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06/11/2024ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 11, 2024 The regular meeting of June 11, 2024 was called to order at 1:32 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 S. Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on June 6, 2024. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tern Norma Campos Kurtz and Council Members Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Natalie Rubalcava, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks. Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken joined the meeting during Closed Session. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION: Mike Robbins encouraged the City Council to support Grandma's House of Hope and noted the organization provides sanctuary for homeless women many of whom are escaping the most desperate of circumstances. He noted that the State of California has made it abundantly clear that the City's actions are illegal. He commented that the law mandates equal treatment for transitional housing within residential zones and Anaheim has not done well meeting this requirement prompting state intervention, He remarked that Anaheim has the opportunity to demonstrate that it stands on the side of justice, consideration, and the law. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported no electronic public comments were received related to the Closed Session agenda. CLOSED SESSION: At 1:35 p.m., Mayor Aitken recessed to Closed Session for consideration of the following: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION (Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: Sanchez v. City of Anaheim et. al., Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2021-01231449 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION (Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: Grandma's House of Hope v. City of Anaheim et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2022-01241823 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9: Two potential cases City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 2 of 48 4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of Subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9): One potential case (A copy of the claim against the City is included in the agenda packet and available for review by contacting the City Clerk's Office and on-line electronically with the agenda at: p i/ OLi i„icuia e.u.. a..� .) At 3:06 p.m., Mayor Aitken reconvened the Anaheim City Council. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Norma Campos Kurtz, Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Natalie Rubalcava, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks D106 WORKSHOP: Proposed Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget (Citywide Overview; Administrative Support Departments; Police; Fire & Rescue; and Community Services) City Manager Jim Vanderpool reported that the Workshop provides an overview of the City's proposed budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25. He explained that the City Council will hear a budget overview, along with a closer look at public safety and Community Services, two of the most important services provided by the City. He noted that the proposed budget upholds funding for all that the City does for its community. He added that the Workshop includes some incremental new spending to address public safety and homelessness, which are two priorities of the City Council. City Manager Vanderpool reported that, like everyone else, the City is contending with higher costs, specifically working with higher labor costs. He explained that the City is an organization that serves people and people are needed for the City to serve the community. He explained that it addresses structural imbalances through the use of proceeds from the 2021 Working Capital bonds. He explained that the $138 million in bonds were issued to help the City through the devastating impacts of the pandemic shutdown and noted the City was fortunate it did not have to draw down on the proceeds at that time. He reported that the Working Capital bond proceeds are being used as a bridge to allow the City to maintain Anaheim's high level of service as it transitions from the pandemic. He announced that in a few years, the City will see the retirement of bonds issued in the 1990s for the Anaheim Resort expansion which will free up more than $140 million in revenue that currently goes toward debt service. City Manager Vanderpool announced that a public hearing will be considered on the agenda for a proposed sale of the City's share of a parking structure near the Convention Center which would bring $43 million in proceeds to the General Fund. He noted that staff intends to meet with each Council Member and the Mayor's office to discuss how the funds would be used and discuss potential projects in each district. He added while other cities have considered budget cuts and tax increases, Anaheim has managed to operate without impacting the community. Cit ide Overview and Administrative Su ort De artments Finance Director/City Treasurer Debbie Moreno introduced the Budget team including Budget Supervisor D'Anne Lee and Budget Analysts Ivette Ramirez and Arlene Roa. Director Moreno outlined that the Workshop will include an overview of the Citywide Goals and Strategies, Economic Outlook, Proposed FY 2024/25 Budget, General Fund Five -Year Forecast, and Administrative Department's Proposed Budgets. She provided a brief overview of the Citywide proposed FY 2024/25 City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 3 of 48 budget and current economic outlook. She explained that at the June 18th Budget Workshop, staff will have presentations from the remaining departments, followed by a public hearing for formal adoption. Director Moreno reported that the City adopted a new strategic plan, which was the result of months of community engagement and feedback, extensive employee input, analysis of departments, an overview of community and city demographics, and extensive guidance from the City Council. The Strategic Plan includes six multi -year goals, each with an associated set of strategies for success over the life of the Strategic Plan. These goals and strategies have been updated to reflect the City's plans for the next ten (10) years. She provided a brief economic overview of the United States (U.S.) and the State of California's economies. Director Moreno reported that tourism in Orange County has expanded swiftly in recent years due to the delivery of new hotel properties and new attractions at the Disneyland Resort. She explained that although Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) growth has moderated in recent months, the budget forecasts steady growth. She noted that most U.S. economists believe that the economy is in a good place and will continue to grow in the near future. Director Moreno reported that the proposed FY 2024125 budget includes Citywide expenditures totaling $2.3 billion. She noted that the General Fund budget makes up only 21 % of the total budget but accounts for the bulk of the City's discretionary money. She explained that this fund is used to support core services such as Police, Fire, Parks, and Libraries. She added the remainder of the funds account for Enterprise Funds, including electric, water, and sanitation utilities, which are not available for general City services. Director Moreno reported that the budget includes a proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of $232.7 million. She explained that the CIP is a five-year fiscal planning tool that allocates the budget for capital projects to rehabilitate, improve, and/or build new public infrastructure, such as streets, parks, and libraries. She noted that projects are divided into seven project categories: Recreation, Parks and Libraries; Downtown Projects and Municipal Facilities; Commercial Entertainment Venues; Electric Systems; Water Systems; Wastewater; and Transportation Improvements. Director Moreno reported the CIP is being presented as a preliminary plan that includes five years of projected capital needs, but only the first year will be adopted. She explained that approval of the Five -Year Plan does not guarantee approval of individual projects. She explained that as projects move forward through the development process, they will be brought back to the City Council for final approval and contract awards. She noted until a project is awarded, projects may change in scope or be reprioritized. Director Moreno reported that the General Fund is the main repository of tax revenues and discretionary sources of funding. She explained that the big three revenues, TOT, Sales and Use taxes, and Property taxes, make up nearly 80% of the total General Fund sources. She noted that the largest source of revenue is TOT at 42%, while Sales and Use tax and Property taxes make up 17% each. Business license fees, permits, other revenues, and transfers from other funds make up the remaining revenue. Director Moreno reported that the proposed TOT budget for FY 2024/25 is approximately $271 million. She explained that visitors to Anaheim pay a tax of 15% on hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays of 30 days or less. She explained that TOT is the City's largest source of General Fund revenue and is driven by visitors to the Anaheim Resort. She reported that the Anaheim Resort generates a net surplus of nearly $160 million after all debt service and resort -related expenses are paid. She City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 4 of 48 noted it represents services to the community that would otherwise need to be funded using taxes on Anaheim residents instead of visitors. Director Moreno reported that TOT is projected to exceed $256 million and is expected to grow by approximately 5.5%, reaching $271 million in FY 2024/25. She noted that since Measure J's revenues will normalize, growth will reflect typical increases in occupancy and room rates. She reported that TOT is expected to grow moderately in years two through five of the Five -Year Forecast, with average increases beginning at 4.5% before leveling out to 3% to 3.5%. She noted that April was the first month where the City saw a sizable but hopefully temporary year -over -year decline. Director Moreno reported that the proposed Sales and Use Tax budget for FY 2024/25 is approximately $108 million. She explained that Sales and Use Tax is a tax applied to the sale of tangible personal property. She noted that the tax rate in Anaheim is 7.75% of retail sales with the City receiving one cent of every dollar spent in Anaheim. She added taxes are collected by the State and paid to the City quarterly. Director Moreno reported that Anaheim has a diverse and balanced economy. She explained that 30% of Sales Tax revenue comes from general retail, and the remaining 70% is almost equally shared among the food, transportation, construction, and business -to -business categories. She reported that Sales Tax is projected to be $104 million, which is 3.7% below last year. She noted that Sales Tax revenues have slowed across all sectors except for food products with inflation contributing to higher prices, providing residents and visitors less flexibility in how they spend their available income. She reported that for FY 2024/25, Sales Tax is projected to be $108 million, an increase of 4% from the projected FY 2023/24 revenues. Director Moreno reported that the proposed Property Tax budget for FY 2024/25 is approximately $109 million. She explained that all real and tangible personal property in the state is subject to a property tax equal to 1 % of the total value. The Property Tax is collected by the County and distributed to the appropriate entities. She explained that Property Tax revenue is projected to be almost $102 million in the current year, which is 6.4% higher than the previous year. She noted that supplemental tax revenues and property tax in lieu of Vehicle License Fees(VLF) are higher than budgeted. She also noted that while the volume of property sales has slowed due to higher interest rates, property values have remained stable. She reported that FY 2024/25 revenues are estimated to be $108.9 million, an increase of 7%, or $6.8 million, from the current year's projections and based on Anaheim's assessed valuation, increasing by 7%. Director Moreno presented a brief overview of General Fund uses which include expenditures and transfers to other funds. She reported that nearly half of the City's spending goes to keeping residents safe, which includes Police and Fire services and is typical of local governments. She noted that providing basic necessities makes up 6%, ensuring quality -of -life accounts for 15%, and supporting departments makes up 7% of General Fund uses. Director Moreno reported that the bulk of transfers are for debt service for the Resort. She explained that the Resort debt, or Lease Payment Measurement Revenues (LPMR), is determined by a formula based on a specified portion of TOT, Sales Tax, and Property Tax increment on Disney properties. She noted that it also includes the Convention Center debt and a small portion for other neighborhood improvements that were made when the Convention Center expansion bonds were issued, along with the working capital bonds. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 5 of 48 Director Moreno reported that Police services make up 40% of all expenses, and Fire services make up roughly half of that at 24%. She noted that Community Services accounts for 10%, Housing and Community Development is 3%, reflecting ongoing commitments to funding homeless shelters and services, Planning and Building is 6%, Public Works is 7%, which maintains their efforts to continue receiving Measure M grant funding, and Public Utilities is less than 1 %, mainly for street lights and support of the 311 call center. She reported that administrative and supporting activities make up the remaining 9% of the General Fund budget. Director Moreno explained that labor expenditures total $340 million, accounting for nearly 70% of the General Fund budget. She noted that this includes part-time and full-time salaries, overtime, minimum staffing, and all associated benefits costs, such as medical, dental, workers' compensation, and retirement. She reported that General Fund personnel costs are anticipated to increase by 5% over the amended budget, primarily due to contractual salary and benefit increases, as well as a few new positions included in the budget. She added that other operating expenses make up 29% of General Fund expenditures, totaling $145 million, an increase of 2.5% from the amended budget. She explained that the increases are due to intra-departmental service charges related to Information Technology support, fleet and facility maintenance, and operations of the City's homeless shelters. Director Moreno reported that in recognition of the City Council's priorities, the proposed budget includes additional funding in support of homeless programs, Code Enforcement, and public safety enhancements. Director Moreno reported that the proposed budget has an operating deficit of $42.4 million that continues until year four. She noted that the proposed budget includes revenue assumptions based on current information and growth projections from notable universities, professional consultants, and staff judgment. She explained that proposed operating sources total $607.1 million, including the "big three" revenue sources and other revenues. She noted that operating uses are $649.5 million and include salaries and benefits based on current labor agreements, other operating costs, and transfers to other funds, resulting in an operating deficit of $42.4 million. Director Moreno reported that in March 2021, the City Council approved a plan to issue deficit bonds totaling $138 million to address the structural deficit. She advised that the proposed budget relies on the remaining deficit bonds to balance budget years one and two of the Five -Year Forecast. After that period, the City will use existing reserves to bridge the gap until the repayment of the LPMR bonds, which is expected to occur in the latter part of FY 2027/28 based on current revenue projections. This approach allows staff to recommend a budget that relies on reserves rather than temporarily reducing services to the community. Director Moreno reported that the General Fund's Five -Year Forecast is based on existing service levels and current revenue projections. She noted that staff regularly monitors revenue and expenditure performance and will reevaluate and respond as new information becomes available. She noted that the forecast does not include potential salary adjustments for labor contracts that have either expired, are due to expire, or are under negotiation. Additionally, she advised that it does not account for adjustments that may result from the recently conducted classification and compensation study. Director Moreno reported that the City's Administrative Departments include the City Council, City Administration, City Attorney, City Clerk, Finance, and Human Resources. She noted they make up 8.1 % of the Citywide budget and 9.1 % of the General Fund budget. She explained that the City Council, City Administration, City Attorney, and City Clerk are predominantly funded by the General City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 6 of 48 Fund. She noted that their operating budgets are largely unchanged from the prior year, aside from contractual increases in salary and benefits. Director Moreno reported that Finance has a proposed budget of $106 million, and Human Resources has a proposed budget of $57 million. She explained that the balance of their budgets comprises Citywide debt service, information services, insurance, and the employee benefit fund. Lastly, she noted that the supporting departments recover approximately 30% of their General Fund budget through cost allocation to the Enterprise funds. Director Moreno presented the schedule for the City Council Workshops and community outreach events. She reported that the proposed budget was made available on May 31stand can be accessed on the "My Budget" page on the City's website. DISCUSSION: Council Member Faessel thanked Director Moreno and her staff for their work. He expressed appreciation for the work they have completed and noted that the job is never really done as they run from one budget to another. In response to Council Member Diaz, Director Moreno confirmed that three additional firefighters will be included in the FY 2024/25 budget. Council Member Diaz remarked that California is facing significant budget deficits, and this will likely affect consumers regardless of how the State addresses the issue. He noted that with the highest unemployment rate in the nation and a shrinking population, the economic challenges are substantial. He explained that this situation could further increase unemployment and strain the City's budgets as it works to retain the best employees, which in turn raises costs. He advised that given these challenges, any decisions made in the corning weeks must be approached with caution. He agreed that the proposed budget was already conservative, but believes the City should maintain this cautious approach. Lastly, he noted that it is crucial that the City avoid overextending itself and ensure financial stability in these uncertain times. Council Member Leon asked about the proposed budget's addition of two street maintenance workers to Public Works to support the existing two Homeless Assessment Liaison Officers (HALO) teams. He requested clarification on whether the addition will result in 2.5 HALO teams or how the addition should be interpreted for team structure and capacity. Director Moreno explained that the Public Works positions were not included when the HALO teams were initially created. She reported that the addition of both positions would complete both HALO teams. Council Member Leon inquired if the HALO team positions that were operating on an overtime basis had been filled. He noted that Chief of Police Rick P. Armendariz had signaled the positions had been filled. Council Member Leon reported that the City is in a unique position where $270 million, which originated from the City's visitors, is going into the General Fund to be used for residents and neighborhoods. He expressed appreciation to Director Moreno and the Finance team for their hard work. Council Member Meeks remarked that as the City moves forward there may not be much of a budget surplus over the next few years. She requested a memo or document that details how the Strategic Plan aligns with the budget and what planning is in place for future revenue when the bonds are paid off. She noted that, for clarity, staff should highlight how the budget supports the Strategic Plan by aligning specific elements of the budget with the City's strategic goals. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 7 of 48 City Manager Vanderpool reported that staff will incorporate strategic planning elements into its staff reports, so the City Council can consistently track the progress of goals and priorities in each meeting. Police De artment Chief of Police Armendariz presented the proposed Police Department budget for FY 2024/25. He reported that their mission is to maintain a safe community where people can live, work, and play, and has achieved this through strong partnerships with the community the department serves. He reported that the Anaheim Police Department's (APD) core priorities include preventing, reducing, responding to, and investigating crimes to safeguard the community. He noted that APD is dedicated to providing world -class public safety services to both the City's residents and the millions of visitors to the City. He explained that this involves hiring and retaining a well -trained, dedicated, and properly equipped workforce. He added every day APD strives to proactively impact crime, enhance community relationships, and maintain a high -performing organization, by being collaborative, innovative, and strategic in leveraging technology and evidence -based practices to accomplish APD's mission. Chief Armendariz reported that the proposed budget includes 606 full-time employees, comprised of 421 sworn personnel and 185 professional staff, which includes three additional Records Specialist positions for the upcoming fiscal year. He noted that the department's staffing count is at its highest in APD's history. He reported that the Police Department's operating budget accounts for 9.5% of the Citywide budget and 39.8% of the City's General Fund budget. He stated that the Police Department's budget totals $219.7 million. He explained that the remaining balance comes from other general purpose funds generated through event venues, special events, reimbursements for task force expenses, and special revenue funds such as Asset Forfeiture grants and the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant. Chief Armendariz reported that the Department's budget is distributed across five divisions and includes a 2.2% increase from the FY 2023/24 amended budget. He explained that some reductions within the divisions are due to a restructuring of the department, which involved moving units between divisions, and reallocating resources to prioritize areas like schools and community outreach. He explained that the 2.4% increase reflected in FY 2024/25 is primarily due to contractual obligations, which include salaries and burden insurance, fleet maintenance and replacement, and information services -based connectivity charges. He noted that the budget also reflects a $7.1 million decrease in the UASI grant due to the conclusion of two grant funding years in Fiscal Year 2024. Chief Armendariz reported that personnel costs consume 82% of the department's total operating budget. He explained that of the remaining 18%, 10% is allocated to intergovernmental services (IGS) charges, while the remaining 8% covers other operational costs such as uniforms, professional services, safety contracts, mandatory training to comply with legislative requirements, and necessary equipment procurement, repair, and replacement. He added less than 1 % of the Department's total funds are allocated to debt services and capital outlay. Chief Armendariz reported that the Chief of Police and Administrative Division budget totals $39.3 million, 18% of the Department's total budget. He explained that the division is responsible for all operational and strategic components of the Police Department, including the development and implementation of the Department's vision and strategic plan, daily operational oversight, budgeting, policy development and adherence, citizen complaint investigations, accreditation, auditing, technology integration and implementation, employee wellness, and representation of the Department to the community and partners. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 8 of 48 Chief Armendariz reported that the Investigations Division budget totals $32.1 million, 15% of the Department's budget. He explained that the division focuses on keeping Anaheim safe by conducting thorough follow-up investigations of all crimes and crime suppression. He advised that it includes investigating violent crimes, theft offenses, financial crimes, and quality -of -life crimes such as narcotics and vice -related crimes. He noted that employees in the division work to identify and prosecute offenders while collaborating with the community to prevent future crimes. Chief Armendariz reported that the Operations Division budget totals $77.5 million, representing 36% of the Department's budget. He explained that this is the Department's largest division, responsible for 24/7, 365 days a year response to emergencies and non -emergency calls for service. He noted that this includes addressing crimes in progress, public safety threats, requests for assistance, documenting and reporting crimes, community outreach, and crime prevention. He explained that the division comprises uniform patrol personnel, police services representatives, and correctional staff dedicated to the safety and operation of APD's detention facility. Chief Armendariz reported that the Operations Support Division budget totals $40.9 million, 19% of the Department's budget. He explained that this division oversees traffic services, youth services, including the Safe Schools Program with School Resource Officers, the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), and the Homeless Assessment Liaison Officers (HALO). He reported that the budget for the HALO team includes support for Anaheim Resort District policing, special events, community engagement, and crime prevention efforts. He noted that it also covers the station's front counter operations and Tactical Response Group (TRG) or SWAT. Chief Armendariz reported that the Support Services Division budget totals $26.8 million, or 12% of the Department's budget. He explained that this division provides essential administrative support to ensure smooth operations throughout the Department. He explained that it oversees Personnel and Recruitment, Emergency Management, the Communications Center, Records Bureau, Property and Evidence, the Air Support Unit and drone program, and the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). He noted that the division also manages the training detail, which ensures all Department employees receive the necessary training and equipment to perform their duties safely and efficiently while adhering to legislative requirements. Chief Armendariz reported that with the support of the City Council and the City Manager's Office, a second HALO team was established earlier in the fiscal year to enhance services related to housing and security. He explained that APD has partnered with the Anaheim Union High School District and the Placentia-Yorba Linda School District to reinstate the School Resource Officer Program, which is fully staffed and expanding due to its success in providing valuable resources to junior high and high school campuses. Chief Armendariz announced that APD has also reinstated the Tourist -Oriented Policing Team (TOPS), which includes officers on bikes, foot patrol, and equestrian patrols in and around tourist venues. He noted that the creation of the RTCC is ongoing, and while still in its early stages, it has already proven beneficial in assisting patrol and investigations with various calls for service and criminal investigations. Chief Armendariz reported that APD recently released its annual report showcasing the significant progress and community collaboration that have marked the Department's recent efforts. He announced that the report highlights an overall reduction in crime by 6%, with notable decreases in crimes against persons and crimes against property. He noted that while these reductions are encouraging and signify fewer victims of crime, APD remains steadfast in its commitment to further reducing crime through problem -solving and enhancing community partnerships. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 9 of 48 Chief Armendariz reported that addressing youth and gang violence remains a top priority. He explained that APD is finalizing a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at creating relationships, opportunities, alternatives, and safe environments for the City's youth. He noted the Youth and Gang Reduction Initiative will involve collaboration across various city departments, schools, nonprofits, and the broader community to effectively reduce youth violence and provide meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz thanked Chief Armendariz for increasing the proposed budget for operations as it is clearly needed. She inquired about the State average for Priority 1 response times. Chief Armendariz explained there is not a State average for response times but is largely a policy decision. He further explained that these variations are influenced by budget, staffing, and what is deemed reasonable for the community. Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz encouraged the Department to consider setting more aggressive goals for response times as improved response times would greatly benefit residents and businesses. She noted that achieving that goal would require additional officers, both sworn and non -sworn, as well as other support staff. She encouraged him to explore this opportunity to enhance APD's response capabilities. Council Member Faessel expressed his pleasure with the progress of the RTCC and expressed his optimism about its continued development and the benefits it will bring. He inquired about the staff layoffs at the Orange County Family Justice Center due to the pandemic and requested an update. Chief Armendariz advised that out of the 421 positions budgeted, there are currently 30 officers in training. He explained that as these officers complete their training, they will gradually restore and replenish the units that experienced reductions. He stated that it is important to note that it takes considerable time to replace an officer who retires. He explained that the process includes about 3 to 4 months for hiring, followed by 6 months in the academy and another 6 months of field training. He noted that, on average, it takes a year to fully replenish a position. Council Member Faessel remarked that both he and his wife have been long-time supporters of the Family Justice Center and noted it is one of the many great, lesser -known assets in Anaheim. He noted that Anaheim is truly fortunate to have such a resource in the City, and the partnerships and phenomenal work being done there every day are invaluable. Council Member Diaz remarked that APD currently has the highest number of officers ever thanks to this City Council's priority. He noted that APD also has the highest level of professionalism. He added that a key focus of his campaign was enhancing community policing and crime prevention. He noted that the City is investing more money, time, and effort into these areas and achieving greater results and connecting more effectively with the community than ever before. He reported that the APD is also embracing new technology including the creation of the RTCC which allows APD to coordinate camera feeds with officers on the ground, significantly improving APD's ability to catch criminals quickly compared to just two years ago. He noted that comparing APD's response times to those of other jurisdictions can be misleading due to the City's large territory relative to its population. He noted that overall, he was pleased with APD's progress and grateful for the City Council's continued support for APD. Council Member Rubalcava reinforced Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz's request regarding response times. She expressed interest in understanding what resources are needed to reduce response times, even if it is a policy decision that the City Council could make to lower the current Priority 1 response time City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 10 of 48 of 7 minutes. She reported that District 3 residents have expressed frustration when they do not receive timely responses from APD so it would be helpful to explore how this can be improved in the future. She noted, that while she is excited about the progress of the RTCC she wants to ensure that there remains a strong emphasis on having police officers visible in patrol and community settings. She remarked that for many residents in District 3, it is crucial to see police officers actively patrolling the area. She noted that the increased visibility at the City's parks, such as La Palma Park, Pearson Park, and Willow Park is appreciated as these parks have seen an increase in illegal activity. She thanked Chief Armendariz for the improvement in patrols and the addition of bike officers. She expressed appreciation for those efforts and hoped they continue. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Chief Armendariz reported that of the 421 sworn officers, there are 11 vacancies actively being recruited with 30 officers in training. Council Member Rubalcava requested clarification that while APD has 421 officers budgeted, it does not represent the total number of active officers at this moment. She inquired if the aim is to have all of those positions filled by next year. Chief Armendariz remarked that with aggressive recruitment efforts and collaboration with the Human Resources department, APD is confident it will fill as many vacancies as possible sooner rather than later. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Chief Armendariz reported it is anticipated there will be between 15 to 20 retirements in the next year with an average of around 20 per year. He noted that much of it depends on personal decisions, and since people do not always announce their retirement plans in advance. He noted that staff is actively conducting surveys to get a better estimate and noted the numbers they are hearing suggest a range of 15 to 20 retirements. Council Member Rubalcava inquired about the outcome of the study within APD to assess resource needs. She inquired if the outcome of that study was reflected in the budget or if it would be addressed in the following year. Chief Armendariz reported that the City Council approved a strategic staffing study for APD. He explained that the study involves a comprehensive and in-depth assessment, including interviews and surveys with the community, elected officials, businesses, and partners. He noted that they are eager to see the results, which will guide APD in making informed decisions about resource allocation. He noted that APD expects to complete the study by the next month, which will be presented to the City Council with an implementation plan. He reported that the findings will help APD prioritize and ensure it is providing the right resources to the community moving forward. Council Member Rubalcava thanked APD for including the Youth and Gang Reduction Initiative. She reported that there has been an increase in gang activity, particularly in Districts 3 and 4, and expressed appreciation for APD addressing that in the budget. Chief Armendariz thanked Council Member Rubalcava for taking the lead in helping to drive those efforts and for connecting APD with key nonprofits within the community. He remarked that APD is very excited about the upcoming collaboration and appreciates the leadership she has provided in that area. Council Member Leon echoed Council Member Rubalcava's comments on the importance of police presence in the community. He noted that being proactive rather than reactive is something that benefits everyone. He advised that it also helps officers as they get to know the areas better and City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 11 of 48 understand the specific issues in those neighborhoods. He noted that it also benefits the community, allowing residents to get to know their officers, interact with them, ask questions, and share concerns. He remarked that building that connection and bond is crucial and expressed his appreciation. He gave a shoutout to the Community Policing Teams for their continued efforts in the community. He noted that their creativity is commendable and referenced "Churros with the Chief' and noted he was looking forward to the next'Coffee with a Cop' event. He expressed his appreciation for the out -of - the -box thinking on how to continue to connect with residents. Council Member Leon reported that residents have reported an increase in car break-ins in some neighborhoods, including one around District 2's Stoddard Park. He requested APD to provide additional information on preventative steps that residents can take to mitigate the break-ins. Chief Armendariz noted that the Crime Analyst Unit can examine crime data and analyze trends and can utilize that information to direct officers and resources to the'hotspots.' He agreed to collaborate with Council Member Leon. Council Member Leon reported an increased interest from many District 2 residents in creating more Neighborhood Watch programs and groups and requested APD's assistance. Council Member Leon inquired about what the City is doing to track the effectiveness of the City's current approach to homelessness. Chief Armendariz noted the City is very fortunate to have a lot of resources and partners addressing the challenges related to homelessness. He reported that there are various teams dedicated to the matter, including CCRT, PERT, HALO team, Public Works, Code Enforcement, Parks, and County partners including Outreach and Engagement teams. He noted that there are many entities involved, and it is imperative that they communicate effectively. He reported that they hold regular operational meetings, where those in the field network weekly, share information, identify hotspots, and focus on individuals who are on the cusp of coming out of homelessness. He remarked that one unique aspect of the City's approach is the ACCESS Program, spearheaded by the City Attorney's Office and Chief Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Contini. He explained that the program targets individuals involved in criminal activity and collaborates with the Public Defender's Office, City Attorney's Office, and Social Services to create a plan that offers an alternative to the criminal justice system. He noted it has been making an impact on habitual offenders. He added the key is collaboration and sharing of information. He reported that the City has the Outreach Grid software system, which allows outreach workers to share information with the City's shelters and officers regarding individuals who are being contacted and what services are being provided. He noted that this system helps APD document individuals who refuse services, showing not just enforcement but all the steps and services that have been offered. In response to Council Member Leon, Chief Armendariz confirmed that the ACCESS program is still in the pilot phase but over 130 individuals have been transitioned off the streets through the program. He noted that the City Attorney's Office and its staff have played a key role in that effort. He reported that many of the habitual offenders initially contacted have significantly reduced, if not eliminated, their need for services thanks to these resources. Council Member Leon emphasized that one of City Council's top goals is to help unhoused individuals off the streets. He noted that homelessness is not a crime, and sometimes people refuse services and help, but the overarching goal is to assist them while also ensuring the quality of life across the community. He requested that the City be more proactive in working with other agencies, not just departments within the City, but also with the County, the Flood Authority, and other entities. