HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - September 20, 2004 (3) ‘.
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INFORMATION
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ANN GRAF GAYNOR, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
VIA: JULIE A. GUTIERREZ, CITY MANAGER
DATE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2004
SUBJECT: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY APPROPRIATE USE POLICY
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that City council review the Information Technology
Appropriate Use Policy.
BACKGROUND
All types and applications of technology are in use throughout the City,
computers, phones, PDA's, e-mail, Internet etc. The purpose of this Policy is to
ensure an information technology infrastructure that promotes the basic
missions of the City; this Policy aims to promote the following goals: To ensure
the integrity, reliability, availability, and superior performance of IT Systems; to
ensure that IT Systems are used for their intended purposes.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the 2004-2005 budget a result of this policy.
47° '(
CITY OF AZUSA
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY APPROPRIATE USE POLICY
Scope
•1
This Policy applies to all Users of IT Systems, including but not limited to employees, council,
elected officials, consultants, volunteers and interns. It applies to the use of all IT Systems. These
include systems, networks, and facilities administered by the Information Technology
Department.
Policy Statement
•A
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure an information technology infrastructure that promotes the
basic missions of the City. This Policy aims to promote the following goals:
• To ensure the integrity, reliability, availability, and superior performance of IT Systems;
• To ensure that IT Systems are used for their intended purposes;
Reason for the Policy
AA
Information Technology("IT"), the vast and growing array of computing and electronic data
communications facilities and services, is used daily to create, access, examine, store, and
distribute material in multiple media and formats. Information Technology plays an integral part in
the City's daily functions. Users of the City's IT resources have a responsibility not to abuse those
resources. This City of Azusa IT Appropriate Use Policy(the "Policy" or"AUP") provides
guidelines for the appropriate use of the City's IT resources as well as for the employees' access
to information about and oversight of these resources.
Most IT use parallels familiar activity in other media and formats, making existing City policies
important in determining what use is appropriate. Using electronic mail ("e-mail") instead of
standard written correspondence, for example, does not fundamentally alter the nature of the
communication, nor does it alter the guiding policies. City policies that already govern freedom of
expression and related matters in the context of standard written expression govern electronic
expression as well. This Policy addresses circumstances that are particular to the IT arena and is
intended to augment but not to supersede other relevant City policies, resolutions, federal, state
or local law.
Page 1
For statements of other applicable City policies, resolutions, or local laws, consult the Personnel
Manual, Records Retention Schedule as well the Municipal code.
Definitions
AA
IT Systems: These are the computers, terminals, printers, networks, modem banks, online and
offline storage media and related equipment, software, and data files that are owned, managed,
or maintained by the City of Azusa. For example, IT Systems include departmental and city wide
information systems, internet access, e-mail, desktop computers, laptop computers the network,
PDA devices, phones, cell phones and other devices supported by IT.
User: A"User" is any person, whether authorized or not, who makes any use of any IT System
from any location.
Systems Authority:While city of Azusa is the legal owner or operator of all IT Systems, it
delegates oversight of all systems to the IT Department, in the case of IT systems purchased with
non-IT or other funds, this oversight is still provided by the IT Department.
Systems Administrator: The IT Director may designate another person as"Systems
Administrator"to manage the particular system assigned to a specific department. Systems
Administrators oversee the day-to-day operation of the system and are authorized to determine
who is permitted access to particular IT resources related to that system.
Appropriate use of IT Systems
AA
Although this Policy sets forth the general parameters of appropriate use of IT Systems,
departments may have policy manuals with detailed statements on permitted use and the extent
of use that the City considers appropriate. In the event of conflict between policies, this
Appropriate Use Policy will prevail.
A. Appropriate Use. IT Systems may be used only for their authorized purposes --that
is, to support the functions of the City of Azusa. City technology is made available for the
purpose of increasing the effectiveness of communications, providing for increased
productivity and facilitating research required to perform City related tasks. The particular
purposes of any IT System as well as the nature and scope of authorized, incidental
personal use may vary according to the duties and responsibilities of the User.
B. Proper Authorization. Users are entitled to access only those elements of IT
Systems that are consistent with their authorization.
C. Specific Proscriptions on Use. The following categories of use are inappropriate and
prohibited:
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1. Use that impedes, interferes with, impairs, or otherwise causes harm to the
activities of others. Users must not deny or interfere with or attempt to deny or
interfere with service to other users in any way, including by"resource hogging,"
misusing mailing lists, propagating "chain letters" or virus hoaxes, "spamming"
(spreading e-mail or postings widely and without good purpose), or"bombing"
(flooding an individual, group, or system with numerous or large e-mail
messages). Knowing or reckless distribution of unwanted mail or other unwanted
messages is prohibited. Other behavior that may cause excessive network traffic
or computing load is also prohibited.
2. Use that is inconsistent with City's Policy Procedures. The City is subject to
specific federal, state, and local laws regarding sources of income, political
activities, use of property, and similar matters.As a result, commercial use of IT
Systems for non-City purposes is generally prohibited, except if specifically
authorized and permitted by the City Mangers Office.
3. Use of IT Systems in a way that suggests City endorsement of any political
candidate or ballot initiative is also prohibited. Users must refrain from using IT
Systems for the purpose of lobbying that connotes City involvement.
4. Harassing or threatening use. This category includes, for example, display or
access to offensive, sexual material in the workplace and repeated unwelcome
contacts with another employees.The use of derogatory, obscene, suggestive,
defamatory, or harassing language in the E-mail system or on the Internet.
5. Use damaging the integrity of City IT Systems. This category includes, but is not
limited to, the following six activities:
a. Attempts to defeat system security. Users must not defeat or attempt to
defeat any IT System's security—for example, by"cracking"or guessing
and applying the identification or password of another User, or
compromising room locks or alarm systems. (This provision does not
prohibit, however, ITS or Systems Administrators from using security
scan programs within the scope of their Systems Authority.)
b. Unauthorized access or use. The City recognizes the importance of
preserving the confidentiality of Users and data stored in IT systems.
Users must honor this principle by neither seeking to obtain unauthorized
access to IT Systems, nor permitting or assisting any others in doing the
same. Furthermore, Users must not make or attempt to make any
deliberate, unauthorized changes to data on an IT System. Users must
not intercept or attempt to intercept or access data communications not
intended for that user, for example, by"promiscuous" network
monitoring, running network sniffers, or otherwise tapping phone or
network lines.
c. Disguised use. Users must not conceal their identity when using IT
Systems, except when the option of anonymous access is explicitly
authorized(i.e. guest user)
d. Distributing computer viruses. Users must not knowingly distribute or
launch computer viruses, worms, or other rogue programs.
e. Modification or removal of data or equipment.Without specific
authorization, Users may not remove or modify any City-owned or
administered equipment or data from IT Systems.
f. Use of unauthorized devices.Without specific authorization, Users must
not physically or electrically attach any additional device (such as an
external disk, printer, or video system)to IT Systems.
