On the agenda: Artesia meeting — Automated License Plate (Apr 25)

CITY OF ARTESIA
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
LOCATION
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
18747 CLARKDALE AVENUE
(562) 865-6262
DATE
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
6:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments received prior to the commencement of the meeting will be read at this
time. Any public comments that cannot be heard within the next 20 minutes will be heard
at the end of the meeting. Under the provisions of the Brown Act, the Public Safety
Commission is prohibited from taking action on items that are not listed on the agenda,
but may refer the matter to staff or to a subsequent meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Approval of the Minutes – January 11, 2024
NEW BUSINESS
2. Receive and File a Report by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Regarding Public Safety Activities and Incidents throughout the City of Artesia
3. Discussion on Artesia’s Participation in the Neighbors Public Service App
4. Discussion on the Implementation of an Operation Night Light Program
5. Receive and File an Update on Automated License Plate Readers

1

STAFF UPDATES
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Artesia complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you require a disability-related
modification or accommodation to attend or participate in this meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please
contact City Hall at (562) 865-6262 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

2

ITEM 1

CITY OF ARTESIA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT
DATE:

April 25, 2024

TO:

Public Safety Commission

FROM:

Adrian Fajardo, Management Analyst
Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager

SUBJECT:

Approval of the Minutes

BACKGROUND
The minutes of the Public Safety Commission meeting held on January 11, 2024 has
been prepared and is attached to this report for your review. The minutes capture the
actions taken during the meeting. The minutes must be approved to ensure an accurate
record of the proceedings.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Public Safety Commission approve minutes as presented for
the following Public Safety Commission meetings:
•

January 11, 2024 – Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Commission

ATTACHMENTS
Minutes – January 11, 2024 – Public Safety Commission Meeting

1

CITY OF ARTESIA
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
LOCATION
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
18747 CLARKDALE AVENUE
(562) 865-6262
DATE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024
6:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Commission of the City of Artesia was called
to order on January 11, 2024 at 6:02 p.m. at the City of Artesia Council Chambers by
Chairperson De Mederios.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:

Chair Paul De Medeiros
Vice Chair Frank Nunes
Commissioner Aracelly Rodriguez
Commissioner Lou Trerotola

ABSENT:

Commissioner Natalie Garcia

ALSO PRESENT:

Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was let by Chairperson De Medeiros.
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PUBLIC COMMENTS
No speaker cards were submitted.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Approval of the Minutes – October 12, 2023
MOTION: To approve the minutes of October 12, 2023
Motion was made by Commissioner Trerotola, second by Commissioner
Rodriguez.
1

Said motion carried (3-0-1-1) in the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent:

Commissioners: Rodriguez, Trerotola, and De Medeiros
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: Nunes
Commissioners: Garcia

NEW BUSINESS
2. Election of Officers of the Public Safety Commission
Adrian Fajardo, Commission Clerk, provided a report.
Discussion was held. Two separate motions were pur forward.
MOTION: To re-elect Vice Chair Nunes to the position of Vice Chair of the
Public Safety Commission
Motion was made by Commissioner Trerotola, second by Commissioner
Rodriguez. Said motion carried (4-0-0-1) in the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent:

Commissioners: Rodriguez, Trerotola, Nunes, and De Medeiros
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: Garcia

MOTION: To re-elect Chair De Mederios to the position of Chair of the
Public Safety Commission
Motion was made by Commissioner Trerotola, second by Commissioner
Rodriguez. Said motion carried (4-0-0-1) in the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent:

Commissioners: Rodriguez, Trerotola, Nunes, and De Medeiros
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: Garcia

3. Receive and File a Report by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Regarding Public Safety Activities and Incidents throughout the City of
Artesia
St. Ramos from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department presented an update
on year over year crime statistics, recent cannabis activity, and gang activity.
Discussion was held.

2

MOTION: To Receive and File the Informational Report.
Motion was made by Commissioner Garcia, second by Commissioner
Rodriguez.
Said motion carried (4-0-0-1) in the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent:

Commissioners: Rodriguez, Trerotola, Nunes, and De Medeiros
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: Garcia

4. Overview of CERT Program and Discussion of Trainings
Adrian Fajardo, Commission Clerk, provided a report. Deputy City Manager
Burke provided additional comments.
Discussion was held.
MOTION: To Receive and File the Informational Report.
Motion was made by Commissioner Trerotola, second by Vice Chair Nunes.
Said motion carried (4-0-0-1) in the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent:

Commissioners: Rodriguez, Trerotola, Nunes, and De Medeiros
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: Garcia

5. Discussion of Climate Adaptation Planning Grant Application

Adrian Fajardo, Commission Clerk, provided a report. Vice Chair Nunes provided
comments.
MOTION: To Receive and File the Informational Report.
Motion was made by Vice Chair Nunes, second by Chair De Medeiros
Said motion carried (4-0-0-1) in the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent:

Commissioners: Rodriguez, Trerotola, Nunes, and De Medeiros
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: Garcia

STAFF UPDATES
No updates were provided.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Vice Chair Nunes provided comments on Automatic License Plate Readers along
Pioneer Blvd. Chairperson De Medeiros provided comments on a proposal to remove
3

the graphic wrap from the City’s bus. Deputy City Manager Burke stated that the Item
could go to the City Council’s Ad Hoc Committee for discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson De Medeiros adjourned the meeting to the next Public Safety Commission
meeting scheduled on April 11, 2024.

