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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-10-2009 PSAC REPORTSCITY OF LAKE ELSINORE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA MIKE NORKIN, CHAIRMAN WWW.LAKE- ELSINORE.ORG DR. SHAWN BHUTTA, VICE - CHAIRMAN (951) 674 -3124 PHONE NICOLE DAILEY, COMMISSIONER (951) 674 -2392 FAX AL LYONS, COMMISSIONER LAKE ELSINORE CULTURAL CENTER DENNIS "JAY" STEWART, COMMISSIONER 183 NORTH MAIN STREET ROBERT BRADY, CITY MANAGER LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530 JUNE 10, 2009 6:00 PM The City of Lake Elsinore appreciates your attendance. Public participation provides the Commission with valuable information regarding issues of the community. Regular meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. If you are attending this Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting, please park in the Parking Lot across the street from the Cultural Center. This will assist us in limiting the impact of meetings on the Downtown Business District. Thank you for your cooperation. The agenda is posted 72 hours prior to each meeting outside of City Hall and is available at each meeting. The agenda and related reports are also available at the City Clerk's Office on the Friday prior to the Commission meeting and are available on the City's web site at www.lake- elsinore.org. Any writings distributed within 72 hours of the meeting will be made available to the public at the time it is distributed to the Public Safety Advisory Commission. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should contact the City Clerk's Office at (951) 674 -3124, ext. 261 at least 48 hours before the meeting to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility. CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMENTS (Any person wishing to address the Public Safety Advisory Commission on any matter must complete a request form prior to commencement of the meeting. Comments limited to 3 minutes.) CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS (All matters on the Consent Calendar are approved in one motion, unless a Commissioner or any member of the public requests separate action on a specific action.) 1. Minutes of the May 13, 2009 Public Safety Advisory Commission Recommendation: Approve PSAC minutes of May 13, 2009. BUSINESS ITEMS 2. Public Outreach meetina for Rosetta Canvon HOA. June 24. 2009 Recommendation: Discuss availability and confirm meeting schedule. 3. OUTLOOK newsletter v9 n2— "Graffiti Prevention Campaign" special issue Recommendation: Receive and file. 4. Graffiti Action Plan implementation status Recommendation: Receive and file. PUBLIC SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS CITY STAFF COMMENTS PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS PUBLIC COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT The Lake Elsinore Public Safety Advisory Commission will adjourn to a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at 6:00 p.m., at the Cultural Center located at 183 N. Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA, 92530. AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING I, DEBORA THOMSEN, City Clerk of the City of Lake Elsinore, do hereby affirm that a copy of the foregoing agenda was posted at City Hall, 72 hours in advance of this meeting. / /ss // DEBORA THOMSEN CITY CLERK DATE MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009 CALL TO ORDER — 6:00 P.M. Chairman Norkin called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Stewart. ROLL CALL PRESENT: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE - CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART ABSENT: NONE Also present were: Information /Communications Manager Dennis, Assistant City Attorney Mann, Public Works Manager Payne, Fire Chief Hendershot, Police Sergeant Chavez, and Office Specialist Porche. PUBLIC COMMENTS Rochelle Ceballos, representative from the Cottonwood Canyon Hills Homeowners Association, spoke of Ordinance No. 1252 which addresses abandoned residential properties. She stated she's been working with City employee Scott Burns with the up- keeping of the abandoned homes. She asked who imposes the penalties for homes that are not register within the 10 -day time period, and what happens if a home is not registered. She wanted to be assured that all of the abandoned homes are being addressed and to get a better understanding of the process. She requested the Commission to look into proposing a four (4) way stop sign at the intersection of Cedarhill Lane and Poppy. She stated currently there is only a one way stop; however, lately there have been many accidents including one fatality. John Treese, resident of Lake Elsinore, provided a follow up on the status of Palomar Road. He stated he spoke with engineering staff and the surrounding Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 2 of 9 neighbors. He stated no one had any major concerns with any three designs that engineering proposed. He stated his next step is to meet with the neighbors in the Fairfield and Madison community and go over the designs that engineering has proposed. He stated he would know in two (2) weeks if he would have enough information to bring it back to the Commission for discussion. COMMISSION APPROVES CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1. Minutes from the Regular Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting of April 22, 2009. Recommendation: Approve Commissioner Stewart noted a correction to the April 22, 2009 Minutes under the heading Commissioner Stewart comments on page 7 of 7 where it states he apologized for not attending the outreach program in Tuscany Hills. He advised the Commission that he did attend the meeting and to have the minutes reflect the change. It was motioned by Commissioner Lyons and seconded by Commissioner Dailey to approve the March 11, 2009 Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes with the noted corrections. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE - CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Wildland /Urban Interface- Defensible Space Update Recommendation: Discuss fire season issues related to recent laws and building code changes updating Wildland /urban interface risk analysis and defensible space requirements affecting new residential construction and homeowner improvements. Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 3 of 9 Fire Chief Hendershot stated on March 12, 2008 he spoke to the Commission addressing the new State Laws for State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). He provided a map that shows the high fire danger zone which was provided to the Commission by the IT /GIS Department. He stated the City has adopted Uniform Building Codes for higher resistant building codes which has jurisdiction over defensible space. He stated this means removing all flammable vegetation within a prescribed distance from all structures. He noted last year's fires across California was one of the worst fire seasons in recorded history. He stated this year the fire potential could be just as bad or even worse. He indicated that CAL FIRE is mandated by the Public Resource Code that identifies the fire hazard severity zones statewide which are significant fire hazards based on fuels, terrain weather and other relevant factors. He stated in areas, CAL FIRE has mapped three hazard ranges from moderate, high and very high. He indicated the statute arose out of legislation following the large, catastrophic urban conflagrations and is designed to implement mitigations to reduce damages from wildfires. He noted the new Wildland -Urban Interface Building Codes would increase the cost for new construction on an average of $1,800 per home. He advised the Commission the best way to view what is available is to go to the Cal Fire Web site. Vice - Chairman Bhutta suggested having the links uploaded onto the City's Web site and having a tracking device on how many viewed the web page. Chairman Norkin asked when the last major fire in Lake Elsinore was. Chief Hendershot replied by