PSC 08-14-2014 CUPERTINO PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEE'T'ING MINUTES
Thursday, August 114, 2014, 6:00 p.m.
Cupertino City Hall, Conference Room A
I. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Huang called to order the regular meeting of the Cupertino Public Safety Commission
at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2014 in the Cupertino City Hall, Conference Room A,
located at 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California!95014.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Andy Huang
Robert McCoy
Bob Cascone
Gerald Tallinger
Steven Michael Jerbic
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Lieutenant Jim Cannan, Banta Clara County Sheriff's Office
Staff Absent: Battalion Chief Wally Finck, Santa Clara County Fire Department(late)
Others Present: Shailee Samar, Monta Vista High School Green Society
Rizwanulla Mohammed, Monta Vista High School Green Society
Jim Yoke, EOP Coordinator for the Santa Clara County Fire Department
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There are no Oral Communications presented.
IV. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
There are no written communications to-discuss at this regular meeting.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. July 10, 2014
ACTION: YES
VOTE: YES
MOTION: JERBIC SECONDED: TALLINGER 5 to 0
Commissioner Jerbic motioned to approve the minutes of July 10, 2014, with no corrections;
Commissioner Tallinger seconded the motion; votes taken, all in favor to approve the minutes of July 10,
2014 with no corrections. However, Commissioner Tallinger requests a notation regarding,the statement
on page three about the absence of stethoscopE�s and BP cuffs in the emergency medical bags located
around Cupertino. He states that stethoscopes are already included in the regular inventory of all new
blue medical bags and is surprised it was not found when needed.
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VI. OLD BUSINESS
1. Discussion of Walk/Bike/Carpool to School (WBC) project(all), the Boltage program (Tallinger), and
Surveys to Schools (All)
ACTION: YES
VOTE: YES
MOTION: JERBIC SECONDED: CASCONE 5 to 0
Commissioner Jerbic motions to separate the WBC and Boltage programs under distinct sub-committees,
headed by Commissioners Cascone and Tallinger, and to modify the agenda to reflect such;
Commissioner Cascone seconded the motion; votes taken, all in favor to create two sub-committees and
list them on the agenda. Commissioner Huang adds two requests: Action item one is that Commissioner
Cascone presents the Bicycle and Pedestrian survey results at the next PSC meeting to summarize key
concerns behind parents' decisions to drive children to school instead of letting children walk, bike or
carpool. Action item two is that Commissioner Tallinger reports on discussions with Kennedy and Lincoln
regarding their Boltage programs, plus talks with Commissioner McCoy and Sedgewick about starting a
Boltage program.
Shaile Sanar returns With a presentation about the multi-school WOW (Walk One Week) event
coordinated by The Green. Society at Monta Vista High School, to clarify questions that arose during
previous PSC meetings. When the Cupertino Teen Commission decided not to handle WOW events
during the last school year, The Green Society at Monta Vista High School decided to step up. Their
goals were to expand the program to multiple schools as one big event, to give more independence to
each school, and to reduce costs. In April, they added schools in Sunnyvale, San Jose and Saratoga.
Only five Cupertino schools sought PSC Grant funding, including Collins, Eaton, Garden Gate, Regnart
and Lincoln. The other schools covered costs with their own funds or other grants and some had left-over
prizes from past events. Ms. Sanar states they gave each school an information packet outlining different
event models: the traditional prize model where only a few students win prizes, or the community model
in which all students receive something, usually food. Since the WOW events are not traditionally
successful at the High School level, the food for all motivation is more effective and creates more
excitement. They also sent customizable flyers and posters to the participating schools to make
marketing the event easier.
Ms. Sanar continues, stating that they did collect results for.the five schools requesting PSC grants. At
Eaton, 52% of students participated at least one day of the event, and 44% did so all week. At Collins,
400 students participated all week with 500 students participating in total. They listed a question on flyers
asking "how did you get to school before WOW?" At Collins, 100 students arrived as solo kids in cars and
at Garden Gate it was 57 students. Eaton, which has held WOW.events in the past, garnered the best
results, whereas it was a new event for Lincoln and results were understandably not as great.