4

ITEM 2

CITY OF ARTESIA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT

DATE:

April 25, 2024

TO:

Public Safety Commission

FROM:

Adrian Fajardo, Management Analyst
Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager

SUBJECT:

Presentation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Regarding
Public Safety Activities and Incidents throughout the City of Artesia

BACKGROUND
The City of Artesia contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for public
safety services. Sergeant Ramos, of the City’s Special Assignment Team, will provide a
presentation regarding Public Safety activities and incidents in the City.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Safety Commission receive and file the report by the
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) on crime statistics and other related
information within the City.

1

ITEM 3

CITY OF ARTESIA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT

DATE:

April 25, 2024

TO:

Public Safety Commission

FROM:
FROM:

Adrian Fajardo, Management Analyst
Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager

SUBJECT:

Discussion on Artesia’s participation in the Neighbors Public Service
App

BACKGROUND
Security cameras are vital to public safety efforts, offering both preventative and
investigative benefits. They provide real-time surveillance capabilities, enhancing the
ability to monitor public spaces and private properties for unusual activities. Footage from
these cameras can serve as crucial evidence in crime detection and prosecution, aiding
law enforcement in their investigative processes.
Neighbors by Ring is a free app designed to help residents connect with their communities
and stay informed about what’s happening around them. The Neighbors App offers a
platform for residents to share footage from their security cameras and other crime
information and receive updates from official sources. Local agencies can interact with
residents on Neighbors using a tool called Neighbors Public Safety Service (NPSS). The
service is free for all users, including public safety agencies.
NPSS facilitates a collaborative digital environment where residents and public safety
agencies share real-time alerts, updates, and safety tips. Local agency users can view
and comment on public Neighbors App posts within their jurisdiction to connect with and
help community members. They can also create posts to provide communities with safety
tips and other information and invite community members to safety events. Agencies can
follow up to let residents know when an incident has been resolved to close the loop.
Public safety agencies can also issue “Requests for Assistance,” enabling community
members to share information or video recordings voluntarily, fostering a collaborative
environment for addressing local safety concerns.
ANALYSIS
NPSS has been instrumental in enhancing safety through community and public safety
agency collaboration, demonstrating success in various communities in reuniting missing

ITEM 3
persons, assisting in disasters, and resolving crimes. About 25 public safety agencies in
Los Angeles County have joined Neighbors.
Real-world applications of the Neighbors App have demonstrated its potential in various
contexts:
• In San Bernardino County, a missing person was successfully located and reunited
with their family following a community alert issued through NPSS.
• During the Woolsey Fire in LA and Ventura Counties, the Neighbors App provided
critical real-time updates to affected communities, aiding coordination and
evacuation efforts.
• The Duluth Police Department utilized footage from Ring cameras to identify and
apprehend a suspect involved in car break-ins, showcasing the utility of combining
digital platforms with traditional policing methods.
Benefits include enhanced situational awareness, quicker incident response, and more
robust community engagement in public safety efforts. This platform could be another tool
for the City’s public safety campaign and would allow the City to leverage innovative
technological solutions to enhance public safety.
Should the Commission be supportive of this participating in the Program, staff will work
closely with the Lakewood Sheriff’s station to implement the system in Artesia and
develop community engagement strategies to encourage residents to download the app.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Safety Commission discuss and make
a recommendation to support the City’s participation in the Neighbors Public
Service platform.

ITEM 4

CITY OF ARTESIA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT

DATE:

April 25, 2024

TO:

Public Safety Commission

FROM:
FROM:

Adrian Fajardo, Management Analyst
Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager

SUBJECT:

Discussion on the Implementation of an Operation Night Light Program

BACKGROUND
The concept of Operation Night Light comes from a crime abatement strategy developed
by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, aimed at reducing nighttime residential
and vehicle burglaries. The program was introduced as a response to the adaptive
behaviors of criminals, who have increasingly shifted their activities to residential areas.
Operation Night Light is grounded on the observation that poorly lit homes and properties
attract unwelcome attention from potential burglars. Criminals are reported to survey
residential neighborhoods from sunset onwards, looking for signs of unoccupied homes,
particularly those lacking exterior or interior lighting. This program encourages community
participation by asking residents to keep their porch lights on from dusk until dawn,
creating an environment less conducive to criminal activities.
This program complements a series of public safety efforts the City has undertaken in
recent years. Notably, these efforts include the Neighborhood Watch program, the
introduction of a security camera rebate initiative to encourage residents to install
surveillance equipment, and the implementation of a robust public safety marketing
campaign. The City’s marketing campaign has effectively utilized social media platforms
and the Artesian to inform and engage the community about safety measures and crime
prevention strategies. Operation Night Light can be the latest addition to the City’s
comprehensive approach to community safety, furthering the City’s commitment to
protecting residents and their properties.
ANALYSIS
Implementing Operation Night Light within the City could offer several benefits:
1. Enhanced Nighttime Security: By increasing visibility during the night, the program
could deter criminal activities and make it easier for law enforcement and residents
to spot suspicious behavior.

ITEM 4
2. Community Engagement: Encouraging residents to participate in Operation Night
Light fosters a sense of community responsibility and involvement in public safety
efforts. It can also serve as a stepping stone to further engagement with the City’s
Neighborhood Watch program.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: The program's simplicity and reliance on residents'
participation make it a cost-effective method of crime prevention. The use of
photocell-equipped lighting further reduces the burden on residents by automating
the process.
4. Visibility and Deterrence: A well-lit neighborhood sends a clear message to
potential criminals that the community is vigilant and proactive about security. This
can have a psychological impact on would-be burglars, potentially reducing crime
rates.
The Operation Night Light program presents an opportunity to enhance nighttime security
through a simple, community-driven initiative. This program represents a natural
extension of the City’s efforts to create a safer community. It not only strengthens the
City’s existing programs but can also empower residents to contribute to the safety of
their neighborhoods directly.
The program's effectiveness would depend on widespread community participation and
awareness. Should the Commission be supportive of implementing an Operation Night
Light program, we would seek additional guidance on how to promote it through the City’s
various marketing channels.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Safety Commission recommend implementing an
Operation Night Light Program.
ATTACHMENTS
Cerritos – Operation Night Light Flyer

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DEAR COMMUNITY PARTNER:
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is
seeking your help to reduce nighttime residential
and vehicle burglaries within this region.
Criminals are adaptive creatures. Enhanced
daytime patrols, security cameras, and automatic license plate reading technologies have
caused some would-be burglars to switch their
illicit activities to nighttime.

CITY OF CERRITOS - COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

OPERATION
NIGHT LIGHT
Cerritos Sheriff’s Station/
Cerritos Community Safety Center
18135 S. Bloomfield Avenue
Cerritos, California 90703
(562) 916-1266

Thieves appear to be surveilling residential
neighborhoods at sunset and beyond looking for
homes that appear to be unoccupied. Homes
that have no exterior or interior lights on draw
the unwanted attention of would-be burglars.
OPERATION NIGHT LIGHT is a new crime abatement strategy designed to dissuade would-be
criminals during the hours of darkness.
Anyone can participate in OPERATION NIGHT
LIGHT by simply turning on your porch light each
day from dusk until dawn. Lights equipped with
a photocell do this automatically.
A lit porch light will brighten your property and
“illuminate” the fact that residents on your street
are part of an active Neighborhood Watch program.

Visit crimemapping.com or safercerritos.com
for easy access to current neighborhood
crime reports, statistics, and maps.

OPERATION NIGHT LIGHT gives criminals who
operate under the cover of darkness what they
don’t want ... well-lit areas and exposure.

Unlit homes attract
unwelcome attention!

Keep’em on to Keep’em out!

ITEM 5

CITY OF ARTESIA
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT

DATE:

April 25, 2024

TO:

Public Safety Commission

FROM:
FROM:

Adrian Fajardo, Management Analyst
Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager

SUBJECT:

Receive and File an Update on Automated License Plate Readers

BACKGROUND
In recent years, Los Angeles County has observed an uptick in vehicle-related crimes,
notably vehicle thefts and the use of vehicles in the commission of crimes. This trend
poses significant challenges to public safety and law enforcement efforts, underscoring
the need for innovative and effective surveillance solutions.
In April 2022, the Public Safety Commission briefly discussed the potential
implementation of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras throughout the
City. Commissioner Nunes suggested the City consider the ALPR cameras from Flock
Group Inc. Since then, the City has explored deploying ALPR cameras and solicited
proposals from Flock and Motorola's Vigilant Solutions. After receiving and evaluating
proposals from both Flock and Vigilant Solutions, it was determined that Vigilant Solutions
offered a more cost-effective solution over time.
Vigilant Solutions has an existing contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Department. This pre-established relationship presents an opportunity for seamless
integration, enabling the City to easily connect with the broader network of Vigilant ALPR
cameras throughout the County. This network can foster enhanced regional coordination
in public safety operations, leveraging county-wide data for more effective crime
prevention and investigation.
ANALYSIS
The City is proposing deploying ALPR cameras at critical thoroughfares and intersections
within the City. Staff met with Sgt. Ramos and the Advanced Surveillance and Protection
Unit (ASAP) of the Sheriff's Department to carefully identified these specific locations.
These locations have been selected based on traffic patterns, historical crime data, and
the strategic importance of monitoring vehicular movements in and out of the City.

