March 6, 2025 – Public Safety Meeting Minutes Page 1
MARCH 6, 2025 – CITY COUNCIL AND PUBLIC SAFETY JOINT MEETING CALL TO ORDER Mayor Freedman called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: M/Freedman, MPT/Cajulis, C/Law, C/Tragarz, C/Wu ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Also present were City Manager Weiner; Lieutenant Dail; Acting Assistant Fire Chief Robertson; Community Development Director Vasquez, Community Services Director Bumia; Public Works Director Barcelo; Administrative Services Director Carlson; Senior Management Analyst Munoz; Administrative Services/Human Resources Officer Ramos; Public Information Officer Tep; Senior Management Analyst Markel and City Clerk De Dios.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:
• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Walnut Station Lieutenant Daniel Dail provided a report on the crime statistics for 2024. He reported that calls for service decreased slightly due to the memorandum of understanding with Mt. SAC, where in previous years Sheriff’s would respond to all calls from the campus. He explained the City has two deputies per shift and reported that arrests have decreased county-wide. He provided crime statistics analysis between 2023 vs. 2024. He encouraged residents to become more active in neighborhood watch programs throughout the City. He concluded his report and expressed his appreciation to the City Council, Sheriff staff, and City staff for a great working relationship.
Los Angeles County Fire Department – Assistant Fire Chief Dustin Robertson Acting Assistant Fire Chief Dustin Robertson provided information on the Walnut Fire Stations 61 and 146 and shared statistics from the 1,737 calls fielded by both stations in 2024; 20 were fire related calls; 1,346 were emergency medical services (EMS) type calls; eight hazardous condition calls related to gas leaks, 35 service calls related to animal rescue or public service assistance; 296 good intent calls; 23 false alarms; three severe weather and natural disaster related; and six special or other incident type. He reported on brush inspections and concluded his report.
Lt. Dail shared information relating to CCTV, how the Sheriffs handle the red tag placed on vehicles parked overnight and noted response time may be delayed if they are handling an arrest or other service call.
March 6, 2025 – Public Safety Meeting Minutes Page 2
Fire Assistant Chief Robinson shared information relating to brushes, explaining that CalFire sets the standards for the brushes not the County Fire. He asked residents to call in if they see brush not maintained.
Discussion took place amongst the Council, Sheriff, and staff regarding ideas to increase public safety using flock cameras, crossing guards, volunteers on patrol, and neighborhood watch programs.
Council expressed appreciation for the hard work and dedication displayed by the Sheriff’s Station and Fire Stations.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
William Harrison expressed concerns regarding the following: removal of brush on private and open areas and how it is enforced, only two deputies per shift patrolling the city, and not having enough time to speak during these special meetings.
Mr. Chi spoke in regards to having CCTVs cameras to assist in public safety.
Agnes Gonzalez expressed her appreciation for making the city safe. She expressed concerns about vehicles parked in her neighborhood during the hours of 2-4 a.m; she has reported vehicles in violation but receives no response.
John Walker spoke of the required height of brushes on private properties.
Speaker shared that recently she and her neighbors reported parked cars overnight in their neighborhood and by the third day there were many cars with citations and the streets were cleared. She expressed her appreciation to the Sheriff’s department for being responsive.
There being no public input, the City Council to closed oral communications.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED on the 26th day of March 2024.
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Linda Freedman, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Teresa De Dios, City Clerk