Minutes of the April 18, 2005 Board meeting

The Board approved having an entry in the Fourth of July Parade; theme needs to be determined soon.

The Board approved the expenditure of $60 to hang the HHIA light pole banner for the Independence Day celebration.

CHP Officer Joe Zizi reported that there were three year-to-date collisions in Hacienda Heights. The March "Impaired Drivers" screening of 863 drivers resulted in several DUI's. The Cesar Chavez Book Drive is in progress for children of migrant workers. Car seat inspections will be conducted in April at the CHP headquarters in Santa Fe Springs.

L./A. County Sheriff's Lt. Ramirez advised that the LASD is offering a juvenile boot camp for incorrigible teenagers. He reported that tagging is increasing and that two gangs are having a tagging war.

Program: Presenter Jaime Ortega, Executive Director of the Angels Child Care Food Program explained that this is a child nutrition service for licensed day care facilities. They started in 2002 with assistance from PHFE Management Solutions and now serve 1,125 daycare facilities / homes. In one recent month, they provided food for nearly 7,000 children under the age of 12 years. Year to date statistics: nearly 66,000 breakfasts, over 75,000 lunches, more than 88,000 dinners, and almost 114,000 snacks were served. Funding is from the Department of Agriculture. Careful monitoring and surveillance of each facility is maintained in order to be sure that the food regimen is being followed.

Mike Williams suggested that a community recognition award should be given regularly to persons and businesses that have contributed to the quality of life in Hacienda Heights. He asked for Board input on appropriate nominees.

Public input: Residents expressed concerns over the dirt slide on Colima Road that is narrowing the roadway. Mike Williams responded that the engineers are fearful that removing the dirt my cause an additional slide. They have higher priorities at the moment.

Old business: Mike Williams asked Board members to review the HLPUSD proposal for the use of tipping fees to fund construction of a Performing Arts Center and send their comments to him prior to the next Board meeting.

New business: Discussion included themes and plans for the parade entry and for the Beautification Day activity where volunteers are needed.

Program for the May 16 meeting: Bruce Sievers' presentation is titled "An American in Love with His Country." For the past 30 years Mr. Sievers has spoken to more than 7000 groups all across the nation. The Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge awarded him the George Washington Medal of Honor. He has received the Communications and Leadership Award from Toastmasters International, and has been recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution with their National Medal of Honor. He served with the Green Berets in the Army, and has published five books, and just completed a screenplay. He has been invited to the White House and spoken to audiences of four Presidents.