6. Use in violation of law. Illegal use of IT Systems--that is, use in violation of civil
or criminal law at the federal, state, or local levels -- is prohibited.
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7. Use in violation of City contracts.All use of IT Systems must be consistent with
the City's contractual obligations, including limitations defined in software and
other licensing agreements.
8. Use in violation of City policy. Use in violation of other City policies also violates
this AUP. Relevant City policies include, but are not limited to, those regarding
sexual harassment and racial and ethnic harassment.
D. Personal Account Responsibility. Users are responsible for the security of their own
IT Systems passwords.Any User changes of password must be requested through the IT
Department and done by IT staff. Accounts and passwords are normally assigned to
single Users and are not to be shared with any other person without authorization Users
are presumed to be responsible for any activity carried out under their IT Systems
accounts.
E. Responsibility for Content. Official City information may be published in a variety of
electronic forms. The Department under whose auspices the information is published is
responsible for the content of the published document.
F. E-Mail When sending or receiving E-mail, the following considerations apply:
Carefully select the recipients to receive an E-mail. Send only to those that need the
information.
1. Transmitting the City's confidential information/data or sensitive information over
unsecured E-mail is prohibited, unless expressly authorized by your
departmental management.
2. Regularly check, open, read, and respond to E-mail sent to you. Response within
1 business day is recommended.
3. Delete old messages on a regular basis.
4. When using E-mail, extreme care must be exercised when downloading
attachments.Attachments must be scanned for possible viruses.
5. Never open any unsolicited E-mail.
6. Questions regarding E-mail and the Internet should be addressed to the City
Information Technology Help Desk.
7. E-mail responses sent to the public taking a position on an issue that may later
need to be supported by management, or commenting on what would be
considered a sensitive issue, should be at the direction of a Department Head or
City Manager, with either the Department Head or City Manager being "copied"
on the message.
8. Most communications (including E-mail)among City employees are not
considered confidential. However, certain communications, personnel records
and police investigations, may be confidential and should be discussed with the
employee's supervisor prior to use of E-mail.
9. Employees shall exercise caution in sending confidential information on the E-
mail system as compared to written memoranda, letters or phone calls, because
once sent, E-mail can not be retracted or controlled.
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10. Confidential information should not be sent or forwarded to individuals or entities
not authorized to receive that information and should not be sent or forwarded to
other City employees not directly involved with the specific matter and expressly
authorized to view.
11. Requests for employee access to the Network and E-mail systems should be
made by the employee's division manager and sent to the Information
Technology help desk.
12. Department heads must authorize requests to Technology Services for accounts
for temporary or contract employees.
13. Departments requesting technology access for a temporary employee must
inform Technology Services to remove E-mail access for that employee at
termination.
14. The use of the City E-mail system for the advertising of personal items or
services is unacceptable.
15. Reading someone else's E-mail without authorization is considered
inappropriate.While no E-mail to a City E-mail address is considered private,
confidential matters may be discussed over E-mail therefore proper business
etiquette dictates that proper authorization be obtained before reading another
person's E-mail.
16. Do not send E-mail under someone else's name.
The City recognizes that there are times when electronic communications are appropriate
which are not strictly speaking concerning City business. Such instances include death
announcements, birth announcements, etc. Such uses of electronic communication are
acceptable when done in accordance with all other aspects of this policy.When doubts
arise about the appropriateness of a communication, the Director of Information
Technology or Director of Human Resources or direct Department Head should be
consulted.
G. Internet. City Internet facilities are for City-related purposes only. The City Manger's
office shall have the final review as to the appropriateness of material and usage of the
Internet.
City departments shall use the City's Internet home page for all Internet postings and
shall not initiate new or separate services outside of the City's designated services.
Access to the Internet and use of its capabilities to produce or transmit data is not
considered private or confidential. Information produced through use of the City Internet
system, either in hard copy or electronic format, is considered City property and may be
accessed and reviewed without prior notice by the City.
The Information Technology Department has technical responsibility for setting up and
managing Internet resources.
Information regarding Internet sites accessed by employees may be considered public
information.Access to all sites on the Internet, by any of the staff, is recorded and is
subject to review. Access to and/or use of sites that is deemed to be non-City related
may result in disciplinary action as described in the City Personnel Rules and
Regulations.
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When using the Internet no programs or executables should be downloaded without
permission from the Information Technology Department. All such files must be scanned
for possible viruses. Programs often make changes to desktop systems which conflict
with other City software. No software is to be loaded on City desktops without permission
from Information Technology.
H. Intranet City Intranet facilities are for internal communications purposes only. The
Information Technology Department provides capabilities on the Intranet to post
information to be shared between employees. Technology Services will be responsible
for reviewing such postings to insure they meet with all aspects of this policy. In the event
that concerns develop, the Director of Human Resources will have final editorial authority
for Intranet postings.
I. Software Each piece of software operating on City property shall have a valid
registration and be covered by a valid licensing agreement. Software and its associated
documentation are covered by Copyright Laws and subject to licensing agreements.
Appropriate documentation to substantiate the legitimacy of the licenses shall be
forwarded to and kept on file in Information Systems.
Unauthorized or unlicensed software will not be used on City systems.
Authorization to use software on City systems shall be obtained from Information
Systems Manager. If approved, Information Systems will either authorize the individual to
install the software or install the software for the person, at Information Systems
discretion.
J. Phones All City related telecommunications devices, regardless of type (land line or
wireless cell phone)are provided as a tool to conduct City business. The City expects
that all such devices will be used in a responsible manner.
Lost cell phones will be replaced once based on if loss is determined to be reasonable by
the appropriate Department Head. The City will replace old, outdated or non-functioning
cells phones.
Calls to user pay phone numbers(e.g. 900,976)are prohibited unless absolutely
necessary for purposes of contacting vendor company help lines. These requests should
come through the Information Technology Department. Every attempt has been made to
block these numbers through the desk top telephone system.
Conditions of City Access/Privacy
AA
The City places high value on confidentiality. There are nonetheless circumstances in which the
City may determine that certain broad concerns outweigh the value of a User's expectation of
privacy. All employees, volunteers and elected/appointed officials are to keep in mind that the
City's technology resources and all the information contained therein are properties of the City
and that no employee should have expectation of privacy regarding the information on the
City's computer system.
Employees should be aware that any technology media or communication involving the City's
technology resources are considered at all times to be City records. They may be considered
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public record and be subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act, government
code section 6250 et. Seq., or other lawful requests regardless of designations of "private" or
"confidential". The City shall comply with all lawful requests for information and shall not be held
liable for such lawful disclosure in any manner. Electronic media is also subject to the provisions
of the Brown Act and all electronic discussions between elected officials must follow the Brown
Act guidelines.
Although the City does not read and review electronic files on a routine basis, the City has the
capability to access, monitor, and review, copy and/or disclose any electronic media
communications. The City also employs technology to screen electronic communications for such
things as viruses or access to inappropriate web sites.