saying around 1991. Chairman Norkin asked if there is anything that the Code Enforcement can regulate the overgrown or brush in the public's yard. Robin Chipman stated Code Enforcement can provide assistance with regulating the cleaning of the weeds and brush but not regulating the clearance of brush distance or bushes. Chief Hendershot spoke of the new development in the City and the types of fuel /vegetation that grows. He stated the best defense is education and suggested to the public to view the Riverside County Fire prevention Web site and suggested making the City's Fire Department's Web site more user - friendly. Chairman Norkin asked if the City is doing enough for fire protection. Chief Hendershot responded by saying "yes ", once the map has been adopted by Ordinance. Commissioner Lyons spoke of a major fire in 1995 and how fixed wing aircraft assisted with putting the fire out. He stated he was concerned with all the new development in the City particularly with the homes in the Lincoln neighborhood Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 4 of 9 which only has two exits. He suggested posting an evacuation route for the public viewing. Commissioner Dailey asked how much responsibility does the Homeowners Associations (HOA) have and if they assume any of the responsibility. Chief Hendershot replied by saying he doesn't know what the responsibility the HOA has. Commissioner Dailey suggested educating the HOA's in the City and asked if Cal Fire has a budget to allow education. Chief Hendershot replied by saying, no they do not have the funds for educating the public. Commissioner Dailey suggested a media tour or press release and tour of a high risk area which could possibly create an article for the paper. She also suggested posting an announcement at the Storm Stadium and on the City's Web site which all is inexpensive. Vice - Chairman Bhutta asked if there is any more money left in the City's budget. Information /Communications Manager Dennis replied by stating most of the money was used for the graffiti program. Vice - Chairman Bhutta suggested on having information printed onto HOA new leaflets that discusses the fire danger and have the Web site address listed for further information. Chairman Norkin suggested cross - training City staff particularly in the Code Enforcement Department to identify areas that are potentially dangerous with overgrown vegetation. Chief Hendershot asked the Building Official if there is anything in the Municipal Code that mandates property owners from clearing their land. Building Official Chipman responded by saying, no, not that he is aware of. Chairman Norkin asked Assistant City Attorney Mann if the Commission could request implementing an Ordinance that would give the City the authority to require homeowners to clean up their overgrown weeds /vegetation. Assistant City Attorney Mann replied by saying he would look into it. Chief Hendershot stated once the map has been approved by Sacramento, it would then come to the City for adoption. Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 5 of 9 Assistant City Attorney Mann commented in order for the City to regulate conduct, the City must show a need and the map identifying particular areas with high risks associated with the property. Commissioner Stewart concurred with Vice - Chairman Bhutta on utilizing the City's HOA's to post valuable information regarding fire safety. He also suggested posting the information on utility bills such as CR &R trash bills. Chief Hendershot showed a video to the audience and Commission regarding a new program being adopted by FIRESCOPE called Ready, Set, Go, which would also be on the Riverside County Fire Department's Web site. There being no further discussion, Chairman Norkin called for a Motion. It was motioned by Commissioner Dailey and seconded by Chairman Norkin to recommend to the City to assist the Fire Department to create an education opportunity such as partnering with Homeowner Associations within the City and identifying media opportunities, spending collateral material for distribution and for advertisement opportunities and to instruct the City Attorney to research information that would require homeowners to clean up their overgrown weeds /vegetation. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE - CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE 3. Annual Fireworks Prohibition Cam Recommendation: Discussion and direction on publicity tactics. Information /Communications Manager Dennis stated because this project is so closely related to the last item discussed, it is recommended that staff shows that staff has put together a key message that "Fireworks and Fire Season Don't Mix." He stated in the past, staff has put the messages on billboards and sent direct mailings. However, this year is constrained due to the City's current budget. He suggested utilizing CR &R trash bill mailings for a fireworks prohibition insert. Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 6 of 9 Chairman Norkin asked Police Sgt. Chavez if the Police Department has a task force that could control the use of illegal fireworks. Police Sgt. Chavez replied by saying the Fire Department and the Bomb Squad have selected Deputies that make sure no one is firing off illegal fireworks. He stated last year CALFIRE had a few of their prevention officers driving around the City and County to assist the Deputies if needed. He stated illegal fireworks have a zero tolerance policy within the Riverside County. Commissioner Dailey suggested the LCD display at the Storm Stadium which would include graffiti and fire issues as well as a way to introduce it to the community. She also suggested using the Penny Saver newspaper or possibly the City's Web site and having it in English and Spanish. She suggested using the water bill as many citizens do not get a trash bill and suggested asking EVMWD for assistance. Commissioner Stewart spoke of having a video presentation regarding fireworks on CALFIRE's Web site or on the City's Web site. Fire Chief Hendershot replied by saying he wasn't sure if there was a video presentation on their Web site. However it could possibly be on the US Fire Administration's Web site. Vice Chairman Bhutta suggested having a video presentation regarding fireworks just before the City Council meetings. Commissioner Stewart concurred with Commissioner's Dailey's suggestions and stated it would capture many residents' attention at one time. A motion was made by Commissioner Dailey and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to consider outreach opportunities recommended by the Public Safety Advisory Commission such as publishing notices in the local Pennysaver, water bill, HOA's, Storm Stadium and prior to the City Council meetings. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE - CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 7 of 9 4. Update on Recruitment Process for Three PSAC Commission Openings in June Recommendation: Receive and file Information /Communications Manager Dennis advised the Commission three Commissioners' terms would expire in June ( Norkin, Lyons, & Bhutta). He indicated the City has published the volunteer opportunity on the City's Web site and in the local newspaper. He indicated the application period would close on May 27th and be presented to the City Council on June 9''. A motion was made by Chairman Norkin and seconded by Commissioner Dailey to receive and file the Public Safety Advisory Commission recruitment process. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE - CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE PUBLIC SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Public Works Manager Payne provided the Commission with the status of the last Citizen's Corp meeting which was held on May 13, 2009. He stated 160 citizens have expressed their interest in volunteering for the program. He stated the next meeting would be held on June 10, 2009 at 4:00 at the City's Cultural Center. Chairman Norkin stated he heard some of the residents requesting the CERT Training to be held on weekends. He suggested using the Storm Stadium for practicing the drills. Public Works Manager Payne concurred with Chairman Norkin's recommendations of using the Storm Stadium and stated there have been discussions of weekend training which may be considered. Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 8 of 9 CITY STAFF COMMENTS Fire Chief Hendershot commented on the following: • He spoke of the upcoming fire season and advised the Commission due to the increase of the fire activity and dryness of the vegetation, the second state engine would be coming to the City on May 25, 2009. Information /Communications Manager Dennis commented on the following: • He advised the Commission that it is Public Works' Week. • He spoke of the upcoming Budget Study Session to be held on May 21, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at the City's Cultural Center. • He spoke of the success of the Outreach meetings and reviewed with the Commission suggested areas that could be targeted for the next meeting. PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS Chairman Norkin commented on the following: • He requested information from the Assistant City Attorney if commercial property owners could establish their own rules on curfew. • He thanked the Fire Chief for his presentation. Vice - Chairman Bhutta commented on the following: • He thanked Public Works Manager Payne for the report on the Citizen's Corp meeting. • He thanked Fire Chief Hendershot for the great presentation on fire safety. Commissioner Dailey commented on the following: • She spoke of the education opportunities available for the public regarding fire safety and ways of protection. • She requested an update regarding the City's budget for the Public Safety Advisory Commission. Commissioner Stewart commented on the following: • He thanked the Canyon Hills HOA for attending the meeting and hopes to continue a great working relationship. Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 9 of 9 Commissioner Lyons commented on the following: • He spoke of the highly qualified Sherrill Deputies that patrol the lake and stated they are a pleasure to work with. PUBLIC COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Commission to adjourn to a regular meeting on June 10, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the Cultural Center located at 183 North Main Street, Lake Elsinore, California, CA, 92530. Vice - Chairman Bhutta adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. MIKE NORKIN, CHAIRMAN PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: DANA C. PORCHE OFFICE SPECIALIST CITY OF LADE LSIRORX DREAM EXTREME REPORT TO PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION FROM: MARK DENNIS INFORMATION /COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER DATE: JUNE 10, 2009 SUBJECT: PUBLIC OUTREACH MEETING FOR ROSETTA CANYON HOA, JUNE 24, 2009 Background This item is to confirm the third PSAC `Town Hall' public outreach meeting of 2009. The PSAC has been invited to participate in the Rosetta Canyon Homeowners Association's next business meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Staff is coordinating with the HOA to secure the multipurpose room at the Earl Warren Elementary School. Discussion Since its formation, a stated goal of the Public Safety Advisory Commission is to promote community outreach. The Rosetta Canyon HOA has accepted a request to host the next PSAC outreach meeting in conjunction with their regular business meeting on Wednesday, June 24th, at 6 :00 p.m. Approval of this item will authorized staff to coordinate meeting publicity and confirm arrangements with the Lake Elsinore Unified School District for using Earl Warren Elementary School, located in the Rosetta Canyon Community, as the meeting venue. In addition to PSAC Commissioners, representatives from the LEUSD, fire department and LEPD, as well as City staff from Engineering and Code Enforcement, will attend. Public Outreach Meeting for Rosetta Canyon HOA June 10, 2009 Page 2 So far this year, two PSAC `town hall' outreach meetings have been held with the Canyon Estates Homeowners Association and the Lake Elsinore Citizens Committee, which welcomes all citizens to attend regular meetings in the Tuscany Hills community. The community outreach objectives of PSAC are: A. To introduce the PSAC to citizens by proactively hosting `town hall' forums in different areas of the community, or in conjunction with regularly scheduled HOA/POA meetings; B. To meet with citizens to gather diverse views and concerns about a variety of public safety needs, interests and concerns; C. To facilitate two -way communication in order to increase customer satisfaction with City governance and allocation of resources to meet public safety needs; D. To promote volunteerism by inviting citizens to participate in the Citizen Corps; E. To stimulate public attendance of regular PSAC meetings, which are always open to the public; F. To promote transparency in government by helping citizens stay informed through the City's Web site, viewing or attending public meetings and getting involved. The location for this outreach meeting is given below: Earl Warren Elementary School 41221 Rosetta Canyon Drive Lake Elsinore, CA 92532 Principal: Whitney Naughton PH (951) 253 -7810 Fiscal Impact .5071 EI I Recommendation Discuss availability and confirm meeting schedule. CITY OF LADE 0 LSIAOR E r-t DREAM EXTREME REPORT TO PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION FROM: MARK DENNIS INFORMATION /COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER DATE: JUNE 10, 2009 SUBJECT: OUTLOOK NEWSLETTER V9 N2— "GRAFFITI PREVENTION CAMPAIGN" SPECIAL ISSUE Background The summer edition of the City's semiannual newsletter OUTLOOK will be published at the end of June on the themes of fire prevention and graffiti prevention. Draft copies will be distributed to the PSAC during the June meeting for comment before going to print. Discussion Publishing an information mailer on the City's graffiti prevention efforts is one of the communications objectives listed in the Graffiti Action Plan that was approved by the City Council earlier this year. To accomplish this objective and to economize production and mailing costs, the City's OUTLOOK newsletter is being repurposed to focus on special topics that involve public safety. The OUTLOOK newsletter is a four color, four page newsletter that is bulk mailed to approximately 22,574 residents and businesses within the City limits twice each year. The next issue, volume 9, number 2, will be distributed at the end of the month. A content outline content is shown on the next page. PSAC /OUTLOOK Newsletter June 10, 2009 Page 2 OUTLOOK v9 n2 Contents: P 1 Inside this Issue (Table of Contents) P 1 City Gets Tough on Graffiti Crime (lead article) P 1 The Hidden Cost of Graffiti P 1 New! Graffiti Hotline P 1 Fire Season and You (New laws affect homeowners, home builders and ultimately protect our City; Hazard Assessment Map shows fire threat as real and present danger) P 2 City Manager's Message (Cracking down on graffiti vandalism: penalties, parental responsibility, what Council members hear most often from constituents) P 2 Graffiti Ordinance: What Residents and Businesses Should Know P 2 Reward Offered (Tipster information welcome leading to arrest and conviction of taggers) P 3 Does a Tagger Live Here? (Even 'good` kids get caught tagging. Clues at home, school and online, the "red flags" a parent should watch for) P 3 Talk to Your Child About Tagging (Crucial conversation tips for parents) P 3 Sidebar: Is Tagging Worth Losing Your Driver's License? P 3 Warning Tagger: Your photo has just been taken! (Q Star camera article) P 4 Community Calendar (Summer -Fall) • July 4 Patriotic Parade • Oct 10 Citywide Cleanup • Oct 31 Safe Candy Night • Nov -Lake Elsinore Grand Prix • Nov -Unity in Community Parade • Public Safety Advisory Commission, 6:00 p.m. every 2nd Wednesday of the month • Citizen Corps Council, 4:00 p.m. every 2nd Wednesday of the month P 4 Fireworks and Fire Season Don't Mix (City prohibition