Attendees:   

Captain Paul Snell, Co-Chair Jean Sinatra, members Cynthia Antokal, Evelina Aleksandroskaya,  Bob Cupples, Jack Hash, Kenneth Heinsius, Judith Hirshberg, Andrea Jones, Carrie Konjoyan, Barbara Lewis, Don Le Strange, Penny Meyer, Veronica Marquez, Leonard Nelson, Sha Newman, David Rankell, Josh Rubenstein, Don Schultz, Prudy Schultz, Jeff Siegel, Eli Solomon, George Thomas. Also in attendance were: Sgt. Jodie McGee, Officer Michael Perez, Deputy City Attorney Tamar Galatzan, community guests Josef Lazarovitz, Cheryl Cashman, Ryan Milanio, Linda Brooks, and Susan Aquino-Cobar.

Introductions:

C-PAB Co-Chair Jean Sinatra welcomed all those in attendance.  All those in attendance also went around the room and introduced themselves.

Announcements:

Jean Sinatra read the announcements per the agenda.

•    Van Nuys Boulevard Toy Drive - Wild Bunch Car Club - Wednesday,
December 14, 2011, 6:00 PM - Corkey’s Restaurant.
•    OVB Civilian Academy begins Thursday, January 19, 2011

Old Business:

C-PAB member Cheryl Cashman gave an overview of the Operations-Valley Bureau’s Citizens’ Academy of which she is a recent graduate.  The Citizens’ Academy was very well organized and structured.  During the eight weeks, she learned about the structure of the LAPD and many of its specialized units including SWAT, the Dive Unit, Gang units, and the Bomb Squad.  She encouraged all C-PAB members who have not attended to sign-up.

Jean Sinatra spoke about her Force Option Simulator (FOS) experience.  On November 14, 2011, Van Nuys Area Training Sergeant Ann Pickering took several Van Nuys CPAB members through the FOS.  It was an eye opening experience for all.

City Government Representatives:

Deputy City Attorney Tamar Galatzan of the City Attorney’s Office said they are doing the best they can with limited resources, and the impact of furlough days.  The Neighborhood Prosecutor program will be coming back to Van Nuys in a limited capacity.  She extended an invitation to the group to assist on a quality of life issue project.  Her office is still plagued with cases of squatters due to new transients and jail closures. 

New Business:

Jean Sinatra announced the election results that the new C-PAB Co-Chair was Penny Meyer.

Jean Sinatra will stay on as the chair of the Youth Programs Committee.

Captain Snell:

Captain Snell began his comments by thanking Penny Meyer and Barbara Lewis for running for the Co-Chair position.  He also thanked them for dedication to C-PAB and to the community.

Captain Snell thanked Jean Sinatra for her service to the community and the C-PAB group.  He stated it has been his honor serving with her, and he asked the group to give her a standing ovation.

The Van Nuys Division will continue its dedication to the policy of Constitutional Policing in 2012.  Captain Snell defined Constitutional Policing.  In keeping with ideology of strong community partnerships, Captain Snell will be asking certain community members to help in creating the 2012 Van Nuys Area Divisional goals.  Having community input is vital to the relationship between the police and the community when it relates to crime reduction.

Year-to-date Van Nuys Division Crime Stats:

•    Property Crime                 11% reduction
•    Part One Crime                 11% reduction
•    Burglary and BFMV crimes     16% reduction
•    Aggravated Assaults             4% reduction
•    Overall Crime                    Van Nuys Division has exceeded the 5% reduction                                             mandated by the Department.   

Captain Snell credited this success not only to the police work done the Officers, but also to the strong partnerships with the community and our C-PAB group.

 Committee Reports:

Outreach/ Membership - Chair Josh Rubenstein

Josh Rubenstein stated his goals for his committee:

•    Create a list of all community groups in the Van Nuys Area and educate them about
C-PAB.
•    Create a pamphlet, digital mailer, and up-date the web site.
•    Reach out to the business community.
•    Put the “advisory” component back into the meetings.
•    For all Van Nuys Patrol Officers to know about C-PAB.

Youth Programs

Jean Sinatra stated that the Van Nuys Cadets have been busy this month selling See’s candy as a fundraiser.  They have sold candy at the Sherman Oaks Farmers’ Market, numerous Neighborhood Watch meetings, and numerous store fronts.

One of the main goals for 2012 is to launch the Van Nuys Area Team C-PAB.  She will be working with Officer Arm Doliane to get this project off the ground.

Van Nuys Blvd. Rejuvenation

Penny Meyer thanked her committee for their hard work and dedication to the Van Nuys Community.  Recently, they conducted a community clean-up in SLO Trent Berry’s area in and around Van Nuys Boulevard and Valerio Street.  She looks forward to serving the C-PAB group as their Co-Chair.

Emergency Preparedness (Sub-Committee)

Barbara Lewis obtained a map of the Van Nuys Area.  Her goal is to identify where the C-PAB members reside, and then have them go to their Neighborhood Watch groups and speak about emergency preparedness.

Next Meeting:

Our next meeting will be held will be held Thursday, January 12, 2012, in the Van Nuys Area Community Room, at 6:30 p.m.