The City reserves the right to do so this for any proper City purpose in accordance with the
Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986. The City may make backup copies of electronic
files. This means that files may be restored, even if the user believes the files have been deleted.
An individual's use of technology or electronic media is consent for the City to act accordingly.
Enforcement Procedures
AA
Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action as described in the City Personnel
Rules and Regulations.
Policy Development
•J
This Policy may be periodically reviewed and modified by the Department of Information
Technology, who may consult with relevant Departments, Committees, Council, and staff.
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ei/wi69i
Simpson - Illegal fireworks-9-20-04- Draft 3.0- Page 1
REMARKS FOR THE AZUSA CITY COUNCIL
September 20, 2004 Ir
FROM: Dan Simpson
RE: Illegal Fireworks in Azusa
In Azusa, on and around the 4th of July, the widespread discharge of illegal fireworks has
become a horrible problem. And it is getting worse every year.
The city did make an increased effort this year to crack down on illegal fireworks. I commend
these efforts. However, they were too little too late and fell significantly short of mitigating the
fireworks problem.
As I walked my neighborhood distributing flyers and taking to other residents, I found that there
are many who are distraught over the pyrotechnic nightmare but who cower in hopelessness,
resigned that there's nothing they can do. Many Azusa citizens have lost all confidence that our
city leadership and police have the will or ability to combat the problem.
There may be those in the City who have the impression that the illegal fireworks problem in
Azusa was not as bad this year. Perhaps there were some neighborhoods which were tamer than
years previous. However, we should not deceive ourselves. My neighborhood(bordered by
Crescent, San Gabriel, Vernon, and Northside Park)was rocked by the most horrific discharges
of dangerous explosives that I remember in our 14 years of living here. It was absolutely hellish.
The problem of illegal fireworks in Azusa is getting worse every year and will not improve
without a specific and significant effort. In short, we need a war on illegal fireworks.
Quite frankly, I am ashamed of and embarrassed for our city. The widespread and blatant
lawlessness that pervades many of our neighborhoods is utterly appalling. As city leaders and
citizens, we should be disgusted with ourselves that we have allowed reckless and thoughtless
individuals to take our city captive and hold us all hostage to their despicable behavior.
Bottom line, the city must take action to protect the rights of its citizens to live peacefully in their
homes without being terrorized by the anarchistic discharge of illegal explosives.
Over the last few years the city has been focusing on curbing gang activity, hate crimes, and
drugs. These are worthy efforts and should be pursued with relentless determination. However,
we must declare war against the unlawful discharge of dangerous explosives, and put it as a
priority along with our other battles. I suspect that many of these children whose parents are
modeling to them a reckless disregard for civility, authority, the rights of others, and common
decency, are the ones who join the gangs, sell drugs, and practice hate.
So how do we combat this scourge in our beloved Azusa? Here's some recommendations:
1. Create an anti-illegal fireworks taskforce. I had urged this at the council meeting in March
2003 (after Measure M was defeated--which would have banned all fireworks from Azusa),but
to my knowledge, no taskforce has been formed. There is no way to fight a war without a war
council. We've got to assemble a group of smart, well-connected, and motivated individuals who
will take the lead to creatively find and implement solutions. I'd suggest the group be comprised
of representatives from city staff(city attorney, manager, PR person), city co ncil,police, fire i
Simpson - Illegal fireworks-9-20-04- Draft 3.0-Page 2
school district, business leaders, and community members at large. I volunteer to be part of such
a group.
2. Establish a Zero-Torrance Policy. Declare it from the rooftops and enforce it vigorously.
3. Set a date for the prohibition of all fireworks in Azusa. The fireworks industry spent more
then$300,000 in a dirty campaign to defeat Measure M last year. The voters at that time chose to
safeguard the profits from the sale of fireworks. However, that doesn't change the fact that there
is no way to effectively eliminate the illegal fireworks as long as the so-called safe and sane
variety are still being sold. We need to face that reality and do the right thing for the wellbeing of
all Azusans. Give the local fireworks sellers two or three years notice to get ready for the ban,
then at the appropriate time,just pass the ordinance (5 to 0 vote). If they file a referendum,
vigorously lead the campaign to defeat it at the polls. Or perhaps set a trial period: If the illegal
firework problems are sufficiently mitigated over the next three years, the legal ones can stay(as
long as the illegal ones are curbed). This will motivate the local fireworks sellers to be part of the
solution. The fireworks industry asserted strongly that safe and sane fireworks have nothing to
do with the problem of illegal fireworks. Let's give them a chance to proof it.
4. Strengthen the laws. First, raise the fines and punishment for the discharge of illegal
fireworks to the highest possible amount aloud by federal and state law. Make it costly to break
the law.
Second, find ways to make the laws more easily enforceable. For example, if someone goes out
and shoots their neighbor, the police don't have to have personally witnessed the crime to be able
to enforce the law. A criminal can be charged and convicted based on reasonable evidence. Let's
pursue illegal reforms to make that possible for fireworks violations. We should be able to
prosecute these pyrotechnic offenders with solid physical evidence and the testimony of reliable
witnesses.
Third, find other laws which can apply to these fireworks criminals. For example,when parents
discharge dangerous explosives in the presence of their children, or worse yet, allow their
children to light them off,how is that not child endangerment? There are more than a few
households in Azusa where DCF should get involved. And is there legal means for citizens file
civil suites against these reckless violators who endanger our lives and property?
Forth, add to the fines some kind of required classes. For example, if a minor is cited for illegal
fireworks, the minor and parents or guardians would be required to attend 12 hours of Parenting
Safety School. Classes would include a whole range of household safety issues. Also require
community service hours; apply these hours directly to anti-illegal fireworks activities.
5. Continue to improve our law enforcement practices. This year the Azusa PD greatly
increased its legal fireworks enforcement efforts, leading to two arrests and 64 citations (28
misdemeanors and 36 administrative). They also seized three times as much illegal fireworks
than last year. Chief Davis and his department are to be commended for a fine effort.
However, there are still areas we need to improve. We must find a better way to dispatch officers
to the scene of fireworks crime in a timely enough fashion to actually be relevant. I made three
calls to the Azusa PD in the week before this July 4th, and one call on the night of. With every
call I made, I gave a specific house address and description of the perpetrator. Unfortunately, I
never saw one police car respond, nor did I ever see a single police car in our neighborhood for
Simpson - Illegal fireworks-9-20-04- Draft 3.0- Page 3
the entire fireworks season. I would like to examine the official police records to see if indeed an
officer responded, how long it took, and if there were any citations or arrests. I recommend a
careful analysis of the police responses to give us a clear picture of what's happening and how
we can improve. I know that the PD was swamped with calls for service and that they did their
very best to respond with their limited resources. So we as community need to partner with law
enforcement and look for creative ways to enhance their effective.