highlights) P 4 Fire Season and You (Continued) Fiscal Impact Sufficient funds are available in the PSAC budget this fiscal year. Outside services funding was designated for the City's anti - graffiti public information campaign and related collateral material. OUTLOOK production costs for graphics design, printing and mailing are shown on the next page. PSAC /OUTLOOK Newsletter June 10, 2009 Page 3 TABLE 1. Summary of OUTLOOK production costs. Item Vendor $ Amount Graphics Mark Fisher Company $ 1,440.00 Printing (1) Mark Fisher Company $ 2,924.29 Mail Prep (2) Affordable Print & Mail $ 275.00 Postage (3) US Postmaster $ 3,205.51 TOTAL $ 7,844.80 NOTES 1) Printing of 26,000 pieces. Unit cost $0.1034 each 2) Bulk mail prep & Post Office delivery 3) Saturation rate @ $0.142 "postal customer," 22,574 pieces Recommendation Receive and file. CITY OF L_. LADELSINORE DREAM EXTREME REPORT TO PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION FROM: MARK DENNIS INFORMATION /COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER DATE: JUNE 10, 2009 SUBJECT: GRAFFITI ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STATUS Background This item is to update the Public Safety Advisory Commission on the implementation status of the Graffiti Action Plan. The plan was presented to the City Council and adopted in February. In March, at the Council's request, some recommendations were revised to reduce the cost of implementing the plan. The PSAC was instrumental in developing the City's Graffiti Action Plan and putting increased attention on stepping up the City's graffiti vandalism prevention efforts. nicrimcinn Graffiti Action Plan strategies and tactics were designed to be implemented within one year from plan adoption, so most, if not all, plan elements should be implemented by midyear FY 2009 -2010. The table below summarizes the status of proposed strategies and tactics related to ten goal areas contained in the Graffiti Action Plan. 1. Standardized Reporting & Pending. Contingent on trial use and acquisition of Work Order Procedures TAGRS database to automate data collection (and photos) for tracking, mapping and reporting graffiti. PSAC /Graffiti Action Plan Implementation Status June 10, 2009 Page 2 Goal Comment 2. Graffiti `Rapid Response' In Progress. Staff currently removes graffiti within Organization 24 hours of reporting (weekend & holidays excepted). This task area includes devising a standard cost recovery schedule and implementation of commercial and residential "right of entry" waiver registration program using a voluntary participation form. These forms are available on the Graffiti Web page online. 3. Database Technology In Progress. TAGRS software solution was Initiative selected and is in the process of being acquired from Orange County Sheriff's Department at no charge to the City. A 6 month trial use agreement was placed on the City Council June 9 agenda to move forward with database implementation. 4. City Web site `e- government' Active. Graffiti, Municipal Code (Graffiti & graffiti forms automation Ordinance), Code Enforcement and Public Works Web pages, e- notification and the online graffiti reporting form are all currently active for reporting graffiti service requests to the City and to provide customers with information about the City's graffiti abatement programs and related information. 5. Surveillance Technology In Progress. The Q Star camera system has been Initiative purchased and delivered. A test unit is currently installed at a City park location for use in training staff and calibrating the motion and photo sensors. A four month study period through October 31 is scheduled to evaluate and compare results of surveillance at several graffiti "hot spot" locations within the City and in some instances, along the public right -of -way. 6. Business Outreach & Not Started. This program will be administered by Compliance Monitoring Code Enforcement and Building & Safety staff. It will be their responsibility to check businesses for graffiti Ordinance compliance in conjunction with the current Business License inspection efforts. 7. Graffiti Awareness Public In Progress. This includes facilitating the Graffiti Outreach & Education Task Force meetings and information efforts such as, publication and distribution of the OUTLOOK "graffiti prevention" issue, Web information, news releases, collateral material production and more. Another element involves cooperation with the PSAC /Graffiti Action Plan Implementation Status June 10, 2009 Page 3 No. Goal Comment LEUSD and Water District, particularly for outreach to targeted audiences and to distribute graffiti education information (e.g., bill stuffers and school flyers for students to take home). 8. Prosecution and Restitution Pending. One measure of success for this task area is contingent on the successful use of TAGRS as a crime analysis tool by the LEPD. While prosecution and restitution are presently occurring, with the Graffiti Action Plan in place, the expectation is for an increased number of apprehensions, and related prosecution and restitution follow -ups. Another element involves increasing cooperative efforts with the LEUSD, EVMWD and other utilities in sharing information with law enforcement about graffiti incidents, especially when graffiti vandals happen to be caught and identified. Also, increased communication with the DA falls in this task area. 9. Graffiti Program Evaluation & Not Started. Under the plan, as each initiative is Awards Recognition rolled out, an evaluation component is also required. For example, the surveillance camera pilot project is undergoing a four month field evaluation to validate the effectiveness of Q Star cameras as a graffiti vandalism deterrent. Awards applications such as the League of Cities Helen Putnam Award and CAPIO's Excellence in Communications award will be submitted in fourth quarter 2009 and first quarter 2010 for the Graffiti Action Plan to be eligible for awards recognition. 10. Law Enforcement Grant In Progress. Staff has submitted a grant proposal Funding & Research Grant for $15,500 under the Byrne JAG Grant to equip the Studies Eligibility City with a dedicated and secure SQL server to host the TAGRS database solution, which must be maintained by the LEPD to legally comply with federal laws regarding criminal database records. Results should be known by September. As shown above, the Graffiti Action Plan involves several "moving parts" and many critical dependencies that are presently underway. The Graffiti Task Forces continues to meet once a month to provide project oversight and to delegate key task assignments. PSAC /Graffiti Action Plan Implementation Status June 10, 2009 Page 4 The implementation is generally moving forward and is on schedule for implementation the remainder of this calendar year (the schedule has been revised once to accommodate important City Council follow -up requests and related contingencies). Fiscal Impact The Graffiti Action Plan was designed so all equipment and technology purchases could be done in FY 2008 -09, using Supplemental Law Enforcement grant funding, primarily. Public outreach is largely coming from the General Fund, PSAC outside services account. The revised budget is summarized below. TABLE 1. Graffiti Action Plan Implementation Budget. Graffiti Action Plan FY 2008 -09 Budget Recommendations -JUNE Revise No. Item Description Proposed $ Adjusted $ Notes 1 G•^'u tFarzk'^^ Annual licensing range $7K -12K 7,000 (7,000) c—kerr- 60ft a% 2 TAGRS database system PDA devices Tremble PDA devices (5 @ $806) 3,224 (I) 3 Surveillance cameras Three Q -Star and three dummy cameras 35,000 22,954 (2) 5 GR9 GameRM (ROGI10114 Eliminated, substitute Tremble units 3,000 (3,000) 6 Education & Outreach Graphic Design, Printing, Mailing 23,000 18,000 (3) Subtotal 68,000 34,178 Net ovings DECREASE IN SAVINGS Depends on levy of service fees, if any Unknown (4) FUNDING SOURCES: FY 08 -09 only PSAC Outside Services Acct. (Gen Fund) 23,000 Use for No. 6 Supplemental Law Enforcement Grant 38,000 Use for No. 2, 3 CIP (paid from RDA accounts) 