PSC 04-13-2017CALL TO ORDER
CUPERTINO PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Thursday April 13, 2017, 6:00 p.m.
Cupertino City Hall, Conference Room A
Commissioner Tallinger called to order this regular meeting of the Cupertino Public Safety
Commission at approximately 6:02 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2017 in the Cupertino City Hall,
Conference Room A, located at 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014.
ROLL CALL
Commissioner Present: Jerry Tallinger
Robert McCoy
Andy Huang
H ymanand N ellore
Commissioner Absent: Neha Sahai
Staff Present:
Staff Absent:
Others Present:
Captain Rich Urena, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Chief John Justice, Santa Clara County Fire Department
Residents Lynda Ellingson, Kathy Chole, Bhavik Sanjay
Boy Scout Troop 600 from San Jose
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Subject: Approve the March 9, 2017 Minutes
Recommended Action: Approval of the March 9, 2017 Minutes
Commissioner Huang motioned to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2017 meeting;
Commissioner McCoy seconded the motion; Ayes: Tallinger, Huang, McCoy, Nellore. Noes:
None. Abstain: None. Absent: Sahai
ORAL COMMUNICATI0N
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Public Safety Commission Minutes April 13, 2017
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Commissioner Tallinger received an email by Mr. Babcock regarding an upcoming
Community Safety Forum in which Captain Urena and Deputy District Attorney Nahal
Iravani-Sani will discuss several topics. The event will be held on Monday April 24 th, 2017
from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Quinlan Center and the public is encouraged to attend.
OLD BUSINESS
2. Subject: Participation in the Cupertino Alert System (CAS), AlertSCC and Pulse Point
(Huang/McCoy); Report from County OES on AlertSCC and Everbridge as well as IP A WS
(Integrated Public Alert and Warning System)
Recommended Action: Discuss Participation in the Cupertino Alert System, AlertSCC and
how the County OES changes may affect Cupertino CAS; Receive report from County OES;
Discuss Pulse Point and receive status of wallet cards/fridge magnets related to crime
reporting/fire/incidents and situational awareness (McCoy)
Commissioner Huang did not have an update on CAS or AlertSCC and no representative
from County OES were available to discuss AlertSCC, Everbridge and IP A WS .
Commissioner McCoy explained that the fridge magnet project is still on hold as a result of
needing to better understand what the next year budget will look like.
Commissioner Tallinger explained that they are still awaiting the status of the budget and
proceeds to present the recommended budget proposal as well as the status of the current
budget.
3. Subject: Public Safety Education and Outreach; a) Discuss Senior Safety Forums (Sahai), b)
Transportation Forum Progress (Tallinger), c) Neighborhood Residential Burglary
Prevention Seminars (Nellore), d) Public Safety Forum (McCoy), e) Proposals for Future
Forums/Workshops (All)
Recommended Action: Receive updated report on the next Senior Safety Forum (Sahai);
receive report on Transportation Forum Progress (Tallinger); receive report on
Neighborhood Residential Burglary Prevention Seminars (Nellore); receive report on Public
Safety Forum (McCoy); Discuss proposals for future Forums/Workshops
Commissioner Tallinger attended a meeting with Bike Ped and presented the Transportation
Forum Proposal. He received mild attendance and the group had doubts as to who would be
the real audience. They questioned if the audience would be local residents or local
employees. Commissioner Tallinger is rethinking the strategy as he is unsure if the Forum
should be the right method to proceed and instead plan this promotional campaign. He
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believes that there should be a plan for improving traffic safety but he is not sure exactly how
to proceed. He heard from David Stillman that the Planning Commission has requested parts
of the same form of event.
Commissioner Nellore explained that he attended an event sponsored by San Jose Police
Department titled "Coffee with a Cop" which he thinks might be good to do in the city of
Cupertino. The officers brought a lot of good information related to violence as well as a
good amount of information on burglaries. Commissioner Nellore would like to see if they
would be able to move forward with an idea similar to this for Cupertino. He added that the
event was held on a Saturday and it was well attended. Commissioner Nellore added that
he thinks it would be a great way to connect with our residents.
Commissioner Nellore is also thinking about sponsoring an initiative to install cameras that
are facing the entries and exits of neighborhoods. Commissioner Nellore believes it would
help prevent and catch suspects involved in crimes. Captain Urena explained that detectives
and deputies area always looking for cameras when crime occurs.
In regards to the Crime Prevention Forum, Commissioner McCoy is still working on the
topics and he asked Captain Urena if having another Crime Prevention Forum given that the
city is having one in April be an over saturation. Captain Urena explained that it would not
be an over saturation as it would be presented later in the year and new crime trends may be
identified. Commissioner McCoy further asked about putting together a Public Safety Expo
where the Sheriff's Office and the city could showcase topics related to safety. Captain Urena
agreed to help the Commission in any manner possible.