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 12 of 48 He reported that in District 2 there are areas where the City has to go through multiple processes including determining jurisdiction, getting the entity to acknowledge responsibility, and then finally scheduling a cleanup and providing help to those in need. He inquired if this could be addressed by forming a task force or a working group for a more streamlined approach. City Manager Vanderpool reported that the City does have partnerships with some of the entities mentioned earlier. He noted that he will instruct Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development Sandra Lozeau to prepare a memo for the City Council that outlines the partnerships the City currently has and explores options for making those partnerships more robust. Council Member Leon inquired if there is a plan in the future to add more HALO teams or take different approaches to try to assist as many of those who are unhoused on the street. Chief Armendariz confirmed the APD will be focused on ensuring it is meeting the community's needs. He noted that their purpose is to serve the community. He reported that APD wants to collaborate with youth, residents, businesses, visitors, and the unhoused to focus on the prevention and intervention side. He emphasized that it is crucial to continue to reduce victimization in the City and be innovative and strategic in how that is done. He expressed excitement in seeing the results of the staffing study and hopes it will allow APD to be comprehensive in its response moving forward. Fire and Rescue Department Fire Chief Patrick Russell reported that the mission of Anaheim Fire and Rescue (AF&R) is to ensure the safety and welfare of the public through core services. He explained that AF&R suppresses fires, responds to medical emergencies, works to reduce various risks in the community, and prepares the City and staff for emergencies. He reported that AF&R has been recognized for its excellence by the Insurance Services Office earning a Class 1 rating which translates to lower insurance rates for Anaheim businesses. Chief Russell reported that AF&R has 352 full-time positions of which 236 are sworn fire suppression staff. He added that AF&R also has 116 civilian positions, including 48 Ambulance Operators, 32 Dispatchers, and support training positions funded by Metro Net and North Net Joint Powers Authority (JPA). He noted that part-time positions include inspectors, dispatchers, support staff, fire cadets, and ambulance operators. Chief Russell reported that for FY 2024/25, Fire and Rescue's total proposed budget is approximately $137 million. He noted that AF&R's General Fund budget is $117 million, or 24% of the General Fund. He noted that the remaining $20 million is comprised of JPA funds, capital improvement projects, and grants. Chief Russell reported that AF&R is composed of five operating divisions: Fire Administration, Operations, Support Services, Community Risk Reduction, and Emergency Management. He explained that the proposed operating budget for the five divisions is $118 million, an increase of 7.2% from last year, primarily due to increased labor costs in the Operations Division and higher safety contracts for the Ambulance Program, which were offset by increased revenues. He noted that the rest of the proposed budget remains relatively flat compared to last year. He noted that if approved, AF&R's proposed budget will provide funding for core services and support the community. He explained that AF&R's proposed budget is broken down into four categories; however, more than 70% of the budget is allocated to labor costs. He noted that approximately 20% is designated for operating costs, including supplies, equipment, and training with the remaining amount allocated for capital outlay and debt service. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 13 of 48 Chief Russell provided a brief overview of AF&R's divisions. He reported that the Fire Administration Division has a proposed budget of $4.5 million and is responsible for managing activities within the community, maintaining personnel, overseeing the budget, grants, and strategic planning. He noted that this division is also home to the Community Engagement Team, which coordinates the department's social media and public events. He reported that in FY 2024/25, Fire and Rescue will introduce new events for the community, including Anaheim Fire and Rescue Movie Night, pop-up events where the community can learn how to prevent wildfires, meet the goats that help with brush clearance, and learn about becoming a Firewise community. He announced that the Fire Administration Division also introduced the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Scholarship Program through the Anaheim Community Foundation. He reported that the EMT scholarship was awarded to one of AF&R's existing Fire Explorers which will cover the EMT course, uniforms, and books. Chief Russell reported that the Fire and Rescue Operations Division has a proposed budget of $100.6 million. He explained that Fire and Rescue Operations is responsible for firefighting, providing emergency medical services via the Department's Ambulance Program, and maintaining readiness for emergencies within the Urban Search and Rescue and Hazardous Materials teams. He reported that Operations responded to over 41,000 calls for service, with 85% being medical -related. He stated that Operations is requesting three new firefighter positions to fill open roles next year. Chief Russell reported several highlights from the EMS and Ambulance Program from the current fiscal year. He announced CPR training classes have restarted for City of Anaheim employees, and are held every second Thursday of the month. He reported the addition of a new sprinter ambulance dedicated to special medical events within the City and a partnership with the Anaheim Convention Center to assist with staffing first aid stations with EMTs for Convention Center events. Chief Russell reported that the Fire and Rescue Operations Division is supported by two JPAs: North Net and Metro Net. He highlighted North Net completed its training facility expansion, adding 21,000 square feet of new training space including a new gravel pit for technical rescue classes, a new ventilation prop for vertical ventilation and rooftop training and repairs, and upgrades to the clarifier system. He remarked that the ventilation prop was designed and constructed by the Carpenters Union, who generously donated their time and personnel. Chief Russell reported that Metro Net is taking steps towards the next generation of 911, a digital communication technology that will replace the analog 911 infrastructure that has been in place for decades. He announced that Metro Net is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital alert technology for handling alarm calls. He reported that Al technology will enable Metro Net to receive incident information digitally, freeing up dispatchers to handle lifesaving 911 calls. He explained that digital alert technology will be deployed via wearables or vehicle -based sensors, providing Metro Net with real-time access to the location, impact speed, number of occupants, whether they were restrained, and whether airbags were deployed. Chief Russell reported that the Support Services Division's proposed budget is $5.7 million and is responsible for purchasing and maintaining all fire equipment and vehicles, working closely with Public Works to ensure all eleven (11) fire stations are well -maintained, and that vehicles are in good operational condition. He noted that they also oversee Capital Improvement Projects and manage fire technology projects. Chief Russell announced that Support Services hopes to begin the renovation of the 4950 East La Palma building which will serve as a central warehouse for Fire and Rescue, providing improved City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 14 of 48 inventory control, streamlined distribution and logistics, improved accountability, and much -needed indoor apparatus storage. Chief Russell also announced that in the next fiscal year, Support Services also hopes to begin construction on Fire Station 12, a much -needed resource in the Platinum Triangle area. He reported that preparation for bidding the project is underway, with AF&R currently working with Public Works to finalize plans and specifications. He reported that once construction begins, the station should be completed in about 18 months and will be funded by Development Impact Fees. Chief Russell presented the Community Risk Reduction Division's proposed budget of $6.2 million which is comprised of Life Safety, Planning and Development, and Hazardous Materials. He reported that Community Risk Reduction helps keep residents and visitors safe through a mix of engineering, enforcement, and education activities. He noted that the division issues fire code permits, inspections and plan check services for new construction, and conducts wildfire mitigation inspections. Chief Russell reported that during FY 2023/24, Community Risk Reduction led various wildfire mitigation efforts, including using goats to clear 113 acres of combustible brush in City -owned open spaces and helping to create the first Firewise community in Anaheim Hills. He explained that the Firewise program encourages neighbors to work together to reduce wildfire risk through education and collaboration. He announced that next fiscal year, Community Risk Reduction will identify new neighborhoods for the Firewise program with the goal of eventually creating Anaheim's very own Fire Safe Council. Chief Russell reported that the Emergency Management and Preparedness Division has a proposed budget of $1 million and is responsible for maintaining the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), coordinating resources from multiple stakeholders during emergencies and the recovery process that follows, participating in the City's homeland security objectives to ensure compliance with state and federal plans, and providing training to city staff, residents, businesses, and volunteers. He noted that the division also coordinates the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and RACES, a group of volunteers who provide Anaheim with amateur radio support during emergencies. Chief Russell reported that this fiscal year, the Emergency Management Division completed the relocation of the Emergency Operations Center. He noted that the EOC had been housed in the same location for over 20 years, but the new EOC is now fully functional and ready to activate at a moment's notice. DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz, Chief Russel clarified the requested three additional positions would be in addition to the 236 sworn personnel. Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz inquired why the Capital Outlay line increased by 587.5%. Chief Russell responded he would obtain the information and pass that along to the City Council as he did not have it available. Council Member Faessel announced that he realizes there have been some delays with Fire Station 12 but it appears it is moving forward. He noted that residents in the Platinum Triangle and District 5 are eager to see that project get underway as quickly as possible. He remarked that North Net is one of Anaheim's best -kept secrets and noted that they do an excellent job training not only Anaheim and Orange County firefighters but also firefighters from across the county. Council Member Diaz noted that three firefighters are being hired this year and recalled that a few years ago the City had a contract with a for -profit ambulance company, but now the services are City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 15 of 48 provided in-house. He commented that not only is the City saving money but there is now an employment pipeline for EMTs to firefighters. He remarked that residents can, for $60 per year, request an ambulance at any time at no additional cost. He applauded the incredible and amazing service. He touched on fire risk reduction and noted that the investment is crucial, especially during fire season. Council Member Leon expressed appreciation for everything that AF&R does. He noted that visited Station 2 and saw the team out there training. He emphasized that their preparation for any emergency is truly appreciated. He expressed appreciation for the hard work AF&R does to keep residents and visitors safe. In response to Council Member Leon, Chief Russell explained that the Ambulance Program was brought in in-house and staffed with AF&R's EMTs rather than contracting with services like Care Ambulance. He further explained that the EMTs work the same schedule as the firefighters, are managed within the fire stations, and respond to medical aids as part of their duties. He noted that for FY 2023/24, the ambulance program was budgeted at $17.9 million; however, the year-to-date revenue for FY 2023/24 is currently at $19.8 million. He noted that AF&R is on track to reach $21.6 million, which is close to the mid -year projection from last year of about $20 million. He advised that expenses are around $13.9 million, which means the net revenue for the City from the Ambulance Program is about $6.7 million. He noted that with the updated projections, net revenue is anticipated to be around $8.3 million. In response to Council Member Leon, Chief Russell explained that there are national standards on response times that the Department adheres to, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which is five (5) minutes. He explained that depending on the incident, there is a different number of firefighters that are supposed to be on the scene to handle critical tasks. He also explained they must adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that require AF&R to have standby rescue crews for firefighters, which also requires additional staffing. He further explained that their response system measures and recommends response times for the first unit on scene, but also tracks the total response time for what is considered the effective fire force. He noted that the number changes depending on whether it is a commercial building, a high-rise, or another type of structure. Council Member Rubalcava thanked the City Manager and Chief Russell for the increase in firefighters over the last year for more ambulatory services. She noted that her family has personally benefited from the quick service and quality of care that AF&R's firefighters and ambulatory staff provide in the community. Council Member Rubalcava suggested a new fire station in her district as a wish list item. She reported that there are 50,000 residents in her district alone and could use the service. Chief Russell reported that AF&R is researching a new fire station in that area. Council Member Meeks noted that `Churros with the Chief is a wonderful event, but'Meet the Goats' is going to draw a crowd. She noted that East Anaheim residents continue to have significant concerns regarding evacuations for wildfires and remarked that it is hard for residents to overcome the chaos they experienced during the last event. She encouraged Chief Russell to keep promoting the 'Know Your Way' message. She encouraged residents to have a plan for their children, loved ones, and pets. Chief Russell reported that there are more community events planned for District 6 for 'Know Your Way' and evacuation plans. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 16 of 48 Mayor Aitken thanked both Police Chief Armendariz and Fire Chief Russell for their robust community outreach programs. She thanked them for all they do with Anaheim's youth in helping build wonderful career paths for them and letting them know what an incredible option it is to be a public servant in Anaheim. Mayor Aitken inquired if either Police Chief Armendariz or Fire Chief Russell had any concerns about either department losing grants or funding from the State and if they feel it is something that the City Council should be concerned about during the next budget cycle. Fire Chief Russell reported that no decisions have been made yet but losing funding would make things tighter but the programs would continue without the additional funding. He referenced the possibility of Cal Fire and other state and federal resources not upstaffing this year. Police Chief Armendariz reported that APD is in a good position for now but is concerned about potential cuts affecting APD's partners in mental health and social services. He noted those are vital components when addressing issues like homelessness, vagrancy, and providing alternatives. Communitv Services Deoartment Director of Community Services Sjany Larson -Cash presented the Community Services budget for FY 2024/25. She reported that the Community Services Department is made up of five diverse divisions including Golf, Libraries, Parks and Capital Development, Recreation Services, and Human and Neighborhood Services. Director Larson -Cash reported that the Community Services Department is proposing a budget that includes 103 full-time employees and 204 full-time equivalent part-time employees with a proposed budget of $80 million. She explained that the proposed operating budget, inclusive of all funds, is $65.5 million. She noted that the General Fund allocation for the Community Services operating budget is $49.3 million, with the remainder coming from other non -capital operating funds. She reported that the Capital Improvement budget is $14.6 million and supports all capital projects. She reported that the operating budget is $65.5 million, of which 46% is personnel costs, 54% is other operating expenses, and less than 1% is allocated to capital outlay and debt service. She reported that the Administration budget is almost $1.2 million and is responsible for the oversight of the department, enabling staff to provide innovative and creative programs, services, and facilities designed to meet the diverse needs of our community and improve life in Anaheim. Director Larson -Cash presented the Golf budget of $13.1 million and noted it is a fully self -supported enterprise fund. She reported that Anaheim has two beautiful golf courses: Dad Miller Golf Course on the west side and Anaheim Hills Golf Club on the east side, both serving as valuable community assets. She added that the popularity of golf continues to be in high demand and is expecting another outstanding year. She noted that the golf programs include daily golf, tournaments, junior golf programs, golf lessons, driving ranges, pro shops, restaurants, and banquet services. She reported a 33% increase in revenues from golf tournaments and announced that over 157,000 rounds of golf have been played in the last year. She noted that the increase in demand and revenue has allowed the City to address deferred maintenance at the two golf courses and acquire much -needed maintenance equipment. She announced that this year, the City updated its branding with a new logo and a new name for the Anaheim Hills Golf Club. She noted that efforts this past year have focused on the upcoming restaurant remodel, with construction expected to begin this summer. Director Larson -Cash reported the Human and Neighborhood Services budget is $8.5 million and explained that the reduction in other operating expenses reflects the transition of grant funding for the City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 17 of 48 Senior Mobility Transportation and Mobile Family Resource Center programs, which will be carried over into the General Fund in FY 2024/25. She clarified that there would be no reduction in services in those areas. She explained that Human Services provides and facilitates resources to address needs that support the safety, stability, and healthy development of Anaheim's youth, families, and older adults. She reported that there are three Family Resource Centers, six Teen Centers, eight Older Adult Program Hubs, and an Accessibility Center that create connections for residents of all ages to engage, learn, and thrive. Neighborhood Services serves as a single point of contact for Anaheim residents in need of assistance, connecting them with key city staff to help solve neighborhood issues through regular district community meetings, neighborhood cleanup events, and the Mobile Family Resource Center program. Director Larson -Cash reported in the Older Adult programs, the City, with the help of over 75 local health and community -based organizations, provides support to seniors with opportunities to engage and socialize to help deter loneliness and isolation. She noted that for Family Services, the City continues to address food insecurity as a top priority, distributing over 28,000 food boxes through the Family Resource Centers and Senior Centers. She highlighted the Anaheim Mobile Family Resource Center program works closely with over 30 community -based organizations to link underserved residents with much -needed resources. She noted that the program hosted 102 neighborhood events this year in 34 key neighborhoods. Director Larson -Cash reported that Neighborhood Services supported 101 community meetings and events in schools and neighborhoods and completed 57 neighborhood cleanups, enhancing engagement between the city and community stakeholders. She noted that Project S.A.Y (Support Anaheim's Youth) youth development program provided outreach and engagement opportunities for over 1,600 adolescent teens and serves 13 junior high and high schools. Director Larson -Cash the Library Division's $17.1 million budget, which includes the additional funding approved by the City Council for the expansion of library hours across the City, allowing for service seven (7) days a week. She reported the library outlet consists of seven (7) branch libraries, Heritage Services, Founders Park, Mobile Library Services, and Books on the Go at ARTIC. She announced that Anaheim libraries had 3.5 million patron visits and circulated over 1 million items. She noted that more than 165,000 participants attended specialized programs for all ages throughout the library system. She reported that this year staff initiated a program focused on accessibility and communication, taking a comprehensive look at how the City serves residents with special needs, language barriers, or loss of hearing or vision. She reported that the initiative led to the creation of new accessible programs like Sensory Story Time, as well as Vietnamese and Arabic Story Times. She announced, thanks to a California State Library grant, in the summer Anaheim youth can enjoy lunch at the library, and at various locations, the library will host teen culinary courses and farm -to - summer sustainable gardening programs for youth, teaching them healthy life skills. Director Larson -Cash reported that the Parks Division budget is almost $14 million and provides clean, safe parks, trails, and recreational facilities. She noted that park maintenance is a significant responsibility, covering nearly 800 acres that make up 67 parks, including 64 play areas. She announced that 171 new trees were planted in Anaheim's parks and 600 shade trees were provided to residents through the Tree Power program. She reported that this year, 490 athletic field permits were issued to sports organizations and 695 picnic shelter permits, allowing people to recreate in Anaheim's beautiful parks. Director Larson -Cash reported that the Recreation Services budget is $11.5 million and that the division provides opportunities for personal growth through a variety of leisure activities and programs for all ages, abilities, and economic levels throughout the City in parks, community centers, and City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 18 of 48 neighborhoods. She noted that recreational services are offered through preschool and youth after - school programs, special interest classes, seasonal day camps, volunteer opportunities, aquatics, youth and adult sports leagues, cultural arts programs, and community special events. Director Larson -Cash announced that the Christmas Tree Lighting was held on the steps of City Hall for the first time, featuring an impressive tree to celebrate the holiday season with thousands of residents and visitors. She reported that this past summer, over 3,000 participants learned to swim, and more than 4,000 enjoyed open swim opportunities at the three pools throughout the City. She noted that over 30,000 youth participated in after -school programs and enrichment activities in the City's parks and neighborhoods. She reported that as part of the after -school program, the City partnered with the nonprofit First Tee of Orange County to provide free golf and character -building lessons to the City's youth. Lastly, she reported that over 100,000 people attended special community events, including the 1001h Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, as well as outdoor concerts at Pearson Park Amphitheater, Ronald Reagan Park, and Maxwell Park. Director Larson -Cash reported that Park Rangers made over 497,000 public contacts and play an important role in keeping parks safe and secure while also supporting the many community events and programs throughout the City. She noted that the City continues to invest in the park system by providing new facilities and improving amenities. She announced that this year, the City opened the Brookhurst Teen Center, built three new playgrounds with community volunteers at Peter Marshall Park and Little People's Park, and replaced the play area at Betsy Ross Park. Lastly, she reported that renovations and new interactive educational amenities are being completed at the Oak Canyon Nature Center. Director Larson -Cash reported that the proposed Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) budget is $14.6 million and noted that funding will be used for several exciting projects, including the construction of a new skate park at Boysen Park as the first phase of the park's larger renovation project. She advised that a splash pad at Brookhurst Park will be designed with input from the community, becoming the city's third splash pad. She reported that efforts also continue to transform the Santa Ana River into the future iconic OC River Walk, a space that will foster interconnectivity between people, parks, and entertainment venues. She announced that $2 million in RAISE grant funds were received to support the continued design of the OC River Walk. She reported that a $1.6 million federal earmark was secured from Congressman Lou Correa for the design of the multimodal bridge across the river. Director Larson -Cash reported that the Haskett Library Makerspace will begin construction and is anticipated to be completed by December. She explained that the space will provide the community with opportunities to learn design and manufacturing skills, whether as a hobby or for future employment. She reported that construction of the City's 68t" park, Little Pine Park, will also begin, providing a new half -acre space for active and passive recreation for the local community in Central Anaheim. She noted that the replacement of an old restroom facility at Rio Vista Park and the installation of a new shaded picnic area will allow for more comfortable programming and public use. Lastly, she added that two new playgrounds will be installed at Riverdale and Canyon Rim Parks. On behalf of the Community Services Department, she thanked the City Council for its continued support. DISCUSSION: Council Member Faessel remarked that he has been involved in the City's budgets for about 10 years now as both a Budget Commissioner and an elected official. He noted that in that time, the Community Services Department has consistently been allocated an unmovable 10% of the City's General Fund. He expressed hope that within the next few years once the LPMR bonds are paid off, there will be significant change in this allocation. He noted that the Community Services Department truly touches residents every day. He expressed disappointment that the City has not been able to push the need in favor of Community Services and hopes that will change in the not-so- City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 19 of 48 distant future. He requested that the City find a way to give more attention to Community Services whether it is libraries, parks, or other areas. He remarked that Community Services deserves it. City Manager Vanderpool thanked Council Member Faessel for his comments and noted the message was received. He announced that he was proud of the work being done by all five divisions with the 10% allocation. He emphasized that, despite the constraints, the amazing work they accomplish is commendable. He reported that the City made some improvements in the last budget cycle, particularly in the areas of library services, senior services, and special events. He confirmed that staff will take City Council priorities regularly into consideration as they look towards the LPMR and make recommendations for service improvements. Council Member Rubalcava thanked Director Larson -Cash for all the work she does. She reported that she started out as a Community Services Board Member and noted that the work that Community Services does for residents is stellar. Council Member Rubalcava inquired about Pearson Park's amphitheater lighting and asked if it was included in the budget or if it falls under Public Works. Director Larson -Cash reported that Pearson Park Theater has been undergoing an upgrade with the electrical system and that Phase 2 will update the electrical in the theater itself. She reported there are plans and budget allocations to address the pergolas and other infrastructure improvements at the theater. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Director Larson -Cash reported that last year, the Park Ranger program pay was increased due to significant recruiting challenges, which has led to improvements. She announced that Community Services has a full complement of Park Rangers on staff. Council Member Rubalcava noted that she frequently visits parks and has noticed the positive impact in her area and Council Member Leon's area. She thanked Director Larson -Cash for her leadership on this issue. She highlighted the work being done with the Mobile Family Resource Center and noted the collaboration with the Housing and Community Development Department to access additional resources is commendable. She acknowledged Project S.A.Y., which has made a significant difference in District 3 with its youth engagement efforts. She reported that many of the youths involved are showing remarkable growth and noted she is impressed by their progress. She thanked Director Larson -Cash for her dedication to the program. Council Member Rubalcava thanked staff for the efforts put into Little People's Park, which, despite being a KABOOM project, required additional investment from Community Services. She acknowledged the progress being made at Center Greens and expressed gratitude for the development of another park in the area. Council Member Rubalcava addressed the situation at Manzanita Park which is a significant concern for many of my constituents. She explained that the park, which includes a skate park, is situated in a dead-end area, and creates substantial public safety issues for the local community. She reported that many of the skate park users are not from the immediate area and there have been reports of illegal activities. She requested that Police Chief Armendariz consider increasing patrols in that area to address these concerns. She stated that Manzanita Park houses a Boys and Girls Club and residents have expressed serious concerns about the growing activity and safety issues. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 20 of 48 Council Member Diaz remarked that with seven (7) libraries, 67 parks, soon to be 68, plus responsibilities for recreation, Project S.A.Y., neighborhood services, and two golf courses, it is clear that Community Services handles a broad range of vital services. He remarked that their scope of work is impressive. He reported that one of the most frequent requests from residents is for more dog parks and pickleball courts. He complimented the Community Services Department's work and expressed pride in their achievements. He highlighted the 28,493 fresh food boxes distributed to families and seniors and 57 neighborhood cleanup campaigns. Director Larson -Cash remarked that she cannot take all of the compliments herself and referenced her wonderful team and it is a collective and collaborative effort for the community. Council Member Leon echoed Council Member Faessel's sentiments about seeing a substantial increase in the Community Services budget in the coming years. He commended them for their hard work and continued efforts. He remarked how he has seen firsthand how invaluable the Mobile Family Resource Center is for many people in local neighborhoods. He acknowledged Project S.A.Y. and noted that they are truly shaping the future leaders of the community. In response to Council Member Leon, Director Larson -Cash explained that she describes it as a false reduction in other operating expenses for Human and Neighborhood Services and explained that this is due to two programs grant -funded programs, the Senior Mobility Transportation Program, and the state funding for the Mobile Family Resource Center program. She explained that the remaining funds for these programs will be rolled over and carried into the next fiscal year. She further explained that while the budget may show a reduction, it is more of an accounting issue, and the funds will be available at the beginning of the new fiscal year. Council Member Leon requested clarification regarding the Brookhurst Splash Pad and why it is in the proposed budget again. Director Larson -Cash explained that there are many phases in a construction project. She further explained that final approval of a project by the City Council occurs when the construction award comes before the City Council. She noted that until then, the project remains in the budget, but final approval is granted at the point of awarding the construction contract. Council Member Leon inquired about Euclid Library and its weekend hours. He recalled that last year, he mentioned the issue and wondered if there is a possibility of expanding weekend hours at the Euclid Library this year. He noted that it serves not only District 4 but also neighbors District 2. Director Larson -Cash reiterated that this year, the City Council approved additional funding for libraries. She acknowledged that although not every library is open seven days a week, services were expanded strategically to ensure that libraries in East Anaheim, Central Anaheim, and West Anaheim are open seven days a week. She noted that while Euclid Library is not open on weekends the Haskett Library is open seven days a week. She offered to come back with more detailed information and numbers but believes the current distribution of services provides a good balance and ensures that there is library access available in various parts of the City. Council Member Leon requested exploring options for expanding library hours at Euclid Library, even if it is not open all day on weekends. He suggested considering creative solutions or partial hours that might better serve neighborhoods around that area given there are many kids who might not be able to travel all the way to Haskett. Council Member Meeks acknowledged that Public Works and Anaheim Utilities touch everyone every day too and recognized their efforts. She referenced the library vending machine at ARTIC and inquired about exploring that option for community centers that are open for extra hours. She City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 21 of 48 explained this would be a cost-effective way to provide books and resources closer to residents' homes and make them more accessible. Director Larson -Cash welcomed the idea and noted that exploring the feasibility of installing those vending machines in community centers could help make resources more accessible, especially in areas that are not near a library. Council Member Meeks encouraged continuing to lay out a strategic plan for where new community centers could be located so City Council is prepared when opportunities arise. She noted that the proactive approach will help the City better allocate resources and ensure it's ready to move forward when the time comes. Director Larson -Cash reported that she acknowledged Council Member Meek's prior comments and developed some reports with relevant information. She reiterated that addressing this was one of the Community Services Strategic Plan items. She reported that staff will be working on a process identifying service -deficient areas and putting together a plan for where new senior centers, family resource centers, and pools are needed throughout the city. Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz echoed Council Member Meeks' request to start investigating where senior centers might best be located. She recommended investigating that residents have easy access to a library close by. She inquired if the funds for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) received by Assemblymember Valencia were for last year or next year. Director Larson -Cash reported that was a three-year funding opportunity. She noted that during the first year, the City invested in a lot of equipment supplies and began the implementation. She noted there are two years remaining. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz, Director Larson -Cash confirmed that $15 million in grant funds were received for the Boysen Park renovation. She noted that as time has passed, costs have escalated so items are being phased in starting with a skate park. Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz thanked the Community Services team for working with the community and sharing information, keeping residents informed, and getting the community together to help with the design of the park, specifically the skate park. Mayor Aitken thanked Director Larson -Cash for her presentation. She noted that Community Services has taken on so much and expressed appreciation for their nimbleness and willingness to provide services for the community. She encouraged investigating the possibility of opening libraries for at least six days a week and activating them to serve as many residents as possible. In response to Mayor Aitken, Director Larson -Cash reported that park in -lieu fees are in the capital budget and noted that they amount to $14.6 million this year. She noted that the Department budget is based on the funds they have for the selected projects. Mayor Aitken inquired if the City was conducting an assessment to determine whether the City's park in -lieu fees were competitive. Director Larson -Cash reported that it is her understanding that the study is being conducted now and could be available in the fall. Mayor Aitken requested the process be expedited. In response to Mayor Aitken, Director Larson -Cash reported that there is a scholarship program through the Anaheim Community Foundation along with a scholarship process for families. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 22 of 48 Mayor Aitken offered her assistance with the scholarship program and requested the information be forwarded to her. Director Larson -Cash reported that scholarship information is located in the Anaheim Magazine. Mayor Aitken inquired about the golfing program. She noted that residents should have early access to the golf courses. She requested that Community Services report back about how the City could start a program similar to those in the cities of Brea and Irvine. She referenced a news report where residents in other cities are able to purchase a tee time and resell them for a different price. Director Larson -Cash reported it is not possible to resell tee times with the City's system. City Manager Vanderpool reported that the second and final budget workshop will take place on June 18, 2024. He noted that budgets for other City departments will be reviewed. He noted that during the June 18, 2024 meeting, a public hearing will be held for City Council consideration and adoption of the FY 2024/25 budget. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WORKSHOP: Paul Hyek suggested that the shelters should consider bringing in paid interns. He encouraged investigating senior discounts through the senior center. He encouraged the homeless shelters to use public buses instead of operating their own transportation. He advised that bus passes can be purchased directly on the bus. He recommended that shelters hire individuals with trades to work within the shelter in exchange for a meal, a bed, and minimum wage for their work. He encouraged the shelters to consider obtaining supplies from Second Harvest as they offer groceries at a rate of approximately $180 per ton, which equates to about 133 meals. Jorge Gavino, Budget, Investment and Technology Chair, extended his thanks to City staff for their incredible efforts in putting the budget together. He recognized that it is a challenging task and wanted to ensure their hard work was recognized. He mentioned there is a letter of communication from the Budget, Investment and Technology Commission included in the agenda packet and recommended that the City Council take the time to review it. Mike Robbins reported that his own experience includes having his house broken into once and his car twice. He noted that the Anaheim Police Department has 600 employees while Santa Ana has 550. He reported that Anaheim covers 50 square miles, while Santa Ana covers 25 square miles. He noted that despite this, Anaheim has twice the rate of property crime, assault, and battery as Santa Ana while hosting 25 million tourists annually. He reported that APD is staffed at levels similar to 2008. He noted that the City is currently $41 million under budget and has the opportunity to act now. He noted that properly staffing police and emergency personnel is crucial for the City's safety and well-being. He recommended a fee placed on the City's 25 million annual visitors. He encouraged the City Council to prioritize this in the budget planning and address the staffing needs as soon as possible. Cecil Jordan Corkern reported that Disney has expressed concerns related to certain nightclubs in California. He noted it was crucial to separate family -friendly environments from inappropriate content. Marc Herbert suggested improvements to the Workshop including a public welcome, access to the Wi-Fi password, ample speaker cards, and moving the start time for the public workshop to after 5:00 p.m. He recommended that the Budget Workshop include affordable housing. He requested City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 23 of 48 additional information on sources of funding listed in the Sixth Cycle Housing Element including the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, Section 8 Rental Assistance, Permanent Local Housing Allocation, and Revenue Bond Financing. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported no public comments were received electronically related to the Workshop prior to 3:00 p.m. [A final total of two (2) public comments related to the Workshop were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. — See Appendix. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Norma Campos Kurtz, Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Natalie Rubalcava, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks INVOCATION: Preacher Jimmy Gaston, State College Blvd. Church of Christ FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Natalie Meeks Council Member Meeks shared that the City hosted a Flag Day event on June 911 and will celebrate for the remainder of the week. She noted the United States flag is a symbol of hope, freedom, liberty, and democracy. She emphasized that the flag is a reminder of the challenges the nation has overcome. PRESENTATIONS: Recognizing Luna Rodriguez for representing Anaheim Ballet at Youth American Grand Prix 25th Gala Mayor Aitken reported Luna Rodriguez, a student at Anaheim Ballet, represented the City in the Youth American Grand Prix 25th Gala. She noted the Youth American Grand Prix is the world's largest student ballet scholarship competition and global dance network. She reported Ms. Rodriguez earned a top 12 spot in the classical dance category. Ms. Rodriguez accepted the recognition and thanked her directors and her family for accompanying her. Recognizing Hephatha Lutheran Church 50th Anniversary Mayor Aitken reported Hephatha Lutheran Church celebrated their 50th Anniversary by introducing two new Sunday services, a traditional service at 8:30 a.m. and another at 10:00 a.m. She congratulated Pastor Arthur Andrews and the entire congregation and thanked him for his work in the Anaheim community. Pastor Andrews thanked the City Council for the honor and thanked his district representative, Council Member Meeks. He announced it has been a privilege to serve the Anaheim community for the last 50 years. Recognizing Anaheim Public Utilities High School Scholarship Recipients Mayor Aitken reported the City supports the education efforts of Anaheim youth through programs including the Anaheim Public Utilities (APU) scholarship which supports high school seniors pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. She added, in addition, APU also offers paid summer internships to gain valuable work experience. She introduced APU General Services Officer Melinda Avelino -Walker and Workforce Development Manager Marco Lucero to provide additional information on the program. General Services Officer Avelino -Walker reported the program began in 2018 as a way for local Anaheim high school students to learn about local energy and water service and introduce them to City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 24 of 48 potential careers in the utility industry. She outlined the process for obtaining the scholarship including an interview by members of the Public Utilities Board who select the recipients. She highlighted, including the 2024 recipients, that 19 students have received scholarships. She added that in addition to the scholarship, APU collaborates with Workforce Development to offer paid summer internships to the recipients. She introduced the recipients starting with Pedro Javier, pursuing a Chemical Engineering Degree from the University of California, Irvine (UCI). She introduced the following recipients Yuliana Saaverda, pursuing a degree in Biology from UCI; Victoria Rodriguez Cano, pursuing a degree in Data Analytics at the University of Southern California; and Dylan Phan, pursuing a degree in Electric Engineering from California State University, Long Beach. Presentation by OC Family Justice Center Tracy Theodore, Executive Director of the Orange County Family Justice Center Foundation, reported that the Orange County Family Justice Center (OCFJC) is a collaborative effort involving various agencies and nonprofits that offer resources for survivors of family violence, including child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder and dependent adult abuse. She noted it is located in Anaheim and led by the Anaheim Police Department and partners with Waymakers, Human Options, Adult Protective Services, and Child Support Services. She noted that the Family Justice Center is a valuable asset to the Anaheim community, and greatly appreciates the City Council's ongoing support. She highlighted that annually OCFJC supports 4,500 clients and sees success every day. She noted the Foundation is a partner to the OCFJC and created the center to provide direct victim assistance and violence prevention. Ms. Theodore invited the City Council to take a tour of the OCFJC and encouraged them to attend their fundraiser concert called "Motown", which will be held in Pearson Park on June 22"d. She thanked the City Council for their support. Presentation by New Poet Laureate Camille Hernandez expressed gratitude to her children and the Anaheim Cultural and Heritage Commission for selecting her as the poet laureate. She also thanked the City Council for her introduction, calling it an honor to be Anaheim's poet laureate. Ms. Hernandez shared two personal insights about poetry. She noted that the first is her journey to recognize the importance of poetry, which she initially struggled with. She commented that she now believes that poetry is essential not just for its beauty but for its strategic role in engaging with language. She spoke about the role of poetry in celebrating the diverse aspects of Anaheim, from its cultural murals and festivals to its libraries and museums. She noted that poetry helps preserve cultures, create new pathways, and affirm the value of every individual. Lastly, she read a poem she had written titled "The Harvest Basket". ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS Ta be resented at a later date Recognizing June 9 — 15, 2024, as National Flag Week Sally Feldhaus, Flag Day Committee Chair, announced that the City celebrates Flag Day to celebrate the flag's symbolism and adoption. She noted the flag represents the cornerstone of the nation's heritage. She thanked the Anaheim school districts for implementing a program to spread the importance of Flag Day to students. She thanked the Mayor, City Council, the City departments, sponsors, and the Flag Day Committee who advocate for the event. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 25 of 48 Recognizing June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth National Independence Day Bobby McDonald, President, CEO, OC Black Chamber, thanked the City Council for the recognition. He thanked the City Council for exemplifying diversity, equity, and inclusion. Mr. McDonald provided a brief history of Juneteenth. Recognizing June 2024, as Immigrant Heritage Month Faby Jacome, Executive Director of the OC Justice Fund, accepted the recognition. She reported the OC Justice Fund is a new organization and one of the only immigrant bond funds in Orange County. She thanked the City Council for their continued support. She highlighted the Board who was in attendance. Recognizing June 2024, as LGBTQ Pride Month Peg Corley, Executive Director of the LGBTQ Center Orange County, thanked the City Council for the recognition. She expressed her gratitude to the City Council for promoting values of accountability, transparency, equity, and inclusion. She noted that the LGBTQ simply want to be unapologetically themselves and feel safe doing so. She thanked the City Council for their allyship and for leading the way to a more inclusive Orange County. At 6:02 p.m., Mayor Aitken called to order the Anaheim Housing Authority (in joint session with the City Council). ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: City Clerk Bass noted for Item No. 15, staff requested the item be removed from the agenda and will be presented at a later date. PUBLIC COMMENTS all agenda items except public hearings Prior to receipt of public comments, City Clerk Theresa Bass provided an outline of procedures for public comments, notice of translation services, and a brief decorum statement. City Clerk Bass reported that a total of 25 public comments were received electronically prior to 3:00 p.m. [A final total of 25 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. — See Appendix. Mark Richard Daniels reflected on his life, growing up in Anaheim, where there was still farmland with strawberry fields and orange groves, and remarked on how much had changed. He noted he is disheartened with politics today to see a convicted felon running for president, and somehow still considered a viable candidate. He noted that the City has evolved into something that does not resemble the place he grew up in. He referenced the recall election and noted that it is disconcerting that a million dollars was spent to maintain the status quo. Erica Nguyen reported she is a founding artist at Chance Theater and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Anaheim Cultural and Heritage Commission. She congratulated the Mayor, City Council, and Anaheim Community Foundation on a wonderful State of the City. She reported that June 5tn marked Impact Anaheim Giving Day where 11 organizations came together to raise funds for Anaheim youth programs. She reported that Chance Theater exceeded its fundraising goal, thanks in large part to the Orange County Asperger's Support Group for their $4,000 matching challenge and to Mayor Pro Tern Norma Campos Kurtz and District 4 for their generous support. She noted that due to this support, their six -week workshops are completely free for all participants. She announced that this year's workshop presentations will begin on July 27t' and invited the City Council to experience City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 26 of 48 the amazement, surprise, and inspiration that comes from witnessing the challenges, lives, and dreams of young students. Rev. Fr. James Noble inquired if the City Council listens to the comments from the public during City Council meetings. He noted that he raised a concern a couple of weeks ago regarding the use of amplified sound around Disneyland and would like a follow-up on the issue. He expressed concern that the City Council focuses on computers and personal activities instead of paying attention to the issues being discussed. He referenced the coyote problem and noted it is important to recognize that some concerns are broader issues managed at the county or state level. He commended Captain Young for his ongoing research into police misconduct cases. Vern Nelson recognized and remembered Richard Sherman, the prolific Disney songwriter who recently passed away at the age of 95. He reminded everyone of the ongoing issues with Disney. He noted that despite their claims, Disney only started paying a living wage because the people of Anaheim fought hard for it. He noted that the Disneyland Forward era brings with it new challenges and new songs, perhaps ones that reflect the symbiotic relationship between the City Council and Disney. Matthew Duncan reported that he had an unsettling encounter where someone suggested extreme measures for dealing with coyotes. He expressed support for the issue being discussed openly. He noted he was supportive of constructive dialogue on wildlife management, including coyote management. He reported that he grew up in Anaheim and is proud of the City's reputation as a major tourist destination. He expressed concern with the City's Coyote Management Plan which has been deemed barbaric in a report submitted to the California Fish and Game Commission. He expressed concern with the practices of the trapper employed by the City who might be violating regulations including the 150-yard rule under Section 465.5 G. Jimmy Hernandez spoke to address a serious issue regarding the City's shelters. He reported that these shelters, while meant to provide support, are in a dire state. He reported that he has witnessed staff members who react poorly when confronted about their behavior. He noted that shelters should provide a supportive environment, not just serve as a place to temporarily house people before sending them back to the streets. He remarked that grievance procedures seem ineffective and are often ignored. He emphasized that it is important that Anaheim come together to address these issues. He expressed concern about staff, despite being hired in good faith, exhibiting unacceptable behavior towards the homeless and deemed their treatment as unacceptable. Greg Eisenman, a member of the hotel community, extended a huge thank you for the City Council's efforts in keeping resort workers safe. He referenced recent events that have highlighted why some members of the hotel community have chosen not to engage with Unite Here Local 11. He advised that the staggering expenditure of over $3 million in taxpayers' money on special elections by this group could have been allocated to more beneficial areas. He expressed concern about the City's waste -hauling service provider, Republic Services. He noted that Republic Services is currently under scrutiny by the City for failing to provide proper service to Anaheim. He advised that as a business owner, he lacks the ability to select a different provider. He noted that discussions with members of the hotel community, along with voices from residents and other businesses, reveal that Republic's service delivery consistently falls short of expectations. He remarked that it is crucial that the City Council ensures waste management services are efficient, transparent, and accountable. Mayor Aitken recommended connecting Mr. Eisenman with Public Works Director Rudy Emami to ensure he has a direct line of service to work together to address these issues effectively. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 27 of 48 Raul Aguino Rojas reported that he is a Disney Ambassador at Disneyland Resort and highlighted graduation season and provided an update on Disney Aspire. He advised that the program celebrates the achievements of Disneyland Resort cast members who have reached their educational goals through this remarkable initiative. He explained that Disney Aspire is the Walt Disney Company's Education Investment Program. He noted it empowers cast members by covering 100% of tuition upfront for a wide range of programs, from high school GEDs to college degrees. He noted that one in eight cast members based at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is enrolled in the program, and over 1,000 have graduated with college degrees since its inception in 2018. He advised that in 2022, Disney included Cal State Fullerton and Fullerton College as the first brick -and -mortar partners. He reported that Disney Aspire is a life -changing benefit for cast members, offering educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. He encouraged those who need more information to visit Disney. Guild Education.com. Marc Herbert reported that the Wi-Fi password is now available upon request, although it is not posted on the bulletin board. He reported that the speaker cards have been replenished, but emphasized that monitoring these resources should be the City Council's responsibility and not the residents. He expressed concern that the State of the City involved numerous sponsors who may be contributing to candidates or events in return for specific considerations. Peter Han, President of the HOA at Imperial Heights, a community of 11 houses. He expressed concern with Republic Services and noted that the service remains inadequate. He noted residents often face difficulties accessing proper waste disposal. He expressed concern regarding communication challenges from Republic Services. He encouraged the City Council to address his concerns and improve the services residents receive. Mayor Aitken thanked Mr. Han for sharing his experiences. She noted that the City Council understands that the reliable delivery of essential city services is critical and they take these concerns very seriously. She requested that Mr. Han speak with Public Works Director Rudy Emami who can help identify the specific issues affecting his neighborhood and work on a solution to improve service in the area. Mr. Han reported that his issue with waste management is not isolated to his small HOA of 11 houses but is affecting a larger area. He expressed appreciation if someone could visit Republic Services and offer guidance on how business operations should be managed. He noted that the City is run exceptionally well by dedicated individuals who genuinely care about the community and believe a similar approach could improve the situation with waste management. He thanked the City Council for their attention to the matter. Rosalinda Viveros (translation: Spanish) inquired about how the City is addressing the homeless problem which seems to be escalating. She reported that she has had two individuals living on her balcony for several days and noted she is afraid to call the police because they say there is nothing that they can do. She asked about what the City is doing to address these issues. She noted that it is important to remember that these people cannot be treated as criminals as they lack affordable housing. She added that she has pictures and videos of people climbing onto her property and has not been able to sleep in her home for the past four nights due to the situation. She expressed concern about seeing 10 homeless people outside her home daily. Mayor Aitken inquired if Ms. Viveros could be provided with the contact information for the Community Care Response Team (CCRT). She requested that Ms. Viveros provide an address so the City can follow up and coordinate with both the City team and law enforcement to address the situation effectively. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 28 of 48 Ms. Viveros responded that she had tried those avenues and it did not work. Mayor Aitken requested that Ms. Viveros provide her contact information so the appropriate City and police personnel are aware and can act. She acknowledged that Ms. Viveros already filed a police report but noted that the next step might be to reach out to neighbors to see how everyone can work together to resolve the issue. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz thanked the Economic Development Department for working with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to establish SBDC Eats. The six -week program helps individuals learn how to start a food business. The program was offered in Spanish and English. At the end of the six weeks, 30 individuals graduated from the program. There was a woman that sold tamales and others that sold bread, Peruvian cookies, Asian food, Jamaican food, and Indian food. Everyone who graduated from the program has a mentor that will guide them as they work their way to establishing their business. She thanked Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center for allowing the program to use their space for classes and the graduation and stated that hopefully some of the residents who graduated from the program will in time set up a business in Anaheim. Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz shared that many of the students enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program at Cerritos College are from Anaheim. Through the program, students do everything from setting up the room, decorations, setting the table, designing the menu, creating the menu, purchasing the food, cooking the food, serving the food, and cleaning up after the meal. They learn all aspects of the food service industry, and she stated she is hopeful that some of the students will land good jobs in one of the wonderful restaurants in Anaheim. She recommended the Cerritos College Culinary Arts Program for anyone interested in the food service industry. Council Member Faessel requested adjourning the meeting in the memory of Nicole, who was 19 years old and who fought valiantly. He shared that his friend, Yesenia Rojas, was appointed by the Governor of Guanajuato, Mexico as their Migrant Woman Deputy. He stated that Ms. Rojas has been dedicated to helping the migrant community for many years. Council Member Faessel highlighted and shared photographs of events he attended including being invited to be a guest speaker at the Guinn Elementary School sixth grade graduation by Principal Hubbard. The students will now be attending Sycamore Junior High School, and eventually they will attend Anaheim High School or Katella High School. He and his wife Susan attended the Green Expo and thanked Anaheim Public Utilities for the wonderful event. He shared that he didn't drive an electric vehicle, but he did look at the Tesla Cybertruck that was there although he has no interest in purchasing one. He participated in the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Memorial Day event at the Anaheim Cemetery and stated that Anaheim Founders as well as County of Orange Founders are interred there because it is one of oldest cemeteries. The VFW did a wonderful job hosting the event and he thanked the Council colleagues that joined him. Council Member Faessel shared he was a judge for the Anaheim Central Library Villages of California MasterPeace Art Show. He stated that all the participants from kindergarten through eighth grade were amazing and talented. He also attended the 29th Annual Flag Day event and parade at Pearson Park. It was fun to honor the flag and recognize fallen service members. Council Member Rubalcava thanked everyone who participated in the public comment process. She highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended including the Memorial Day event on May 27 at the Anaheim cemetery to honor fallen service members for their ultimate sacrifice to the nation and for representing the City of Anaheim with dignity and valor. She highlighted Anaheim's fallen heroes including Senior Airman Jason Khai Phan who lost his life in Kuwait on September 12, 2020; Zacharias Jonas Elliott who served in the military for 19 years and passed away on June 3, 2017; City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 29 of 48 Chief Petty Officer Jason C. Finan who lost his life in Iraq on October 20, 2016; Christian R. San Nicolas who lost his life on April 28 in Kandahar Province, he was 20 years old; Marines Lance Corporal Norberto Mendez Hernandez who lost his life on July 9, 2011 while serving in Afghanistan, he was 22 years old; Sergeant Jason M. Weaver was 22 years old and passed away March 3 in Afghanistan; Army Staff Sergeant Marc Andrew Arizmendez lost his life on July 6, 2010 while serving in Afghanistan, he attended St. Catherine's Military Academy in Anaheim; Marines Lance Corporal Justin Swanson passed away on November 10, 2009 while serving in Afghanistan; U.S. Army Private 1st Class Raymond L. Henry who lost his life on April 25, 2006 while serving in Mosul, Iraq; Marine 1st Sergeant Edward Smith who lost his life on April 5, 2003, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She thanked the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Anaheim American Legion for continuing to coordinate a Memorial Day remembrance ceremony in Anaheim. Council Member Rubalcava stated she had the honor of serving as a co -emcee alongside professional auctioneer David Lopez for the 2024 Orange County March for Babies event. Their mission is to fight for the health of all moms and babies. The United States remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth deaths, especially among women and babies of color. She highlighted the June 6th District 3 community meeting organized by City staff to provide residents with updates. City Clerk Theresa Bass spoke about the November General Election, and Public Utilities, Police Department, Fire and Rescue, and Public Works spoke about neighborhood services. She thanked everyone who attended the event. Council Member Rubalcava stated she had the honor of serving as a panelist alongside Tustin Council Member Letitia Clark for the Girls in Government initiative. The initiative brings young girls into government and gives them access to policymakers and people who are working within government. She also recognized baby Penelope Penaloza from Garden Grove who was an attendee at the event. Council Member Rubalcava announced that she is working with Community Services Director Sjany Larson -Cash and Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn to launch the Girls in Government initiative in Anaheim in the Fall. She recognized District 3 resident and local artist Oliver, who helped paint the mural at Little People's Park for the wonderful work he is doing in the City of Anaheim. Council Member Rubalcava attended the 29th Annual Flag Day event and she thanked Sally Feldhaus and the Committee for making sure the City's wonderful traditions continue. She stated she is lucky that many of the events take place in District 3 which is the heart of the City of Anaheim. Council Member Rubalcava shared that she is partnering with a local car club to host a school supply drive and car show at Pearson Park on July 13 to provide students with the resources that they need to be successful in school. She thanked the Community Services Parks Division for helping with this event. Council Member Rubalcava shared that she is also partnering with Mondragon Family Market for a Backpack and School Supply Drive on July 19. Donations are currently being accepted at Mondragon Family Market which is located at 407 E. North Street. She shared that she has the honor of serving on the Orange County Fair Board and she announced that Anaheim Police Chief Armendariz and Fire and Rescue Chief Russell will be competing against each other in the Orange Crush Demolition Derby on August 1 at the Orange County Fair Event Center at 7:30 p.m. She asked everyone to mark their calendars to witness the Chiefs in action. Council Member Diaz stated that Police Chief Armendariz and his team are doing a tremendous job building relationships with the community and teaching residents how to reduce and prevent crimes. He thanked Police Chief Armendariz for personally attending the Community Policing Team events. Council Member Diaz also thanked Don Churros for donating churros for the event. He encouraged everyone to visit Don Churros at the Anaheim Marketplace. Council Member Diaz congratulated Council Member Rubalcava for beating the unjust recall effort and pointed out that Unite Here Local 11 has cost the City approximately $2 million between the initiative and the recall. He thanked Mayor Aitken for a wonderful State of the City event and noted that the revenues from the event will go to the Anaheim Community Foundation. Council Member Diaz sent heartfelt condolences to the Bartash family for their loss. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 30 of 48 Council Member Leon shared that he joined Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk -Silva and community leaders to raise awareness and demand action for gun violence prevention. He thanked every community leader who continues to tirelessly advocate for safer communities and Gisela, a mom whose son's life was tragically cut short due to gun violence for sharing her story and for her incredible strength and courage. He joined various elected officials in celebrating the graduating seniors of the Nicholas Academic Center. Over 200 high school students, including some from Anaheim, are moving on to college thanks to the support of the organization and their team. He thanked them for the invitation, as well as for their work in making a huge impact for students across Orange County. He had the opportunity to participate in the annual Flag Day celebration and thanked the Community Services team, all the organizers and volunteers, including Magnolia High School's Key Club Members, who helped make the event successful. He also thanked the Anaheim Public Utilities team for organizing the Annual OC Green Expo. Residents got an opportunity to learn about different resources. He noted that he got a chance to test drive one of the electric vehicles, and for the record, he returned it safely without scratches and in one piece. Council Member Leon joined AltaMed Grow Proud for their Out, Loud, and Healthy event that provided free HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C testing as well as education and information. The event celebrated the LGBTQ+ community and it was also a reminder of the work that is still left to do. He thanked AltaMed for hosting the event and everyone who attended. He stated that he looks forward to joining the Orange County Heritage Council for the Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Pearson Park, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. He invited everyone to the upcoming Community Health and Resource Fair his office is hosting in collaboration with Senator Umberg's Office. The event is on Saturday, June 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Loara High School. He encouraged everyone to take advantage of a variety of health screening booths featuring local health agencies. Valuable resources and services will be available to support health and wellness goals including health, dental, and asthma screenings, mammograms, vision exams, and there will also be food distribution. To register, call 714-558-3785, or visit Senator Umberg's website at https:Hsd34.senate.ca.gov. Council Member Leon congratulated Apollo Printing & Graphics, the District 2 May Business of the Month. Apollo is recognized for their exemplary commitment to excellence in printing and graphic services through their attention to detail. Apollo Graphics & Printing has consistently exceeded expectations and delivers outstanding results to its valued clients. He invited everyone to visit Apollo Printing & Graphics at 2100 West Lincoln Avenue. Council Member Leon shared that the Public Works team was installing over 100 banners across the Little Arabia District over the weekend on 54 light poles between Broadway and Ball Road. He stated that he was proud to have worked with various stakeholders, including a lot of community leaders who have advocated for decades to get the banners in West Anaheim's Little Arabia District. He thanked Mayor Aitken and Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz for their continued work and service on the Ad Hoc Committee. He stated the banners are a small step, but an incredibly important one, to recognize the contributions of so many in the community. He stated that he looks forward to more positive changes across the corridor. Mayor Aitken thanked everyone, especially her Council colleagues, for joining her at the State of the City address on Thursday at the City National Grove of Anaheim. She also thanked the City National Grove of Anaheim for all their hard work. She shared that 52 community members attended the event for free because they were entered into a lottery, and they were able to sit with the Council Member representing their district. An estimated $75,000 was raised for the Anaheim Community Foundation to help with the great work they do. She noted the Savanna High School drumline was an amazing way to kick off the show and then it ended with Don Churros for everyone in attendance. In addition to the community seats, the event was live streamed and is available online at i,/sl�Rteoit,ll p � ; uG;. Mayor Aitken thanked the Anaheim Flag Day Committee, the community groups, the veterans, staff, as well as the supporters that attended the 29th Annual Flag Day Celebration & Parade on Sunday, June 9th. She stated she loves it every time Sally Feldhaus reminds everyone why Flag Day is celebrated. Mayor Aitken attended the meet and greet event to City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 31 of 48 welcome the new President and CEO of Visit Anaheim, Mike Waterman. He joins Visit Anaheim from Orange County, Florida and brings a high level of professionalism, and in listening to his vision, he is going to be an amazing partner for the City. She joined the Economic Development Department team at the Disney Aspire graduation at the Grand Californian Hotel. Disney Ambassador, Raul Rojas, was also in attendance to highlight the program. She stated the program allows both part-time and full- time employees to pursue their educational goals. She stated it was fun to speak to the graduates, some of which are first generation college students and a few that obtained their master's degree. She thanked the Disney Corporation for inviting her to the graduation and for believing in their cast members and helping them with free education. Mayor Aitken invited everyone to the upcoming district meetings. She noted that the District 4 meeting is on Thursday, June 13 at Ponderosa Park. The District 5 meeting is on Wednesday, June 19 at Anaheim United Methodist Church. The District 6 meeting is on Thursday, June 30 at the East Anaheim Community Center. Mayor Aitken stated that by attending the district meetings, residents get a chance to hear about programs throughout the City. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: City Manager Vanderpool announced that this summer, the Community Services Department is offering free summer lunch programs at key library and family resource center facilities throughout the City. Through an ongoing partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, the "Kids Cafe" summer meal program is being offered at the Miraloma Park Family Resource Center and Ponderosa Branch Library. Children 18 years of age and younger can receive a nutritional meal free of charge with no eligibility requirements, Monday through Friday afternoon at each location. In addition, through a California State Library grant, the Anaheim Public Library is once again offering the "Lunch @ the Library" program initiative that provides meals and programming support to summer meal sites. Through this initiative, children and families attending Haskett, and the Ponderosa Branch libraries will be provided with a free meal that is also offered at no cost and is provided Tuesday through Thursday afternoons at each location. He announced that public hearings for the proposed Gypsum Canyon Cemetery Project are beginning next Monday at 5:00 p.m. with the Planning Commission's consideration of the project. The Orange County Cemetery District seeks approvals for the construction and operation of a public cemetery and in collaboration with the California Department of Veterans Affairs — Orange County's first and only Veterans Cemetery. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council, with Council's consideration of the project tentatively planned for July. To learn more about the proposed cemetery, project information is available at https://anaheim.net/cemetery. At 7:14 p.m., Mayor Aitken recessed the Anaheim City Council to address the Anaheim Housing Authority Consent Calendar, reconvening at 7:14 p.m. in joint session with the Anaheim Housing Authority to address the joint public hearing. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING: 2. This is a Joint Public Hearing of the Anaheim Housing Authority and the Anaheim City Council regarding the proposed disposition of real property pursuant to a proposed Preliminary Award Letter, Ground Lease Option Agreement, and Cooperation Agreement relating to the proposed development and operation of a 47-unit I ntergene rational Affordable Rental Housing Project on real property located near the southeast corner of Beach Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 32 of 48 Housing Authority Action: 2-A. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2024-004 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF AGR-14808 THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY approving a Preliminary Award Letter, Ground Lease AGR-14808.0.1 Option Agreement, and Cooperation Agreement, in substantial form, regarding the affordable rental housing project between the Anaheim Housing Authority and Lincoln Beach LP; approving the grant of an Option to Ground Lease the IG parcel to Lincoln Beach LP pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 33433 and 34312.3; authorizing the Executive Director, or her designee, to negotiate the terms of and finalize an Affordable Housing Agreement and Ground Lease of the IG parcel for the IG project; authorizing the Executive Director to implement such agreements and the implementing affordable housing agreement and ground lease; and making certain other findings in connection therewith. City Council Action: 2-B. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-046 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE AGR-14808.0.2 CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Cooperation Agreement, in substantial form, for the Intergenerational Affordable Rental Housing Development by and between the City of Anaheim and the Anaheim Housing Authority; authorize the Director of Housing and Community Development, or her designee to execute and administer the Cooperation Agreement; authorize approving the Authority's grant of an Option to Ground Lease and the Ground Lease of the IG parcel to Lincoln Beach LP pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 33433 and 34312.3; and, making certain findings in connection with such approvals. Executive Director of the Anaheim Housing Authority/Director of Housing and Community Development Grace Ruiz-Stepter reported that the item requests that the Authority approve a Preliminary Award Letter, Ground Lease Option Agreement, and a Cooperation Agreement regarding the Beach/Lincoln Affordable Housing Project. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that in 2019, the Housing Authority acquired a 3.59-acre site consisting of four separate parcels that included the Americana Motel, a car wash, a gas station, and a restaurant. She noted that on October 26, 2021, the Housing Authority adopted a resolution declaring the property surplus land in accordance with the Surplus Land Act. Following the adoption of the resolution, the Authority issued a Notice of Availability to over 400 entities on California's interest list, including local public entities, nonprofits, for -profit affordable housing developers, and school districts in the area. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that the Housing Authority received five notices of interest. She explained that priority was given to proposals with an affordability component, as required by State law, which mandates that at least 25% of the total units developed on surplus land be offered at affordable rents or costs to lower -income households. She reported that the proposal from Brandywine/Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), a private housing developer, was selected due to its commitment to providing the deepest levels of affordability and its alignment with the Beach Boulevard Specific Plan. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that the proposal for the site includes 47 affordable, intergenerational rental units, 60 for -sale townhomes, and a commercial component. She reported that staff is prioritizing the affordable housing rental component to meet the affordability requirements stipulated in the Surplus Land Act and to adhere to tax credit funding deadlines. She advised that development aims to revitalize Beach Boulevard, with the design and architecture reflecting the Beach Boulevard Specific Plan. She noted that the plan ensures the development integrates with the City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 33 of 48 existing neighborhood while enhancing the overall aesthetics and character. She provided an overview of the key features of the four-story contemporary affordable housing development including outdoor space, private and common outdoor spaces, multi -purpose room, and 24 surface level parking spaces. She noted the development is located in a State -designated high -priority transit area and adjacent to the West Anaheim Youth Center. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that staff will continue to collaborate with IHO to integrate appropriate art elements and finalize architectural features to ensure the project aligns with the Authority's legacy of high -quality affordable housing development. She advised that the developer proposes to finance the project through a combination of funding sources, including federal tax credits and a permanent loan from a private lender. She reported that there is a funding gap that needs to be addressed. She explained that the developer is requesting a $6 million loan from the Housing Authority, which could be funded in whole or in part from low- and moderate -income housing asset funds, HOME funds, or permanent local housing allocation funds, depending on which best fits the project needs. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter explained that the Cooperation Agreement between the City and the Housing Authority will provide the mechanism to transfer federal and state -restricted funds directly to the Housing Authority for inclusion in the loan. She noted that the Housing Authority proposes a 57- year ground lease for the site valued at approximately $2.6 million. She explained that the lease arrangement will allow the Housing Authority to recoup the land acquisition costs and approximately $888,000 in site preparation costs over the lease term. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter confirmed that staff supports the project as proposed and requests that the governing board of the Housing Authority approve and authorize a Preliminary Award Letter outlining the terms and conditions of the Housing Authority's assistance to the developer. She explained that the Housing Authority will not enter into an affordable housing agreement or release any funds until the developer provides evidence that all required third -party funding is in place for this development. She noted that the developer is also requesting the provision of 46 project -based vouchers as part of the assistance. DISCUSSION: Authority Member/Council Member Diaz thanked Chairperson/Mayor Aitken for allowing him to speak first since the project is located in District 1. He noted that the process involved notifying 400 entities to comply with the Surplus Land Act, resulting in five responses. He concluded that after careful consideration, one developer was selected, and the project details were sent to the state for approval. He advised that the project includes a state -mandated 25% affordability requirement, with plans for 47 intergenerational affordable rental units (suitable for both seniors and young families) and 64 for -sale townhomes. He noted that the development will feature ample indoor and outdoor facilities and more parking than required to avoid community spillover. Authority Member/Council Member Diaz emphasized the importance of approving the $6 million request, which would demonstrate the City's commitment and facilitate securing financing. He also responded to concerns about affordable housing, clarifying that it does not equate to low -quality housing or rehabilitation facilities but rather represents good -quality housing for working families. He strongly supports the project as it aligns with his goals and his reason for running for office, affirming that everyone deserves a good place to live. He urged approval of the project and encouraged the City Council/Authority to approve the item. Authority Member/Council Member Diaz inquired about the commercial portion of the development. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 34 of 48 Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that the commercial space proposed by the developer will be repurposed from the current gas station into a food pavilion. She advised that this space aims to support micro businesses and offer a diverse array of local food options, enhancing the West Anaheim area. She noted that the vision is to create an eclectic food pavilion that complements the larger development planned at 39 Commons across the street. She explained it will not be exactly like the Packing House but will provide a unique and elevated local food experience, adding vibrancy and variety to the neighborhood. She reported that, in addition to the financing provided by the developer, efforts have begun to engage state and federal partners about the project. Initial feedback from these partners has been very positive, and it is expected that this additional support will further enhance the project's financial and strategic position. Authority Member/Council Member Diaz noted that the project's central location and walkability will be highly advantageous, allowing residents to easily access supermarkets and future dining options. He emphasized that the project's presence will attract residents and homeowners, which in turn will encourage the private sector to develop more commercial ventures in the area. He believes that this will create a positive cycle of growth and investment. He expressed strong support for the project. MOTION: Authority Member/Council Member Diaz moved to approve Item. DISCUSSION: Council Member Meeks asked about the management of parking spaces given the project includes 24 parking spaces for 47 units. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that the developer will handle the parking plan, and noted this is a senior population, which typically has fewer cars. She noted that the parking management plan will be detailed in the affordable housing agreement to ensure fair allocation of spaces. Authority Member/Council Member Meeks inquired about security measures for the development. Housing and Community Development Deputy Director Andy Nogal reported that the parking area will not be gated at this time but the amenity spaces and building entrances will be secured. He advised that security measures, including cameras, will be implemented to address safety concerns, particularly given the area's history, ensuring that residents feel safe in both their parking and living spaces is a priority. Authority Member/Council Member Meeks emphasized safety and security measures are integral for a successful development and should be staff's primary concern. Authority Member/Council Member Faessel expressed his support for the project, highlighting District 5's innovative housing efforts and the quality work of both Brandywine and Innovative Housing Opportunities. He noted that he is familiar with both companies and their past projects, and he believes the partnership with the city will be beneficial. He noted that despite a letter of concern, he is confident in the quality of the developers' work and fully supports the project. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava expressed concern about the parking allocation for the senior housing project, drawing a comparison to parking issues at the Sage Apartments. She emphasized that parking is a quality -of -life issue. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter explained that strict occupancy requirements in affordable housing projects, managed by both the developer and the Housing Authority, help ensure compliance and reduce potential congestion. She noted that non-compliance would mean that the developer would lose their subsidy. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 35 of 48 Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava expressed confidence in the quality of the project and the developer, and voiced her support for the development. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz expressed support for the project and commented positively on the inclusion of artwork. She expressed concern about parking, drawing on her experience with parking issues in the Walnut area. She noted that medical personnel and visitors to retirees in nearby communities often park in residential neighborhoods, causing complaints from residents. She urged caution and consideration for this issue, emphasizing the need to address parking for non-residents who provide essential services to residents. Deputy Director Nogal explained that older neighborhoods, particularly those developed in the 1950s and 1960s, often have outdated parking ratios of 1:1, leading to significant parking issues. He acknowledged the parking challenges in these areas, as evidenced by numerous permit parking requests submitted to the City Council. He emphasized that the development will meet Municipal Code requirements, including providing guest parking to accommodate visitors. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter highlighted the importance of art in their affordable housing projects, noting that it is a core value for the development team. She invited Council Members to visit previous projects to see how art is integrated. She emphasized that the IHO team carefully considers the appropriate art elements for each project, working closely with the community to ensure that these elements add to the development's character. PUBLIC COMMENT ON JOINT PUBLIC HEARING: At 7:37 p.m., Chairperson/Mayor Aitken opened the public hearing. Marc Herbert addressed several concerns regarding the proposed housing project. He questioned how the $6 million funding gap would be addressed, specifically how it connects with the 10 sources of funding mentioned in the May draft of the Housing Element. He asked for clarification on how this fits into the City's overall funding timeline and past experiences with housing funding. He raised environmental concerns about the project. He noted that the site currently includes a gas station, which will be repurposed into a food center. He inquired about the status of environmental remediation, whether it has started, and the projected timeline for completion. He also asked how any delays in environmental remediation might impact the project's timeline and credit within the housing element. Lastly, he sought information on how the proposed units fit into the City's May draft of the 61 Cycle Housing Element. He expressed concern about the impact of potential delays on meeting state housing targets and questioned the validity of various statistics used in the housing element. He provided a list of sources and statistics related to housing and community development, requesting clarification on their accuracy and relevance. Secretary/City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of two (2) public comments were received electronically prior to 5:00 p.m. related to the joint public hearing. [A final total of two (2) public comments were received electronically, distributed to the Governing Board of the Anaheim Housing Authority/City Council, and made part of the official records]. — See Appendix. At 7:43 p.m., Chairperson/Mayor Aitken closed the public hearing. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken noted the action will be voted upon separately by the two governing bodies, beginning with the Anaheim Housing Authority, City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 36 of 48 Housing Authority Action: MOTION: Authority Member Diaz moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2024-004w� A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY approving a Preliminary Award Letter, Ground Lease Option Agreement, and Cooperation Agreement, in substantial form, regarding the affordable rental housing project between the Anaheim Housing Authority and Lincoln Beach LP; approving the grant of an Option to Ground Lease the IG parcel to Lincoln Beach LP pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 33433 and 34312.3; authorizing the Executive Director, or her designee, to negotiate the terms of and finalize an Affordable Housing Agreement and Ground Lease of the IG parcel for the IG project; authorizing the Executive Director to implement such agreements and the implementing affordable housing agreement and ground lease; and making certain other findings in connection therewith, seconded by Authority Member Faessel. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks). NOES — 0. Motion carried. City Council Action: MOTION: Council Member Diaz moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. _ 2024-046 µWw M A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Cooperation Agreement, in substantial form, for the Intergenerational Affordable Rental Housing Development by and between the City of Anaheim and the Anaheim Housing Authority; authorize the Director of Housing and Community Development, or her designee to execute and administer the Cooperation Agreement; authorize approving the Authority's grant of an Option to Ground Lease and the Ground Lease of the IG parcel to Lincoln Beach LP pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 33433 and 34312.3; and, making certain findings in connection with such approvals, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks). NOES — 0. Motion carried. At 7:46 p.m., Mayor Aitken adjourned the Anaheim Housing Authority. CONSENT CALENDAR: The Consent Calendar was considered with Council Member Meeks pulling Item No. 12 for separate consideration. MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and adopt the balance of the consent calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each City Council Member, seconded by Council Member Rubalcava. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. B105 3. Receive and file minutes for the Public Utilities Board meeting of April 24, 2024. D116 4. Approve recognitions recognizing the Orange County Greek Festival; Anaheim High School Girls Wrestling Coach, Ernesto Vargas, for receiving Coach of the Year; and the Patel Family for 50 years of business in the Anaheim Resort District. 5. Award the construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, SDC AGR-14809 Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $854,613.56, for the Little Pine Park Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 37 of 48 AGR-148106. Award the construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc., in the amount of $2,396,425 with a 10% contingency, for the Anaheim West Tower HVAC Rehabilitation Project Phase III Project; authorize the Director of Public Works, to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15301 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions. 7. Approve an Agreement with five consultants, each in the not to exceed amount of $250,000 AGR-14811 per Work Order Package with a total not to exceed contract amount of $1,000,000 per AGR-14812 contract year per consultant company plus a 15% contingency for as needed extra services, AGR-14813 for as -needed right of way acquisition services to support the Design Services Section of the AGR-14814 Department of Public Works, each for a three year term with two, one-year optional renewals; AGR-14815 authorize the Director of Public Works to execute each agreement and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements; and authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the agreements, so long as such changes are determined to be de minimis by the City Attorney's Office (Overland, Pacific & Cutler, LLC; Monument ROW; Paragon Partners Consultants, Inc.; Epic Land Solutions, Inc.; and Security Land & Right of Way Services, Inc.). 8. Approve an Agreement with four consultants, each in the not to exceed amount of $250,000 AGR-14816 per Work Order Package with a total not to exceed contract amount of $1,000,000 per AGR-14817 contract year per consultant company plus a 15% contingency for as needed extra services, AGR-14818 for as -needed right of way relocation services to support the Design Services Section of the AGR-14819 Public Works Department, each for a three year term with two one-year optional renewals; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute each agreement and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements; and authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the agreements, so long as such changes are determined to be de minimis by the City Attorney's Office (Epic Land Solutions, Inc.; Monument ROW; Overland, Pacific & Cutler, LLC; and Paragon Partners Consultants, Inc.). AGR-148209. Approve an Agreement with Woodard and Curran, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $675,458, for the Resort Area Sanitary Sewer Study and authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the agreement, and related documents, and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement. D154.9 10. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-047 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM for the purpose of creating, deleting and/or modifying certain classifications represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2002, General Management Unit, adjusting the range of compensation, and approving a related Letter of Understanding between the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2002, General Management Unit and the City of Anaheim [Operations Supervisor; Facility Maintenance Manager; Electric Field & Operations Superintendent; Chief Utilities Systems Operator; Engineering Manager; Electric Systems Planning Manager; Street Maintenance and Sanitation Administrator; Principal Electrical Engineer; Electric Operations Manager]. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 38 of 48 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-048 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM for the purpose of creating, deleting and/or modifying certain classifications represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2002, Professional/Technical Management Unit, adjusting the range of compensation, and approving a related Letter of Understanding between the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2002, Professional/Technical Management Unit and the City of Anaheim [Senior Electrical Engineer; Senior Utilities Systems Scheduler; Electrical Capital Projects Manager]. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-049 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM creating a classification represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2002, General Management Unit, assigning the range of compensation and pay policy, and approving a related Letter of Understanding between the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2002, General Management Unit and the City of Anaheim [Electric Field Services Superintendent]. E127 11. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-050 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM calling and giving notice of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of Article XII I, Section 1300, of the Charter of the City of Anaheim. RESOLUTION NO. 20_24-051 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to consolidate a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with the Statewide General Election to be held on that date pursuant to Sections 10403 and 10418 of the Elections Code. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-052 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidate statements submitted to the voters at an election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. M142 13. ORDINANCE NO,­­­­­" O.,_ 6578,- „-(ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending a portion of Ordinance No. 6570, nunc pro tunc, to correct clerical drafting errors pertaining to the amendment of a certain section the Anaheim Municipal Code [Chapter 18.14 (Public and Special -Purpose Zones) of Title 18 (Zoning); introduced at the Council meeting of May 21, 2024, Item No. 27]. M142 14. ORDINANCE NO. 6579 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapter 17.37 (Public Art) of Title 17 (Land Development and Resources) of the Anaheim Municipal Code for the purpose of promoting the installation, maintenance, and restoration of public art and determining that this ordinance is exempt from the requirements to prepare additional environmental documentation per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3) because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment (introduced at the Council meeting of May 21, 2024, Item No. 28). City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 39 of 48 ORDINANCE NO. 6580 . - (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapters 18.06 (Multi -Family Residential Zones); 18.08 (Commercial Zones); 18.10 (Industrial Zone); 18.14 (Public and Special -Purpose Zones); 18.20 (Platinum Triangle Mixed Use (PTMU) Overlay Zone); 18.30 (Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) Overlay Zone); 18.32 (Mixed Use (MU) Overlay Zone); 18.36 (Types of Uses); 18.44 (Signs); 18.62 (Administrative Reviews); 18.120 (Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan No. 2015-01 (SP 2015-1) Zoning and Development Standards); and 18.122 (Beach Boulevard Specific Plan No. 2017-1 (SP 2017-1) Zoning and Development Standards) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Anaheim Municipal Code; Adjustment No. 14 to the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan No. 2015-1 (SP 2015-1) Zoning and Development Standards; Adjustment No. 8 to the Beach Boulevard Specific Plan No. 2017-1 (SP 2017-1) Zoning and Development Standards; and finding and determining that this ordinance is not subject to the requirements to prepare additional environmental documentation per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15061(b)(3) because it will not have a significant effect on the environment [Development Application No. 2023-00037, introduced at the Council meeting of May 21, 2024, Item No. 28]. BUSINESS CALENDAR: M142 12. ORDINANCE NO.. 6581 — (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapter 14.40 of Title 14 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to speed limits on city streets. Council Member Meeks noted that it was frustrating to be required to increase the speed limit on a street because of state law mandates based on the 85th percentile of speeds. She noted that the new law changes that policy and allows Public Works professionals more input into setting speed limits and gives the Police Department the authority to enforce them. She requested a staff report on the new law. She expressed concern about implementing the new speed limits and how to inform the public. City Traffic Engineer Rafael Cobian reported that the ordinance is to amend Chapter 14 of the Anaheim Municipal Code (Code) related to speed limits in the City. He explained that the ordinance is necessary due to requirements outlined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC). He reported that the California Vehicle Code provides parameters for establishing speed limits but not all. He explained that surveys are required to set legal speed limits and must be renewed every five years. He noted that they can be extended if certain conditions are met, such as the completion of certified radar operator training by the citing officer and no significant changes in roadway or traffic conditions. He reported that the current surveys have reached their maximum extension, necessitating new surveys. Traffic Engineer Cobian reported that local residential streets are exempt from the requirement and can have a speed limit of 25 MPH without a survey. He explained that the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD) offers guidelines for conducting the surveys. He noted that key factors considered include prevailing speeds determined by a survey measurement of unimpeded traffic, collision history, and roadway conditions that may not be immediately apparent to drivers, such as driveway density and proximity to schools or high pedestrian and bicycle activity. He reported that Assembly Bill (AB) 43, signed into law in 2021, has introduced new opportunities for cities to manage speed limits more effectively and combat what is known as "speed creep", where the 85th percentile speed inadvertently rewards speeding drivers by increasing the speed limit. He noted that with the passage of AB 43, local agencies have gained the authority to retain existing speed limits even if a survey suggests a higher, potentially unreasonable, or unsafe limit. He explained that this change aims to enhance safety and prevent speed limits from rising unnecessarily. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 40 of 48 Traffic Engineer Cobian reported that the City of Anaheim's Public Works Department, specifically the Traffic Engineering Division, engaged an industry expert to conduct Citywide surveys. He noted that the consultant's role was to perform these surveys in compliance with both the California Manual on California MUTCD, the CVC, and the new AB 43 guidance. He outlined the fundamentals for the survey the 85th percentile speed and additional considerations such as roadway conditions, safety factors, existing speed limit, and changes to roadway conditions. Traffic Engineer Cobian reported that the City, in collaboration with its consultant, adopted a safety - focused approach to speed limit determinations, especially in light of AB 43. He noted that research has demonstrated a direct link between vehicle speed and collision severity. He reported that surveys were conducted for 328 street segments across Anaheim to recommend appropriate speed limits. He advised that no speed limits are proposed to increase. He reported that for 161 street segments, speed limit decreases are recommended, meaning over half of the City's street segments will see reduced speed limits. Lastly, he noted that the speed limit will remain unchanged at 158 locations, a testament to the successful application of the new law and safety priorities. He added the ordinance will become effective thirty (30) days following its adoption. He outlined that during that time, staff will replace speed limit signs and educate the community with a three -pronged approach through social media, press releases, and included in the City's newsletter. DISCUSSION: Council Member Meeks suggested that the upcoming District 5 and District 6 meetings, set for June 1 gth and 20th, incorporate discussions about the new speed limits. She noted this would offer further chances for outreach and to engage with the community on the changes. Director of Public Works Rudy Emami reported that the outreach plan includes a multifaceted approach. He noted that a social media campaign will be launched, leveraging the City's public outreach office to maximize impact. He reported that information will also be featured in the Citywide newsletter. He reported that changeable message signs will be placed around the City as part of a "read the sign" campaign to capture residents' attention. Director Emami reported that the focus will be on using changeable message signs effectively. He noted that with over half of the City's streets receiving new speed limits and more than 500 signs being updated, it will take time for these changes to be fully recognized and understood by the public. He noted that in addition to these efforts, the City is exploring ways to further enhance safety. He explained that this includes evaluating street segments for potential changes to lane configurations. He reported that after implementing such changes, additional engineering surveys will be conducted, which may lead to further reductions in speed limits if deemed necessary. He reiterated that the overarching goal is to prioritize safety through continuous assessment and adjustments. Council Member Leon thanked the Public Works team for their presentation and the information provided. He acknowledged some of the specific speed limit changes in District 2 that address residents' concerns, such as the reduction on Broadway from Magnolia to Gilbert, and the decreased speeds across Brookhurst Street, which contribute to pedestrian safety and a more walkable area. He also noted the consideration of lane narrowing to enhance safety. In response to Council Member Leon, Chief of Police Armendariz reported that the primary goal is to achieve voluntary compliance through education and awareness. He explained that the enforcement process will follow a structured timeline, including a 15-day ratification period, posting, and an additional couple of weeks for officers to focus on warnings and public education. He confirmed that officers will exercise discretion, primarily by providing warnings and raising awareness. He noted that citations may be issued for egregious violations, such as driving 25 miles per hour or more over the City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 41 of 48 limit. He explained that the approach will emphasize visual presence and educational efforts, with citations becoming more likely only after the entire campaign and process have been completed. In response to Council Member Leon, Director Emami reported that he considered flashing beacons typically used for construction that could be used temporarily to get the resident's attention. Council Member Leon noted that he is a fan of the signs that record drivers' speed. Director Emami reported that the City can install radar feedback signs and other changeable messages to help with the warning in certain areas but are limited to a single mobile trailer. He added anytime the City conducts a street reconfiguration, a traffic speed survey can be conducted. In response to Council Member Leon, Traffic Engineer Cobian commented that the safest place for pedestrians to cross is always at signalized crossings. He noted that these crossings provide a dedicated space for pedestrians and signal vehicles to stop. He explained that while jaywalking is now legally permissible, it is still much safer for pedestrians to use designated crossings. Council Member Leon acknowledged the importance of safety over legality. He expressed concern about waiting for accidents to occur before acting. He suggested exploring proactive measures to address pedestrian safety even though crosswalks are the safest option. He noted that from his perspective as a Council Member, it might be beneficial to consider additional safety measures, especially given the high volume of pedestrian crossings observed. He requested that the City Council look into potential proactive steps to enhance safety in these areas. Director Emami addressed the complexity of pedestrian safety and the legal aspects of crossing. He noted that while pedestrians have the legal right to cross anywhere, it does not always align with safety. He reported that the plans for Brookhurst Street include the installation of raised median islands. He explained that these islands provide a safe refuge for pedestrians crossing in the middle of the street, offering a safer alternative compared to traditional crosswalks, which pedestrians might still avoid. He noted that the raised median islands are intended to improve safety by giving pedestrians a place to pause while crossing, thereby reducing risks associated with crossing in high - traffic areas. Council Member Leon raised a concern regarding speed enforcement on Cerritos Avenue, particularly between gth Street and Euclid Street in District 4. He explained that residents have reported that despite the reduced speed limit, drivers are still exceeding it. He asked how residents can effectively report such issues so that the City can monitor and potentially increase enforcement. Chief Armendariz explained that the Traffic Unit regularly monitors and assesses areas with frequent traffic complaints and traffic accidents. He reported that each morning, motor officers receive a list of hotspot locations where they need to focus their efforts and noted that this list is generated based on complaints, traffic patterns, and accident data. He encouraged residents who notice traffic issues to report them to dispatch. He explained that even if an officer is not immediately sent to the scene, the report will be logged. He further explained that the Traffic Unit uses this information to deploy resources and address problem areas effectively. Council Member Leon inquired about how concerns from residents, such as those on Cerritos Avenue, are addressed. He asked if there is a way to review and investigate whether any issues have been raised by residents, especially if there is a lack of reports. He emphasized that knowing about these issues helps the City understand and address them more effectively. He noted that if residents are not reporting problems, the City may not be aware of them. He sought information on whether there is any data available to track these concerns and how they are managed. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 42 of 48 Chief Armendariz agreed to consult with the Traffic Unit to determine if there is information that can be shared with the community. He emphasized that increasing awareness is beneficial. He noted that, if the community is informed about hotspot locations where there are frequent complaints about speeding, it may encourage drivers to slow down in those areas to avoid getting a ticket. In response to Council Member Leon, Director Emami reported that the plan includes launching a social media campaign, which will likely direct residents to the City's website. He noted there will also be an interactive map that will be available to show where all the speed limits are changing. Council Member Leon requested that once the information is available, it be shared with the public in a manner that allows the City Council to disseminate it to residents. He emphasized the need for a specific page or other accessible means on the website to ensure that they can effectively communicate this information and increase public awareness. Director Emami explained that the purpose of placing the changeable message signs is to encourage residents to pay attention to all speed limit signs throughout the City. He noted that although half of the signs are changing, the goal is for everyone to take note of the speed limits on every street, whether or not they have been updated. Council Member Leon thanked the Public Works team for their efforts. Council Member Faessel highlighted that one of Mayor Aitken's key concerns has been traffic fatalities, and he expressed hope that the current efforts will address this issue effectively. He noted his appreciation for the measures coming out of Sacramento. He acknowledged Traffic Engineer Cobian for addressing longstanding traffic concerns on various streets, including the east end of Katella, La Palma, South Street, State College, Sunkist, Wagner, and Rio Vista. He thanked the Public Works Department for their proactive measures and actions on these important issues. He thanked Traffic Engineer Cobian for all of his hard work. Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz requested that when officers speak about the speed limits they could emphasize to the community the importance of reporting speeding and near -misses. She noted that residents often feel discouraged and believe their calls do not lead to change, but emphasized that without reporting, there is no data to drive adjustments. She also inquired whether receiving such reports would prompt a reevaluation of speed limits or traffic conditions on those streets. Director Emami explained that updating the City's speed limits will be integrated into navigation systems like Google Maps and Waze. He noted that this update should help manage cut -through traffic by influencing routing algorithms, potentially directing drivers away from routes through residential areas, and improving overall traffic flow. Council Member Rubalcava expressed strong support for the safety initiative, emphasizing its importance for the City. She acknowledged concerns some residents might have about the enforcement aspect being perceived as a revenue grab, however, she noted that community feedback frequently highlights issues with speeding and stop sign violations, such as on Santa Ana Street. She praised the APD's effective response to these concerns and encouraged highlighting the safety motivations behind the speed limit reductions, rather than focusing on potential revenue implications. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 43 of 48 MOTION: Council Member Diaz moved to introduce ORDINANCE NO. 6581 (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapter 14.40 of Title 14 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to speed limits on city streets, seconded by Council Member Meeks. DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken thanked Public Works for their work and Council Member Faessel for mentioning Vision Zero. She emphasized that the program aims to be aspirational, with the goal of achieving zero fatalities for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. She highlighted the importance of integrating various tools and strategies to enhance street safety, including designing safe streets, narrowing roads, implementing protected bike lanes, and adding landscaped medians. Additionally, she stressed the need for well -placed crosswalks to accommodate pedestrians, particularly in areas where they may face challenges crossing the street safely. Mayor Aitken expressed support for the initiative, noting that it represents a positive shift given the City's evolving needs. She emphasized that the goal is not just to slow down traffic on major arterial roads but also to ensure the safety of residents trying to access these highways from residential neighborhoods. She acknowledged the importance of both enforcement and prevention. She then raised a question about balancing speed limits on streets that were once residential but have become major thoroughfares. She inquired about how to address the needs of residents living on these streets, considering their transition from low -speed residential areas to higher -speed highways. Traffic Engineer Cobian explained that the classification of streets as "residential" is governed by specific laws and definitions. He noted that streets like Brookhurst, Wagner, and Rio Vista, despite having residential properties, do not meet the criteria for a "local residential street" under current regulations and restrict the ability to set lower speed limits on these streets. He acknowledged that some streets, including those with residential driveways like Harbor Boulevard, do not fit the residential street classification. Traffic Engineer Cobian suggested that changes to this classification could be sought from the State to provide more flexibility in establishing speed limits on such roads. Mayor Aitken noted that the city is experiencing an issue where people use those streets as a shortcut to avoid congested major freeways, particularly during peak traffic times. She noted that the result is residents having difficulty safely exiting their neighborhoods due to the high speeds of drivers, many of whom are likely not residents of Anaheim. She expressed support for the item. MOTION: Council Member Diaz moved to introduce ORDINANCE NO. 6581 (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapter 14.40 of Title 14 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to speed limits on city streets, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. Ordinance introduced. D116 15. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM forming the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District Advisory Board [approval of the Advisory Board Bylaws that set forth the purpose, composition, appointment, and meeting requirements for the Advisory Board; and direct staff to coordinate with the Anaheim/Orange County Hotel & Lodging Association to obtain recommendations for the hotel representative Advisory Board member positions for consideration by the City Council]. Item No. 15 was withdrawn from the agenda by staff and will be presented at a later date. