update to C-PAB member Richard NuDyke’s condition. Richard NuDyke was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago and has been going through radiation treatment. It was good news that cancer cells were no longer visible on his liver, and it is very hopeful that the last cycle of Chemotherapy will be successful.

City Government Representatives Comments:
Laura Richardson announced the 2008 Community Clean-Up Day is set for Saturday, June 21, 2008, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The meeting location for the event will be at St. Elizabeth Church located at 6635 Tobias Avenue, Van Nuys, California 91405. She stated that all members of the community are welcome and passed out fliers with additional information.

Old Business:
Debbie Klevens spoke about the 2008 C-PAB Summit held on Saturday, June 7, 2008, at ARTC. She said it was a great event and she had the chance to network with other C-PAB members. The terrorism lecture given by Chief Downing was informative and interesting.

Committee Reports:
Debbie Klevens stated that next C-PAB meeting we will form a committee for the 2008
Van Nuys Police Appreciation Day.

Upcoming Events:

Captain Miller read the up-coming events per the agenda.

Debbie Klevens also announced that she is the Chairperson for the 2008 SFV Children’s Day to be held on November 22, 2008, at Balboa Park. Sponsored by the American Coalition of Gangs, this event is scheduled to have a petting zoo, carnival, silent auction, LAPD SWAT display, and special appearances by Elmo and Ronald McDonald. Debbie also announced that volunteers are needed for this event and any donations will be appreciated.

Captain Miller also announced that the Mid-Valley Community Police Council will be holding a Casino Night, July 12, 2008, to benefit the Van Nuys Police Station. Captain Miller stated MVCPC is the biggest supporter of the Van Nuys Area. They provide funding for equipment and training that the City does not provide, such as tactical flashlights for our shot guns, a 30K License Plate Reader, JIP Boot Camp uniforms for Officers and many other requests.

Presentation:
Officer Michael Perez presented the new cell phone laws that will apply to all California drivers beginning July 1, 2008. The law restricts any driver from using a hand held cell while driving. Drivers can use a hands free device such as a Blue Tooth while operating a vehicle. Minors may not use any electronic device while driving including a hands free device. Officer Perez provided an information pamphlet on the new laws and took questions from the group.

Crime Update:

Captain Miller asked Sergeant Whittemore to speak about the progress of Juvenile Impact Program (JIP) Boot Camp.

Sergeant Whittemore stated that they are in the final weeks of the JIP. Since the first days of the program she has seen a dramatic change in attitude. This is due to the constant attention given by the instructors who run the program. Last week six ex-convicts were invited to speak to the kids about their life on the street and in prison. They warned the kids that the gang life is not glorious like it is portrayed in the movies or in music videos. They warned them that it is a life of poverty and despair that many never recover from. It was an eye opening experience for the kids and they were required to write an essay about their feelings of the gang life style after hearing about it first-hand.

Sergeant Whittemore concluded by inviting all Van Nuys C-PAB members to the graduation on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at Van Nuys High School.

C-PAB member Rick Crivier asked if any follow-up will be conducted with the kids who graduate from this program.

Captain Miller stated that the second stage of the program is in partnership with LAUSD in a tutor mentoring program to bring them up to grade level. For those who are old enough some will be given entry level jobs in businesses in the Van Nuys Area.

Senior Lead Officer Updates:

SLO George Aguilar provided a flier on the law pertaining to fireworks. He reminded all that fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angles.

SLO Tony Cabunoc also stated that in the past years illegal vendors produce trucks, and ice cream trucks have been cited for selling fireworks.

C-PAB member David Rankell stated he has seen an increase of prostitution activity as far south as Ventura Boulevard along the Sepulveda Corridor.

Captain Miller stated that the Van Nuys Area has an “open complaint” on Vice activity along the Sepulveda Corridor. These prostitutes work a circuit. They will work an area for a short time then move on to a different area or even state making it difficult to identify the persons involved.

Next Meeting:

The next Van Nuys C-PAB meeting will be held July 10, 2008, at 6:30 p.m., in the Van Nuys Station Community Room.