Mr. Mohammed jumps in, reviewing the positive feedback they received from students and teachers at
various schools, and apologizing for the mistakes they made in processing receipts and data. He offers
their plan for the new school year: start contacting schools in January, apply for grants in February,
collect current data in March, hold the event in April and collect more thorough data during the event, then
analyze the data and collect all documentation in May for submission. They also would like to involve
more students, decrease costs further, and pull together a better presentation including a summary of all
receipts and individual breakdowns for each school.
Commissioner Huang asks whether they plan to have another fall event, but Mr. Mohammed answers
that they would like to focus on the spring event, not rush things and do a better job overall.
Commissioner Tallinger requests that they get themselves on the agenda for the Teen Commission who
will be re-taking oversee of WOW events this school year. Commissioner Jerbic asks what happens if it
rains during the event week, and Ms. Sanar remembers past years in which other schools just increased
marketing for carpooling rather than walking/biking. Commissioner Huang requests that Ms. Sanar email
him her power point presentation and also instructions on whom the checks for each school should be
made out to, either the PTA,.the school or the organization.
Commissioner Tallinger discusses his summary of findings regarding the Survey to Schools. It does not
include the most recent survey this Spring. He points out that Kennedy has the best numbers for walking
and biking, probably due to their use of the Boltage program. He notes that Faria uses the most
carpooling, and Stevens Creek's numbers look very poor. Commissioner Huang explains that there is a
steep hill affecting the Stevens Creek campus, wind Faria is comprised of mostly non-local students that
must be driven in. Commissioner Tallinger would like to recommend the Safe Routes Program to these
schools, extend the Boltage program to more campuses, and plan public education talks by the Sheriff's
Office at PTA meetings. He plans on writing an article about this in the Cupertino Scene for
October/November, and would like to involve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission to host safe biking
seminars. He also suggests checking for safe bike; storage at schools, and expanding the WOW program.
Ms. Sanar offers a suggestion, to pair deputies with Bike Club high school students and do safety talks at
elementary/middle schools to increase excitement:about walking and biking among younger students.
Commissioner Jerbic interjects to say that the PSC should be more precise and figure out what the actual
problem is to solve. He believes that parents are choosing to drive their kids to school every day, rather
than the more convenient and less expensive option of allowing their children to walk or bike, and that
needs to be addressed before any lasting change will result. Commissioner Tallinger says the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Commission performed a survey to parents a few months ago, and the resulting reason may
have. been safety concerns. Commissioner Huang agrees, saying that kids often would prefer
independence but parents are concerned about safety. He adds that the WBC program was questioned a
few years ago, but the city decided to continue it :o create a trial period each year to help parents resolve
their misgivings in letting kids walk or bike to school. Commissioner Jerbic highlights his hesitation in
trying to change parents' decisions about their children's safety, and would recommend caution since
there may be valid reasons or unresolved safety issues. He suggests maybe focusing on driver behavior;
encouraging drivers to be more courteous would have positive effects. Commissioner Huang asks what
they-think is the most important item the PSC should focus on. Commissioner Tallinger answers to
expand the Boltage program, and Commissioner,Jerbic answers to define the problem.
Regarding the Boltage Program, Commissioner Tallinger reviews points about the technology and
purpose. He states the price range for a new installation is between $7-10,000, and about $1,000
annually for maintenance. He mentions the possibility of seeking corporate or organizational sponsors to
reduce the cost, and insists that the program needs to be promoted actively every year to the schools.
Commissioner McCoy would like to see involvement by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission, and
possibly pool resources. Commissioner Jerbic views $7-10,000 as a large expense, and questions
whether it will really solve. the root problem. Commissioner Huang states that they should focus on
moving the existing device from Lincoln to Regnart since that cost would be minimal, and suggests they
modify the agenda by creating two subcommittees to handle WBC and Boltage. Commissioner Jerbic
agrees to contact the PTAs of Kennedy and Lincoln to secure updated contact information.
2. Discuss participation in the Alert SCC Program, the CAS Program, and the Pulse Points App
(Huang/McCoy)
ACTION: YES
VOTE: NO
MOTION: N/A ;SECONDED: N/A 0 to 0
Lieutenant Cannan mentions two recent activations of CAS. One was for a missing person at risk due to
medical issues. The second was due to a gas leak on Blaney Ave. The Sheriff's Office worked, directly
with the Fire Department to secure the area, evacuating two nearby apartment complexes and asking
people at The Biltmore to shelter in place. The first message was sent to a select group with a push for
verification that they received the message. There was a follow-up message sent later giving the all clear.