ITEM 5
The following locations are being considered at this time:
• Northbound Pioneer Blvd/Artesia Blvd
• Northbound Pioneer Blvd/South St.
• Southbound Pioneer Blvd/166th St.
• Southbound Pioneer Blvd/183rd St.
• Southbound Pioneer Blvd/
• Southbound Pioneer Blvd/
• Southbound Norwalk Blvd/Artesia Blvd
• Westbound Norwalk Blvd/South St.
• Westbound Norwalk Blvd/Artesia Blvd
• Eastbound Artesia Blvd/Gridley Rd.
• Eastbound 183rd St./Gridley Rd.
After carefully considering and reviewing available options, the City has determined that
the L6Q ALPR Camera from Vigilant Solutions would best suit our needs. The L6Q was
designed with rapid deployment capabilities, a high-capacity swappable internal battery,
and compatibility with solar and AC/DC power sources. Its sophisticated radar-based
triggering system is designed to capture data on vehicles moving at specified speed
thresholds and directions and across multiple lanes. The system includes long-range
integrated infrared illumination and a starlight sensor, enabling effective operation in lowlight conditions.
The L6Q is a powerful tool for enhancing public safety and investigative capabilities. By
capturing detailed data on every vehicle that passes, including license plate, make,
model, color, and speed, deputies can quickly identify stolen vehicles, track suspects,
and gather crucial evidence for investigations.
The adoption of ALPR Cameras offers the City of Artesia significant technological
advantages. These cameras align with the City's goal to enhance public safety by
providing a robust foundation for crime prevention and investigation efforts. Our Sheriff
Deputies will have a critical tool to deter criminal activities and solve crimes more
effectively. This program underscores the City's broader commitment to harnessing
technology to address evolving public safety concerns.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Public Safety Commission receive and file an update on the
implementation of Automated License Plate Reader technology.
ATTACHMENTS
Map - License Plate Reader Locations

Chesterton St

1 6 8t h S

165th St

1 66th St

Norwa l k B l vd

P io neer Bl v d

Gr i d l e y Rd

Pa r k S t

C eda rv a l e St

E lai n e A v e

1 65 th S t

A sh C

164th St

167th St

Tracy (Wilbur)
High
(Continuation)
School

168th St

t

169th St
63 ft

62 ft

91

91

H orst Ave

A l ora Ave

175th St

Tetzlaff (Martin
B) Middle
School

De

Koude ke r k S t

st i n

178th St

178th St

Ashworth St

Ashwo rth P l

Cer

Cerrit

18 3 rd St
Ibex Ave

Horst Ave

Cerrito
Sch

1 8 5 th St

Cor t ne r A v e

And y S t
S t ark Ave

A l b ur t i s A ve

Norwa l k B l vd

Gr i d l e y Rd

Artesia

187 t h St

Gr a yl and A v e

Elaine Ave

Seine Ave

Clarkdale Ave

Arline Ave

Co r by Av e

Gr id l ey Rd

18 6t h St

Devl i n Ave

179th St

T h ornlake A v e

Pioneer Bl vd

183 r d S t

A lb u r t i s A ve

J e rs ey A v e

Ro s eto n A v e

Su m m er A ve

St

Artesia Park

S out h S t

So uth S t

Wi

Lincoln Station
Shopping
Center

Hibbing St

1 9 5t h S t

Gonsalves St

Carver Ln

Albert Ave

Bingham St
195th St

Demeter Ave

Ave

e ton
Ro s

Eloise St

P ione er B lvd

Bo s St

Buf o r d S t

Me a d o w D r

1 9 5t h S t

G on salv es St

Jerry St

J

ames St

195th S t

E l y Ave

Ca nd or S t
Agne s St

Stefa n i A v e

s Cerritos
Center

Ar t e s i a B l v d

A rt e s i a B l v d

Ros e St

Rose St

on

S t a rk Av e

Rose ton A ve

Ma p e s A v e

60 ft

59 ft

ar

91

Juarez (Benito)
Elementary
School

A rtes i a B l vd

Sh

166 t

Ju d y Wa y

Ma

Proposed Locations for ALPRs

H arvard Dr
1 66th St

163rd St

C l arkdale A v e

F l a l l on Av e

Ga r d Ave

M c Rae Ave

Harvest Ave

A l ora Ave

Satellite Pa

i

Fa l con Way

47 ft