35,000 Use for No. 3 Subtotal $ 96,000 NOTES 1) Purchase 5 PDA devices to use for field data capture and input to TAGRS (in lieu of smart phones) 2) Per quote #13296, 3 full & dummy units includes accessories @$7,651.43/promo package (1 unit /1 dummy) 3) Figure includes 1 OUTLOOK mailer in June and use of in -house resources for brochure, design & outside printing 4) Contingencies: annual TAGRS support fees and Riverside Sheriff's IT Dept server maintenance cost, both unknown Recommendation Receive and file. Mark Dennis From: Barbara Landrith [barbaralandrith @cica.org] Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 2:16 PM To: Mark Dennis Subject: Drought/Fire Protection Recommendations Our state's drought situation makes California more prone to fires. We recently released these Drought /Fire Landscape recommendations and thought you might find them helpful. Please feel free to distribute or reproduce... Drought and Fire Protection Landscape Recommendations from the California Landscape Contractors Association Fire destroys hundreds of homes each year. It poses an even greater threat in many areas experiencing extreme drought conditions. Dry trees, grass and shrubs are more apt to catch fire quickly and they also increase the speed and intensity of a fire, making it harder to control and contain. The drought will also impact local water sources such as lakes and rivers, reducing the sources of available water that can be used to put out the fire. Homes in California have been built in natural fire zones. Coupled with predicted climate change, many areas of California and our country are expected to get hotter and drier increasing the threat of fire. It has been proven that fire safe landscaping can help save your home. Now, more than ever, it is important to re- examine your fire danger and how you can help protect your family and property. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to offer some recommendations. This advice can help protect your property during fire season and help you prepare for predicted water shortages and climate change. Create a Defensible Space Remove all dead plants, trees and shrubs. Keep your lawn well mowed and healthy and all plants pruned and well maintained. With much drier conditions, increase the recommended defensible space around your home from 30 to 50 feet or as recommended by your local fire department, especially if your area is prone to wildfires. Be sure to include at least 100 -150 feet around your home in your fire management plan. Any flammable solvents, liquids and other materials need to be safely stored in approved fire safe storage areas and containers. Thin trees and brush within this space and eliminate flammable grasses and plants growing under trees. As conditions get drier and hotter, the speed of fires will increase. Allowing a larger defensible space gives you more time to get out safely and the fire department more time to save your home. Space trees at least 30 feet apart and prune lower limbs to a height of at least 10 feet. Make sure there are no branches that hang over structures, which could allow flames to jump to your home. Highly flammable trees such as eucalyptus and pine should be avoided or removed if located close to structures. Contact your local fire department or go to htW. /lwww.madera- county .con /firemarsliaVpdf/Flammable- llants.pdf for a list of high fuel plants that should be removed. If you are in a high fire danger area, fire agencies will often send an inspector at your request to help determine plants and trees that pose a threat to structures. Use fire resistant plants and do not plant in large masses. This helps prevent the fire from having the continuous fuel needed to carry the fire to your home. Close to your home use decorative rock, gravel, stepping stones, cement or stone garden art, stone walls or other items which can help modify, slow or break the path of a fire on your property. Your local fire department or nursery will have a list of fire resistant plants native to your area. In many areas due to reduced water allocations, it may not be possible to keep a well - watered landscape or to use supplemental irrigation. Consider using fire resistant plants that are also drought tolerant, along with water saving irrigation technology or a drip system that could help you maximize your water allowance. Plant beds should be filled with low flammable plants or decorative rock. All flowerbeds should be mulched. Mulch helps keep water in the soil and helps keep plants healthy. Be careful not to use pine bark, thick layers of pine needles or flammable mulches. Make sure water sources needed to fight the fire are working and easy to find. Plastic irrigation lines and parts are flammable and should be installed underground. Also consider some type of rain harvesting or other water storage system. As water becomes more scarce, it is even more important to conserve. The more resources available to help fight fire the better. Consider your entrance and exit defensible space. If it is lined with trees or other burning materials you may not be able to escape and/or the fire department may not be able to access your property and save your home. Preventing Soil Erosion from Wind, Rain or Flood After A Fire When protective plants are removed, soil becomes vulnerable to erosion. Soil erosion can happen slowly or it can happen very quickly in a heavy rain. Defensive measures need to be taken immediately to prevent the soil from blowing away, washing away or collapsing into a mudslide. The exact measures needed for your property are based on your soil type, slope grade, home location, weather, water availability etc. In the case of wind erosion on flat ground, putting something over an area of flat soil to keep it from blowing away is effective until plant life resumes. In some areas tackified straw pellets, mulch or other erosion control materials may need to be applied. The steeper the slope, the harder it is to successfully introduce plants and other items that will keep the ground from eroding. Erosion control blankets, straw wattles, hydraulic mulch and other erosion control materials can be used to help hold slopes in place. Depending upon the slope, retaining walls, interlocking concrete blocks or terraces may be necessary. Consider temporary erosion control measures to keep the ground from washing away until the plants recover. Native plants in burned areas will return on their own. Water flow is an important factor of any erosion plan. Never underestimate the power of storm water and debris. Evaluating the area and planning for storm events is a critical first step to protecting your property. You'll want to protect your home and your neighbors' as well. If you need help with erosion control or fire prevention landscaping, be sure to hire a licensed professional who specializes in that area of expertise. Ask for references, insurance certificates and request to see their license. How Can I Prepare for a Drier and Hotter Future? Less water, higher temperatures, and lower rainfall are in our future, increasing our fire risk. It's time to start preparing now to protect homes and natural resources. Here's what you can do to begin: Consider water conservation and reuse programs such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, advanced irrigation technology and water storage. When considering home repairs or upgrades, incorporate water efficient technology and fire resistant materials. Examine your landscaping and the long -term availability of water in your area. Consider reducing or replacing lawns with fire retardant, drought resistant plants. Start a FireWise Community in your neighborhood. The FireWise Communities Program is a federally funded, nonprofit program that involves communities, homeowners, developers and others to reduce the loss of lives and property. As a community, members work together to consider escape routes, vegetation removal, establishing defensible areas, water supplies, building materials and more. Their website is littp: /Iwww.firewise.org. For helpful information on what to