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1988 09 26 CSC Minutes e e , . ~ COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26, 1988 Regular meeting of the Community Services Commission was called to order at the hour of 7:00 P.M. by Chairman Rothschild at the Community Services Center, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Commissioners Beck, Jaffy, Ladner, Mendoza, Molina, Pina (7:15 P.M.), Chairman Rothschild ABSENT: None COMMISSION REORGANIZATION The Chairman declared nominations open for Chairman. Mrs. Mendoza nominated Mr. Rothschild. Mr. Beck nominated Mrs. Mendoza who declined the nomination advising that she has School Board meeting on the same nights as Council Meeting. There being no further nominations, they were closed. MOTION - It was moved by Mrs. Mendoza, that Mr. Rothschild be re-elected unanimously. seconded Chairman. by Mrs. Jaffy Motion carried The Chairman declared nominations open for Vice Chairman. Mrs. Jaffy nominated Mrs. Mendoza. There being no further nominations, they were closed. MOTION - It was moved by Mrs. Jaffy, seconded by Mr. Beck that Mrs. Mendoza be elected Vice Chairman. Motion carried unanimously. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS a. Letter from City of Redlands regarding Second Annual Inland Empire Park and Recreation Commission and Board Member Workshop. Noted. PUBLIC COMMENT - None COMMUNITY SERVICES~ COMMISSION MINUTES Page 2 ~tember 26, 1988 OLD BUSINESS A. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Human Services Committee Discussion Regarding Community Anti-Drug Program. The Reverend Stuart Wood, Pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Indio reported on a seminar held earlier this year on a community intervention program. He then proceeded to highlight the book that the program is patterned from "Alliance for Change". He commented that no one strategy or agency can solve the drug problem - neither the schools nor the police alone can make a difference. Drugs and alcohol use is a fact of adolescent life in this country. He stressed that it is going to take a unified effort on the part of all citizens to solve this problem. Lt. Ron Dye, agreed that neither schools nor law enforcement can solve the problem alone - it's going to take 100% involvement. He did a stats survey and there were only 36 reported drug incidents the first six months of the year in La Quinta. That doesn't mean there were only 36 drug transactions that took place, the Patrol Officer isn't going to be able to apprehend all of them. Of the 36, 33 resulted in arrests. They shut down a methamphetamine lab in La Quinta Friday that was producing a pound of meth a day - it took them two years to find out about it. He felt that parents are lacking the skills to deal with adolescent problems today and are looking towards the churches, schools and law enforcement. Education begins at home and parents need to lead by example. He believed that Desert Sands' "Project CEASE" is an example for other schools to look at. Project CEASE drew a line last year announcing to all students and parents that they're not tolerating drugs of any type or quantity at school. Deputies no longer have any discretion they have been instructed to file a complaint no matter how small or large their possession is. Last year they made 185 arrests at Desert Sands Schools. CEASE is attacking the problem, but it isn't going to solve it it's going to take a complete unified effort. Before a kid can go back to school after being apprehended for drugs, he must go to an intervention program. The problem with the program is that parents don't believe there is a problem. Lt. Dye then passed out some hand-outs, one of which indicated signs of drub abuse; things to do to avoid the problem or help solve it; and drug/alcohol counseling services and community resources available in the area. COMMUNITY SERVICES~ COMMISSION MINUTES Page 3 ~tember 26, 1988 TED HARTNETT, Counselor at Palm Desert High School, advised that as a result of the Desert Sands' anti-drug programs, they are in a better position than a lot of schools, but not nearly good enough. When their program was enacted a few years ago, the District gave a firm commitment that it wouldn't be a "flash in the pan", but would be an on-going program, which it has. At Palm Desert High School, during any given week, they have nine different groups meeting: the CAN program; INSIGHT, which is a group where students can refer their friends or themselves to attend to give them a chance to look at their use - then they get together with their parents. Additionally, they have Narcotics Anonymous which is a group that comes on campus they'll have 35 - 40 kids attending that program. The absolute best program in existence, Alcoholic and Narcotics Anonymous exists in La Quinta. They also have Alateen Meetings. Also, there are two supports groups for kids who are trying to stay clean and sober and who have other emotional issues. Last year, a program was started, called Project Concern where the parents of kids who want to be involved in any activities, must attend two meetings each year and the kids and parents sign a contract stating that they will not use any drugs or alcohol during the school year. He concluded in saying that 90% of his users started in the 6, 7 & 8 grades. Mrs. Mendoza noted that the intermediate schools have initiated a program "Here's Looking at You in 2,000". She agreed that parents must become aware and participate in solving the problem. MILT JONES, Principal of La Quinta Middle School commented on the need of building the kids self-esteem and to get the parents involved. Each Commissioner expressed his/her belief that the schools and law enforcement are doing all they can and that there is a need for networking the general citizenry throughout the Valley. They concurred that La Quinta is unique in that when they see a problem, they deal with it and solve it. Therefore, they believed that this Commission could take up the challenge of providing a network among its citizens. In response to Mr. Beck, Mr. Hartnett advised that when a kid is caught using drugs or in possession, they are automatically suspended for 5 days. Lt. Dye advised that they used to have a community service program that the kids went into for those 5 days; however, because of budget cuts, that program had to be eliminated. . COMMUNITY SERVICE~ COMMISSION MINUTES Page 4 ~tember 26, 1988 " , Mrs. Mendoza felt that this Commission might look at that suspension requirement and find a way to deal with these kids while they're on suspension. Mr. Beck stated that he would like for La Quinta to take a stand stating that we intend to be a "drug free city". Mrs. Mendoza suggested a brain-storming session with people in the community, organizations, law enforcement, etc. Mrs. Mendoza agreed to chair such a task force. b. Report on Red Ribbon Week. Mr. Beck advised that tentatively planned is a "human billboard" at the school made up of all 1400 students that spells out "L Q Says No to Drugs". They also hope to send out a contract to all parents stating that they have a "drug free home". 2. Parks and Recreation Committee Mrs. Ladner reported that Indian Springs Golf Course is currently in escrow. She stated that she would find out who is purchasing it when the escrow closes. In response to Council did ask skateboarding. been determined Mr. Beck, Mrs. Juhola advised that staff to investigate possible areas The street that was identified has to not be feasible. the for now Mrs. Juhola advised the Commission that Council Member Pena has asked that the Commission consider sponsoring a "soap box derby" in the Spring around Easter. 3. Culture and Fine Arts. Mrs. Mendoza advised that because of the time constraints she already sent in an application to the county nominating Fred Rice as "Riverside County Historian" adding that she did get approval from the City Council. Mrs. Jaffy commended Mr. Beck and Mrs. Mendoza for following through with this. l COMMUNITY SERVIC~ COMMISSION MINUTES Page 5 ~ePtember 26, 1988 , B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 25, 1988. MOTION - It was moved by Ms. that the minutes of July Motion carried unanimously. Jaffy, seconded by Mr. Pena 25th be approved as submitted. At 8:40 P.M., it was moved by Jaffy that this meeting unanimously. Mrs. Mendoza, seconded by Mrs. be adjourned. Motion carried Administrative Services Director California