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 44 of 48 PUBLIC HEARING: P109 16. Public hearing to consider the sale of portion of real property generally located at 777 West AGR-14821 Convention Way in the City of Anaheim, California, specifically Parcel 3 of Parcel Map No. 88- 251, which is proposed to be sold by the City of Anaheim to HHC HA TRS, Inc. (Car Park 2). RESOLUTION NO. 2024-053 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Real Estate Sale Agreement with HHC HA TRS, Inc.; authorizing the Executive Director of Convention, Sports and Entertainment to execute and finalize such Real Estate Sale Agreement; authorizing the Executive Director of Convention, Sports and Entertainment to implement such Real Estate Sale Agreement; determining that the purchase and sale of the property is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and making certain other findings in connection therewith. Executive Director of Convention, Sports, and Entertainment Tom Morton reported that the item is to consider the approval of a Real Estate Sale Agreement for the City's ownership interest in the Hilton parking garage. The potential buyer is HHC HA TRS, Inc., the current owner of the Hilton Anaheim and the co-owner of the parking garage. Executive Director Morton reported that in 1989, the City acquired the title to an airspace parcel within the Hilton self -parking garage, also known as Car Park 2. He explained that the parking garage is adjacent to and attached to the Hilton Anaheim Hotel. He noted that the parking structure features multiple hotel room towers, a hotel amenity area, and a pool on top. He explained that the City's ownership includes half of the third floor, the entire fourth floor, the fifth floor, and the air rights above the fifth floor, which is the top floor. Lastly, he reported that the Hilton Hotel owns the land on which the parking garage sits, as well as the first and second floors and half of the third floor. Executive Director Morton reported that the City holds a 51.07% ownership interest, while the Hilton Hotel holds a 48.93% interest. He explained that the operation of the garage is governed by a set of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). He noted that according to these CC&Rs, the City is responsible for the daily management of the self -parking operation, including all capital repairs and associated liabilities, including catastrophic liabilities. He reported that the City employs a third party, SP Plus, to manage the operations. Executive Director Morton reported that recently, the owners of the Hilton Hotel expressed interest in purchasing the City's portion of the garage. He explained that in response, the City commissioned an MAI appraisal and a property condition assessment. He reported that in November 2023, the City presented the potential sale opportunity to the City Council in Closed Session and received authorization to formally enter into negotiations. In January 2024, the City received a formal offer to purchase the City's ownership interest in the parking garage for $24,542,314, which is within the appraised value range. Executive Director Morton reported that the proposed sale includes a capital repair deduction of just over $1.5 million and the unencumbered retention of the City's ownership percentage of the current restricted reserve, which is estimated at nearly $19.5 million. He explained that this would result in estimated total sales proceeds to the City's General Fund of approximately $43 million. Executive Director Morton reported staff recommends proceeding with the sale as it would eliminate any future liability associated with the parking structure and free up the restricted reserve funds for other uses. He noted that the Anaheim Convention Center does not utilize the garage, and no City employees will be affected by the sale. He noted that the California Department of Housing and City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 45 of 48 Community Development has confirmed that, because the city does not own the land beneath the parking structure, this sale is not subject to the Surplus Land Act. DISCUSSION: Council Member Diaz expressed support for the sale given that it is not subject to the Surplus Land Act, that the property has carried significant liability for the City without producing revenue, and most importantly, that it frees up $43 million for the City's General Fund. Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz thanked Executive Director Morton for confirming that this property is not subject to the Surplus Land Act and that Anaheim City employees will not be impacted by the deal. She inquired who commissioned the appraisal. Director of Economic Development Sergio Ramirez reported that the City commissioned the appraisal, which was conducted by Steve White, an MAI appraiser on the panel. He explained that the initial appraisal was completed in February 2023 so the City requested an update. He reported that Mr. White confirmed that the updated appraisal value remained consistent with the original range. PUBLIC COMMENT ON PUBLIC HEARING: At 8:30 p.m., Mayor Aitken opened the public hearing. Marc Herbert addressed several issues regarding recent city events and priorities. He began by completing the list of sponsors for the State of the City address. He noted that Tom Daly, listed as a former Assemblymember and former Anaheim mayor, was not currently listed as a lobbyist for Salt Development. He raised concerns about the State of the City address format, highlighting that it was restricted to 52 non -ticketed seats drawn from a raffle. He suggested that a more accessible model, similar to the evening event at the theater used during the Oath of Office ceremony, would foster better public engagement. He questioned why the City did not directly contribute to the Anaheim Community Foundation, instead of raising funds through external sources. He also expressed concern about the City's focus on traffic issues at the expense of addressing housing problems. He noted that more time seemed to be spent on traffic matters, while housing and homelessness issues were not adequately addressed. He recalled a community meeting in Hermosa Village where traffic concerns overshadowed housing issues until residents faced evictions. He felt that housing concerns were not receiving the formal, procedural attention they deserved and criticized the lack of dedicated discussion on housing and homelessness in recent proposals. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported no electronic public comments were received related to Public Hearing Item No. 16 prior to 5:00 p.m. At 8:36 p.m., Mayor Aitken closed the public hearing. MOTION: Council Member Rubalcava moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2024-053 _. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Real Estate Sale Agreement with HHC HA TRS, Inc.; authorizing the Executive Director of Convention, Sports and Entertainment to execute and finalize such Real Estate Sale Agreement; authorizing the Executive Director of Convention, Sports and Entertainment to implement such Real Estate Sale Agreement; determining that the purchase and sale of the property is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and making certain other findings in connection therewith, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 46 of 48 17. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO.2010-00002 AGR-6523 OWNER: Irvine Company, 550 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 APPLICANT: Shawn D. Monterastelli, Irvine Company, 550 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 PROJECT LOCATION: The approximately 3,001-acre property is generally located in Gypsum Canyon, south of the Riverside. (SR-91) Freeway and east and west of the Eastern Transportation Corridor (SR-241). RE LEST: Pursuant to Resolution No. 82R-565, governing the consideration of development agreements, the City Council will consider repealing Ordinance No. 6186, and canceling Development Agreement No. 2010-00002 based on mutual consent. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City Council will consider whether to find and determine that the proposed termination is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines under Section 15060(c)(2) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. ORDINANCE NO..... 6582 _. .......... (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM repealing Ordinance No. 6186 and with mutual consent canceling Development Agreement No. 2010-00002 by and between the City of Anaheim and The Irvine Land Company LLC and The Irvine Company LLC and determining that this ordinance is exempt from the requirements to prepare additional environmental documentation per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Deputy City Manager/Director of Planning and Building Ted White reported that the item is an administrative item regarding the cancellation of the Development Agreement between the City and The Irvine Company. He explained the agreement pertains to the Mountain Park Specific Plan (Specific Plan), which covers approximately 3,000 acres in Gypsum Canyon, south of the 91 Freeway and on either side of the 241 Toll Road. He explained that it was originally approved in 1991 and was last amended in 2007 to facilitate the development of a residential community with a maximum of 2,500 units, along with associated infrastructure, amenities, and open space. Deputy City Manager White reported that in 2010, the Development Agreement granted The Irvine Company a 20-year vested right to develop according to the Specific Plan. He explained that instead of proceeding with development, The Irvine Company conveyed the property intended for residential units to the County of Orange in 2014. He noted that the transfer was intended to expand the county's regional park system for conservation and recreation purposes. He reported that Development Areas 1 through 4 and 7, were part of the donation and were encumbered with a conservation easement. He noted that Development Area 5 was donated without restrictions. Deputy City Manager White reported that in 2019, Development Area 5 was deeded by the County of Orange to the Orange County Cemetery District for use as a cemetery. He explained that on January 4, 2024, The Irvine Company formally requested the termination of its Development Agreement considering the City's upcoming consideration of cemetery development in Development Area 5. He reported that staff recommends that the City Council repeal the ordinance and, with mutual consent, and cancel Development Agreement No. 2010-00002. DISCUSSION: Council Member Meeks inquired whether canceling the Development Agreement would also repeal the zoning on the property. City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 47 of 48 Deputy City Manager White explained that the Specific Plan remains in place and will be used as a foundational document to be amended. He explained that the amendments will include provisions to allow for cemetery development in Development Area 5. He noted that the Specific Plan itself will stay in place, but it will be updated to accommodate the new use. Mayor Aitken inquired if the applicant was in attendance. Deputy City Manager White responded that they are not in attendance, however, they have given written consent and acknowledge their concurrence with this action. Mayor Aitken inquired if any members of the City Council had ex-parte communications with The Irvine Company. Hearing none. PUBLIC COMMENT ON PUBLIC HEARING: At 8:41 p.m., Mayor Aitken opened the public hearing. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported no electronic public comments were received related to Public Hearing Item No. 17. Marc Herbert continued with his list of statistics and data inquiries related to the May draft of the Housing Element, seeking clarification on their validity from the City's viewpoint. He expressed concern about the 2,500 units previously allocated in the Housing Element, asking where they were in the 5tn Housing Element and how their status would change with the current proposal being dropped. He questioned if those units carry over and if the City is still facing draft approval by the State. Lastly, he raised issues about transparency and scheduling, noting discrepancies in calendar postings and missing forms. He pointed out that the Planning Director's calendar did not match with Disney lobbyist Joe Haupt's forms, and there were inconsistencies in Council Member Diaz's calendar regarding a trip to Japan. At 8:44 p.m., Mayor Aitken closed the public hearing. MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to approve ORDINANCE NO. 6582 (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY wOF ANAHEIM repealing Ordinance No. 6186 and with mutual consent canceling Development Agreement No. 2010-00002 by and between the City of Anaheim and The Irvine Land Company LLC and The Irvine Company LLC and determining that this ordinance is exempt from the requirements to prepare additional environmental documentation per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. Ordinance introduced. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS 'non -a enda items J,None COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING: None City Council Minutes of June 11, 2024 Page 48 of 48 ADJOURNMENT: At 8:45 p.m., Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council in memory of Nicole. Ily submitted, Therµsr' Bass, CMC City Clerk Susana Barrios From: Bob Olea Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 5:56 PM To: Sjany Larson -Cash; Ashleigh Aitken; Carlos A. Leon; Stephen Faessel; Norma C. Kurtz; Natalie Rubalcava; Jose Diaz; Jim Vanderpool; Public Comment; Mike Lyster; Audrey Lujan Subject: [EXTERNAL] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. We need Saturday hrs for Euclid Sent from my iPhone Susana Barrios From: Bob Olea Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 7:04 PM To: Ashleigh Aitken; Public Comment; Carlos A. Leon; Norma C. Kurtz; Natalie Rubalcava; Jose Diaz; Stephen Faessel; Jim Vanderpool; Natalie Meeks; Berenice Ballinas; Mike Lyster; Theresa Bass Subject: [EXTERNAL] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Unite here 11 needs to oay the city back Sent from my iPhone June 11, 2024 Dear City Council, I am not in agreement with the City of Anaheim suggestion of usage of the Assessor Parcel No. 126-602-31. 1 feel the 47-unit intergenerational affordable rental housing project is not a good fit for our community. 1 see this project as repeating history example; hotel row down Beach Blvd. with occasional prostitutes and then of course the housing of the homeless in the hotels without any counseling, education or support to better themselves to improve their lives. So once again our community is going to have to pay for what was not learned from the past. Not only financially but socially. Because if these rentals are for the homeless and extremely low income our community will be seeing more drug addicts, individuals with mental illness and an increase in crime in our area that only has a small police substation that is not regularly staffed. What we need in our area is something that will bring the community out of their homes, provide entertainment for the young and elderly. Plus be more nature orientated example: trees, walk through water fountain and other fun things. I have a major question that needs to be answered. Who is going to be responsible for this structure once the land lease is expired? I see West Anaheim again will have to pay the price! If we continue to proceed with this project I see history will continue to repeat itself until we right the wrong! Sincerely your neighbor, Ronda Larsen, Anaheim, CA. 92804 Susana Barrios From: Michael Shepherd <MichaelS@UnitedWayOC.org> Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 1:39 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letters of Support - Items 2A and 213 - June 11, 2024 Attachments: Letter of Support - 2A and 213 - June 11, 2024.pdf, Letter of Support - 2A and 213 - June 11, 2024 (2).pdf You don't often get email from michaels@unitedwayoc.org. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Please find letters of support for the Intergenerational Affordable Rental Development, attached. Thank you, Michael Shepherd Associate Director, Community Strategies United to End Homelessness he/him/his 18012 Mitchell South, Irvine, CA 92614 Email: MichaelS@UnitedWayOC.org Office: 949.263.6192 Fax: 949.271.8092 Twitter: @Michae[ShepOCUW J 4. RNE 'G' TO ,Ompre [eur:,UnrAd WLy CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF IMPACT Confidentiality Notice: The content of this email is confidential and intended for the recipient specified in message only. It is strictly forbidden to share any part of this message with any third party, without a written consent of the sender. If you received this message by mistake, please reply to this message and follow with its deletion, so that we can ensure such a mistake does not occur in the future. 1 Orange County United Way June 10, 2024 18012 Mitchell South 949.660.7600 Irvine, CA 92614 UnitedWayOC.org TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers of the City of Anaheim RE: Support for Agenda Items 2A and 213, Affordable Rental Housing Development Orange County United Way (OCUW) writes today to express our support for the Intergenerational Affordable Rental Housing Project that is under consideration at Beach Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. This proposal would contribute 46 units of high -quality affordable housing units for seniors and young adults aging out of the foster care system. This development is meeting a crucial and growing need in our community for two extremely vulnerable populations who are facing housing insecurity. Proactively supporting affordable housing is one of the necessary elements to preventing homelessness and building the communities we want to see in Orange County. We have been active in educating the community about how the housing crisis affects both young adults and seniors, and our staff would be happy to provide to the Council, City Staff, or any concerned citizens who are interested in housing solutions for addressing a crisis that concerns Anaheim residents. In 2018, OCUW launched United to End Homelessness, a powerful collaboration among Orange County's top business, philanthropic, government, faith -based, and non-profit leaders committed to ending homelessness and ensuring housing and services are available for every individual who may need them. United to End Homelessness has been an influential voice in advocating for housing as the solution to end homelessness, and OCUW has always supported and maintained that affordable, stable housing is the building block to success. We are eager to be a resource to you in finding solutions to serve your entire community. Thank you for your support of the intergenerational affordable housing development at Beach and Lincoln. We are grateful to you for your willingness to improve the lives of those in -need in our community. Sincerely, -P Susan B. Parks President & CEO WE FIGHT FOR THE EDUCATION, HEALTH, HOUSING AND FINANCIAL STABILITY OF EVERY PERSON IN ORANGE COUNTY. UNITED TO END HOMELESSNESS` June 10, 2024 TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers of the City of Anaheim RE: Support for Agenda Items 2A and 213, Affordable Rental Housing Development Orange County United Way (OCUW) writes today to express our support for the Intergenerational Affordable Rental Housing Project that is under consideration at Beach Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. This proposal would contribute 46 units of high -quality affordable housing units for seniors and young adults aging out of the foster care system. This development is meeting a crucial and growing need in our community for two extremely vulnerable populations who are facing housing insecurity. Proactively supporting affordable housing is one of the necessary elements to preventing homelessness and building the communities we want to see in Orange County. We have been active in educating the community about how the housing crisis affects both young adults and seniors, and our staff would be happy to provide to the Council, City Staff, or any concerned citizens who are interested in housing solutions for addressing a crisis that concerns Anaheim residents. In 2018, OCUW launched United to End Homelessness, a powerful collaboration among Orange County's top business, philanthropic, government, faith -based, and non-profit leaders committed to ending homelessness and ensuring housing and services are available for every individual who may need them. United to End Homelessness has been an influential voice in advocating for housing as the solution to end homelessness, and OCUW has always supported and maintained that affordable, stable housing is the building block to success. We are eager to be a resource to you in finding solutions to serve your entire community. Thank you for your support of the intergenerational affordable housing development at Beach and Lincoln. We are grateful to you for your willingness to improve the lives of those in -need in our community. Lawrence R. Armstrong Chair, U2EH Leadership Council 18012 Mitchell South, Irvine, CA 92614 949-660-7600 infoaUnitedToEndHomelessness.org UnitedToEndHomelessness.org #EndHomelessnessOC Becks Heyhoe Executive Director, United to End Homelessness Empowered By Orange County United Way Susana Barrios -----Original Message ----- From: Dara Maleki <dara.maleki@thepizzapress.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 10:59 AM To: Theresa Bass <TBass@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Item # 15 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM forming the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District Advisory Board Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Re: Item # 15 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM forming the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District Advisory Board Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am writing to you on behalf of the resort community regarding the Advisory Board for the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID). We have carefully reviewed the staff report for this item and noted that it designates only two spots for hoteliers on the advisory board. The state auditor's report, however, clearly states that the advisory board should include "some" hoteliers. The term "some" generally means more than a couple and more than a few, which typically implies a minimum of four or more. Given this guidance, we respectfully request that the City Council amend the resolution to include at least four hoteliers on the advisory board. Increasing the number of hoteliers will ensure better representation and a more balanced perspective on the board, which is crucial for effectively addressing the needs and concerns of our industry. This adjustment will also align with the state auditor's recommendations, thereby enhancing the board's compliance and legitimacy. We appreciate your attention to this matter. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information. Thank you for your time and support. Sincerely, Dara Maleki Founder/Chairman The Pizza Press Dara.maleki@thepizzapress.com Susana Barrios From: Bonifacio Mendez <noreply@adv.actionnetwork.org> Sent: Saturday, May 25, 2024 3:54 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please Adopt the Hotel & Event Center Worker Protection Ordinance: Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. For Public Comment, I am writing as a hospitality worker who works in Anaheim to urge the City Council to adopt the Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance. Our community has spoken: over 25,000 Anaheim voters signed petitions in support of the initiative! Adopting this policy would give hospitality workers the tools to protect themselves from sexual assault, ensure fair pay for heavy workloads, and guarantee decent wages amid Orange County's affordable housing crisis. Please make sure the City of Anaheim is watching out for its vulnerable workers and giving them the dignity and respect they deserve. Please adopt this ordinance without further delay. Bonifacio Mendez INEM Anaheim , California 92805 Susana Barrios From: durfeycraig Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2024 12:16 PM To: clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov;'GGEA President' < preside nt@ggea.org>; Assemblymember.Davies@assembly.ca.gov; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; assemblymember.quirk- siIva @assembly.ca.gov; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov;'Teresa Pomeroy' <teresap@ggcity.org>; response@ocgov.com; REPLOUCORREA@MAIL. HOUSE.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; senator. um berg@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Christopher.Aguilera@asm.ca.gov; 'Walter Muneton' <walter.muneton@ggusd.us>;'Dina Nguyen' <dina.nguyen@ggusd.us>; Superintendent@cde.ca.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; sbe@cde.ca.gov; Public Comment <publiccomment@anaheim.net>; ocbe@ocde.us; ABC7 General Release <pr@abc7.com>; Don Barnes <ddbarnes@ocsd.org>; assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov;'Teri Rocco' <teri.rocco@ggusd.us>; "'FOXIINEWS@FOXTV.COM"' <foxllnews@foxtv.com>; Fourth District@bos.lacounty.gov;'Nick Dibs' "'TIPS@NBCUNI.COM"' <TIPS@nbcuni.com>;'Gabriela Mafi' <gmafi@ggusd.us>;'Supervisor Doug Chaffee' <Fourth.District@ocgov.info>; 'Supervisor Andrew Do' <Andrew.Do@ocgov.com>; 'communityrelations' <communityrelations@ggcity.org>; communications@cde.ca.gov; Tanya. Lieberman@asm.ca.gov; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; 'Jim Tortolano' superintendent@sdcoe.net; press@Itg.ca.gov; Tanya. Lieberman@asm.ca.gov; Chelsea. Kelley@asm.ca.gov; Debbie. Look@asm.ca.gov; Marguerite. Ries@asm.ca.gov; Iauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov; chinook.shin@sen.ca.gov; chinook.shin@sen.ca.gov; "'TIPS@NBCUNI.COM"' <TIPS@nbcuni.com>; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; KCAL 9 <kcalnews@cbs.com>;'Dina Nguyen' <dina.nguyen@ggusd.us> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pupils: use of smartphones: Bullying. Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 05-22-2024 (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. https://www.govinfo.Aov/content/pkA/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf To whom it may concern. CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pupils: use of smartphones: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) There is growing evidence that unrestricted use of smartphones by pupils at elementary and secondary schools during the school day interferes with the educational mission of the schools, lowers pupil performance, particularly among low -achieving pupils, promotes cyberbullying, and contributes to an increase in teenage anxiety, depression, and suicide. (b) In September 2018, France adopted a nationwide smartphone ban in all primary and middle schools in order to promote pupil achievement and healthy social development. (c) The London School of Economics and Political Science published a May 2015 study that found that test scores improved significantly at schools that banned mobile phone use, and that the most significant gains in pupil performance were made by the most disadvantaged and underachieving pupils. The study concluded that "schools could significantly reduce the education achievement gap by prohibiting mobile phone use in schools." (d) Dr. Jean Twenge, who is a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, published a book in 2017 entitled °°iGen," which presents evidence of an increase in depression and suicide among American teenagers that may be caused by increased mobile device screen time and social media use. According to Dr. Twenge, 8th grade pupils who spend 10 or more hours per week on social media are 56 percent more likely to describe themselves as unhappy than those who devote less time to social media. Moreover, teenagers who spend three hours per day or more on electronic devices are 35 percent more likely to demonstrate risk factors for suicide, such as suicidal ideation, and teenagers who spend five or more hours per day on their devices are 71 percent more likely to demonstrate a risk factor for suicide. CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pupils: use of smartphones: These two pieces of legislation flawed to what field research has shown many schools don't want to enact such as the Garden Grove Unified School District they took a popular survey from the community as to ban cell phones. As the result they the School Board elect to leave it with no real verbiage just pass down to the principles. Many news stories across the internet of children being bullied having cell phones during school hours reported Ringgold School District is cracking down on cell phone use, prohibiting students from using them while at school or on district property in hopes to reduce fights and cyberbullying, n. reported: N Research shows a pattern where reported bullying is reported to the school to then be ignored as such children are come committing suicide at a very young age, above a PDF Testimony from a hearing U.S. Senate a by partisan action to Protect our children online further below is the full hearing https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee activity/hearings/protecting-our-children-online A mother spoke how her son was given a cell phone during his high school where he was bullied then they family found him dead by hanging himself. What is bullying? Troubling map reveals the staggering number of schools that are s Troubling map reveals the staqqerinq number of schools that are soft on troublemakers - so are YOUR kids in In a press release, the district said its school police department documented 56 criminal incidents last year where students used their cell phones to plan fights, harass other students and vandalize school property. The district also said that the communication between students on phones included planning I'vaping gatherings" in school bathrooms and other criminal mischief, the CBS News affiliate reported. A new school policy introduced in the Ringgold School District is cracking down on cell phone use, prohibiting students from using them while at school or on district property in hopes to reduce fights and cyberbullying, KDKA reported. "in an effort to curb this trend, a new electronic device policy has been enacted for the 2022-2023 school year," the release said. In the new policy, students will no longer be able to use their phones in classrooms, locker rooms, bathrooms or on the school bus. According to the district website, "The Board prohibits use of electronic devices by students during the school day in district buildings; on district property; on district buses and vehicles; and during the time students are under the supervision of the district." Additionally, the school board said it's adopting the policy, "in order to support an education environment that is orderly, safe and secure for district students and employees."Some parents agree with the new policy. https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/08/this-pa-school-district-is-banning-cell-phones-in- the-hopes-of-reducing-fights-and-cyberbullying.html. Protecting Our Children Online 3 Thank you, Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Graham, and members of the committee. My name is Kristin Bride. I am a survivor parent and social media reform advocate, and member of the bipartisan Council for Responsible Social Media. am testifying here today to bring a face to the harms occurring every day resulting from the unchecked power of the social media industry. This is my son Carson Bride with beautiful blue eyes, an amazing smile, and a great sense of humor, who will be forever 16 years old. As involved parents raising our two sons in Oregon, we thought we were doing everything right. We waited until Carson was in 8th grade to give him his first cell phone, an old phone with no apps. We talked to our boys about online safety and the importance of never sending anything online that you wouldn't want your name and face next to on a billboard. Carson followed these guidelines. Yet tragedy still struck our family. https://www.judiciaty.seiriatie.gov/committee-activity/hearings/protecting-our-children- nnlinp Bullying is repetitive, intentionally aggressive behavior — in person or online — that causes hurt or discomfort to another person. Bullying comes in many forms: violent or unwanted physical contact, behavior meant to provoke a fight or confrontation, verbal comments meant to belittle, demean or control, or other kinds of actions with the intent of harassing, humiliating or otherwise causing emotional and/or physical discomfort. Bullying may feel and be unprovoked, and victims often experience powerlessness to defend themselves. Even if the interaction is brief, bullying often causes more than momentary physical or emotional discomfort. According to the American Psychological Association, being the recipient of bullying, especially if repeated, can contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Victims of bullying often have trouble adjusting to school, feel unhappy or unsafe, experience loneliness and withdrawal, and can even have thoughts of suicide. They're also more likely to be rejected by their peers. 4 Types of bullying While cyberbullying and offline bullying happen in different ways, they're both destructive to the victims: • Offline bullying is bullying in person in the form of physical threats or violence and/or verbal taunts, threats or insults. • Cyberbullying is bullying online, in the form of emails, instant messages, or social media posts. Bullying is unfortunately quite common, especially online. The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey' found that nearly 1 in 4 high school students experience in -person bullying or aggression; this is significantly higher for girls and for LGBTQ+ students and students questioning their sexual identity. Cyberbullying is even more common than offline bullying. About 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online and 30% have had it happen more than once. And, it's quite common for youth being bullied offline to also be bullied online. In -person bullying and cyberbullying often overlap — students may start rumors or fights online and continue the aggressive behavior in schools or community settings where they encounter each other in person. Conversely, bullying behavior may start in person and then continue in online spaces. Rumors, veiled insults, purposely excluding someone, and even dirty looks or nonverbal cues are all forms of covert bullying. It's not only common to be a victim of bullying as an adolescent, engaging in bullying behavior is also quite common; 23% of students in a large national study reported that they've said or done something mean or cruel to another person online, with 27% reporting that they've experienced the same from someone else. ' Basile, K. C., Clayton, H. B., DeGue, S., Gilford, J. W., Vagi, K. J., Suarez, N. A., ... & Lowry, R. (2020). Interpersonal Violence Victimization Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019. MMWR supplements, 69(1), 28. • What are the signs of bullying? It's important to recognize the signs of bullying — for ourselves and others — so that we can take action when someone we know or love is being bullied. According to stopbullying.gov this can manifest or show up in many different ways including: • Unexplained injuries • Missing or destroyed clothing or possessions • Frequently feeling or faking sick • Suddenly skipping meals or binge eating; kids may come home from school hungry because they didn't eat lunch Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares 5 • Declining academic performance or interest • Unexplained or sudden social avoidance or loss of friendships • Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem • Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, self -harm, or suicidal ideation In partnership with Instagram, JED has created a Pressure To Be Perfect Toolkit, aimed at helping to free us from the pressure of thinking we need to conform to a certain set of standards when we post. It also helps you move from a mindset of comparing yourself with others to one where you're thoughtfully sharing yourself with others to make your time on Instagram more intentional and rewarding. What makes someone vulnerable to bullying? Anyone can be bullied, but there are some conditions and characteristics that increase risk especially, when students are different than most of their peers and they don't feel they belong.Certain situations or risk factors can make someone more likely to be targeted: • Kids who are bullied at home by siblings are more likely to be targeted at school according to the APA • Higher ADHD symptoms are associated with bullying victimization • Girls are more likely than boys to be both victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying, with 15% of teen girls having been the target of at least four different kinds of abusive online behaviors (compared with 6% of boys) • About half of LGBTQ+ students experience online harassment — a rate higher than average • Bullying behaviors often stem from wide forms of harassment/discrimination such as religion, ableism, homophobia, racism, classism, etc. Causes for bullying Anyone can engage in bullying behavior. Many of us have the experience of being more aggressive or of using less than kind tactics to get what we want at some point in life, often when we're young and learning about relationships. Most of us, however, learn from these experiences and figure out how to advocate for what we want or express anger in healthier ways. Sometimes, people feel so unable to ask for what they want or need or have so much pent up anger or anxiety, that they abuse or manipulate other people. It's unsurprising then that people who engage in bullying regularly tend to have low self- esteem, low academic achievement, and symptoms of anxiety. Research also shows that the most significant predictor for bullying is an environment that allows for bullying and/or which creates difficult or intolerable psychological conditions in the person who bullies. This includes: • Family members' involvement in gangs • Poor parental supervision • Parental conflict • Domestic violence • Low parental communication • Lack of parental emotional support • Authoritarian parenting • Inappropriate discipline • Parental abuse Children of single parents, especially when relationships with the parent are strained or distant, are also at risk of becoming perpetrators of bullying, as are boys suffering from depression. Recognizing bullying People who've been bullied are also at heightened risk of bullying and vice versa, depending on other personal and life characteristics. For example, in a study of over 3,000 7th grade students, bullying victims with higher self-esteem were more likely to engage in future bullying perpetration, whereas victims with lower self-esteem were less likely to bully in the future. While none of us want to think that we would ever be the bully, it's important to note that someone engaging in bullying may not recognize it as bullying, despite how clear it may be to others. So what are some signs that we might be doing the bullying? • Often feeling resentful, jealous or like we're not getting the recognition we deserve. • Struggling with empathy and becoming aggressive when we're unhappy with someone; this could be loud or quiet (e.g., passive aggression) • Upsetting people around us — causing them to be agitated or tearful in reaction to our moods and behaviors. From an emotional health perspective, perpetuating bullying is associated with anxiety, depression, susceptibility to peer pressure, endorsement of "masculine" traits, conduct problems, antisocial personality traits, and callous -unemotional traits. But this cycle doesn't have to continue and there are ways to get help and cope. If you think you're being bullied or think you're a bully, check out our How to Cope with Bullying article. And if you need help immediately, text "START" to 741-741 or call 1-800- 273-TALK (8255). Take the self -evaluator. Are you a student? Find mental resources on your campus. Are you an educator? Brina mental health curriculum to vour school. You're Not Alone https://jedfoundation.org/resource/understanding- bullying/?utm_medium=email&utm_ cam paign=2023-10-05- Bullying%20Awareness%20Month%20Email-The%20J ED%20Team- General&utm_content=2023-10-05-Bullying%20Awareness%20Month %20Email- The%20J ED%20Team- General+CID_2c471 a6726005b9558cca6bb03b04cc1 &utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor &utm_term=October%20is%20BuIlying%20Awareness%20Month BULLYING & C'Y'BER,BULL'Y'ING BY THE NUMBERS 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online l in 4 high school students experience in -person bullying or aggression 23% of students reported that they've said or done something mean or cruel to another person online 27% of students reported that someone has said or done something mean or cruel to them online Look at this: Tennessee high school student pepper sprays teacher in video The student can be seen slowly walking up behind her teacher before spraying him on the left side of his face, sending him to his knees in the hallway at Antioch High School in Nashville https://www.dailymaii.co.uk/news/article-12060643/Tennessee-high-school-student- pepper-sprays-teacher-confiscated-phone.html?ito=email_ share_ article -image -share DallasNews.com: Richardson ISD may place new restriction on secondary student cellphone use https://www.dal lasnews.com/news/2022/08/08/rchardson-isd-may-place-new-restriction- on-secondary-student-cellphone-use/+ A California high school found students' cellphones too distracti State lawmakers introduce bill to limit cellphone use in schools Kids are using phones in class, even when it's against the rules. This Pa. school district is banning cell phones in the hopes of r Washington, Ringgold districts ban cellphone use during school da State lawmakers introduce bill to limit cellphone use in schools. As will see from this letter that children suffer from too many hours from social media, they become unable to access social skills exercise, past generations it was normal to leave the house to play while learning social skills. Schools reported in the Daily Mail Troubling map reveals the staggering number of schools that are soft on troublemakers - so are YOUR kids in danger? https://www.dailymaii.co.uk/news/article-13426175/map-schools-kids-danger-progressive- woke-justice-discipline.html CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pupils: use of smartphones: Recommend amending to insert two provision SCR-73 Blue Light Awareness Day.