1 TO: City Council
FROM: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Carla Dillon, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer MEETING DATE: February 21, 2023
SUBJECT: Discussion of Anti-Gang/Drug-Free Walk
RECOMMENDATION
1) Continue with the Anti-Gang and Drug-Free Event with minor amendments to the judging process for 2023; and 2) Establish working group to propose any desired adjustments for 2024; and 3) Direct staff to explore the possibility of providing transportation to and from the event.
BACKGROUND
The City has hosted the "Follow Me, I'm Gang & Drug Free" Walk for over 20 years in coordination with local schools from Los Angeles Unified School District that serve Lomita.
As background, in March 1989 a PTA representative requested a program for schools for anti-gang and anti-drug awareness, and the Lomita Mayor requested a study and report.
In April 1989, the City Council approved a program for elementary school education activity related to drug use prevention, which included extensive input by law enforcement.
In 1991, the Anti-Gang/Drug-Free event began and in October 2000, the Safety Commission and Gang and Graffiti Committee responsibilities were moved into the Public Safety and Traffic Commission (PS&TC).
In its current form, the event generally includes an L.A. County Sheriff Department escort for students to walk from their respective schools to Lomita Park where they hear speakers encouraging them to remain drug-free and to avoid interaction and participation in gangs. The students are provided lunch at the park with a visit from the police helicopter and K9 unit.
Item No. SCH 8d
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
2 In October 2022, the PS&TC formed a subcommittee to consider improvements to the event and at the February 7, 2023, the City Council requested input/recommendation from the PS&TC regarding any changes to the Anti-Gang/Drug-Free Walk.
The PS&TC discussed, in conjunction with Sheriff Department representatives, several options to improve logistics including buses or a unique and fun form of transportation such as the Red Car trolley. Alternatively, individual events could be held at each school; however, the helicopter and K9 unit may not be able to participate at all schools. In addition, scheduling separate events at each school may be challenging for Commissioners and Council Members participation and City Staff coordination.
After its discussion, the Commission recommended that speakers and lunch (if at lunchtime) be continued. They also recommended, at the request of the Sheriff’s Department representatives, that the City explore the possibility of providing transportation to and from the event in lieu of walking from each campus.
The Commissioners discussed the Anti-Gang and Drug-Free themes and did not recommend changes to these for the 2023 event. The Commission would like to refine their criteria for judging posters and recommended staff provide further information and categories when transmitting the contest details to the schools.
FISCAL IMPACT
Not applicable
OPTIONS:
1. Approve the recommendations.
2. Provide alternative direction.
Reviewed by: Approved by:
___________________________
Gary Y. Sugano Ryan Smoot
Assistant City Manager City Manager
Prepared by:
_________________________
Carla Dillon, P.E.
Public Works Director/City Engineer