do after a fire, contact the California Landscape Contractors Association at hLtp://www.clea.orgiclea/education/firc-recommendations.]2h . Barbara Landrith Outreach Specialist California Landscape Contractors Association barbaralandrith @cica.org 1491 River Park Dr#100 Sacramento, Ca 95815 (916) 830 -2780 www.cica.org Print: LAKE ELSINORE: City seeking safety commission applicants: North County Tim... Page 1 of 2 Pt-int Page No will COU1\1TY Tim us C,. , ttfwl \-,,,,E. Y Last modified Friday, May 8, 2009 7:07 PM PDT LAKE ELSINORE: City seeking safety commission applicants By MICHAEL J. WILLIAMS - mwilliams @californian.com LAKE ELSINORE - - -- When three seats on the Public Safety Advisory Commission are filled in June, the panel will for the first time have a full complement of five members serving four - year appointments, officials said. When the group formed in 2004, terms were limited to two years, said Mark Dennis, the Lake Elsinore administrator assigned to assist and advise the commission. The city later decided to extend the terms to four years, beginning with two seats in 2007. "When we were having two -year veterans going off (the commission), institutionally, it was weakening our effectiveness," Dennis said. The commission, which meets on the second Wednesday of each month, was established to crutinize threats to public safety and serve as a liaison between residents and city officials on such issues. The commission can make recommendations to the City Council as it did on the creation of a citizens corps, the provision of loaner life jackets at the public lake -front beach and measures for curtailing graffiti. The commission is the current edition of a body that was disbanded in the 1980s. Its re- establishment was spearheaded by council members Bob Magee, who is now mayor, and Thomas Buckley, Dennis said. Dennis said the commission _has been valuable in learning about problems facing the community. "This is a great bunch of people who are very committed to Lake Elsinore," Dennis said of the commissioners. "That's better than an energy drink, when we have people like this to work with." The seats opening up are held by the commission's chairman, Mike Norkin, its vice chairman, Shawn Bhutta, and Commissioner Al Lyons, all of whom are allowed to apply for reappointment. Their appointments date from 2007, when the terms were still two years for those seats. Commissioners Nicole Dailey and Jay Stewart were appointed to four -year terms later in 2007. "This will be an important step," Dennis said of the upcoming decisions. "These appointees dI be with us for four more years." The city is accepting applications for the commission seats through May 27; residents should http: / /www.netimes. comlarticlesl 2009 /05/08/ news /califomianllake _ elsinorelz942cc3 3 0bfe... 5/11/2009 Print: LAKE ELSINORE: Loaner life jackets appear to be working: North County Times... Page 1 of 3 Print Page [ NORTH COUNTY Tiw-s I TH1~. CA1.1iAORT Last modified Saturday, May 9, 2009 2:08 PM PDT r� The city of Lake Elsinore has won an award for its loaner life vests, which are stationed at public access points along the lake with the goal of keeping kids and nonswimming adults from drowning. (Photo by Don Boomer - staff photographer) LAKE ELSINORE: Loaner life jackets appear to be working By MICHAEL J. WILLIAMS - Staff Writer LAKE ELSINORE - - -- A series of drownings early this decade led city leaders to conclude that something had to be done to reduce the threat to life at the city's namesake lake. One of the solutions was borrowed from a concept that can be seen at any public or motel swimming pool where lifesaving floats are handy at poolside. The problem, however, was being able to make such a strategy work along 1,500 feet of public beach. The Public Safety Advisory Commission, with the city's aquatic officials, took the idea and expanded on it. Rather than floats hanging on a fence, they created loaner life jacket stations attached to large signs urging visitors to wear the jackets and return them after use. The signs also advise visitors in English and Spanish on lake safety and the inherent dangers of entering the lake. Bright cartoon art featuring a pelican family was used to attract children to the sign. The project recently earned the city recognition from the California Association of Public Information Officials. The organization, which consists of communication specialists from public agencies, bestowed its "award of distinction" for excellence in communications on Lake Elsinore's loaner life jacket program. More important, commission Chairman Mike Norkin told the City Council during last week's award presentation, no lives have been lost in the lake since the stations went up. While many of the past drownings have occurred during boating and at other sections of the lake than Elm Grove Beach, where the signs are located, that section is becoming an increasingly popular spot with families. "The untold story is we'll never know how many lives we're saving by people wearing these http: / /www.nctimes.comlarticles /2009 /05/09 /newslcalifomianllake elsinorelza5a7lbb4flb... 5/11/2009 Print: LAKE ELSINORE: Loaner life jackets appear to be working: North County Times... Page 2 of 3 life jackets," Norkin said Lake Elsinore spokesman Mark Dennis, the city's administrative liaison to the commission, said life jackets have been made available at other recreational lakes, but commission and city representatives wanted to put more flair into the stations so they would command more attention. He credited Commissioner Nicole Dailey for contributing ideas on the design. "It's not the first time it's been done, but it's never been done like this," said Lake Elsinore spokesman Mark Dennis, the city's administrative liaison to the commission. "I think the difference is in how much instructional design went into the concept to make them as distinctive as possible. They're attractive, informative and bilingual, and they also keep (the life jackets) organized, so when a person approaches, it will always appear neat and organized." Six of the signs were installed at Elm Grove and by the nearby Seaport Boat Launch by summer 2008. With the weather having cooled off, no one was spotted using the vests on a couple of recent visits to the beach. One visitor, however, said she immediately noticed them on the sign next to the shaded picnic table where she and a friend had settled. "I think it's a very good idea," said Diana Soto, a Downey resident on her first visit to Lake Elsinore. "It's safe. I was surprised to see them here. If you forget your own life jacket, you can use the ones here." Though the city has not instituted a way to measure use of the jackets, Dennis said they usually disappear quickly from the stations on hot weekend days. While wading is allowed in the lake, swimming and diving are prohibited, but the city does not have lifeguards to enforce restrictions and oversee safety. "It's a very busy place," Dennis said. "Without lifeguard protection, you've got to have visitors be more self - protective, and protective of their children." One gauge of popularity is an unfortunate consequence of the life jackets being made available openly without supervision. Dennis said about eight to 12 jackets a week are lost or stolen, and replaced at a cost of $5.50 per jacket. The city spent a little more than $10,000 to create and install the signs, plus about $1,400 on replacement jackets during the first season, according to information provided by the city. "Even if those jackets are lost or stolen, it's worth the expense to save lives," Norkin said. Lake safety, and drownings in particular, spurred Norkin to seek an appointment to the safety commission, he said. Two men drowned in the lake in 2008, and one man drowned in 2007 while saving a tot. The city started focusing on the issue after four drownings in 2000 and one in 2001, a couple of which sparked lawsuits settled by the city for more than $1.4 million. In response, the city commissioned a shoreline safety study by an aquatic expert that http: / /www.nctimes. comlarticlesl 2009 /05/09/ news lcalifomianllake_elsinorelza5 a71 bb4f1 b... 5/11/2009 Print: LAKE ELSINORE: Loaner life jackets appear to be working: North County Times... Page 3 of 3 produced a series of recommendations, including the provision of life jackets. "When I joined the public safety commission, my No. 1 goal was to improve things around the lake, because I didn't want to see the city get sued anymore and see people lose their lives," Norkin said. Contact staff writer Michael J. Williams at (951) 676 -4315, Ext. 2635, or mwilliams @californian.com. http: / /www.nctimes.comlarticlesl 2009 /05/09/ news lcalifomianllake- elsinore /za5 all bb4fi b... 5/11/2009 Print: LAKE ELSINORE: Deal for firefighting craft hits snag: North County Times - Cal... Page 1 of 1 Print Page 1 Reai Iu1` {!