It was sent to a larger group, so there were complaints that some people did not receive the first
message.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Jim Yoke begins discussion about Cupertino's EOP Draft, the Fire Department and Disaster Service
Council's emergency operation services plan. He says it has been through numerous revisions, but a
complete version is imminent and then revisions may begin for future updates. The important thing is to
produce a basic emergency plan that applies to current standard practices today; appendices and
addendums may be added later. Ms. Atwood has signed off, and the City will vote on the plan's approval
on September 2, 2014. He also states that commissioners may communicate any related questions or
ideas directly to him. He is aware of Commissioner Jerbic's concerns regarding the private sector and risk
quantification, and looks forward to discussing them further when able.
Commissioner McCoy requests that the PSC be added to the email distribution list for updates, since they
have not been included so far. Mr. Yoke will ask Ms. Atwood for approval. Commissioners then ask
questions about various items not included, and Mr. Yoke explains that since this document applies to
five cities (not just Cupertino), it must be more standardized. Therefore items were omitted, such as
Citizen Corps specifics because Cupertino is the only city with an operational rather than administrative
corps. This document serves to unite different entities in emergency situations so that they may work
together successfully. Perhaps more items may be standardized later, but this needs to reflect how things
are today.
VIII. REPORTS
1. Santa Clara County Fire Department
Battalion Chief Wally Finck reviews the Fire Report. Response times improved slightly last month, fire
loss was only$50.00, and calls for service included mostly auto accidents, gas leaks and EMS needs per
usual. Recently, Santa Clara County Fire Department has sent multiple units out through mutual aid for
wild fires to Mendocino, Sierra Foothills, Wiskeytown, and close to the Oregon border. Some officers were
injured with burns but they have maintained consistent staffing. He mentions a fire in an elevator shaft at
Vallco recently, which gave an opportunity to practice unifying command with the Sheriff's Office, and
discussed their 'Haz Mat' response for gas leaks. He denies any negative affect on response times due to
Apple construction traffic, saying that firefighters are trained to deal with and avoid high traffic areas but
Apple has kept them well informed daily of traffic matters in the area. Commissioner McCoy inquires
whether PulsePoints App users have been arriving to medical emergency calls before the Fire personnel
arrive. B.C. Finck heard of a good save in Campbell, not sure if it was PulsePoints generated, but has not
heard anything specific to Cupertino. He knows that many firefighters have the app on their phones and
often get initial call alerts about 20 seconds before they are dispatched. However, call information often
changes in those first few seconds and some calls get downgraded to less urgent situations.
2. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office
Lieutenant Cannan first reports about significant recent arrests. The Sheriff's Office arrested three
suspects tied to multiple commercial burglaries, at least seven in Cupertino and more in five other
jurisdictions. They had been targeting tea houses and using a crowbar. The Sheriff's Office later that
same night arrested four suspects involved in multiple vehicle burglaries, two local individuals and two
from out of the area.
Lt. Cannan then reviews response times. The average response times in July were as follows: 5.5
minutes for Priority One calls for service, 6.5 minutes for Priority Two and 10 minutes for Priority Three.
Among selected crimes in July, there was 1 robbery, 15 residential burglaries, 19 commercial burglaries
(which should go down now that key burglars have been arrested), and only 20 vehicle burglaries due to
good police work targeting vehicle burglars. There were 9 reports of grand theft, 6 auto thefts, 1 case of
vandalism, and 6 cases of identity theft. There were 3 reports of domestic violence, 1 simple or
aggravated assault, and 3 sexual crimes.
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Among 794 combined traffic and patrol citations, there were 260 moving violations, 219 speeding
violations and 315 other violations. July also included an average number of DUls at 8, no DUI accidents,
and 35 property damage only accidents. Instances of injury accidents have reduced in the last few
months from 15 in May to 10 in June, down to now just 5 for July.
3. Commission Reports
ACTION: YES
VOTE: NO
MOTION: N/A SECONDED: N/A 0 to 0
Commissioner McCoy reports that he received a call from a representative at the Capital, asking about
his experience working with PulsePoints. Congrossman Honda plans to take a proposal to the House
Committee to establish a nationwide version of the; PulsePoints App system.