In each call I made this year, the dispatcher mentioned that there was quite a backlog of requests
for police, and thus it may take a while. I understand that the policy respond to each illegal
firework report in the order in which they come in. If that's that case, officers spent most of their
time getting to the scene hopelessly late. Why not implement a plan where the closest available
police officer is dispatched to the scene of the crime the moment a call comes in, regardless if
there are 12 requests in waiting? Thus, the police response becomes more of a lottery or triage
system. In other words, we can't respond to all the calls in a timely manner,but we can respond
to some lucky ones immediately and get there in time to catch the criminals.
One call I made early in the week was to report the discharge of an M-80. I heard and saw where
it came from and saw a young man fleeing the seen. The dispatcher said she would have a patrol
car drive by. I asserted to her that just driving by is useless and urged instead that the officers get
out of their car and go to the doors of each of the four apartments in the building. They could
inform residents that the police are aware of illegal fireworks activities by occupants in this
building and remind them of the ban of illegal fireworks. They could also give the opportunity
for residents to voluntarily relinquish their illegal fireworks with immunity. Well, the dispatcher
simply resounded to me that the police don't have time for that. This needs to be corrected.
Taking a few extra minutes to deal effectively with a known trouble spot is time well spent and
should be made a priority. Furthermore, the lady across the street from the apartments told me
that residents in that building are constantly shooting off illegal fireworks. When we learn of
trouble spots like this,we need to deal with them. Perhaps the police could refer these trouble
spots to the fire department and let them use down time to visit these places and give out
warnings.
6. Hold neighborhood workshops. Include the citizens in constructive dialog on how to address
the problem of illegal fireworks. These gatherings would also be a great way to begin recruiting
an army of volunteers.
7. Launch a major public awareness and outreach campaign. Use the media, city
publications, flyers, posters, website,public events, and other available resources to get the word
out. Create the Fireworks Taskforce and establish the Zero-Tolerance Policy now, Summer 2004,
and make a big announcement worthy of a front-page story in the Tribune. Than all year long,
use every opportunity to get the message out. Creatively find low-cost or no-cost forms of
publicity. For example, have the Taskforce provide an update at least once a month at city
council meetings, taking advantage of the cable telecast. Have Taskforce members or citizen
volunteers visit clubs, organizations, scout units, etc. Tap into the local churches to help spread
the word. Schools are strategic; get the message to the students in larger doses with more
frequency. Make a goal to have a police officer or fire fighter visit every classroom of every
AUSD school this coming year, or hold assemblies. Find or create a PowerPoint or video
presentation which graphically shows the horrors of fireworks accidents. Find some child with a
prosthetic hand and a class eye to share a personal testimony of how fireworks changed his or
her life. Publish a police blotter listing those who are cited or charged for fireworks violations.
Propose Eagle Scout Service Projects to help the cause.
Simpson - Illegal fireworks-9-20-04- Draft 3.0-Page 4
8. Mobilize an army of citizen volunteers. Door to door outreach is a highly effective means to
communicate with the residents and should be the heart of our war again illegal fireworks. There
are hundreds,perhaps thousands of Azusa citizens who are sick and tired of the fireworks
nightmare plaguing our town and who would gladly volunteer time to fight the problem. Use
neighborhood captains to lead efforts in each neighborhood to contact every household in Azusa.
Issue each volunteer a city name badge, hat, and tee-shirt. Recruit off-duty uniformed police
officers and firefighters to volunteer to walk with citizen volunteers in hot-spot neighborhoods
prior to the 4th. On the night of the 4th, have citizen volunteers (with their official tee-shirts,
hats, and name badges)patrolling two-by two on every block with eyes and ears wide open.
They have already met someone from each household on the block, so there is familiarity. At the
first sign of a fireworks party setting up, the patrol would greet them, and hand them a flyer
reminding them of the zero-tolerance policy. At the first discharge of illegal fireworks, the video
camera rolls and captures all the proof necessary to charge and prosecute the offenders. Train the
citizen volunteers in observation skills and evidence gathering practices. Equip the patrols with a
hotline directly to police dispatching. But most importantly, focus on proactivity and prevention.
9. Bring in police reinforcements. There are other cities within the San Gabriel Valley and
southern California which have virtually no problem with illegal fireworks. Arrange for loaner
officers from other departments. Use volunteer reservists from other agencies. Mobilize police
Explores and ROTC students to help patrol with citizen volunteers. Request California National
Guard units.
10. Launch the fireworks season with a huge rally/media event. Set the date for the end of
May or early June, 2005. Gather all the neighborhood captains and citizen volunteers at the City
Hall Park. Have the fire department give a demonstration on the dangers of fireworks (blow up a
watermelon with an M-80, etc.). Charge up the troops and send them out to begin canvassing the
neighborhoods. In the weeks prior to the rally day,provide training to citizen volunteers.
12. How do we fund this war on fireworks crime? Start by leveling a 10% fee on the net
fireworks sales from the local stands. This would raise $20,000 to 25,000 a year. Have a police
or firefighters association fireworks stand with 100% of proceeds going to fight illegal fireworks.
Tap into local business and APU. Find some grants. Include the war on fireworks in the city
budget.
A taskforce would be able to expand and implement these ideas, and come up with more. I'll
help in any way I can to end the horrific, lawless, discharge of dangerous explosive in our city.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan Simpson
925 N Orange Ave.
Azusa, CA 91712
Home: 626-334-9781 (evenings) Work: 626-461-0210
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AZUSA
CONSENT CALENDAR
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: JULIE A. GUTTIEREZ, CITY MANAGER
DATE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2004
SUBJECT: APPROPRIATE $1,000 TO THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 180
FOR FLAGS IN THE CITY OF AZUSA
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize $1.000 to be paid to the
American Legion Post 180 for the flags in the City of Azusa from the
Scholarship Fund (Account #10101100007050).
BACKGROUND
At the City Council meeting on September 7, 2004, members of the American
Legion Post 180 requested that the City Council contribute $1 ,000 for the
American flags that are provided in the City of Azusa. During the discussion it
was noted that in the past there was a verbal commitment from the City to
contribute funding towards the flags, although no funds had been budgeted.
Council asked staff to look at ways in which this request could be funded. Staff
is recommending that the $1,000 come from the Scholarship Fund. This fund
is made up from donations made by non-profit groups who sell fireworks for
the July 4th events. This year the fund received a total of $5,000 in donations.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the above recommendation would leave a balance of $3,900 in the
Scholarship Fund (account #10101100007050) for fiscal year 2005.
if Za d
1
AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AND THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
AZUSA LIGHT AND WATER
729 NORTH AZUSA AVENUE
1. PRELIMINARY BUSINESS
• Call to Order
• Pledge to the Flag
• Roll Call
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2004
7:00 P.M. or immediately following
the Utility Board Meeting.
H. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - Please note that public comments are welcomed by recognition of
the Mayor.
III. AGENDA ITEMS
A. IOINT MEETING WITH THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
W.