§ - Keally LQi1a RMZ NP.ceTs • t lxlrL L©LA NORTH 1 Last modified Tuesday, June 9, 2009 10:33 PM PDT LAKE ELSINORE: Deal for firefighting craft hits snag By The Californian LAKE ELSINORE - - -- A plan to let a huge firefighting air tanker that can land on water to dock on the lake during fire season ran into a hitch Tuesday with the City Council. The council voted unanimously to ask the U.S. Forest Service for more reimbursement before agreeing to allow a Martin Mars flying boat to be stationed on the lake's northwestern end. Forest Service officials have hired the aircraft and crew from a British Columbian firm to drop water primarily on fires that might break out within the Cleveland, San Bernardino and Los Angeles national forests under a contract that runs through Dec. 15, officials said. However, council members believe the city deserves more money than offered by the forest service. Under the draft agreement before the council Tuesday, the city would have received $200 per landing, which would include those times that the plane swoops down onto the lake to scoop water during a fire. After 150 landings, the rate would go to $100 per landing. Council members, however, theorized that if there are no forest fires, the city might receive little compensation, despite giving up use of a section of the lake for much of the year. City Manager Robert Brady said he was confident a deal could be reworked with the forest service and a final agreement could be reached in a few days. It's possible the delay could mean the aircraft won't be flown down to the lake from Canada on Saturday as originally planned, but no information on how the schedule would be affected was available Tuesday night. The plane, one of two Martin Mars that remain in existence among six built for service in World War II, flew out of Lake Elsinore in the fall of 2007 to combat the infernos that ravaged San Diego County. Last summer, they worked out of Lake Shasta in Northern California, earning high marks by fire officials. http: / /www.nctimes.com/articles/ 2009 /06/09 /news /califomian/lake elsinore /zd962b7de19... 6/10/2009 Print: LAKE ELSINORE: Lake eyed as firefighting tanker's temporary home: North Cou... Page I of 2 Print Page 1 NORTH COUNTY DMES ]'��F l',A- LIFORNIA1+I� Last modified Sunday, June 7, 2009 5:36 PM PDT �13 The Martin Mars seap lane of Coulson Flying Tankers makes a practice drop on Lake Elsinore in October 2007. The plane may again be stationed at the lake to fight fires this year. (The Californian File Photo) LAKE ELSINORE: Lake eyed as firefighting tanker's temporary home By MICHAEL J. WILLIAMS - mwilliams @californian.com LAKE ELSINORE - - -- An aviation relic from World War II that has been rigged to fight forest fires could make the lake its home for the summer and fall, if an agreement to be considered by the City Council on Tuesday works out. The proposed agreement would allow the U.S. Forest Service to station a Martin Mars flying boat on the lake's northwestern end near the Lake Elsinore Recreational Area and Campground, which would be used as a staging ground. The council meeting starts at 7 p.m at the Cultural Center, 183 N. Main St. Forest Service officials have hired the aircraft and crew from the Coulson Group, based on Victoria Island, British Columbia, to drop water and retardant on fires that might break out primarily within the Cleveland, San Bernardino and Los Angeles national forests under a 153 - day contract that runs to Dec. 15, said company CEO Wayne Coulson. Lake Elsinore is an ideal locale because it is near the forests and is vast enough to accommodate landings and takeoffs by the world's largest amphibious plane, which has a wingspan comparable to a Boeing 747. The tanker would take off from the lake and scoop up water from Diamond Valley Lake that would be mixed with a gel retardant to be dropped on fires in the national forests, Coulson explained. "We can get anywhere within those target areas within 35 minutes," Coulson said. "That was kind of a guiding principle for us." Under the agreement, the U.S. Forest Service would foot the bill for operations out of Lake Elsinore, including the installation of a couple of helicopter pads. Four flight crew members and two maintenance workers would be stationed here. http: / /www.nctimes.comlarticlesl 2009 /06/07/ news / Californian llake_elsinore /z76a5c1cO866f .. 6/8/2009 Print: LAKE ELSINORE: Lake eyed as firefighting tanker's temporary home: North Cou... Page 2 of 2 If the agreement is finalized Tuesday, Coulson said the plane, dubbed the Hawaii Mars, would leave its home on Stoat Lake by Port Alberni on Saturday morning and land on Lake Elsinore sometime Saturday afternoon. "We're excited to have the opportunity to work with the U.S. Forest Service and to be part of the Lake Elsinore community," Coulson said. He and his crew are no strangers to the area as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection enlisted the use of the Hawaii Mars in fighting the infernos that torched much of San Diego County in 2007. Lake Elsinore served as the base then and other activity on the lake was prohibited while the Mars was stationed there. With the new agreement, a system will be worked out allowing the usual activities to proceed, a city official said. The Hawaii Mars' counterpart, the Philippine Mars, will remain docked in Stoat Lake and continue to function as a museum and tourist attraction, Coulson said. The planes are two of six amphibious tankers that were built for the U.S. Navy to serve as long -range bombers in the Pacific Theater during World War II, said aviation buff Mike Archer of Glendora, who is the proprietor of Firebomber Publications. When military officials realized that Japanese anti - aircraft would make Swiss cheese out of the Mars planes, they converted them to transporters carrying soldiers and materiel from the West Coast to Hawaii, Archer said. They continued in use after the war until 1956, when they were put into storage at the Navy's Alameda base. They were sold for scrap in 1959, when a Canadian company bought the Hawaii and Philippine Mars for use in fighting wildfires in British Columbia, Archer said. When those two planes were scheduled to be decommissioned in 2007, Coulson bought them and began marketing the planes for firefighting duty. The Hawaii Mars was lauded by fire officials for its work in the 2007 fires. A Mars plane has a 7,200 - gallon capacity, a much greater volume than other tankers. When the water is mixed with the retardant gel used by Coulson's firm, the drops have been successful in extinguishing hot spots, rather than just preventing the spread of fire, a task for which most air tankers are used, Coulson said. In addition to the 2007 fires, the Hawaii Mars was stationed at Lake Shasta last year through an agreement with the Forest Service and used effectively in fighting a spate of fires in Northern California. "We had a chance to work on several fires and did extremely well as a fire suppression tool and in cost effectiveness," Coulson said. During this fire season, advance aircraft will use infrared cameras in an attempt to identify areas in flames that might not be visible through smoke, he said. Once those areas are pinpointed, the Hawaii Mars can be dispatched to that spot to make its drop, "Our drop area