4. Subject: Collaboration/cross training of vol mi.teer groups (All)
Recommended Action: Receive City Presentations on training, drills, etc
Cupertino's OES Staff introduces self: Ken Erickson, Tom Walters, Karen Levy, and Jason
Basiely. Mr. Erickson continues to provide an overview of OES . He explained that the
functions associated to an OES need to occur despite not having a dedicated OES since the
fire department removed the fw1ction from Cupertino in 2010. Mr. Erickson explains that
recently staff has been talking about how to move forward and address the need to have a
staffed OES. Mr. Basiely explained that they have been collaborating with county fire on
various types of trainings and city staff has been completing tnem. M ~Levy explains that
they need dedicated staff to move forward with an OES. The team conducted a survey witl1
other cities to determine the best way in which to operate an OES as they would like to move
forward. A recent budget request included 2 full time OES staff so that they can have
dedicated staff to the OES. Ms. Levy further added that they would like to pursue more
training and have a work plan that could be accomplished in the next 5 years.
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Mr. Walters explained that they have a quarterly report available that they can give to the
Commission or they can draft a summary of status updates. Mr. Erickson agreed to provide
the Commission a status update report as they become available.
Commissioner Huang asked if it was true that CAS was going to be replaced by ALERTSCC,
and if so, if the residents that signed up to obtain messages through CAS will automatically
receive messages through ALERTSCC. Mr. Erickson said yes and added that those details
had already been worked out.
Commissioner McCoy made a motion to alter future Agenda item #4: "Collaboration/ Cross
training of volunteer groups and city employees" to "OES Readiness quarterly status report,
to include all updates from OES, city emergency preparedness and cross training of volunteer
groups." Commissioner Huang seconded the motion; Ayes: Tallinger, Huang, McCoy,
Nellore . Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Sahai
5. Subject: Firewise proposal promotion within Cupertino
Recommended Action: Discuss Firewise proposal promotion within Cupertino
Commissioner Tallinger found a good area for the firewise program around Regnant Rd at
Canyon View Dr but will wait for Deputy Chief Justice to attend the meeting to discuss
further.
NEW BUSINESS
6. Subject: Crime Reduction Initiatives (Nellore)
Recommended Action: Discuss Crime Reduction Initiatives
Commissioner Nellore raised the question, why metal detectors are not installed in malls,
schools and other public places. He further added that large incidents have happened in
large public places and it would be a good idea to have metal detectors at these types of sites.
Commissioners agreed that having metal detectors at schools and public locations would not
be possible.
Chair Tallinger agrees to remove this Agenda item in the future as Commissioner Nellore
has already discussed the item in detail.
7. Subject: Neighborhood Watch and Block Leader Programs
Recommended Action: Receive presentation of Neighborhood Watch and Block Leader
Programs
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Mariah Dabel, Recreational Manager with the Recreation and Community Services
Department introduced Stephanie Turini who is the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator and
Laura Lee who is the Block Leader Program Coordinator for the city of Cupertino.
Ms . Dabel explained that Laura and Stephanie had prepared an informational presentation
to serve as an overview of the neighborhood watch program as well as the block leader
program. Ms. Lee introduces herself and extends an invitation to the group to attend the 15 th
Annual Appreciation Event for Block Leaders that will be held on April 27, 2017 at City Hall.
Ms. Lee presented a slideshow on how the Block Leader program was created . She added
that at inception the program had 27 block leaders and now the program has 380 . She further
added that the program allows the city to provide resources directly into the neighborhoods.
Residents can build civic pride, deter crime, or just be better connected to each other. Each
block leader decides on the type of event that they want to have to unite the neighborhood.
Events are typically centered on neighborhood watch, emergency preparedness, a building
activity, or a proposal that is being considered . Ms . Lee holds meetings with the Block
Leaders four times a year in order to give updates and tips and talk about things that are
working and not working. Block Leaders are encouraged to go door-to -door to get to know
their neighbors. Everything residents need to know about Block Leaders is online and
available to anyone who wishes to learn more.
Commissioner Tallinger asked Ms. Lee if any training is provided to Block Leaders and Ms .
Lee responded that she meets one on one with each Block Leader to go over critical
information prior to being designated as a Block Leader. He further asked if any of the Block
Leaders receive FEMA type training and Ms. Lee responds that over the years emergency
training such as CERT has been provided but since they are volunteers, they are not required
to attend any extra training. Ms . Turini ends the Block Leader presentation by adding that
maps are always used in Block Leader meetings and trainings . The maps identify the ARKs,
neighborhoods, as well as the Sheriff's Office designated beats.