1. Introduction of HRC
2. Purpose and Expectations
3. PowerPoint Presentation
A. Adjourn
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Hate Crime Task Force (Human Relations Commission) would like to express our gratitude to the
following for their support and direction in the development of the task force and the preparation of this
report.
The Mayor and City Council
The City Manager and City Staff
Azusa Light and Water
Mr. Charles House - Hacienda Heights, CA
Mr. Ronald Jones - NAACP
Ms. Frankie Maryland - Commission on Human Relations, Los Angeles County
Mr. Paul Naccachian - Balzac Cafe, Azusa, CA
Captain Karen Pihlak - Azusa Police Department
Karen Umemoto, Ph.D - Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Hawaii
Mr. Ronald Wakabayashi - Community Relations Service, US Department of Justice
Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance
Mr. Marshall Wong - Commission on Human Relations, Los Angeles County
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I - CITY COUNCIL MANDATE
1. Copy of City Council Mandate ........................................ 1
SECTION II - ASSESSMENT
1. Introduction: Strategy for a Response Plan to Hate Crimes Within Azusa ...... .. 4
2. Definitions.......................................................... 7
3.
Background/Findings..................................................8
A. Data and analysis of hate crimes in the city of Azusa ......................
9
(1) Azusa Police Department data
(2) Los Angeles County data
SECTION III - RECOMMENDATIONS
1.
Human Relations Commission ..........................................
l 8
2.
City Tone Setting ...................................................
21
3.
Youth Activities and Organizations.......................................22
4.
Azusa Police Department ..............................................
23
5.
Azusa Unified School District ..........................................
24
SECTION IV — ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................
26
FELLOW COUNCILMEMBERS AND AZUSA CITIZENS:
AROUND FOUR DECADES OR SO AGO, TWO MEMBERS OF OUR GROUP - ALONG WITH OTH-
ERS OF THEIR ETHNICITY - SUFFERED THE RANKEST SORT OF RACIAL DISCRIMINA-
TION FROM THAT PERCENTAGE OF OUR POPULATION WHICH WAS OVERTLY AND ACTIVELY
RACIST. THAT DISCRIMINATION EXISTED LONG BEFORE THEN AND CONTINUED AT
REDUCING LEVELS AFTERWARDS.
THOSE WHO CARRIED OUT RACIST ACTS WERE NOT THE MAJORITY ... BUT THEY ELBOWED
AND KNEED THEIR WAY INTO POSITION TO DO RACIST ACTS.
I WISH THAT THE FOLKS SITTING IN OUR CHAIRS THEN HAD HAD THE COURAGE AND
VISION TO DO THE THINGS THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE.
NOW, WE HAVE A SITUATION THAT IS NOT DISSIMILAR. SINCE LAST EARLY DECEM-
BER, THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR CRIMES IN OUR CITY AGAINST BLACKS.
We must do those things now that should have been done back then when the
primary targets of racism here were Latinos.
THERE FOUR HATE CRIMES - AND NO MATTER THE STATES DETAILED DEFINITION,
THEY ARE HATE CRIMES - REMAIN UNSOLVED DESPITE THE BEST EFFORTS OF OUR
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
AS THE APOLLO 13 ASTRONAUTS RADIOED BACK TO EARTH SAYING, "HOUSTON, WE
HAVE A PROBLEM." WELL, THE SAME THING EXISTS HERE AND NOW: "AZUSA, WE
HAVE A PROBLEM."
WE - US, THE CITY COUNCIL - FIND OURSELVES FACING NEEDING TO TAKE THE
PROACTIVE COURSE, TO INSTITUTE THE OVERT ACTS, CALLED FOR BY THIS SITUA-
TION.
I CLEARLY RECALL MY FIRST ABHORRENCE OF RACISM 54 YEARS AGO IN A PLAY-
GROUND INCIDENT, I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT HAD A NAME, BUT I KNEW RACISM WAS
WRONG, ABSOLUTELY WRONG. MY FOUR COLLEAGUES AT THIS DAIS ARE NO LESS
ANTI -RACISM. AZUSANS WOULD NOT HAVE US HERE IF WE DID NOT HOLD THAT BE-
LIEF.
TODAY. LIKE IN THE PAST, OVER 99,9% OF AZUSANS ARE GREAT CITIZENS. THEY
ARE L-OVING, FAMILY PEOPLE. THEY COMPRISE THE AZUSA THAT BEV AND I HAVE
COME TO KNOW AND LOVE.
THE LESS THAN .01% OF THE POPULATION REMAINING - WHETHER FROM OUR CITY OR
NOT - IS CONTROLLING OUR CITY THROUGH THEIR COWARDLY ACTS OF RACISM.
3fwnfnrd AAmmn fnr CC. 10/01100 ... PagO 1
WE CANNOT LET THOSE FEW PUNKS BE IN CHARGE. AND MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT,
THEY ARE TAKING CHARGE. WHEN THEY FIREBOMB A HOME JUST DOORS AWAY FROM
ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT CITIZENS IN OUR CITY, WHICH THEY DID, THEY SHOW
THEY HAVE NO RESPECT FOR OUR CITY OR FOR OUR CITIZENS.
BUT, BY NOT BEING AGGRESSIVE ENOUGH, WE MAY VERY WELL BE LETTING THEM TAKE
OVER BY DEFAULT.
OUR CITY CANNOT TAKE ITS PROPER PLACE AS THE SPARKLING GEM OF THE VALLEY
SO LONG AS TEENAGE BLACK BOYS MUST BE ADVISED BY THEIR GRANDPARENTS, PAR-
ENTS, OLDER BROTHERS OR SISTERS THAT THEY SHOULD NOT BE ON THE STREETS AT
NIGHT IN AZUSA.
THESE ARE CLEAR SIGNS OF BAD THINGS.
And remember, bad things happen when good people fail to
act. We must act.
IT IS TIME THAT WE TAKE A CLEARCUT, PROACTIVE STANCE IN THIS MATTER.
THEREFORE, I RESPECTFULLY RECOMMEND THAT WE ADOPT THIS FIVE POINT PROGRAM:
(1) NO MATTER WHAT THE "OFFICIAL" DEFINITIONS MAY BE, LET'S
ESTABLISH A NORM THAT we're not going to even sound
like we are quibbling over the definition of these
crimes. IF THEY SMELL, WALK, AND LOOK LIKE
SKUNKS... THEY MUST BE SKUNKS. THESE ACTS SMELL, WALK,
AND'LOOK LIKE HATE CRIMES. LETS DONT WASTE TIME
CONTEMPLATING WHETHER THEY ARE.
(2) WE MUST Qiye the Azusa Police Department immediate
carte blanche for overtime use of outside resources
and whatever else is needed to solve these crimes. WE
HAVE A WAR... AND WHEN THERE IS WAR TO BE FOUGHT, YOU
MOBILIZE WHATEVER RESOURCES ARE REQUIRED TO WIN THAT
WAY.
Stanford Memo for CC, 70/02/00 ... Page 2
9
I HAVE ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT.