is 3 1/2 acres," Coulson said. "It's a pretty big swath. Our goal, of course, is to put the fire out. With the smoke, sometimes it's tough to see where the head of the fire is." Call staff writer Michael J. Williams at 951 - 676 -4315, ext. 2635. http: / /www.nctimes.comlarticlesl 2009 /06 /07 /newslcalifomianllake_ elsinore /z76a5c 1 c0866f... 6/8/2009 Fountain Valley police launch ar graffiti technology I graffiti, police, de— rtment, public... Page 1 of 2 THE 4)R&%VE 420 WNTY REGISTER acre q] st s rx a m Friday, May 29, 2009 Fountain Valley police launch anti - graffiti technology automated New system keeps track of the vandalism, streamlines procedures. By SARAH LOPEZ FOR THE REGISTER Fountain Valley has implemented a new technique to help combat graffiti. The Police Department launched Tracking Automated Graffiti Reporting System (T.A.G. R.S.) on Wednesday. The County Sheriff's Department created the system to document, link graffiti to aid in investigations, and recover clean up costs. When graffiti is reported, a city public works employee will respond to the scene with a special camera phone designed to document Advertisement Fa &'14 1�e� 3 0 0)aVj FREE Product Trial the location, photograph the vandalism and provide cleanup cost information. The information is sent automatically to the police- monitored T.A.G.R.S. database, which will serve as an investigative aid in graffiti crimes. The T.A.G.R.S. training, software and phone come at no extra cost to the city. The monthly service fee for the phone will be the only added expense. The Fountain Valley Police Department claims that T.A.G.R.S. will allow for more efficient graffiti investigations and lead to prosecutions that are more effective. T.A.G.R.S. will also eliminate duplication of efforts by the city's public works and police departments. 594 Graffiti, the solution provider for T.A.G. R.S., reports that the monthly service fee is approximately $1,450. . According to a survey conducted by the Orange County Sheriff's Department, graffiti removal expenses in the county totaled more than $5 million last year. Residents are encouraged to assist the effort by reporting graffiti to the new graffiti hot line, 714 - 593 -4604 or by sending an email to graffitiwatch @fountainvalley.org. Fountain Valley rewards individuals up to $500 in cash for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person writing or painting on walls, signs or any public or SAVE 10 - 6(1 ON YOUR HEALTH EXPENSES DENTAL DISCOUNTS VISION CAFE DISCOUNTS DOCTOR be HOSPITAL. DISCOUNTS PRESCRIPTION D[SCOIJNTS 24/7 P"YSICIAN ACCESS • TelaDoc'" Print Powered By ; cA _ 1 Dyt€ http : / /www.ocregister.comlarticles /graffiti- police- department- 2433423 - public- fountain 6/4/2009 Fountain Valley police launch apl =)graffiti technology I graffiti, police, de�tment, public. THE O"VOECOUNTY SISTER 0CM01dar.cam private property. Advertisement N r _ 31010 FREE Product Trial SAVE 10 - 60% ON YOUR HEALTH EXPENSES DENTAL DISCOUNTS VISION CARF DISCOUNTS DOCTOR & HOSPITAL DISCOUNTS PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNTS 24/7 PHYSICIAN ACCESS - `felaDor " Page 2 of 2 Print Powered By http : / /www.ocregister.comlarticles /graffiti- police - department- 2433423 - public- fountain 6/4/2009 LAKE ELSINORE: Safety advisory commission to meet By The Californian I Monday, June 8, 2009 4:52 PM PDT LAKE ELSINORE - - -- Members of the Public Safety Advisory Commission are scheduled Wednesday to hear an update on measures the city is taking to combat graffiti and also to consider whether to hold another public outreach meeting. Commission members were involved in the development of a graffiti action plan that has just gotten under way. The program includes a graffiti hotline and the use of portable surveillance cameras. The commission has held several outreach meetings recently to expand awareness of its mission and garner knowledge about public safety issues in neighborhoods. The panel is expected to consider setting its next outreach meeting for the Rosetta Canyon Homeowners Association on June 24. Wednesday's meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Cultural Center, 183 N. Main St. Print: LAKE ELSINORE: City to try graffiti- tracking system: North County Times - Cali... Page 1 of 2 Print Page ( Nov-1+1 COU;�T -1T1mf� (THE Last modified Tuesday, June 9, 2009 10:23 PM PDT LAKE ELSINORE: City to try graffiti- tracking system By MICHAEL J. WILLIAMS - mwilliams @californian.com LAKE ELSINORE - - -- An automated system used to track graffiti in some cities in Orange and Los Angeles counties will get a whirl in Lake Elsinore, the City Council decided Tuesday. The council voted 5 -0 to give the Tracking Automated Graffiti Reporting System a six -month trial run to determine whether it warrants permanent use. The system, commonly referred to by its acronym TAGRS, was developed by the Orange County Sheriffs Department and is now used by more than a dozen agencies in Orange and Los Angeles counties, including the Los Angeles police and Los Angeles County sheriffs departments, officials said Tuesday. The system consists of a customized graffiti- tracking data base that enables agencies to gather and share information used to identify, arrest and prosecute graffiti vandals. Orange County sheriffs Lt. James Rudy told the Lake Elsinore council members the system has been highly successful there, enabling the county to cut costs for dealing with graffiti by as much as 70 percent. The system involves officials in the field recording details of graffiti incidents, including photos, over a phone or camera with Internet capability and feeding that information into a Web site database so it can be collected, mapped and cross - referenced with future incidents. The system also allows the public to anonymously report graffiti. Establishing such a database was one of the components of a graffiti action plan brought before the City Council earlier this year. While the council approved other aspects of the plan, including an educational campaign, a hotline to report graffiti, tougher enforcement and an experiment testing the efficiency of surveillance cameras, it held off approving the creation of a database using a privately marketed service and software that would have cost the city $7,000 to $12,000 annually. The council members, at the suggestion of Councilwoman Melissa Melendez, wanted to see if there was a cheaper avenue and asked city administrators to check out a method used by Garden Grove, which was created by the Orange County Sheriffs Department. "I think this will turn out to be a terrific system," Melendez said after a presentation on TAGRS in Tuesday's meeting. http: / /www.nctimes.com/articles /2009/06/09 /newslcalifomianllake elsinorelza908f4a4b89... 6/10/2009 Print: LAKE ELSINORE: City to try graffiti- tracking system: North County Times - Cali... Page 2 of 2 The city already spends about $100,000 a year on a technician, equipment and supplies to clean up graffiti around town. According to statistics from the city, its graffiti crews removed an average of 117 tags per week from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008, and 97 per week from last July 1 through the end of January. Graffiti removal has been averaging well over 100 instances per week since then Through the agreement approved Tuesday, the Orange County Sheriffs Department will share its software and use of its database at no cost, while the city will pay for cameras and data - collection devices at a one -time cost of $4,200, including shipping and sales tax. If the TAGRS program shows success, the city anticipates spending $15,500 in law enforcement grant funds for a server so it would have its own database at the Lake Elsinore Police Department, a division of the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. City officials say there's a good chance the Sheriffs Department would adopt the system countywide. Call staff writer Michael J. Williams at 951 - 676 -4315, ext. 2635. http: / /www.nctimes. comlarticlesl 2009 /06/09/ news /califomianllake _ elsinorelza9O8f4a4b 89... 6/10/2009