Ms. Turini formally introduces herself and gives a presentation on Neighborhood Watch
Groups in the city. She explains that the program is a partnership between the Sheriff's
Office, the city and the residents. She further explains that the goal of the program is to
educate residents and neighbors and let them know that they are the first line of being aware
of what is happening at any given time in their neighborhoods . Emphasis is placed on
explaining that they are the ones that can and should contact either the Sheriff's Office or Fire
when needed. Ms. Turini explained that she recommends residents sign up on Nextdoor so
as to receive information. Currently, over 12,000 residents are signed up on Nextdoor. She
further explained that she tries to have the deputies that work the areas attend the
neighborhood meetings so that they can give the participants updates of crimes specific to
their neighborhood. To start a Neighborhood Watch Group, residents are told to reach out to
a few of their neighbors to get their input about how they feel about becoming part of the
program, then they can contact Ms . Turini to move forward . Ms. Turini will then provide an
orientation and provide the necessary information to start the program. Once 80 % of the
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neighborhood is involved, a Neighborhood Watch Sign may be placed in the neighborhood.
Sustainability is centered on various yearly events such as block parties, presentations and
the National Night Out event.
Commissioner Tallinger asked why some Block Leaders choose not to be involved in the
Neighborhood Watch Program and Ms. Turini responds that although Block Leaders are
encouraged to join, they simply choose not to do so. Ms. Lee adds that some Block Leaders
choose not to join a Neighborhood Watch Group because they feel that the Block Leader
program already acts much like a watch group.
Commissioner Huang asked Ms. Lee if Block Leaders have any type of signage that Leaders
can put up in their neighborhoods much like Neighborhood Watch Signs. Ms. Lee responds
that no such sign(s) currently exist but that the idea had been proposed previously and
perhaps she will look into the request again.
Commissioner Huang ends the presentation by asking Ms. Dabel if it would be possible to
add an overlay of residents who are signed up to receive Cupertino Alert System (CAS)
notifications, onto the map that depicts Block Leaders and Neighborhood Watch Groups. Ms.
Dabel responds that she would look into the request and provide the map if possible.
8. Subject: Emergency Management Recruitment for the City of Cupertino
Recommended Action: Receive presentation related to the recruitment of Emergency
Management for the City of Cupertino
Mr. Tom Walters explained that recruitment for Emergency Management Director may begin
in July at the beginning of the new fiscal year, if approved by the City Council.
9. Subject: Fire Extinguisher refilling program
Recmmnended Action: Discuss a potential Fire Extinguisher refilling program
Commissioner McCoy recommends an overview be presented to the Commission as to how
this event occurred in past years so as to explore ways in which to try and sponsor such an
event.
10. Subject: Future Agenda Items
Recommended Action: Discuss Items for Future Agendas
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
11. Subject: Report by Santa Clara Cow1ty Fire District
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Public Safety Commission Minutes Ap1il 13 , 2017
Recommended Action: Receive Report by Santa Clara County Fire District
None
12. Subject: Report by The Santa Clara Cow1ty Sheriff's Office
Recommended Action: Receive Report by The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office
Captain Urena reported on statistics for priority calls for the month of March. Calls for service
for priority 3 calls were increased by about 100 calls and were most likely related to incidents
such as trees going down as we had bad weather recently. Priority 2 calls increased a bit and
priority 1 we had only 5 such calls.
The city experienced two robberies . In one particular incident, a gentleman was walking out
of his house to his vehicle when he was attacked and robbed. Residents should always be
aware of their surroundings. The other was at the department store Target. In this situation,
a theft turned into a robbery because the Victim was placed in fear as the Suspects were
leaving the store with merchandise.
Residential burglaries were 15 which is a slight increase this past month. The Sheriff's Office
put out a press release recently informing residents that Deputies apprehended Suspects
involved in vehicle burglaries. The Suspects were not local as they had both an Oakland and
Stockton address. Commissioner Nellore asked Captain Urena if any of the Suspects captured
ever help solve other burglaries by giving insider information. Captain Urena explained that
having an insider provide information is much different than having an insider on a major
crime because burglars know that their punishment is not severe. Burglars know that in a
few months they will be out of jail as oppose to someone who commits a homicide or some
serious type of crime, which may put them in jail for several years.
Captain Urena explained that he is using covert Deputies to bring down burglaries and thefts
in the area and he hopes to see these crimes go down for the next month.
The Sheriff's Office arrested two people for DUI' s and total collisions for March were 68. The
city had a small spike in collisions and they do appear to be weather related as we did
experience bad weather recently.
13. Subject: Receive Commissioner Reports
Recommended Action: Receive Commissioner Report
Commissioner McCoy explained he watched the city council meeting online and learned that
the Proposed Gun Ordinance may be brought back to the Commission.
No other Commissioners had any reports .
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ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tallinger adjourned the meeting at 8:43pm
NEXT MEETING
The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
Veronica Lara
Executive Assistant
West Valley Patrol Division
Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff
April 26, 2017
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