THIS CITY COUNCIL TAKES A BACKSEAT TO NO ONE IN SUP-
PORTING OUR POLICE AND THEIR EFFORTS FOR OUR CITIZENS
PUBLIC SAFETY. CONCURRENTLY, THEIR/OUR RESOURCES MUST
COVER A LARGE SPECTRUM OF NEEDS. IF WE TAKE THIS AC-
TION, WE PROVIDE OUR POLICE all THE TOOLS TO SOLVE
THESE CRIMES AND WE TELL THEM TO USE THEM.
(3) We need to place an emphasize upon a reward to break
these crimes. MR. ED JACKSON'S $1,000 IS SITTING UNAD-
VERTISED AND UNUSED. THERE IS A GRANT APPLICATION TO
THE STATE FOR THIS PURPOSE. BUT, WHO KNOWS WHEN IT
WILL BECOME A REALITY. WE SHOULD IMMEDIATELY APPROPRI-
ATE A MINIMUM OF $15,000 FOR THIS PURPOSE AND ENCOURAGE
AZUSA BUSINESSES ALSO TO PARTICIPATE. WE ARE SPENDING
CONSIDERABLY MORE MONEY TO MAKE OUR CITY A BETTER AND
BETTER PLACE. LETS NOT LOSE THAT INVESTMENT BY NOT
ADDRESSING THE IMPACT THAT RACIST ACTS CAUSE.
(4) WE SHOULD adopt a position which is presently unstated
but which must be made clear: Regardincr racism,
Azusa is a city that has zero tolerance.
(5) WE MUST institute a community task force to examine and
recommend what our city needs to do to become a model
city in its race relations. I WOULD ASK THAT MR. ED
JACKSON. MR. BOB• LEVINSON, MR. KEITH HANKS, AND MRS.
YOLANDA PENA BE EARLY APPOINTEES TO THIS COMMISSION.
I WOULD APPRECIATE OUR JOINING TOGETHER TO APPROVE THESE FIVE POINTS AS.A
PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM IS NOT THE END-ALL, BE-ALL IN THIS MATTER. BUT, IT
IS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD FOR REMOVING THIS CANCER FROM OUR GREAT CITY.
THANK YOU!
THE ABOVE FIVE POINTS WERE ADOPTED BY THE
AZUSA CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 29 2000
Stanford Memo for CC, 10/01/00... Page 3 -
3
STRATEGY FOR A RESPONSE PLAN
TO HATE CRIMES WITHIN AZUSA
On October 2, 2000, the City Council of Azusa passed a resolution to establish a Hate
Crimes Task Force to gather information concerning the occurrence of bias incidents in
the city and to develop a set of recommendations. As stated in the resolution, the Hate
Crimes Task Force is given the mandate to "examine and recommend what Azusa needs
to do to become a model city in its race relations."
The City Council appointed 18 members to the Task Force, representing a cross-section
of concerned citizens of Azusa. Task Force members are: Bob Levinson — chairman,
Jesus Lozano — Vice Chairman, Mark Ades — Secretary, Tony Alvarez, Rev. Jimmie
Armendarz, Hank Bode, Rev. Gordon Coulter, Mike Esquivel, Marissa Herrera,
Georgette Hicks, Ed Jackson, Rev. Rick MacDonald, Cynthia Cervantes McGuire, Sukie
Melgoza, Pam Olvera, Dr. Maria Pacino, David Santellan. and Cherie Ware.
From fall 2000 through spring 2001, members of the Task Force met regularly and began
gathering the various concerns among Task Force members. In November 2000, the
Task Force adopted the name, Human Relations Commission, to describe the activities of
the group. After numerous discussions of the nature of the hate trine problem and
possible actions that could be taken to prevent them and to intervene in incidents, the
Commission embarked on a planning retreat to organize the various ideas into a strategic
plan.
A two-day strategic planning retreat was organized with the participation of select Azusa
city council members, staff, police department and concerned citizens. The planning
retreat was organized by Marshall Wong of the Los Angeles County Human Relations
Commission, Ron Wakabayashi of the US Department of Justice, and Dr. Karen
Umemoto of the University of Hawaii.
This report presents the recommendations that have emerged from the activities of the
Human Relations Commission (Hate Crime Task Force). These recommendations cover
five main areas:
1. Human Relations Commission
2. Schools
3. Youth
4. Law Enforcement
5. Tone Setting
Background of Hate Crimes
Hate crimes are a serious problem throughout Los Angeles County and elsewhere.
Hot spot studies show the changing multiracial face of hate along with a lack of
coordinated strategies to address the problem. The lack of coordinated strategies leads to
the increased severity of conflicts over time. Often, incidents begin with verbal threats
and harassment and later increase in severity to acts of vandalism and physical attack. In
some cases, hate incidents end in murder. A stronger human relations infrastructure and
a coordinated response from city agencies, organized groups and citizens will have a
positive effect on lowering hate crimes and incidents within the city.
The problem in Azusa involves gang -related racialized violence in which the vast
majority of victims are African American. Most of the incidents involve youth. In some
cases, adults and families are also victimized. This has created an atmosphere where
African-Americans do not feel safe to live, work or recreate within the city of Azusa.
These incidents have outraged and galvanized the community.
Generally speaking, conflicts arise from competition (territory, reputation, jobs, housing,
services and political positions), prejudice (racist ideas, supremacist ideology and biased
attitudes), unequal status or power (resentment based on racial stratification in jobs,
income, business ownership, residential mobility, political power, education and social
privileges). Discrimination based upon favoritism towards one group at the expense of
another can also generate resentment between groups. In some cases, there may exist a
historical legacy of racial violence and retaliatory actions between groups.
Azusa has access to many resources that can be brought together to help address this
problem. Groups or organizations, both public and private, that can be utilized in this
plan of action include:
• Civic groups
• Youth groups
• Neighborhood organizations
• Professional organizations
• Local government (schools, police, health, parks and recreation)
• Business organizations
• Religious organizations (churches, schools)
• Non-profit organizations
• External agencies ( human resource commissions/councils, law enforcement,
county, state, and Department of Justice)
• Exceptional individuals, civil rights activists, surviving victims/families
A strategic plan tells us WHO can do WHAT to address the problem among WHICH
TARGET POPULATION or in what general ORDER. A strategic plan for peace
addresses three types of activities:
Peace -making: Direct efforts to stop perpetrators from committing acts of racial violence
Peace -keeping: Maintain efforts to prevent immediate outbreak of racial violence.
Peace -building: Strengthen community bonds and mutual understanding.
Using the above approach, the Hate Crime Task Force has developed a five pronged
strategy to combat and reduce the incidents of hate crimes and hate incidents. In the
5
following pages, a timed plan of action brings together local and external resources in a
measured response to implement the ideas and goals as outlined.