Commissioner Tallinger discusses the parking proposals he learned of at the Library Commission
meeting, as part of the Civic Center Expansion Project. He was dismayed by the possibility of placing an
underground parking structure below the cricket field, and believes there would be tremendous safety
issues. Commissioner McCoy clarifies that it is one of two plans being considered, the other of which
includes a two level parking structure where just, a standard parking lot is now. He adds that statistical
data shows underground parking facilities are more safe than well-lit above ground parking facilities
because criminals want to avoid getting trapped and therefore caught.
Commissioner Jerbic reports on the recent TICC meeting. He first relays a request to add caller ID
information to outgoing CAS messages so that residents know where calls are originating. Currently
messages come Fisted as an odd phone number. Commissioner McCoy offers to follow-up. Next, the
TICC has requested information about the current percentage of households enrolled in CAS.
Commissioner Huang states that information is available through the city, but he remembers it at around
1500 out of 60,000 residents. Third, Commissioner Jerbic relays the TICC's interest in learning more
about the sensor camera monitoring system they assume is utilized at the dam. The commissioners
explain it is outside city jurisdiction and under water district control. Mr. Yoke adds that all county dams
are monitored by a few different agencies including Parks personnel, Fire personnel and Water District
personnel. He is unaware of a camera system. Lastly, Commissioner Jerbic reports hearing an oral
presentation by Cupertino's IT Manager at the TICC meeting. He was very impressed with the information
she presented and would like to officially request that she be added to the PSC agenda at the earliest
convenience to review that which pertains to public safety. Commissioner Tallinger seconds the request
and Commissioner Huang says the next step is to get approval from City Council. As a quick summary,
he states that she argues for a survivable way to interconnect the EOC, City Hall and the Sheriff's Office
in the event of an emergency, from the perspective of communications and public safety, in light of the
challenges she faces in sharing information between the city and the county. Commissioner Jerbic also
voices an idea of the PSC collaborating with the TICC to make this issue more visible.
Commissioner Huang reports only that the Housing Commission meeting was again canceled.
Commissioner Cascone reports on the recent Mayor's Meeting. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission
will host a bike rodeo, with appearances fromi the Sheriff's Office and Fire Department. They also
expressed interest in working with the PSC on safety issues, such as adding more green bike lanes and
widening existing lanes. The Parks & Recreation Commission met offsite for a workshop and did not
make this known on the website. However, he learned they intend on changing the name of this
commission due to the renaming of city departments. Also, he heard discussion about the Master Plan in
general as they have 50 capital projects currently in progress. The Fine Arts and Library discussed
nothing related to public safety, and the Mayor asked everyone to remind fellow commissioners about the
annual Commissioners' Dinner next week. One general plan proposal he heard about is to place another
hotel near Vallco, at the old Bank of the West lo:atiom Also, the VTA has plans to change the HOV lane
on 85 into a toll lane. Commissioner Cascone states that he reported about the last WOW event, CAS
and PulsePoints, and refreshing school contact information.
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Commissioner Cascone then lets the other commissioners know that County Communications has
rejected his request for statistical data regarding number of calls for service and their disposition, plus
number of transports vs. releases on scene, stating that they do not believe that information will be of use
to the PSC. He says the next step would be to contact the EMS agency directly to request the
information, if the PSC would like him to pursue it, and Commissioner Huang indicates affirmatively.
Commissioner Cascone did, however, receive a power point presentation through email from the Director
of County Com which he will review and pare down. They may be able to send a presenter to a PSC
meeting, and commissioners are welcome .to do a sit-along beside dispatchers. Ride-alongs on
ambulances may be more difficult but possible.
IX. FUTURE AGENDA FOR NEXT REGULAR MEETING
1. Discuss the PSC sponsored programs.
a. Sub-committee for Walk/Bike/Carpool to School Project and Survey to Schools
b. Sub-committee for Boltage Program
2. Discuss promotion plans for CAS, AlertSCC and the Pulse Points App.
3. Discuss the County Fire Report, County Sheriff's Office Report, and Commission/Liaison Reports.
X. ADJOURNMENT
This regular meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
XI. NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
Jennifer Roth
Executive Assistant
West Valley Patrol Division
Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff
August 19, 2014
APPROVED BY:
Andy Huang, Commission Chair Date
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