0
DEFINITIONS
HATE CRIME: Hate crimes are defined under specific penal code sections as an act or an attempted
act by any person against the person or property of another individual or group which in any way
constitutes an expression of hostility toward the victim because of his or her race, religion, sexual
sexual orientation, national origin, disability, gender or ethnicity. (This includes, but is not limite
to, threatening phone calls, hate mail, physical assaults, vandalism, cross burning, destruction of
religious symbols and fire bombings.)
2. HATE INCIDENT: Hate -motivated incidents are defined as an expression of hostility against a
person or property because of the victim's race, religion, disability, gender, ethnicity or sexual
orientation. (However, hate -motivated incidents include those actions that are motivated by bias,
but do not meet the necessary elements required to prove a crime. This may include such behavior
as non -threatening name-calling, using racial slurs or disseminating racist leaflets.)
3. DIVERSITY: Webster defines diversity as: I.a. The quality of being composed of many different
elements. l.b. A point or respect in which things differ. 2. Variety or multiformity. Diversity in
realm of human relations has another definition. Although the term is often used to refer to
differences based on ethnicity, age, religion, disability, national origin and sexual orientation;
diversity encompasses an infinite range of individuals' unique characteristics and experiences,
including communications styles, physical characteristics such as weight and height, and speed of
learning and comprehension.
4. TOLERANCE: The following was coined by the Honorable Federico Mayor, Director -General
of the United Nations (UNESCO):
Tolerance: An understanding that our ability to value each and every person is the ethical basis
for peace, security, and intercultural dialog.
- Tolerance is Respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's
cultures, our forms,of expression and ways of being human.
- Tolerance is not concession, condescension or indulgence.
- Tolerance is the responsibility that upholds human rights, pluralism, democracy and the
rule of law.
DESCRIPTION OF AZUSA HATE -CRIME MAPS
The following 9 (nine) maps were obtained from Dr. Karen Umemoto and the Azusa
Police Department and show the occurrence of Race -Bias Hate Crimes within
Azusa.
Page I - Density Hot Spots, shows the overall occurrence of Race Hate Crimes.
Page 2 — Inter -Minority Street Gang Related. This map shows that Azusa's Hate
Crimes are generally Inter -Minority Street Gang related.
Page 3 - Map of Victims Race. Victims in Azusa are listed as predominantly
African-American.
Page 4 - Map of Perpetrators Race. Suspects in Azusa are listed as predominantly
Hispanic.
Page 5 - The red dots show the locations of Hate Crimes within Azusa.
Page 6 — Specifically defines the Hate Crimes within Azusa by perpetrator and
victim.
Page 7 — Areas of African-American population within Azusa with the darker red
having the highest concentration.
Page 8 - Areas of Hispanic population within Azusa with the darker red having the
highest concentration.
Page 9 - Income levels of Azusa population with the darker color having the lowest
income levels.
91
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HUMAN RESOURCES COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
IMMEDIATE ( NEXT 3 MONTHS)
Recommend that the city adopt the following language for a permanent human relations
commission:
A. Mission: The Human Relations Commission of the city of Azusa is an independent
non-partisan body of appointed members, assisted by concerned citizens, with a goal
of developing a comprehensive policy to respond to hate crimes, hate crime incidents
and inter -group conflicts.
B. Policy: To ensure that rights guaranteed by California State Law and the United State
Constitution are protected for all citizens regardless of race, color, gender, religion,
national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation or disability or any other personal
characteristic as described but not limited to the Ralph Civil Rights Act and Section
422.6 of the California Penal Code.
2. Recommend that the City of Azusa to establish a permanent Human Relations Commission.
A. The Human Relations Commission wfll serve in an advisory role to the City
Council and City Administration with regard to hate crimes, hate crime incidences and
inter -group relations for the development of policy, practices and program
implementation. The commission will have the power to create committees that will
include members of the commission and residents of the community at large to further
the vision as prescribed in its policy.
B. Commission shall consist of to I I members. Members shall be appointed by the
majority vote of the City Council in accordance with Municipal Code Section 2-32 or in
any other appropriate manner the Council sees fit. Commission membership should
include representation from the business and other sectors of Azusa (non-residents) who
have a significant stake in the reduction of hate crimes as well as city residents. Term of
commission membership shall be 4 years. Members of the commission should, at a
minimum, be familiar with the issues of hate crimes, hate crime incidents, and inter-
group conflicts particularly those that apply to the city of Azusa and should be committed
to the pursuit of inclusion of all of the diverse sectors of the city.
C. Advisory members. In addition to the members of the Human Relations Commission
the city council shall appoint one of its members as an advisory member of the
commission. Additionally, one advisory member shall be appointed by the Azusa
Unified School District and one advisory member shall be appointed by the Azusa
Police Department. Advisory members may participate in the deliberations of the
commission but shall have no vote.
D. The fust task of the appointed commission shall be to develop by-laws and operating
procedures in accordance with City policy.
IK
3. Human Relations Commission Budget.
It is recommended that the city include $5,000.00 in the FY2002 budget for the Human Relations
Commission. Estimated budgetary items are as follows:
(a) City staff support- $2,000.00
(b) Training of commission members, city staff, and volunteers - $1,500.00
(c) Printing, office supplies $1,000.00
(d) Miscellaneous $ 500.00
4. Human Relations Commission Appointed Committees
A. The commission shall have the power to appoint committees, as it deems necessary to
assist the commission and the city in carrying out its goals and objectives. These
committees may include, but not be limited to, a) community outreach, b) youth and
anti -gang, c) grants and fundraising, and d) city tone setting.
B. Committee activities during this period may include, but are not limited to: a) ad hoc
victim support team, b) ad hoc urgent care team, c) forums for dialogue and d) neighbor-
hood watch. Some of these activities currently exist and the role of the commission and
its committees will be to coordinate the efforts of concerned citizens, the police
department and interested organizations and to support and improve the programs.
SOON (BY THE END OF 2001)
The Human Relations Commission working in concert with its committees, city government, the
Azusa Police Department, and other community based organizations will develop and implement
the following programs:
A. Compilation and distribution of a community resource booklet.
B. Development and implementation of Victim Support Services. These services can
include but are not limited to counseling, relocation services, health services, rapid
response teams, etc.
C. Active participation in the programs offered by the Human Relations Commission of Los
Angeles County, the Community Relations Division of the U.S. Department of Justice,
the State of California Attorney General's office, and other government and non-
government organizations.
D. Training of commission members and community volunteers in the areas of diversity,
tolerance, victim assistance, mediation and intervention.
E. Active pursuit of grants and other fund raising activities to assist the city in the financial
support of the commission and its programs.
19
LATER (2002 AND BEYOND)
Development of a Human Relations Commission newsletter to be distributed periodically to the
residents of Azusa via the utility bills.
2. Work with the city and other entities in the presentation of theater and cultural programs that
share the diverse cultures that are within the city.
ONGOING
Coordination between the city, probation, parole, the police department, and schools - public and
private.
2. Continual education and training of commission members, community members and city
government.
Development of additional programs to enhance the interaction of all the diverse groups and
cultures in the city of Azusa.
FRI
CITY TONE SETTING
The city, its administration and staff recognize that it must lead the way as an example of
how its citizens should respect and respond to each other and those from outside the city.
It is important°for the city to show the different cultures and groups that it understands
that the policies and procedures of the city must be inclusive, respecting the dignity and
civil rights of all people.
It is recommended that the City adopt the following policies and changes to policies in support of the
goal of establishing Azusa as a hate crime free city:
IMMEDIATE (NE)CF 3 MONTHS)
Rewrite the city equal employment opportunity policy to add "sexual orientation" as stated in the
Ralph Civil Rights Act.
2. Encourage the city to utilize the City Hall marquee to announce cultural pride months and
develop the capacity to celebrate them
Continue the partnership with Human Relations Mutual Assistance Consortium (HRMC) of Los
Angeles County and utilize their support and assistance in promoting diversity and managing
tensions between groups of different cultures.
SOON (BY THE END OF 2001)
The Human Relations Commission and city staff will compile and distribute a community
resource book.
2. Establishment of a community service campaign indicating that Azusa is a hate free zone.
3. The city, in conjunction with the human relations commission, the police department, and other
community organizations, develop an inter -group relations plan.
21
YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
The youth of the city are Azusa's future. The education of these children in civil peace, tolerance and
inclusiveness is one of our greatest priorities. To provide our children with alternatives to gangs and
crime, teach respect for others to protect them from the victimization of those that prey upon them and
to be exemplary role models. This is recognized as one of the most important tasks the city and its
citizens must undertake.
It is recommended that the city take the following actions to assist the youth of Azusa in improving
human relations and establishing gang intervention programs.
IMMEDIATE (NE)Cr 3 MONTHS)
Support new and continuing programs within the Azusa Unified School District and any other
reputable organizations that develop positive activities for the youth and young adults in Azusa.
This includes some of the activities listed in the City Tone Section of this report, i.e., murals,
theatrical programs, etc.
2. Establish a mentoring program (non-sectarian as well as sectarian) for youth and young adults.
Develop and facilitate effective peer counseling and training of peer counselors.
SOON (BY THE END OF 200 1)
Training of city staff, especially those assigned to work with youth, to perform activities dealing
with diversity, human relations, and gang intervention.
2. Initiate planning to establish the presence of non-profit youth groups such as Boys & Girls Club,
YMCA, etc.
Utilize support and educational groups, such as "Amer -I -Can", to develop anti -gang programs.
4. Assist the Human Relations Commission in the location and obtaining of financial resources, i.e.
business donations, grants, etc., to support the youth oriented programs.
LATER (2002 AND BEYOND)
Plan and develop a youth center or teen post as a safe gathering place and neutral zone for the
youth of Azusa.
2. Establish the presence of outside non-profit youth groups such as Boys & Girls Club, YMCA,
etc.
Develop and implement after school programs for targeted populations (middle school students).
9
AZUSA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Our fust line of defense against those that disregard the rights of people that are different from them and
to protect our citizens from the predators that commit crimes is the police department. The continued
enforcement practices of our police department must be supported and enhanced, where possible, by the
city and its citizens. The items listed below are the current and planned programs of the Azusa Police
Department.
IMMEDIATE (NEXT THREE MONTHS)
The police department has resumed their outreach to the community by reactivating their
crime prevention program As of spring, 2001 they have dedicated an employee to community
involvement, including neighborhood watch programs. Neighborhood watch programs bring
together a neighborhood and the police department to increase the safety and security of the area.
2. The Los Angeles County Probation Department has formed a strong relationship with the police
department. The police department cooperates to closely monitor known offenders and ensure
that they know that violating the conditions of their release will result in them being swiftly
returned to custody.
The detective bureau trains the graffiti removal workers on identification of unique graffiti or
graffiti that may indicate brewing problems. An expedited communication system is currently
being developed.
4. The police department provides updated information and data to the hate crime task force/human
relations commission on hate crimes.
SOON (BY THE END OF 2001)
Develop a chaplain program in conjunction with local clergy to assist victims.
LATER (2002 AND BEYOND)
The police department is examining programs that bring offenders and victims together to work
out the appropriate penalty for some types of low level criminal acts. These programs,
sometimes known as restorative justice or juvenile accountability programs allow the offender to
see the effects of his actions on the victims and for the victims to achieve a sense of closure more
quickly than is often possible in the criminal justice system.
2. If a rapid response team/victim response team is created, the police department will assist by
putting willing victims in touch with team members in a timely fashion,
23
AZUSA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
All children deserve the right to equal access to high quality public education, free of harassment and
hate motivated behavior. Promoting respect and establishing programs for all students, faculty and staff
that encourage learning about diverse cultures in the school environment affirms the rights of all
students. The following is a draft plan of action provided by the Azusa Unified School District.
IMMEDIATE (NE)CF 3 MONTHS)
Policy:
A Student Diversity and Tolerance Policy, which includes procedures, will go to the
School Board for approval. The policy has been reviewed and revised by the Superintendent's
Council, the Teacher's Association, district office and site administrators, legal counsel and
a representative parent group.
2. Training: L.A. County Human Relations training on hate crimes with site and district
administrators (completed in January 2001).
Communication to the School Community: Parent advisory group established to address issues
of diversity and tolerance. (April 2001)
4. Curriculum/Education:
A. Currently there is diversity/tolerance curriculum identified to target the fourth, sixth and
ninth grade levels.
B. Many K-5 schools already use monthly character themes as part of ongoing education for
citizenship, values and conflict resolution
C. All three high schools have established student forums/comrnissions to
- discuss issues of human relations
- identify programs and activities to support diversity
D. Two of the high schools have peer mediation programs in place.
SOON (BY THE END OF 2001)
Training:
A. All site administrators, site staff and students in grades 4-12 will be trained with respect to
the Student Diversity and Tolerance Policy and Procedures (August/September 2001).
B. Conflict resolution facilitator training for adults to be arranged with the Department of
Justice (Spring/Fall 2001).
Communications to the School Community:
A. Student Diversity and Tolerance Policy, will be included in the School District Handbooks
mailed to all parents at the beginning of each school year. It will also be included in each
school's student/parent handbook and/or newsletter. (August/September 2001)
B. Information on Policy to be included in district newsletters. (September 2001)
E
Curriculum/Education:
A. A curriculum will be added as a part of the Board Policy for students who have been
expelled for violating the Student Diversity and Tolerance Policy.
B. Plans are underway to identify
- additional programs and activities that address diversity and tolerance for
specific grades and/or levels.
- staff training in surfacing and resolving issues of diversity and tolerance.
LATER (2002 AND BEYOND) "
The school district will continue to assess, identify and evaluate their needs pertaining to
diversity and tolerance.
It is recommend that the city support the Azusa Unified School District's Student Diversity and
Tolerance Policy (Policy #5420) and their other programs of diversity and tolerance.
M