(2019- 2020) �ittps://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biIINavClient.xhtmI?bill_id=201920200SCR73 Secondly to require a form certified number receipt requiring any CA State school district with a child or parents who has reported a bullying incident to prevent misconduct. To prevent suicides by training to recognize 51925 This education code provides the opportunity for local Collaborate with your county office of education with various experience hopefully will review what has been published to address gaps from algorithm creating dopamine addictions from to long usages from screen time. 9 Thank You Craig Durfey Founder of P.R.D.D.C. 10 I= STATE OF CALIFORNIA AUTHENTICATED R!!nFn!! ELECTRONIC LEGAL MATERIAL Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 73 RESOLUTION CHAPTER 158 Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 73—Relative to Blue Light Awareness Day. [Filed with Secretary of State September 19, 2019.] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SCR 73, Pan. Blue Light Awareness Day. This measure would designate October 10 of each year as Blue Light Awareness Day in California. WHEREAS, There are over 80 million electronic devices with digital screens in the State of California; and WHEREAS, Screen time viewing with electronic devices exceeds over nine hours per day; and WHEREAS, The increased usage of, and access to, digital devices by young children and adolescents is an acute area of concern, as ophthalmologists, optometrists, and medical researchers continue to learn more about the short-term effects of increasing and cumulative exposure to artificial blue light on the developing human eye and mental health at a young age, along with long-term potential cumulative effects on adult eye health and mental development; and WHEREAS, The scientific community and recent studies have identified growing concerns over potential long-term eye and health impacts for all age groups from digital screen usage and cumulative blue light exposure emitted from digital devices; and WHEREAS, Blue light has been reported to cause visual discomfort in 65 percent of Americans; and WHEREAS, Blue light has been associated with possible harmful effects on retinal cell physiology linked to the high-energy, short wavelength in the narrow range of 415-455 nanometers; and WHEREAS, Cumulative blue light exposure from digital devices has been shown to disrupt sleep cycles by suppressing the natural release of melatonin and has also been linked to premature aging of the retina, which could accelerate potential long-term vision problems such as age -related macular degeneration, decreased alertness, and memory and emotional regulation impacts; and WHEREAS, Screen time can take a toll on vision health and comfort, leading to symptoms of digital eye strain and dry, irritated eyes; and WHEREAS, Given the growing body of research around the breadth and scope of potential eye and systemic health impacts related to blue light exposure, the State of California encourages citizens, particularly children, 97 Res. Ch. 158 to consider taking protective safety measures in reducing eye exposure to high-energy visible blue light; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby designates October 10 of each year as Blue Light Awareness Day in California; and be it further Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution. U 97 I= STATE OF CALIFORNIA AUTHENTICATED R!!nFn!! ELECTRONIC LEGAL MATERIAL Assembly Bill No. 272 CHAPTER 42 An act to add Section 48901.7 to the Education Code, relating to pupils. [Approved by Governor July 1, 2019. Filed with Secretary of State July 1, 2019.] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 272, Muratsuchi. Pupils: use of smartphones. Existing law authorizes the governing board of a school district or its designee to regulate the possession or use of any electronic signaling device that operates through the transmission or receipt of radio waves, including, but not limited to, paging and signaling equipment, by pupils of the school district while the pupils are on campus, attending school -sponsored activities, or under the supervision or control of school district employees. This bill would explicitly authorize the governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school to adopt a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones while the pupils are at a schoolsite or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school. The bill would, however, specify circumstances in which a pupil could not be prohibited from possessing or using a smartphone. The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) There is growing evidence that unrestricted use of smartphones by pupils at elementary and secondary schools during the schoolday interferes with the educational mission of the schools, lowers pupil performance, particularly among low -achieving pupils, promotes cyberbullying, and contributes to an increase in teenage anxiety, depression, and suicide. (b) In September 2018, France adopted a nationwide smartphone ban in all primary and middle schools in order to promote pupil achievement and healthy social development. (c) The London School of Economics and Political Science published a May 2015 study that found that test scores improved significantly at schools that banned mobile phone use, and that the most significant gains in pupil performance were made by the most disadvantaged and underachieving pupils. The study concluded that "schools could significantly reduce the education achievement gap by prohibiting mobile phone use in schools." (d) Dr. Jean Twenge, who is a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, published a book in 2017 entitled "iGen," which presents 95 Ch. 42 evidence of an increase in depression and suicide among American teenagers that may be caused by increased mobile device screen time and social media use. According to Dr. Twenge, 8th grade pupils who spend 10 or more hours per week on social media are 56 percent more likely to describe themselves as unhappy than those who devote less time to social media. Moreover, teenagers who spend three hours per day or more on electronic devices are 35 percent more likely to demonstrate risk factors for suicide, such as suicidal ideation, and teenagers who spend five or more hours per day on their devices are 71 percent more likely to demonstrate a risk factor for suicide. SEC. 2. Section 48901.7 is added to the Education Code, to read: 48901.7. (a) The governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school may adopt a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones while the pupils are at a schoolsite or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a pupil shall not be prohibited from possessing or using a smartphone under any of the following circumstances: (1) In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger. (2) When a teacher or administrator of the school district, county office of education, or charter school grants permission to a pupil to possess or use a smartphone, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator. (3) When a licensed physician and surgeon determines that the possession or use of a smartphone is necessary for the health or well-being of the pupil. (4) When the possession or use of a smartphone is required in a pupil's individualized education program. U 95 Testimony of Kristin Bride United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary Hearing on Protecting Our Children Online February 14, 2023 Thank you, Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Graham, and members of the committee. My name is Kristin Bride. I am a survivor parent and social media reform advocate, and member of the bipartisan Council for Responsible Social Media. I am testifying here today to bring a face to the harms occurring every day resulting from the unchecked power of the social media industry. This is my son Carson Bride with beautiful blue eyes, an amazing smile, and a great sense of humor, who will be forever 16 years old. As involved parents raising our two sons in Oregon, we thought we were doing everything right. We waited until Carson was in 8th grade to give him his first cell phone, an old phone with no apps. We talked to our boys about online safety and the importance of never sending anything online that you wouldn't want your name and face next to on a billboard. Carson followed these guidelines. Yet tragedy still struck our family. It was June 2020; Carson had just gotten his first summer job making pizzas, and after a successful first night of training, he wrote his upcoming work schedule on our kitchen calendar. We expressed how proud we were of him for finding a job during the pandemic. In so many ways, it was a wonderful night, and we were looking forward to summer. The next morning, I woke to the complete shock and horror that Carson had hung himself in our garage while we slept. In the weeks that followed, we learned that Carson had been viciously cyberbullied by his "Snapchat friends," his high school classmates who were using the anonymous apps Yolo and LMK on Snapchat to hide their identities. It wasn't until Carson was a freshman in high school that we finally allowed him to have social media because that was how all the students were making new connections. What we didn't know is that apps like Yolo and LMK were using popular social media platforms to promote anonymous messaging to hundreds of millions of teen users. After his death, we discovered that Carson had received nearly 100 negative, harassing, sexually explicit, and humiliating messages, including 40 in just one day. He asked his tormentors to "swipe up" and identify themselves so they could talk things out in person. No one ever did. The last search on his phone before Carson ended his life was for hacks to find out the identities of his abusers. Anonymous apps like Whisper, Sarahah, and YikYak have a long history of enabling cyberbullying, leading to teen suicides.' The critical flaws in these platforms are compounded by the fact that teens do not typically report being cyberbullied. They are too fearful that their phones to which they are completely addicted will be taken away or that they will be labeled a snitch by their friends. Yolo's own policies stated that they would monitor for cyberbullying and reveal the identities of those who do so. I reached out to Yolo on 4 separate occasions in the months following Carson's death, letting them know what happened to my son and asking them to follow their own policies. I was ignored all 4 times. At this point, I decided to fight back. I filed a National Class Action Lawsuit in May 2021, against Snap Inc., Yolo, and LMK. We believe Snap Inc. suspended Yolo and LMK from their platform because of our advocacy. However, our complaint against Yolo and LMK for product liability design defects and fraudulent product misrepresentation was dismissed in the Central District Court of California last month, citing Section 230 immunity.3 And still, new anonymous apps like NGL and sendit are appearing on social media platforms and charging teens subscription fees to reveal the messenger or provide useless hints. I speak before you today with the tremendous responsibility to represent the many other parents who have also lost their children to social media harms. In the audience are Rose Bronstein from Illinois who lost her son Nate and Christine McComas from Maryland who lost her daughter Grace, both to suicide after being viciously cyberbullied over social media. Our numbers continue to grow exponentially with teen deaths from dangerous online challenges fed to them on TikTok, sextortion over Facebook, fentanyl-laced drugs purchased over Snapchat, and deaths from eating disorder content over Instagram. I have included the stories of my fellow survivor parent advocates in this written testimony. Let us be clear —these are not coincidences, accidents, or unforeseen consequences. They are the direct result of products designed to hook and monetize America's children. It should not take grieving parents filing lawsuits on behalf of their dead children to hold this industry accountable for their dangerous and addictive product designs. Federal legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which requires social media companies to have a duty of care when designing their products for America's children, is long overdue. We need our lawmakers to step up, put politics aside, and finally protect all children online. Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to answering your questions. 2 Cyberbullying Frequency (2022, Pew Research Center)4 US Teens aged 13-17 reported: • 46% experienced cyberbullying, with offensive name calling being the most common type of harassment • 22% had false rumors spread about them • 17% received explicit images they didn't ask for • 15% report being constantly asked where they are; what they are doing or who they are with by someone other than a parent • 10% reported receiving physical threats • 7% reported having explicit images of them shared without their consent Cyberbullying Impact (2018, Cyberbullying Research Center)5 Cyberbullying is more devastating than traditional bullying because: • The victim may not know who is bullying them due to anonymity. • Hurtful actions go viral which increases the audience and aggressors to limitless. • It is easier to be cruel on-line as no social cues exist. Cyberbullying and Suicidal Ideations (2022, JAMA Network Open Study)6 Cyberbullying was the #1 cause of suicidal ideations in adolescents aged 10-13 years old based on a study of 10,414 United States adolescents. Cyberbullying Reporting: Reasons teens don't report cyberbullying (2021)7: Fear of losing their access to their technology: o The Pew Research Center reports that 65% of parents have taken away a teen's phone or internet privileges as punishment.$ They don't want to be seen as snitch and lose even more social status. • Ashamed for being a target Parent Concerns (2023, Pew Research)9 0 35% of parents are worried that their kids may be bullied (2"d to Anxiety and Depression) Citations: 'Ian Martin, Hugely Popular NGL App Offers Teenagers Anonymity In Comments About Each other (June 29, 2022), FORBES at https://www.forbes.com/sites/iainmartin/2022/06/29/hu elg y-popular-ng_1- qpp-offers-teenagers-anonymity-in-comments-about-each-other/ Bride et al. v. Snap Inc., Yolo Technologies Inc., Lightspace Inc., No. 21-cv-6680 (Central District of California), ECF No. 1 (Class Action Complaint) 'Bride et al. v. Snap Inc., Yolo Technologies Inc., Lightspace Inc., No. 21-cv-6680 (Central District of California), ECF No. 142 (Order Dismissing Complaint) 4Vogels, E. (2022, Dec 15), Teens and Cyberbullying 2022, Pew Research Center, https://www.pewresearch.org/intemet/2022/12/15/teens-and-cyberbullying-2022/ 5Hinduja, Sameer PhD., Patchin, Justin W. PhD., Cyberbullying, identification, Prevention and Response, (2018) at https://c_yberbullying.org/Cyberbullying-Identification-Prevention-Response-2018.12df 'Amon S, Brunstein Klomek A, Visoki E, et al. (2022), Association of Cyberbullying Experiences and Perpetration With Suicidality in Early Adolescence (2022). JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(6):e2218746. doi: 10. 1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.18746 ' Dong, Menga, (2021, Feb 9), Why Teens Don't Report Cyberbullying at https://desis.osu.edu/seniorthesis/index.phl2/2021 /02/09/why-teens-dont-report-cberbullying/ 'Pew Research Statistics (2016, Jan 7), Parents Teens & Digital Monitoring at https://www.pewresearch. org/intemet/2016/01 /07/parents-teens-and-digital-monitoring/ 9 Pew Research Statistics from Pew Research Center https://www.axios.com/2023/01/29/kids-parents- mental-bealtb-depression-anxiety 4 Social Media Harms Parent Survivor Advocates Tawainna Anderson, Pennsylvania Tawainna lost her 10-year-old daughter, Nylah, last year when she tried the "Blackout Challenge" in a closet of their home. TikTok's algorithm served Nylah a video featuring the dangerous challenge on her "For You" page. Tawainna discovered her daughter's body next to her phone, and the strangulation marks on her neck suggested she desperately tried to free herself before she died. Joann Bogard, Indiana Joann's son Mason died at age 15 years old after he participated in a challenge he'd seen on YouTube called "the Choking Game." He was rushed to the hospital, but his parents had to make the heart wrenching decision to take him off life support and donate his organs. In the years since, Joann has reported hundreds of choking game videos to YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms but they have universally told her the videos don't violate their guidelines, despite killing hundreds of children like Mason, because they have a commercial interest in maximizing content on their platforms. Kristin Bride, Oregon Kristin's son, Carson was 16 years old when he died by suicide after he was viciously cyberbullied by his high school "Snapchat Friends" who were using the anonymous apps Yolo and LMK to hide their identities. Carson received over 100 humiliating, threatening and sexually explicit messages before he ended his life. The last search on his phone was for hacks to find out who was abusing him. When Kristin repeatedly contacted Yolo asking them to follow their own stated policies for monitoring and revealing the identities of those who cyberbully on their platform, she was ignored all 4 times. Rose Bronstein, Illinois Rose's son Nate was 15 years old when he died by suicide after he was viciously cyberbullied by over 20 high school classmates. Nate received hateful and threatening messages via iMessage. A Snapchat message was created by a classmate and reposted 7 times by others. It included threats of physical harm and death. The Snapchat quickly went viral and reached hundreds of Chicago area students. Nate also received a separate Snapchat message that read "go kill yourself'. LaQuanta Hernandez, Texas LaQuanta's 13-year-old daughter, Jazmine, was cyberbullied for months via TikTok and Instagram on the basis of her race. The bullies sent her racist comments and photos, including photoshopping her face onto Emmett Till's body after being lynched by the KKK. Instagram took over three days to take down the posts. Jazmine was too scared to sleep in her own bed until the posts were taken down. 5 Tracy Kemp, Texas Tracy's 14-year-old son Brayden was among a group of Black students who were targeted by racist cyberbullies on Instagram and Snapchat. The accounts used the school's name and logo and called on other students to take and submit pictures of Black students without their consent. She says the racist cyberbullying has drastically affected her son's mental health. The anonymity these platforms provide encourages this type of abusive and bullying behavior. Rosemarie Maneri, New York Shylynn was 16 years old when she was contacted by an adult via Facebook who coerced her into sending inappropriate photos of herself. Although she tried to block him, he reached out to her best friend and her best friend's mom to get back into her life. He then threatened to release her photos to her friends and family if she did not continue to send him photos and continue the relationship with him. Embarrassed, scared and not knowing what to do to make it all go away, Shylynn died from suicide at just 18 years old. Christine McComas, Maryland Christine's 14-year-old daughter Grace went from being a joyful, active teen to death by suicide in less than a year after malicious, death -wishing and dehumanizing cyber-abuse on Twitter. Christine screenshot the abuse and sought help from multiple public agencies including schools, police and the court system to no avail. The screenshot proof of social media abuse led to the unanimous passage of Maryland's criminal statute named Grace's Law less than a year after her death. An update to Grace's Law (2.0) was passed in 2019 to keep up with digital dangers. Annie McGrath, Wisconsin Annie's son Griffin died at 13 years old after he participated in an online challenge called "the Choking Game." Griffin had a YouTube channel and was trying to get more likes and comments on his videos, which may have tempted him to participate in the dangerous challenge. Maurine Molak, Texas David Molak died by suicide at the age of 16 after months of devastating and relentless cyberbullying by a group of students on Instagram, text, video, and GroupMe. Bullies threatened him and told him he should never go back to school. The cyberbullying left him feeling helpless and hopeless because neither he nor his parents could make it stop. Amy Neville, Arizona At 14, Amy's son, Alexander Neville, had his whole life ahead of him until he took a single pill that he was led to believe was oxycodone. However, it contained deadly fentanyl. Snapchat made it easy for a drug dealer to connect with him. Unfortunately, Alexander's case is not a one off situation. This happens everyday all across our country. 0 Erin Popolo, New Jersey Erin's daughter, Emily Murillo, was a special education student who was bullied in person for most of her school career. During the pandemic shutdown, the bullies continued to reach out to her via Snapchat and Instagram. At 17 years old Emily lost hope that she would ever be viewed as `normal' by her peers and died by suicide in January of 2021. The bullying continued as hackers hijacked Emily's Zoomed funeral, sending cruel messages, and posting inappropriate images on the Zoom for all of Emily's mourning family to see, until they finally had to stop the funeral. Despina Prodromidis, New York Despina's daughter Olivia died at 15 years old after meeting an adult stranger over Snapchat — a common problem across platforms who introduce kids to adult strangers to keep them engaged and online. This man gave her a drug which turned out to be pure fentanyl. Neveen Radwan, California Neveen's 15-year-old daughter, Mariam, was an avid user of several social media platforms at the time of her anorexia diagnosis. These apps constantly bombarded her with "pro-ano" (pro - anorexia) content. The algorithms targeted her with "skinny challenges" and manipulated content that triggered her illness to an all-time high. She then embarked on a life -threatening journey of over 2 years, in multiple hospitals, and almost dying multiple times. Mary Rodee, New York Mary's son, Riley, died by suicide at 15 years old. He was sextorted on Facebook by an adult who pretended to be a teenage girl and then threatened to release compromising images of Riley unless he gave them thousands of dollars. Riley, ashamed and frightened, died just six hours after the contact began. Facebook never responded when Mary and Riley's father reported the incident. Judy Rogg, California Judy's son, Erik Robinson, died at 12 years old after participating in the "choking challenge" that was and continues to be widely circulated on YouTube. Erik rarely used YouTube — he heard about the challenge from a friend who did, a sadly common pattern that shows even children whose parents don't allow them access to social media are vulnerable to its harms. Investigators determined that Erik died from this just the day after he learned about it. He had no idea that this could cause harm or death. Deb Schmill, Massachusetts Deb's daughter, Becca, died at 18 years old of fentanyl poisoning from drugs she and a friend purchased from a dealer they found on Snapchat. Becca was sexually assaulted at 15 by a boy she'd met on social media and, shortly after the assault, her peers started cyberbullying her by text and over Snapchat. Becca turned to drugs to help ease the pain and was unaware the drugs she bought over Snapchat — a massive, nearly untraceable drug market thanks to the platform's design — contained fentanyl. 7 Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Friday, May 24, 2024 9:20 PM To: Teresa Pomeroy; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; Christopher Aguilera; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; Public Comment; Pam Haddad; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; 'PIO Department'; Roxanne Evens [CA]; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; Public Records Request; Terra.Lawson- Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; forrester_betty@lacoe.edu; COB_Response; Craig Durfey Subject: [EXTERNAL] Look at this: Howjunk food causes cancer Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Following the film's release, McDonald's discontinued its'super-size' option https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13456763/junk-food-cause-cancer-morgan-spurlock-death- super-size-me.html?ito=email_share_article-image-share Most Read Articles Horrifying effects of eating McDonald's for a month on Morgan Spurlock's body revealed - including 'turning his liver to pate' https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13456751 /morgan-spurlock-body-mcdonalds-super-size- death-cancer.html?email_share_article-image-share most -read -articles Food safety expert's urgent warning over where you store your condiments as MAYO kills one and infects 75 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13456709/us-food-safety-expert-warning-condiments- mayonnaise-death-paralyzed.html?email_share_article-image-share most -read -articles How junk food causes cancer - as Morgan Spurlock, maker of Super Size Me, dies from disease aged 53 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13456763/junk-food-cause-cancer-morgan-spurlock-death- super-size-me.html?email_share_article-image-share most -read -articles Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Sunday, June 2, 2024 7:17 PM To: Craig Durfey; Ryan Durfey; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; Nick Dibs; clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; Christopher Aguilera; Public Comment; Public Records Request; Teresa Pomeroy; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; Teri Rocco; Devon Atkinson; Ho, David; District 1community@sdcounty.ca.gov; HoIIyJMitchell@bos.lacounty.gov; HoIIyJMitchell@bos.lacounty.gov; Pam Haddad; communityrelations; Public Comment; Assemblymember Davies; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; assemblymember.muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov; Tanya.Lieberman@asm.ca.gov; lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov; Marguerite.Ries@asm.ca.gov; Debbie.Look@asm.ca.gov; Chelsea.Kelley@asm.ca.gov; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; Don Barnes; rosie.rosales@sausd.us; Lara.Flynn@asm.ca.gov; Marshall.Kirkland@asm.ca.gov; Patty.Paten@asm.ca.gov; Nick Dibs; Walter Muneton; Teri Rocco; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; Lan Nguyen; Bob Harden; Brian.Anderson@asm.ca.gov; Tabatha.Vogelsang@asm.ca.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Iowa high school bans cellphones and headphones to boost students' mental health Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Iowa high school bans cellphones and headphones to boost students' mental health - https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/iowa-high- school-bans-cellphones-and-headphones-to-boost-students-mental-health/ar- BB1 nl6Xu?ocid=socialshare&pc=DCTS&cvid=9cOf0ab899f543db890139842dba2ae0&ei=159 Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2024 3:01 PM To: Nick Dibs; Craig A Durfey; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; Teresa Pomeroy; Teri Rocco; Dina Nguyen; Ryan Durfey; Lan Nguyen; Jeffrey Layland; Gabriela Mafi; Bob Harden; Devon Atkinson; KTLA 5 News; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; Supervisor Janice Hahn (Fourth District); Jim Tortolano; COB_Response; Public Comment; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; sbe@cde.ca.gov; Stephanie Klopfenstein; GGEA President; George Brietigam; Maureen Blackmun; Don Barnes; ABC7 General Release; Pam Haddad; TIPS@NBCUNI.COM; communityrelations; CBS 2 Subject: [EXTERNAL] KIDS SAFETY ACT D.C. NEWS FEED about social media addiction harm. Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 05-22-24 Craig Durfey https://mms.tveyes.com/MediaCenterP[ayer.aspx?u=aHROcDovL21 1ZG1hY2VudGVyLnR2ZX11cy54b20vZ G93bmxvYWRnYXRld2F5LmFzcHg%2FVXNlck[EPTUwOTcwNCZNREIEPTIwOTM 1 ODA2Jk1 EU2VIZDOyNT QyJIR5cGU9TWVkaWE%3D&expand=true Susana Barrios From: durfeycrai Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2024 1:27 PM To: clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov; ocbe@ocde.us; TIO Department' <pio_department@ggusd.us>; 'Walter Muneton' <walter.muneton@ggusd.us>; 'Teresa Pomeroy' <teresap@ggcity.org>; 'Teri Rocco' <teri.rocco@ggusd.us>; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; Public Comment <publiccomment@anaheim.net>; publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov;'Lan Nguyen' <Ian. nguyen@ggusd.us>; 'Bob Harden' <bob.harden@ggusd.us>; TIO Department' <pio_department@ggusd.us>;'Gabriela Mafi' <gmafi@ggusd.us>; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; Don Barnes <ddbarnes@ocsd.org>; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; senator. um berg@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; Assemblymember.Davies@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.quirk-silva@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.fong@assembly.ca.gov; assembly.rules@asm.ca.gov; 'GGEA President' <president@ggea.org>; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; response@ocgov.com; REPLOUCORREA@MAIL. HOUSE.GOV; kim.vandermeulen@mail. house.gov; Christopher.Aguilera@asm.ca.gov; Superintendent@cde.ca.gov; "'TIPS@NBCUNI.COM"' <TIPS@nbcuni.com>; ABC7 General Release <pr@abc7.com>; sbe@cde.ca.gov; "'FOX11NEWS@FOXTV.COM"' <foxllnews@foxtv.com>; Fourth District@bos.lacounty.gov;'Supervisor Doug Chaffee' <Fourth.District@ocgov.info>; Tanya. Lieberman@asm.ca.gov; lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov Cc: Marguerite. Ries@asm.ca.gov; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] SCREENSTRONG TEENS DIDCUSSING A SMARTPHONE FREE CHILDHOOD/The Screen Strong Challenge: 30-Day Screen Detox for Kids & Teens Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 05-23-2024 (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkq/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf To whom it may concern. Please refer this information below. The Screen Strong Challenge: 30-Day Screen Detox for Kids & Teens. https://connect.screenstrong.org/c/discussions https://connect.screenstrong.org/c/welcome/ Q screenSTRONG SCREENSTRONG TEENS DISCUSSING A SMARTPHONE FREE CHILDHOOD 0 JOIN US ONLINE WEDNESDAY START TIME 15 MAY 2024 0 2:00 PM I EST R. We will share hove a smartphone free childhood is possible and answer some of your questions. We've Got Your Back! New, lots of children, looking for advice Sally Casey May 15 Hello! I just joined. My husband and I have ten children and homeschool. Our oldest is 23 and youngest is 3, but 7 are living at home (17, 15, 13, 11, 9, 6, and 3). In the past we have done screen fasts, and it's high time for another (the last was years ago), but I just 2 don't feel like it's possible. I've always made written plans before and am going to make one today to share with my husband tonight, and then with the kids soon. I just feel like our children now are so addicted now. I used the book "Retrain Your Child's Brain" by Victoria Dunckley before. I'm here looking for any advice you can offer. Thank you!! Liked by Melanie and 2 others Like Comment 2 comments This Friday - American Academy of Pediatrics WEBINAR Gretchen Shanahan May 15 Loving twin teen life in Kansas City suburbs! Let's attend to ensure they are not just talking about how to "guide teens in social media use" in positive ways but actually helping parents understand that they can say "NO" and delay social media use in teen years. https://thenationaicouncii-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_faKO- 3NfRDGLNEsxsPnWlg#/registration Liked by Megan and 5 others Like Comment 7 comments This is encouraging. Here is a presentation that the UK and France are using for their campaign to get Smart phones out of the schools P Fletcher May 15 Our children and smart... 5.38 MiB PDF preview 3 Liked by Mandee and 12 others Like Comment 0 comments Logging Off: Healing the Broken Classroom Jodi Carreon May 13 Watched this SXSW talk today and thought I'd share. Lisa Cline, Fair Play, shared so much information and several statistics around EdTech in the classroom. Thought others might find it helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF8w4lDrKwA Liked by Mandee and 5 others Like Comment 6 comments Manny May 13 Hey all. I wanted to share something from my weekend. I went to a relatives catholic baptism and the priest spent a significant portion of his talk discussing technology use. He said something along these lines "I used to advice parents to try and keep their kids sanctity as long as possible, now tell them to make sure they remain human. Have them go outside and breathe fresh air, touch the grass. The enemy is inside" Liked by Nicole and 9 others Like Comment 0 comments 16.5 year old boy ... 17 days screen free 4 Connie May May 12 decided to detox my son as it's been a long time coming. The final straw was when found inappropriate content on his phone. He won't talk to me about it at all. On Thursday, he asked if we could talk about when he could get his game system back and his face lit up. He didn't want to talk about anything else though. Today he was in bed all day and wouldn't go with us to our family function. He has always gone to these family functions. He does school at home and only has one in -person friend that he doesn't see much. His friend is busy and they maybe see each other once a week sometimes even once a month. Last week, he saw his friend twice, however he didn't want to but his friend came over anyway and I saw a happier child after each visit. In December, an old friend asked him to do something and my son said he was busy which he was but he refused to set a different date. The only activity he wants to do with friends is gaming. The past 17 days he has mainly read books and watched a tv show with this dad or we've had a family movie night. He hasn't done any schoolwork for 3 weeks. Fall of 2022 he went back to in -person school and after 6 days he had a meltdown and refused to go back. Two school years later and he hasn't accomplished much. This week he just started going to a youth group. He is refusing to play soccer which is has always played. At the end of last year, he refused to go to a few games, after learning more I realize that this was because of the low effort, high reward. My goal is to get him to attend school in September. Does it sometimes take longer than the 30 days to detox? I plan on detoxing for 90 days and he has agreed to do a school work placement this summer which will help keep him busy. See more Liked by Megan Like Comment 6 comments Any moms in Greenville, SC? Jordan Campbell May 11 I'm looking for likeminded community here and would love to connect with other moms for play dates without screens 5 Liked by Amie and 2 others Like Comment IThe S reenStrong Challenge: 30-Day Screen Detox for Kids &Teens imin - :. ... n 7 2023 !claimina Kids. Reconnectina Families. 1*NEW EDITION COMING SOON* If you want to get serious about fixing your kids' screen overuse, you are in the right place. After years of research and experience with many families like you, we designed this one -month Challenge to give immediate relief and a glimpse of what life can be like without screen struggles. We are so glad you found us! The ScreenStrong Challenge is the first simple step to reset your kids' screen habits. For one month, you will replace their video games, smartphones, and social media with new and old hobbies & interests, life skills, and family connections. Your kids will get a glimpse of life without screen distractions and will try out new ways to fill their time. You will get a glimpse of life without screen conflict while rediscovering what it means to enjoy your kids again. The 30-Day Challenge is just an easy onramp to get you started. After this first month, you will be motivated to continue to hit the six-month mark and beyond! 6 Welcome to what may be the best screen decision you ever make! See more Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2024 7:39 PM To: Craig Durfey; Malibu Blue; 'PIO Department'; Gabriela Mafi; Public Records Request; CITY COUNCIL; Public Comment; PVazquez@StantonCA.Gov; Ryan Durfey; ggales@cityofirvine.org; Third District@bos.lacounty.gov; Gabriel Hsu; Kim Nguyen; JOE.PAK@asm.ca.gov; tpetropulos@cityofirvine.org; TGOODBRAND@CITYOFIRVINE.ORG; press@ltg.ca.gov;julia.wick@latimes.com; city clerk@cerritos.us; CityClerk@santa-ana.org; citymanager@cityoflapalma.org; CITY COUNCIL Subject: [EXTERNAL] Look at this: Teenage boy found dead by pareafter Snapchat sextortion scheme Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. His parents have remembered Timothy as a bright and happy child that loved karate, going to the beach and playing the saxophone for his school band https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13462201 /timothy-barnett-suicide-teenager-sextortion- snapchat.html?ito=email_share_article-image-share Most Read Articles Pilot'parachutes out of crashing plane with six other passengers on board' https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13460543/Pilot-parachutes-crashing-plane-leaving-six- passengers-fend -aircraft-went-down. htmPemail_share_article-image-share most -read -articles The sniper with one of the longest kills in Afghanistan has a message for Joe Biden https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13448193/nick-ranstad-sniper-afghanistan-message-joe- biden.html?email_share_article-image-share most -read -articles Model reveals appallingly inappropriate question she says nurse asked her 10-year-old daughter after taking youngster to hospital following a cat bite https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13460767/hospital-question-inappropriate-nurses-cat- bite.htmPemail_share_article-image-share most -read -articles Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Monday, May 27, 2024 3:36 PM To: Teresa Pomeroy; Teri Rocco; Ho, David; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; Assemblymember Davies; Devon Atkinson; forrester_betty@lacoe.edu; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; farrahkhan@cityofirvine.org; ABC7 General Release; jonathan@ggpd.org; 'GGEA President'; ggpdpio@ggcity.org; Lan Nguyen; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; Stephanie Klopfenstein; Kim Nguyen; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; Assemblymember Davies; assemblymember.muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov; Assemblymember Fong; assemblymember.friedman@assembly.ca.gov; Gabriela Mafi; Walter Muneton; tbourne@sanjuancapistrano.org; Theresa Bass; Public Comment; Public Records Request; ABC7 General Release; press@ltg.ca.gov; "TIPS@NBCUNI.COM"'; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; Pam Haddad; communityrelations; Jeffrey Layland; jonathan@ggpd.org; JOE.PAK@asm.ca.gov; Jim Tortolano; joel.anderson@sdcounty.ca.gov; Christopher Aguilera; Cherif, Wanda; Ryan Durfey; Maureen Blackmun Subject: [EXTERNAL] Excessive Screen Time Could Stunt Toddlers' Language Development Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Excessive Screen Time Could Stunt Toddlers' Language Development - https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/excessive-screen- time-could-stunt-toddlers-language-development/vi- BB1 ilyGQ?ocid=socialshare&pc=DCTS&cvid=ecb2ea40323a476494e86f6b96b6f2e6&ei=18 Susana Barrios From: d u rfeycra ig Sent: Friday, May 24, 2024 11:57 PM To: David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; 'GGEA President'; Assemblymember.Davies@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.quirk- silva@assembly.ca.gov; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; 'Teresa Pomeroy'; response@ocgov.com; REPLOUCORREA@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; 'Dina Nguyen'; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Christopher.Aguilera@asm.ca.gov; Don Barnes; 'Walter Muneton'; Superintendent@cde.ca.gov; "'TIPS@NBCUNI.COM-; ABC7 General Release; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; sbe@cde.ca.gov; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; Public Comment; ocbe@ocde.us; assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov; 'Teri Rocco'; TOX11 NEWS@FOXTV.COM"'; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; Tanya.Lieberman@asm.ca.gov; 'Gabriela Mafi'; 'Supervisor Doug Chaffee'; 'Nick Dibs'; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; 'Supervisor Andrew Do'; lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov; Icommunityrelations'; communications@cde.ca.gov; KCAL 9; Theresa Bass; 'Jim Tortolano'; Marguerite.Ries@asm.ca.gov; press@Itg.ca.gov; superintendent@sdcoe.net; 'PIO Department'; KTLA 5 News; 'GGEA President'; ABC7 General Release; press@ltg.ca.gov; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; forrester_betty@lacoe.edu; chinook.shin@sen.ca.gov; TOX11 NEWS@FOXTV.COM"'; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; 'Teri Rocco'; 'Walter Muneton'; 'Dina Nguyen'; 'Lan Nguyen'; 'Bob Harden'; 'Bob Harden' Subject: [EXTERNAL] Screen time and toddlers - what are the risks? A study published in the widely respected journal JAMA Pediatrics earlier this week found that exposing children under 2 years old to television is linked to "atypical sensory processing" in tod... Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 05-24-2024 (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkq/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf To whom it may concern. New research confirms what parents have known all along: Watching television is not good for toddlers. A study published in the widely respected journal JAMA Pediatrics earlier this week found that exposing children under 2 years old to television or DVD watching is linked to "atypical sensory processing" in toddlerhood. According to the study, led by researchers at Drexel University, children who watched TV or DVDs at 12 months old were twice as likely to develop sensory behavioral differences by 36 months. After 18 months old, each hour of screen time was linked to 20% increased likelihood of sensory disorders. "These findings suggest that digital media exposure might be a potential risk factor for the development of atypical sensory profiles," according to the study, which included 1,472 children, half of whom were male. The researchers looked at 1,500 caregiver surveys regarding their child's sensory preferences, such as sensitivity to, preference for or avoidance of different noises, lights and textures. The data from the study was gathered between 2011 and 2014 — before the proliferation of iPhones and iPads — while the data analysis was performed in 2023. "TV as screen time has been consistently used — and some might say overused — by parents since the 1950s," public health expert Julianna Miner told Fast Company. "Unlike the use of smartphones and tablets, for which we still have limited research on the relationship between use and outcomes, there's a lot of peer -reviewed information out there about how television impacts kids and their development." Another study published in JAMA Pediatrics last year found that greater screen time for 1-year-olds was was linked to delayed speech and problem -solving at ages 2 and 4. What is sensory processing? Sensory processing difficulties in children are often manifested through strong reactions to loud noises, bright lights and other external stimuli. Kids may express sensitivity about the clothing they are wearing or struggle with motor N skills, according to the Child Mind Institute. A condition called sensory processing disorder typically occurs when the brain isn't able to synthesize all the information coming from the senses; it's been described as a "traffic jam in your head." Kraft Macaroni And Cheese Dinners Box - 10-7.25 Oz Albertsons Kraft Macaroni And Cheese Dinners Box - 10-7.25 Oz Ad Sensory processing disorder, or SPD, was first identified by occupational therapist A. Jean Ayres in the 1970s. Sensory disorder is currently not diagnosed as a separate medical condition, but is typically tied to other conditions like autism and ADHD. While people on the autism spectrum often experience sensory issues, sensory behaviors can manifest in those who are not on the spectrum. Recommendations on screen use Pediatricians recommend that children not have screen time, other than video chatting with an adult, until they are 18 months old. Between 18 months and 24 months, screen time should only include educational content. The recommended time limit is about an hour per weekday and 3 hours on weekends for toddlers ages 2 to 5, according to American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Other research also points to harmful effects of screen time and social media on teens. Market Shifts Ahead, Plan Now - Mitigate Risks Smartly maproduct.risehealth.org Market Shifts Ahead, Plan Now - Mitigate Risks Smartly Ad Related Why kids' screen time might be a smaller problem than you think — and parents' might be a bigger one What we now know about screen time for kids But it's not just children whose screen time use should be mitigated. A study from Brigham Young University's Wheatley Institute found that parents' social media habits have an even greater impact on children than the children's own social media usage. Teens whose parents used social media more often, according to the report, reported higher rates of depression. 3 While the new American Medical Association research on sensory issues sheds more light on the effects of video and screen time, the study says that more research is needed to understand why screen time in early life is associated with sensory -related behaviors, and whether minimizing screen time can prevent any atypical sensory behaviors later in life. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Screen time and toddlers — what are the risks? - https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/screen- ti me-and-todd lers-what-are-the-risks/ar- AA1 mSNCw?ocid=socialshare&pc=DCTS&cvid=e35b9a75da4a42689bd50185b1 ff4 e9b&ei=50 4 Susana Barrios From: d u rfeycra ig Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 6:43 PM To: David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; 'GGEA President'; Don Barnes; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; Assemblymember.Davies@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.quirk- silva@assembly.ca.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; 'Teresa Pomeroy'; REPLOUCORREA@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV; response@ocgov.com; Public Comment; publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov; publicrecords@buenapark.com; GGDPIO@GGCITY.ORG; JONATHAN@GGPD.ORG; 'Walter Muneton'; 'Teri Rocco'; Tanya.Lieberman@asm.ca.gov; Theresa Bass; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; DIANA.LARA@sen.ca.gov; 'Dina Nguyen'; 'Lan Nguyen'; 'Bob Harden'; 'PIO Department'; 'Nick Dibs'; Christopher.Aguilera@asm.ca.gov; lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov; Superintendent@cde.ca.gov; sbe@cde.ca.gov; 'Public Records Request' Subject: [EXTERNAL] Press Release I'm opposed to CA STATE AB 3216 2024 as its written serious flaws Some Lawmakers Consider Banning Cellphones If Schools Won't Attachments: LETTER Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 ..pdf; 202320240AB2657_Assembly Privacy And Consumer Protection (2).pdf, AB-2390 Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program.(2023-2024).pdf, AB-2390 Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program..pdf, - Cyberbullying Protection Act ab I504.pdf Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 05-25-2024 Press Release (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkq/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf Governor Gavin Newsom: 1021 O Street, Suite 9000: Sacramento, CA 95814; Phone: (916) 445-2841 ... State Board of Education 1430 N Street, Room 5111 Sacramento, California 95814 1 SBE@sbe.ca.gov 1 916-319-08 Speaker Robert Rivas CA State Assembly State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0029 Tel: (916) 319-2029 Fax: (916) 319-2129 Tri TA State Assembly State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0070 Phone - 916-319-2070 Assembly Education Committee Address 1020 N Street, Room 159 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone (916) 319-2087 Assembly Health Committee Address 1020 N Street, Room 390 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone (916) 319-2097 Fax (916) 319-2197 CA State Senate Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire 1021 O St., Suite 8518 N Sacramento, CA 95814 Senator Janet Nguyen Capitol Office 1021 O Street, Suite 7130 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 651-4036 Rules Committee Senate Rules Committee State Capitol, Room 400 Sacramento, CA 95614 Phone: (916) 651-4120 Fax: (916) 445-1830 Senate Education Committee 1021 O Street, Room 6740 Sacramento, CA 95814 SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov Phone: (916) 651-4105 Senate Public Safety Committee 1020 N Street, Room 545 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 651-4118 Fax: (916) 445-4688 Senate Health Committee 1021 O Street, Room 3310 Sacramento, CA 95814 SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov Phone: (916) 651-4111 U.S. Congress Education Committee U.S. Senate Education Committee Assembly Members Hoover, Lowenthal, and Muratsuchi Dear Senate, Assembly Introduced by 3 I'm opposed to CA State Assembly AB 3216 -2024 as its currently written it has serious flaws with time to be affective, the language is weak compared to other states language 7 This bill would instead require, no later than July 1, 2026, require the governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school to adopt to, by July 1, 2026, develop and adopt, and to update every 5 years, a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones while the pupils are at a schoolsite or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school, as provided. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would constitute a state -mandated local program.https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biIlStatusCiient.xhtmI?bill_id=202320240 AB3216 I'm opposed to CA State SB 1283, as amended, Stern. Pupils: use of smartphones and social media. the language is weak compared to other states language https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biilTextClient.xhtmI? SB 1283, as amended, Stern. Pupils: use of smartphones and social media. SECTION 1. Section 48901.7 of the Education Code is amended to read: 48901.7. (a) (1) The governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school may adopt a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones or social media, or both, while the pupils are at a school site or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school. AB 3216, as amended, Hoover. Pupils: use of smartphones. Existing law authorizes the governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school to adopt a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones while the pupils are at a school site or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school. Existing law, however, specifies circumstances in which a pupil could not be prohibited from possessing or using a smartphone. This bill would instead require, no later than July 1, 2026, require the governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school to adopt to, by July 1, 2026, develop and adopt, and to update every 5 years, a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones while the pupils are at a school site or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school, as provided. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would constitute a state -mandated local program. The overwhelming evidence research these two current bills don't fully address the prevention as describe with these two bills as it was intended. Below are links to support and Substantiating calling for a ban in schools. To Ban cell phones until 14 years old Phone Ban Produces 'Remarkable' Change at Orange County, Fla., Schools 4 In the four months since Orange County Public Schools in Florida banned students from using cellphones at school, teachers and staff have seen positive changes. Some students are irked they can't use phones at lunch. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that will prohibit children younger than 14 from joining social media in the state. Those who are 14 or 15 will need a parent's consent before they join a platform. The bill, HB3, also directs social media companies to delete the existing accounts of those who are under 14. Companies that fail to do so could be sued on behalf of the child who creates an account on the platform. The minor could be awarded up to $10,000 in damages, according to the bill. Companies found to be in violation of the law would also be liable for up to $50,000 per violation, as well as attorney's fees and court costs. https://www.Aovtech.com/education/k-12/phone-ban-produces-remarkable-change-at-orange- county-fla-schools AB 3216 with SB 1283 2024 are silent with pornography in schools' campus as well as school bus having instances having pornography effects to their wellbeing https://protectyoungeyes.com/5-ways-pornography-harms-children-teens/ While I was a junior high youth ministry director, moms contacted me with stories of how their son or daughter saw pornography on another child's device while riding the school bus. One particular story involved a fifth -grade boy who had an iPhone on the bus. Apparently, it used to be his father's iPhone, and although the father thought the device was clean, the fifth -grade child discovered links to pornography and proceeded to show many kids on the bus this exciting discovery. https://protectyoungeyes.com/the-case-for-removing-ceii-phones-from-the-school-bus/ The CA State AB 3216 with SB 1283 2024 Cell phones language as a far-out date to begin effective action with growing reports of crimes, bullying, to lawsuits not recognizing the CA State policy from CA State Superintendent Thurmond uniform complaint procedure is flat out broken no accountability thus schools use this with tax dollar to block any real accountable, they who do this requires us to sue them using tax dollars to detoured any one from challenge them to often time leads to corruptions. To many children are suffering SCR 73, Pan. Blue Light Awareness Day. This measure would designate October 10 of each year as Blue Light Awareness Day in California. WHEREAS, The increased usage of, and access to, digital devices by young children and adolescents is an acute area of concern, as ophthalmologists, optometrists, and medical researchers continue to learn more about the short-term effects of increasing and cumulative exposure to artificial blue light on the developing human eye and mental health at a young age, along with long-term potential cumulative effects on adult eye health and mental development; and 5 WHEREAS, The scientific community and recent studies have identified growing concerns over potential long-term eye and health impacts for all age groups from digital screen usage and cumulative blue light exposure emitted from digital devices; and WHEREAS, Blue light has been reported to cause visual discomfort in 65 percent of Americans; and WHEREAS, Blue light has been associated with possible harmful effects on retinal cell physiology linked to the high-energy, short wavelength in the narrow range of 415-455 nanometers; and: https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biliNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200SCR73 causes sleep deprivation, myopia loss of eye sight as well as work comp claims. This education code provides the opportunity for local Collaborate with your county office of education with various experience hopefully will review what has been published to address gaps from algorithm creating dopamine addictions from too long usages from screen time. Review health education content standards and instructional materials, if offered, to determine alignment with mental health education requirements per Ed. Code 51925 (External Link) and other health education requirements Screen Strong Teens Discussing A Smartphone free Childhood I just feel like our children now are so addicted now. I used the book "Retrain Your Child's Brain" by Victoria Dunckley before. I'm here looking for any advice you can offer. Thank you!! Screen Strong Challenge: 30-Day Screen Detox for Kids & Teens The Screen Strong Challenge is the first simple step to reset your kids' screen habits. For one month, you will replace their video games, smartphones, and social media with new and old hobbies & interests, life skills, and family connections. ACR-265 California Computer Science Education Month This was sponsored by Microsoft yet Bill Gates and Steve Jobs with knowing would harm those who engage excessive usage to create This measure would designate the month of September 2018 as California Computer Science Education Month. The measure would encourage schools, teachers, researchers, universities, business leaders, and policymakers to identify mechanisms for teachers to receive cutting -edge professional development to provide sustainable learning experiences in computer science education and would encourage the exposure of pupils to computer science concepts. The measure would also encourage opportunities to be provided for females and underrepresented minorities in computer science.. We know as far back 2012 that to much was causing demised wellness, "President John F. Kennedy said technology 'has no conscience of its own. Whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man.' Yet swayed by digital -age myths, we are providing our children with remarkably little guidance on their use of technology." . It was Albert Einstein who famously said that once you stop learning, you start dying. It was Bill Gates who said that he would want the ability to read faster. Quotations by John F. Kennedy, "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness 2024, Autism and Screen Time: Special Brains, Special Risks Children with autism are vulnerable to the negative effects of screen time. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-wealth/201612/autism-and-screen-time- special-brains-special-risks Was seriously flawed from the start. Research was found from the documents was able to determine from obtaining not to warranty K-12 schools' education ACR 265, Berman. California Computer Science Education Month, to avoid any harming child's growth development to prevent cognitive delay, ADD, at this time with overwhelming evidence then and now calls for better accountability to take advocates, published books to grasp with field work to ensure all schools are with the revising the public record act to mirror other states having penal codes to enforce transparency. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/04/24/who-infants-under-year-old- shouldnt-be-exposed-any-electronic-screens/ Calling for rescinding This measure would designate the month of September 2018 as California Computer Science Education Month. The measure would encourage schools, teachers, researchers, universities, business leaders, and policymakers to identify mechanisms for teachers to receive cutting -edge professional development to provide sustainable learning experiences in computer science education, and would encourage the exposure of pupils to computer science concepts. The measure would also encourage opportunities to be provided for females and underrepresented minorities in computer science. https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biliNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180ACR265 WHEREAS, In September, the State Board of Education will be presented with Computer Science Standards for potential adoption and recommendations for implementation of computer science education across the state's K-12 system developed by the computer science strategic implementation plan panel; https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtmI?bill_id=201720180ACR265 Recomeding to resend ACR-265 California Computer Science Education Month designate the month of September 2018 as California Computer Science Education Month. To replace one that will have value as well guide our state into wellness from social media addictions, blue light harm, supporting Hope Squad https://hopesquad.coma paid by prop 63 funds AB 638 early, prevention year was 2021-2022 , AB 24, 2017 mandate requirement to provide activity to improve social skills, don't bother protect young eyes, wait until eight. Save the kids https://www.savethekids.orA/resource:,' and screenagermovie https://www.screenagersmovie.com/ and no Esports in schools. "The Ringgold School District PA In a release, the district said its school police department PA documented 56 criminal incidents last school year where students used their cell phones to plan fights, harass other students and vandalize school property. The district also said that communication between students on phones included planning "vaping gatherings" in school bathrooms and other criminal mischief. in a letter to families posted on the Ringgold district website, Superintendent Randall Skrinjorich said recent national statistics show that about 20% of cyberbullying incidents happen over cellphones during the day, along with the planning of fights. Ca State is unprepared to address legislation the mental health month ACR 815 was very seriously flawed to it body language to compare SB 976 2024. The State Board licensing standard are flawed to address these critical issues that CA State faces, for last six years with other the sound of alarm was muted. The county has been awoken to these tragedies. Many States such as Utah have and move forward to protect children and families. The lack of awareness is now paramount will the State leadership move forward such as Utah State in social media, blue light, pornography, advance the entire licenses for police, schools, Medical, social workers ect as well as AB 1432 year was 2014-2014 AB- 1432 Mandated child abuse reporting: school employees: training.(2013- 2014) https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140AB14 to our juvenile courts need training to provide parents tools address the social media addictions to provide a clean records after 18 years old to be employable. Require School Board be trained about social media with term limits .Adopting Song for Charlie Youth Fentanyl Awareness Collaboration Forum 3 We as a state have not recognize the harm social media with Federal and State Child abuse laws the have direct relationship to current crises CA Welf & Inst Code Section 300 The child is suffering serious emotional damage, or is at substantial risk of suffering serious emotional damage, evidenced by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or untoward aggressive behavior toward self or others, as a result of the conduct of the parent or guardian or who has no parent or guardian capable of providing appropriate care. A child shall not be found to be a person described by this subdivision if the willful failure of the parent or guardian to provide adequate mental health treatment is based on a sincerely held religious belief and if a less intrusive judicial intervention is available. https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtmI?sectionNum=300.&la wCode=WIC Federal legislation provides guidance to States by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that define child abuse and neglect. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 5106g), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: "Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm." This definition of child abuse and neglect refers specifically to parents and other caregivers. A "child" under this definition generally means a person who is younger than age 18 or who is not an emancipated minor. While CAPTA provides definitions for sexual abuse and the special cases of neglect related to withholding or failing to provide medically indicated treatment, it does not provide specific definitions for other types of maltreatment such as physical abuse, neglect, or emotional abuse. While Federal legislation sets minimum standards for States that accept CAPTA funding, each State provides its own definitions of maltreatment within civil and criminal statutes. Did you notice that Federal law states that in order for the state to take your child/ren..... the harm must have been SERIOUS or the harm coming soon must be SERIOUS. The minimum harm done or will be done to your child/ren MUST be SERIOUS. https://www.hhs.gov/answers/programs-for-families-and-children/what-is-child- abuse/index.html CA State Welfare 300 (c) The child is suffering serious emotional damage, or is at substantial risk of suffering serious emotional damage, evidenced by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or untoward aggressive behavior toward self or others, as a result of the conduct of the parent or guardian or who has no parent or guardian capable of providing appropriate 9 care. A child shall not be found to be a person described by this subdivision if the willful failure of the parent or guardian to provide adequate mental health treatme not is based on a sincerely held religious belief and if a less intrusive judicial intervention is available. https://california.public.law/codes/ca_welf_ and _inst_code _section _300 "The Ringgold School District was not exempt from these kinds of occurrences last year," Skrinjorich wrote. The Ringgold Police Department documented 56 criminal incidents during the 2021-22 school year in which students used cellphone communication with fellow students to plan fights, harass other students, coordinate vaping "gatherings" in school bathrooms, vandalize property and commit other criminal mischief. According to the 2021 Pennsylvania Youth Survey, a survey conducted every two years by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, 23% of students said they'd been bullied in the past 12 months, with about 15% saying the bullying occurred online. Also, 20% said they received inappropriate sexual messages on phones and electronic devices. Skrinjorich did not return a phone call seeking additional information about the new cellphone policy on Thursday. In May, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Penn Hills, introduced legislation that would prohibit students using cellphones in schools. He said studies in the U.S., Spain, and Norway have shown a positive impact on academic achievement when cellphones are prohibited during the school day. Cohen -Sandler said phones don't have any place in elementary schools and that it is "highly unlikely" that they serve a useful function in middle school classrooms. She also said that students who text too frequently with their parents aren't developing the ability to deal with their own feelings, "undermining a lot of development that is taking place and impeding kids from being resilient." Above PDF goes into research how crimes occur on campus, bullying, demises academics, pornography, "My Child Saw Pornography on the School Bus" https://protectyoungeyes.com/the-case-for-removing-cell-phones-from-the-school-bus/ Cox and other proponents of such measures cite research showing that even the presence of a cellphone is a distraction, and they argue that removing them from classrooms will boost academic performance, reduce bullying and improve students' mental health. There is growing concern for children and teens using social media. Social media can be incredibly harmful for youth. Kids need less screen time for healthy growth and 10 development. We can work together to establish social media boundaries, model healthy social media use, and teach children how to use it safely. https://socialharms.utah.gov/ It can be scary and intimidating raising kids in a world filled with technology —predators, inappropriate content, bullying, and a distorted reality are just some of the concerns you might have. But you're not alone! We asked Utah parents what they thought about social media, its effects on their children, and what they're doing to help protect their kids. 88% believe social media has a detrimental impact on children and youth. 63% were concerned about social media impacting their child's mental health. 60% were concerned about social media impacting their child's body image. 94% enforce boundaries with their children's social media usage, like enforcing time limits, content restrictions, and setting age limits. 84% encourage their children to unplug from social media and participate in other activities https://socialharms.utah.gov/ Phone Ban Produces 'Remarkable' Change at Orange County, Fla., Schools In the four months since Orange County Public Schools in Florida banned students from using cellphones at school, teachers and staff have seen positive changes. Some students are irked they can't use phones at lunch. https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/phone-ban-produces- remarkable-change-at-orange-county-fla-schools A new Florida law required districts to ban phones during "instructional time," but Orange's school board took it a step further by requiring them to be put away in backpacks, even during breaks between classes and lunch. OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Senate Appropriations Committee passed a bill banning cellphone use for students at school. https://okcfox.com/news/local/the-right-thi ng-to-do-oklahoma-senate-committee- advances-student-cel (phone-ban-adam-pugh-bi I I-1314-state-chad-caldwell-rep-enid-city- carrie-hicks-house-sb-appropriations-emergency-danger-teacher-education-politics- school-telephone-text-cal I -social -media Some Lawmakers Consider Banning Cellphones If Schools Won't More than three-quarters of U.S. K-12 public schools prohibit non-academic cellphone use, according to a report from the 2021-2022 school year. As many schools have already banned cellphone use during class, governors and legislators in at least half a dozen states are pushing their schools to follow suit — through persuasion or by law. 11 (TNS) — At David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri, the rule is that students must keep their cellphones out of sight during class. In reality, the teachers tasked with enforcing the rule are no match for teenagers' "almost compulsive" need to be on their phones all the time, said science teacher Noelle Gilzow. Gilzow confiscates offenders' devices and drops them in a basket on her desk she calls the "phone jail." But she knows that she is fighting a losing battle. "I cannot compete with Netflix," she said. More than three-quarters of U.S. K-12 public schools prohibit non-academic cellphone use, according to a report from the 2021-2022 school year. But only 43 percent of public high schools have such a rule. And at many of them, like at Hickman High, the so-called bans are enforced weakly, if at all. Last year, Florida became the first state to require all its public schools to bar students from using their phones during class. Now governors and legislators in at least a half - dozen other states are pushing their schools to follow suit — through persuasion or by law. Indiana Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb just signed into law a bill that requires school districts to prohibit cellphone use during instructional time, with some exceptions. A similar bill is advancing in Oklahoma, and legislation has been introduced in Kansas and Vermont. Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont has praised schools in his state that have restricted cellphone use, and he has introduced legislation that would direct the state board of education to adopt a model policy. "Social media is often anti -social, and too much smartphone makes you stupid," Lamont said in his State of the State address this year. In Utah, Republican Gov. Spencer Cox in January sent a letter to school leaders throughout the state urging them to get cellphones out of class. "Placing cellphones in backpacks or lockers during class time allows students to give their undivided attention to lessons, to fully participate in discussions and to build relationships with their peers," Cox wrote in an opinion piece published in the Deseret News. "Our students deserve every advantage and removing cellphones from learning time is one proven way we can help our children succeed." Cox and other proponents of such measures cite research showing that even the presence of a cellphone is a distraction, and they argue that removing them from classrooms will boost academic performance, reduce bullying and improve students' mental health. 12 Not surprisingly, many students are loath to give up their phones. But much of the pushback against phone -free classrooms comes from parents, who want to be connected to their children throughout the day, especially if there is an emergency. "I like that it's with her all the time. I want to keep my eyes on her 24/7. 1 want to know where she is at all times," said Elisabeth Rice of Portland, Oregon, who has a 14-year-old daughter. "if she leaves the school, she won't leave her phone behind, right?" Oregon leaves it up to school districts to determine cellphone policies. The high school Rice's daughter attends has a "silent and away" rule for phones in class, but the device does not have to be stowed in a cubby or signal -proof pouch, which other schools require. "We've all seen how schools handle emergencies," Rice said. "I would like to have a direct communication with my kid and see what the safest option is." ELIMINATING DISTRACTIONS To Indiana Republican state Sen. Jeff Raatz, one of the lead sponsors of the proposed ban in his state, the argument for taking phones out of the classroom boils down to one word: distraction. He was speaking about civics at a Henry County high school last fall, he recalled in an interview, when he noticed the students were unusually attentive. It took him awhile to realize why. "it was weeks before it dawned on me that there wasn't a single cellphone. I was thinking, 'How come nobody's looking at their phone?"' Without phones, he said, "instead of texting your friend, you are paying attention. We are struggling as a nation in attaining educational outcomes. One way [to help] is to eliminate distraction." Oklahoma Republican state Sen. Adam Pugh came to the same conclusion after talking to a few classrooms recently at an Oklahoma City suburban high school. "in every single class," he recalled, "half the kids were on their phones the whole time. 1 can't imagine ever having a guest lecturer when I was in school and not being focused." His bill would require local public school districts to develop policies banning students' phones from campuses. It awaits a vote on the Senate floor. A 2019 survey of college students in 37 states (plus Alberta, Canada) supports the assertion that digital devices distract students: On average, respondents spent 19.4 percent of class time using digital devices for non -class purposes. 13 Barney McCoy, a journalism and mass communications professor at the University of Nebraska -Lincoln and the author of the study, said it's not surprising that students sitting in class have a hard time resisting their devices, since they are so accustomed to checking them constantly when they are outside the classroom. "if we are standing in line at the grocery store, we are going to pull out a smartphone," McCoy said. "if you are in the middle of a conversation and a device beeps, boops or rings, you are going to look at it." Some research suggests that banning cellphones from class can have a significant impact. A Norwegian study published earlier this year examined the effect of cellphone bans on middle school students, concluding that girls' grades and mental health improved significantly and that bullying declined among both girls and boys. The effects were greatest among lower -income girls. TOO BROAD? "if you look at social media, if you look at what the kids are doing, a lot of the bullying we see is because of video taken on cellphones," said Kansas Republican state Rep. Adam Thomas, chair of the House Committee on Education and the father of five children. But after Thomas' committee held a hearing on the bill, he decided that districts, not the state, should decide what cellphone policy would work best for them. Indiana state Rep. Ryan Dvorak, one of the eight House members who opposed the ban in his state, reached a similar conclusion. "There is not a school in the state of Indiana that doesn't have their own policy on cellphone use already," said Dvorak, a Democrat and the father of three school -age children. "Teachers deal with them every day. Every classroom has a different way their teacher likes to deal with it. I don't like when the legislature gets involved in classroom minutia. "Everybody understands kids have problems with being sucked into devices. But creating some absolute law that says this can never happen is counterproductive." Roni Cohen -Sandler, a clinical psychologist and the author of °° Anything But My Phone, Mom!," a book for parents on dealing with electronic devices, agreed that statewide bans for students of all ages don't make sense. "Technology is part of our kids' lives," she said in an interview. "It's important to help them evaluate when technology is appropriate and when it's not." 14 Cohen -Sandler said phones don't have any place in elementary schools and that it is "highly unlikely" that they serve a useful function in middle school classrooms. She also said that students who text too frequently with their parents aren't developing the ability to deal with their own feelings, "undermining a lot of development that is taking place and impeding kids from being resilient." High school students, however, should be mature enough to use phones appropriately, "in the service of learning," Cohen -Sandler said. "You can't infantilize 16-, 17-, 18-year-olds. I hope they have the judgment to use cellphones more responsibly." McCoy, the Nebraska professor, said teachers should take responsibility for engaging students. "We have to be more innovative as instructors," he said. "I can't tell you how many times I've called on a student who is engaged on their device and they will look up and say, 'Can you repeat the question?' That's a challenge to myself as an instructor." But many parents of high school students, perhaps remembering the cellphone-free days of their youth, don't think phones have any place in the classroom. "Kids don't need phones in school — period," said Vince Moody of Huntsville, Alabama, who has four children, including a ninth grader. Moody said that if he had to get in touch with one of them, he'd simply call the school office and leave a message. "I don't know that there are a lot of benefits to having phones in schools, other than that parents can reach their little snowflake in school," he said. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit news organization focused on state policy. What the evidence real on teen Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill that bans children under 14 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that will prohibit children younger than 14 from joining social media in the state. Those who are 14 or 15 will need a parent's consent before they join a platform. The bill, HB3, also directs social media companies to delete the existing accounts of those who are under 14. Companies that fail to do so could be sued on behalf of the child who creates an account on the platform. The minor could be awarded up to $10,000 in damages, according to the bill. Companies found to be in violation of the law would also be liable for up to $50,000 per violation, as well as attorney's fees and court costs. 15 "Ultimately, [we're] trying to help parents navigate this very difficult terrain that we have now with raising kids, and so I appreciate the work that's been put in," DeSantis said in remarks during the bill -signing ceremony. I Changed My Mind About Kids and Phones. I Hope Everyone Else Doe Investors Pressure cal Risks Of Screen Time Decreases in psychological well-being among American adolescents Twenge, J. M., Martin, G. N., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Decreases in psychological well- being among American adolescents after 2012 and links to screen time during the rise of smartphone technology. Emotion, 18(6), 765-780. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000403 Teens who spend less time in front of screens are happier — up to Teen girls confront an epidemic of deepfake nudes in schools This Pa. school district is banning cell phones in the hopes of r State lawmakers introduce bill to limit cellphone use in schools Kids are using phones in class, even when it's against the rules. Washington, Ringgold districts ban cellphone use during school da 16 Your cellphone may be causing nearsightedness, now at epidemic le Utah's New Law Restricting Social Media Use for Minors Isn't Clea Screen Stro hone free Childhood. A California high school found students' celIphones too distracti The Protect You Investors Pressure Apple Over Psychological Risks Of Screen Time Decreases in psychological well-being among American adolescents. Psychological well-being was lower in years when adolescents spent more time on screens and higher in years when they spent more time on nonscreen activities, with changes in activities generally preceding declines in well-being. Cyclical economic indicators such as unemployment were not significantly correlated with well-being, suggesting that the Great Recession was not the cause of the decrease in psychological well-being, which may instead be at least partially due to the rapid adoption of smartphones and the subsequent shift in adolescents' time use. The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to d 17 CA Welf & Inst Code Section 300 The child is suffering serious emotional damage, or is at substantial risk of suffering serious emotional damage, evidenced by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or untoward aggressive behavior toward self or others, as a result of the conduct of the parent or guardian or who has no parent or guardian capable of providing appropriate care. A child shall not be found to be a person described by this subdivision if the willful failure of the parent or guardian to provide adequate mental health treatment is based on a sincerely held religious belief and if a less intrusive judicial intervention is available. https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtmI?sectionNum=300.&la wCode=WIC Federal legislation provides guidance to States by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that define child abuse and neglect. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 51069), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: "Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm." This definition of child abuse and neglect refers specifically to parents and other caregivers. A "child" under this definition generally means a person who is younger than age 18 or who is not an emancipated minor. While CAPTA provides definitions for sexual abuse and the special cases of neglect related to withholding or failing to provide medically indicated treatment, it does not provide specific definitions for other types of maltreatment such as physical abuse, neglect, or emotional abuse. While Federal legislation sets minimum standards for States that accept CAPTA funding, each State provides its own definitions of maltreatment within civil and criminal statutes. Did you notice that Federal law states that in order for the state to take your child/ren..... the harm must have been SERIOUS or the harm coming soon must be SERIOUS. The minimum harm done, or will be done to your child/ren MUST be SERIOUS. https://www.hhs.gov/answers/programs-for-families-and-children/what-is-child- abuse/index.html (c) The child is suffering serious emotional damage or is at substantial risk of suffering serious emotional damage, evidenced by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or untoward aggressive behavior toward self or others, as a result of the conduct of the parent or guardian or who has no parent or guardian capable of providing appropriate 18 care. A child shall not be found to be a person described by this subdivision if the willful failure of the parent or guardian to provide adequate mental health treatment is based on a sincerely held religious belief and if a less intrusive judicial intervention is available. The Case for Removing Cell Phones from the School Bus Another Field Trip with a School Bus Full of Smartphones, 1 remember my seventh grade daughter boarding the school bus for a field trip with her classmates to an amusement park. As they departed, 1 wondered how many kids had smartphones, and of those, how many had any filters or controls on them. Of course, my mind started spinning. "My Child Saw Pornography on the School Bus" The Protect Young Eyes team is concerned about the lack of policies that exist related to smartphone use on school buses. Isn't a school's transportation system an extension of the classroom? Shouldn't parents have reasonable assurance that their child won't see pornography or be exposed to life -altering content on the way home? We believe the answer to both questions is, "Yes!" While I was a junior high youth ministry director, moms contacted me with stories of how their son or daughter saw pornography on another child's device while riding the school bus. One particular story involved a fifth -grade boy who had an iPhone on the bus. Apparently, it used to be his father's iPhone, and although the father thought the device was clean, the fifth -grade child discovered links to pornography and proceeded to show many kids on the bus this exciting discovery. One of the students exposed to the pornography was a young man who lived in my neighborhood. We are family friends, and when his mother found this out (they had a great, open relationship, so this fifth -grade boy felt comfortable telling him mom, which is so critical), she called me just devastated. Related post: The Five Worst Places for Kids to be Online Nude photo scandal rocks another Southern California school Calabasas teen says classmate not disciplined for sharing real an The teen victim told Eyewitness News that naked photos of her started circulating at the school last August. She accuses her former friend of being behind the act. 19 The victim said the female student secretly filmed her while in the shower. In other cases, the victim alleges the student used artificial intelligence to put her face on other people's bodies - some of the images ended up on a pornographic website. "I never thought that if I left the door cracked a little open because my shower gets too steamy that pictures of me would end up all over my school. It was terrifying," the teen victim said. The family of the teen who was targeted is outraged that no one has been disciplined and that the accused student is still enrolled at Calabasas High. "It was very hard. She's dealt with a lot of mental health issues," said Jacqueline Smith, the victim's mother. "She's dealt with a lot of emotional distress, humiliation." The victim said she has not gotten any answers from the school and believes her classmate should be expelled. Generation Insomniacs: 80 PERCENT of US teens aren't getting enou https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1 /f/generation-insomniacs-80-percent-of-us- teens-arent-getting-enou Al Made Porn Of Westfield HS Students Prompts Investigation Shocking moment Tennessee high school student pepper sprays teacher TWICE after he confiscated her phone in class The female student can be seen spraying the male teacher in the face before he falls to his knees in the hallway She then says 'give me my phone' before trying to take it from his hand after the assault at Antioch High School outside of Nashville Reports indicate the teacher had taken the student's phone because she was 'texting and Googling answers for her school work https://www.dailymaii.co.uk/news/article-I 2060643/Tennessee-high-school-student- pepper-sprays-teacher-confiscated-phone.html?ito=email_ share_ article -image -share New York City mayor declares social media an 'environmental toxin' https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-york-city-mayor-eric-adams-declares- social/story?id=106647634 Press Release CA State Flawed with Mental Health with Screentime 20 THE lack of awareness Sorley needed the State of Utah has a social media awareness campaign. Recent academic research and a report from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy have tied social media use to declines in mental health for teens, and Cox said there is a "causal link" between the two. On the issue of kids, smartphones, and social media, a vibe shift is happening, and it's happening on the left, right, and in the center. Here's a survey of recent anti -phone discourse on the topic in politics and culture in recent weeks and months: The TikTok "ban" (don't call it that) garnered bipartisan support in the House, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill making it illegal for people under 14 to have social media accounts in Florida. 51925 (External Link) and other health education requirements Collaborate with your county office of education, community -based and non-profit organizations, and local health department to provide professional learning for health teachers and other educators teaching mental health education to build; This education code provides the opportunity for local Collaborate with your county office of education with various experience hopefully will review what has been published to address gaps from algorithm creating dopamine addictions from to long usages from screen time. Review health education content standards and instructional materials, if offered, to determine alignment with mental health education requirements per Ed. Code 51925 (External Link) and other health education requirements (External Link). o Collaborate with your county office of education, community -based and non-profit organizations, and local health department to provide professional learning for health teachers and other educators teaching mental health education to build; their capacity for providing skill -based mental health education that is trauma informed and affirming for students. o Evaluate your current efforts and create a plan to expand student access to mental health education in coordination with other frameworks and initiatives, including Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) (External Link) 21 SCR 73, Pan. Blue Light Awareness Day. This measure would designate October 10 of each year as Blue Light Awareness Day in California. WHEREAS, Cumulative blue light exposure from digital devices has been shown to disrupt sleep cycles by suppressing the natural release of melatonin and has also been linked to premature aging of the retina, which could accelerate potential long-term vision problems such as age -related macular degeneration, decreased alertness, and memory and emotional regulation impacts Bill Text: CA SCR73 1 2019-2020 1 Regular Session I Chaptered I LegiScan ACR-29 Student Mental Health Awareness Week in Cal ifornia.(2023-2024) https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#sent/FMfcgzGxSIMBwgspBvQjmmrZgwFwRlzh?projector =1 &messagePartld=0.1 Anaheim PD investigating after photo of student in locker room circulates online An Instagram account run by a student or students at a junior high school in Anaheim is exposing pictures of students changing in their locker -rooms. Christian Cazares reports for NBC4 News on Oct. 24, 2023. The Anaheim Unified High School District said it's reinforcing its cellphone ban policy in the locker room as it continues working with police on the matter. In a statement, the district said: "Our School Resource Officer promptly notified Ball's Administrative Team. We collaborated with law enforcement to report the posts to Instagram, resulting in one of the post's swift removal. Throughout the day, we have continued to monitor the site in question and report posts as inappropriate." Anaheim PD investigating after photo of student in locker room circulates online The Anaheim Unified High School District said it's reinforcing its cellphone ban policy in the locker room as it continues working with police on the matter. In a statement, the district said: "Our School Resource Officer promptly notified Ball's Administrative Team. We collaborated with law enforcement to report the posts to Instagram, resulting in one of the post's swift removal. Throughout the day, we have continued to monitor the site in question and report posts as inappropriate." Police added that the matter falls under invasion of privacy and while the post has been removed, the social media account is still up and set to private. "I wish it didn't happen, but schools are hard to regulate and it's something they do their best," said Jim Furey, a concerned parent. "They have good people working here but sometimes bullies will be bullies." 22 Parents say the actions taken so far by police and the school district simply isn't enough. They're hoping to have an open dialogue on the matter and want the school to hold a meeting to address the issue. i ,L .ios://www.nbclosanneles.com/news/local/anaheim-police-photo-of-ball-high-school- student-in-locker-room-posted-online/3251648/ Inappropriate photos under investigation at Fairfax High School In March, Beverly Hills Unified School District expelled five middle school students who used Al to create nude photos of their classmates. Karen North, a professor at USC's Annenberg School of Social Media, says that while it may seem obvious to adults, concerns with specific uses of Al may need to be spelled out more clearly with children. "Kids are creative and resourceful and they're now being creative with, you know, with images and especially sexual images," said North. "Kids need to understand that it's not all in good fun to have this information, to have these images and to share them with your friends," https://www.nbciosangeies.com/iocai-2/inappropriate-photos-under-investigation-at- fairfax-h iah-school/3384824/ https://www.latimes.com/cal ifornia/story/2024-04-09/student-generated-inappropriate-ai- i mage-of-g i rls-at-fa i rfax-h ig h (B) Requiring consent of parents or guardians to open a social media account among those 13 to 17 years of age, inclusive. (3) Children and adolescents, or individuals collectively referred to as minors, are considered as vulnerable populations with respect to their experience of mental health and their abilities to understand and process mediated content, particularly through social media channels. (4) Research has demonstrated that social media usage among children and adolescents is associated with poor mental health, including increases in depression and anxiety, and decreases in body image. (5) More than 20 states have enacted, or are considering, regulations to social media in order to protect the mental health of children and adolescents. This is a timely topic of clear societal interest regarding the health and well-being of the next generation. (6) Legislation considered across all states has included the following: (A) Stricter age verifications. (B) Requiring consent of parents or guardians to open a social media account among those 13 to 17 years of age, inclusive. (C) Allowing parents or guardians to set limitations on the hours an adolescent user may access their account. (D) Providing parents or guardians with full access to their child's account and all its content. (E) Limiting the obtaining and sharing of adolescent users' personal information and accounts by social media companies. 23 (F) Preventing users under 18 years of age from receiving targeted ads. (G) Banning algorithms and design features which may promote harmful content on adolescent users' feeds, including the sale of weapons or drugs, self -harm, and other content. (H) Blocking all pornographic content from users under 18 years of age. (1) Requiring that certain apps be blocked entirely to protect user data from foreign companies. (7) Beyond the United States, countries around the world have enacted various social media regulations to protect the mental health of children and adolescents, including South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, India, and Brazil. (8) To date, social media use in the United States, with respect to the enforcement of age verifications, limitations on the content to which minors are exposed, the ability of proprietary algorithms to freely recommend content to children and adolescents, and advertising to vulnerable youth, remains largely unregulated. (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that social media content and social media companies are regulated in such a way to promote the health and well-being of the vulnerable population of children and adolescents. (1) Despite the potential benefits to society of online social networks, there is substantial evidence that tools designed to increase time spent on these networks result in adverse mental health impacts, especially among elementary and middle school pupils. (2) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish the Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program to comprehensively examine the adverse mental health impacts associated with the use of online social networks by kindergarten and grades 1 to 12 pupils, inclusive, and to intervene as needed to prevent or mitigate those impacts. (b) The Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program is hereby established. (c) The California Health and Human Services Agency shall designate a nonprofit organization to undertake the responsibilities of the program. (d) The program shall do all of the following: (1) Develop model educational materials and methods to leverage existing peer -to -peer support programs to inform pupils about the harms of social media, foster the development of healthy social media habits among pupils, and create a supportive environment in which they may do so. (2) Evaluate the impact of those educational materials and methods and the peer -to -peer support program through the establishment of statewide learning communities. (3) Recommend statewide standards for the use of online social networks by kindergarten and grades 1 to 12 pupils, inclusive. (4) Define best practices for expansion of the program. (e) The program shall coordinate with existing laws regulating social media platforms, including, but not limited to, the Cyberbullying Protection Act (Chapter 22.2.9 (commencing with Section 22589) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code) and the Online Violence Prevention Act (Title 1.81.46 (commencing with Section 1798.99.20) of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code), to ensure consistency and avoid duplication of effort. 24 SB 1504, as amended, Stern. Cyberbullying Protection Act. Existing law, commonly known as the Cyberbullying Protection Act, requires a social media platform, as defined, to disclose all cyberbullying reporting procedures in the social media platform's terms of service and to establish a mechanism within its internet-based service that allows an individual, whether or not that individual has a profile on the internet-based service, to report cyberbullying or content that violates the existing terms of service. The act defines °icyberbullying" to mean any severe or pervasive conduct made by an electronic act, as specified, committed by a pupil or group of pupils directed toward one or more pupils that has, or can reasonably be predicted to have, certain effects, including placing a reasonable pupil in fear of harm to that pupil's person or property. The act makes a social media platform that violates its provisions liable for a civil penalty of not more than $7,500 for each intentional violation to be assessed and recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General. The act also authorizes a court to order injunctive relief to obtain compliance with these provisions. This bill would generally apply the act's provisions to minors rather than pupils and would define the phrase "severe or pervasive conduct" to mean content that, among other things, calls for self -injury or suicide of a minor or a specific person or of a group of individuals related to a minor. The bill would additionally require the mechanism required by the act to meet additional criteria, including that the mechanism provides, within 36 hours of receipt of a report, written confirmation to the reporting individual that the social media platform received that individual's report. The bill would additionally authorize any person, including, but not limited to, a parent or legal guardian of a minor, who submits a report of cyberbullying to the social media platform, a city attorney, a district attorney, or a county counsel to bring an action to enforce the act. The bill would increase the civil liability for violating the act to $75,000 and would authorize a court to award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing plaintiff, as specified. 48901.7. (a) No later than July 1, 2026, the The governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school shall adopt shall, no later than July 1, 2026, develop and adopt, and shall update every five years, a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones while the pupils are at a schoolsite or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school. The goal of the policy shall be to promote evidence -based use of smartphone practices to support pupil learning and well- being. The development of the policy shall involve significant stakeholder participation in order to ensure that the policies are responsive to the unique needs and desires of pupils, parents, and educators in each community. 25 (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a pupil shall not be prohibited from possessing or using a smartphone under any of the following circumstances: (1) In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger. (2) When a teacher or administrator of the school district, county office of education, or charter school grants permission to a pupil to possess or use a smartphone, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator. Claremont Unified School District sued by child for alleged attac Claremont Unified School District sued by child for alleged attacks by other students A child is suing the Claremont Unified School District, alleging district and school officials failed to protect him from unruly fellow intermediate school students who bullied and attacked him on campus this spring and forced his mother to withdraw him from the campus for his protection. The Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit was brought on the minor's behalf by his mother and it alleges assault and battery, dangerous condition of public property, negligent supervision and negligent hiring, training and retention. The plaintiff seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The boy attended El Roble Intermediate School. The lawsuit states both the school and district had a duty to protect the plaintiff from bullying by other students while he was on campus. The district knew the other student had a prior history that included stealing the plaintiff's shoes, telling him he should die and threatening members of his Little League team, including the umpire, the suit states. A CUSD spokeswoman issued a statement regarding the complaint filed Sept. 11, stating that the district is aware of the suit. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/claremont-unified-school-district-sued-by- child-for-alleged-attacks-by-other- students/#:-:text=A%20child%20is%20suing%20the%20Claremont%20Unified%20School, withdraw%20him%20from%20the%20campus%20for%20his%20protection. $27 million settlement reached in lawsuit over bullying death of 13-year-old Moreno Valley student. MORENO VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- A $27 million settlement was announced Wednesday in a lawsuit stemming from the 2019 death of 13-year-old Diego Stolz, who was fatally beaten by two fellow students at Landmark Middle School in Moreno Valley. The wrongful -death settlement against the Moreno Valley Unified School District was obtained on behalf of Stolz's legal guardians, Juana Salcedo and Felipe Salcedo, the family's attorneys said in a news release. "The family will forever be heartbroken by the death of Diego but they hope this case brings about change in school districts across the country," said lead counsel Dave Ring said in a statement. "Schools need to realize that bullying can never be tolerated and that any complaints of bullying and assault must be taken seriously. Diego's death was preventable if this school had simply prioritized an anti -bullying policy." 26 On Sept. 16, 2019, two 14-year-old boys were videotaped attacking Stolz outside classrooms at the school. One boy struck the teenager in the head from behind and he fell, hitting his head against a pillar. The boys then continued punching the boy, who died nine days later from a brain injury. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/claremont- unified-school-district-sued-by-child-for-alleged-attacks-by-other- students/#:-:text=A%20child%20is%20suing%20the%20Claremont%20Unified%20School, withdraw%20him%20from%20the%20campus%20for%20his%20protection. Family of a student killed in a bullying incident in Moreno Valle Diego and family members had complained about bullying for at least a year, including when Diego's shoes were stolen when he was in seventh grade. According to the lawsuit, his aunt was provided with an anti -bullying pamphlet by school officials. He had been punched in the chest and threatened with more violence the week before his death even though he met with middle school vice principal Kamilah O'Connor on Sept. 13, 2019, according to the lawsuit. O'Connor reassured the boy and promised to suspend the students for three days starting on Monday, and told him to take off the rest of the day. Diego returned to campus that Monday and found his tormentors waiting for him. They confronted him at lunchtime on what would be his final moments of consciousness. Marlatt, who was representing the school district, acknowledged that one of the boys who was "involved in the fatal altercation" with Diego had struck the boy a week earlier https:/iwww.latimes.com/cal iforn is/story/2023-09-13/family-of-a-student-killed-in-a- bullying-incident-in-moreno-valley-reaches-27-million-settlement Eighth -grader's family complained of bullying days before fatal assault, legal claim states Oct. 29, 2019 Ring noted that an early hurdle regarding the lawsuit was whether Diego's guardians were eligible to file a California wrongful death lawsuit. Juana Salcedo and Felipe Salcedo had raised Diego for most of his life after the death of both his parents. They has also raised Diego's two brothers and their two biological children. But the law at the time did not allow wrongful death lawsuits to be filed by legal guardians. "When we filed the lawsuit in 2019, the first in line would be the parents and then siblings, which he had two older brothers at the time," Ring said. "We thought it was unfair that the people who raised him and acted like his parents weren't in consideration." A year later, Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-Colton) authored Assembly Bill 2445, which removed the requirement that "only biological or adoptive parents" could bring a lawsuit on behalf of a minor who died due to wrongful conduct, according to Reyes. She said in 2020 that the legislation was necessary to provide "a pathway to justice for Diego's family." https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-29/diego-stolz-landmark-middle-school- bullying-legal-claim 27 Redlands Unified is 9th on this list of high -risk schools, analys Redlands Unified is 9th on this list of high -risk schools, analysis shows In less than two years, the school district's insurance costs have doubled. In the past two years, as Redlands Unified School District has settled sex abuse lawsuits out of court for tens of millions, the insurer that covered those payouts has doubled the district's rates. Earlier this month, the district announced it had reached a settlement with the family of the alleged victims of former Redlands High School drama teacher Joel Koonce for $8.5 million. With that agreement, the district has approved more than $30.2 million in legal settlements with victims or alleged victims of sex abuse since August 2016. If spending more than $30.2 million in 28 months on sex abuse settlements makes the Redlands Unified School District seem like a heightened risk, its insurance carrier agrees. Redlands Unified is the ninth highest risk out of 33 Southern California districts in the Schools Association For Excess Risk's (or SAFER) Southern California Regional Liability Excess Fund, based on an analysis of documents obtained from SAFER through the California Public Records Act. "Member district liability contributions are based on average daily attendance and are modified for their historical loss experience," Doug Ross, an administrator with SAFER, wrote in an email. 91 Redlands Unified was scheduled to pay $1.55 million to SAFER during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, according to the documents released by the insurance group. According to the California Department of Education, the district taught 21,261 students in the 2017-18 school year, meaning SAFER is charging the equivalent of $73 per student. The average SCR member district pays $64 per student. https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2018/12/14/redlands-unified-is-9th-on-this-list-of-high- risk-schools-analysis-shows/ Teens charged with manslaughter in sucker -punch attack ... Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com > california > story) boys-cha... Oct 2, 2019 — Teens charged with manslaughter in sucker -punch attack that killed Moreno Valley student - Child's death after assault at Moreno Valley school .. teens charged with manslaughter in sucker -punch attack. https://www.google.com/search?q=Teens+charged+with+manslaughter+in+sucker- punch+attack+that+killed+Moreno+Valley+student&riz=1 C1 ONGR_enUS1031 US1031 &oq =Teens+charged+with+manslaughter+in+sucker- punch+attack+that+killed+Moreno+Valley+student&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOd IBBzkwMGowajeoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#ip=1 Ring and fellow attorney Neil Gehlawat said they hoped the settlement would force changes in anti -bullying policy from the Moreno Valley School District and others. 28 "This lawsuit has put schools on notice to find ways to effectively deal with bullying and to enact real anti -bullying policies," Gehlawat said in a statement. "Although his family's grief can never be taken away, we believe real change will come, and there will be a renewed focus on anti -bullying programs across the nation." Eighth -grader's family complained of bullying days before fatal assault, legal claim states. Oct. 29, 2019 Ring noted that an early hurdle regarding the lawsuit was whether Diego's guardians were eligible to file a California wrongful death lawsuit. Juana Salcedo and Felipe Salcedo had raised Diego for most of his life after the death of both his parents. They has also raised Diego's two brothers and their two biological children. But the law at the time did not allow wrongful death lawsuits to be filed by legal guardians. "When we filed the lawsuit in 2019, the first in line would be the parents and then siblings, which he had two older brothers at the time," Ring said. "We thought it was unfair that the people who raised him and acted like his parents weren't in consideration." A year later, Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-Colton) authored Assembly Bill 2445, which removed the requirement that "only biological or adoptive parents" could bring a lawsuit on behalf of a minor who died due to wrongful conduct, according to Reyes. She said in 2020 that the legislation was necessary to provide "a pathway to justice for Diego's family." 29 AB-2445 Civil actions: wrongful death.(2019-2020) Existing law specifies the persons who may bring a civil action for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another, and includes among those persons the decedent's parents if they were entitled to the decedent's property by intestate secession or if they were dependent on the decedent. This bill would also authorize a decedent's legal guardians to bring a civil action if the decedent's parents were authorized to bring a civil action but they are deceased, or if the legal guardians were dependent on the decedent and the decedent's parents are deceased. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute. https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biiINavClient.xhtmI?bill_id=201920200AB2445 World health officials take a hard-line on -screen time for kids. Will busy parents comply? The World Health Organization issued new guidelines on screen time Wednesday for infants and children under 5. 30 The World Health Organization issued strict new guidelines Wednesday on one of the most anxiety -producing issues of 21st century family life: How much should parents resort to videos and online games to entertain, educate or simply distract their young children? The answer, according to WHO, is never for children in their first year of life and rarely in their second. Those aged 2 to 4, the international health agency said, should spend no more than an hour a day in front of a screen. The WHO drew on emerging — but as yet unsettled — science about the risk's screens pose to the development of young minds at a time when surveys show children are spending increasing amounts of time watching smartphones and other mobile devices. Ninety-five percent of families with children under the age of 8 have smartphones, according to the nonprofit organization Common Sense Media, and 42 percent of children under 8 have access to their own tablet device. Experts in child development say the acquisition of language and social skills, typically by interacting with parents and others, are among the most important cognitive tasks of childhood. "Achieving health for all means doing what is best for health right from the beginning of people's lives," WHO Director -General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. "Early childhood is a period of rapid development and a time when family lifestyle patterns can be adapted to boost health gains." The guidelines, like those of other public health groups that have weighed such issues in recent years, also seek to provide clear rules for the messy realities of parenting, when a fussy baby may be soothed most easily by a video of a nursery rhyme, or a grandmother three states away may be able to engage with a toddler only over Skype. https:/iwww.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/04/24/who-infants-under-year-old- shouldnt-be-exposed-any-electronic-screens/ Brien McMahon hangs up: No more cell phones in class https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Brien-McMahon-hangs-up-No-more-cell-phones-in- 13197550.php Family of New Jersey bullying victim 11, sue school for failing t 'They failed Adriana:' Family of NJ teen who died by suicide after viral school fight video sues https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/bullying-lawsuit-adriana-kuch-central-regionai- h is h-school/5084853/ 6th grade girl brutally attacked by classmate at Southern Califor 31 No Al until 18 years old. What's a Yondr pouch? Learn about the technology that locks away Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in Schools (FACTS) Act. Grassroots campaign to help protect kids from porn on social medi SALT LAKE CITY — A grassroots campaign is going after social media giants Instagram and Snapchat, saying it's time to police their rating system of 12+, because teens have too easy access to porn. The campaign will be rolled out on Thursday by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation in Washington D.C., but many behind the movement are right here in Utah. "These app ratings are messed up and you can't go by the app ratings," said Collin Kartchner who is a very popular social media activist speaking to thousands of teens across the state and country. "You can stream porn in two clicks and these apps are rated at 12+. This is like you sending your kid to a PG-13 movie saying, 'Oh, they'll be fine.' And 2 seconds into it they are watching pornography. Parents, if that happened in the movie A growing number of states call porn a public health crisis. Phoenix • More than a dozen states have moved to declare pornography a public health crisis, raising concerns among some experts who say the label goes too far and carries its own risks. The Arizona Senate approved a resolution this week calling for a systemic effort to prevent exposure to porn that's increasingly accessible to younger kids online. At least one legislative chamber has adopted a similar resolution in 15 other states. "It is an epidemic in our society, and this makes a statement that we have a problem," said Arizona Sen. Sylvia Allen, a Republican who blamed pornography for contributing to violence against women, sexual activity among teens and unintended pregnancies. 32 The resolution that passed Monday doesn't ban pornography or create any other legal changes, but it could signal future action. Similar declarations have been passed in GOP - controlled states ranging from Tennessee to Montana and been adopted in the Republican Party's national platform. Utah lawmakers look at phone bans in schools and youth social med https://www.foxi 3now.com/news/local-news/utah-lawmakers-look-at-phone-bans-in- schools-and-vouth-social-media-restrictions Palmdale parent concerned about pornography at school. https://theavtimes.com/2015/09/23/palmdale-parent-concerned-about-pornographic- material-in-school/ Parents upset by 'pornographic' book assigned to 14-year-old students at Texas school https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/pornographic-book-assigned-to-14-year-olds-at- texas-high-school-upsets-parents/ When Kids Are Home From School, Pornography Searches Increase 4700 https://www.netnanny.com/blog/pornography-searches-increase-4700-when-kids-are-out- of-school/ Los Angeles Times https://vvww.latimes.com > opinion > story) digital -boo... May 10, 2021 — ... about 500 words, readers generally perform better on comprehension tests with print passages. The superiority of print especially shines through ... As the pandemic drove a sudden, massive and necessary shift to online education last year, students were forced to access much of their school reading assignments digitally. Turning so heavily to screens for school reading was a temporary fix — and should remain that way. A wealth of research comparing print and digital reading points to the same conclusion — print matters. For most students, print is the most effective way to learn and to retain that knowledge long-term. When measuring reading comprehension, researchers typically ask people to read passages and then answer questions or write short essays. Regardless of the age of the students, reliably similar patterns occur. https://vvww.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-05- 10/digital-books-reading-learning-pandemic Durbin in Senate Judic Hearing re Big Tech's Failure to Protect Kids from Sexual Exploitation Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsPGAO3LnGM 33 The Kids Online Safety Act is designed to ensure children aren't presented harmful content when they are on social media. But some advocacy groups are concerned about censorship. We explore the different sides of this bill. And a local mother shares how a social media challenge forever changed her family and explains how the Kids Online Safety Act may have helped her daughter. https://www.pbs.org/video/exploring-potential- impacts-of-the-kids-online-safety-act-rgk1 ed/ OPINION SECTION. Monday, June 3, 2019 TODAY OC REGISTER STORY 06-23-19 UNDER FUNDING K-12 EDUCATION. THE REAL QUESTION SHOULD BE IS HOW MUCH DO WE SPEND ON STUDENTS' EDUCATION ONLY TO FIND OUT IT WILL BE STILL SEVERELY IMPACTED FROM TO MUCH SCREEN TIME CAUSING ISSUES OF CHARACTER, DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY CREATING MORE IEP STUDENTS THUS INCREASING STATES BUDGET, SCHOOL VIOLENCE, BULLYING, INCREASES SUICIDES,THIS WILL HAVE ADVERSELY EFFECT ON EDUCATION. SOCIAL MEDIA SCREEN TIME SHOULD BE NO MORE THAN TWO HOURS PER DAY,THOSE UNDER TWO NONE OVER TWO ONE HOUR PLEASE SHE MY WEBSITE HERE IS A QUOTE FROM GGUSD "The district is grateful to the State Treasurer's Office for providing this creative funding avenue that is enriching classroom experiences across California," said Teri Rocco, board of education vice president. "We know that when you put technology in the hands of our students, it takes learning to a higher level and inspires deeper understanding than a (False statement)text book can provide. "Patton Elementary School Wins $25,000 for New Technology. THE STATE OF UTAH WHICH OUR FAMILY OWNS A RANCH WHERE SCHOOLS STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGE TO READ A LOT OF BOOKS. IN ONE TV NEWS STORY STUDENTS READ TO A DOG THAN TO THEM SELF, TEST SCORES IN READING ARE MUCH HIGHER THAN AVERAGE WITH. NO REAL EXPLANATION AS TO WHY. BOOKS READING IS VITAL TO ONES EDUCATION,TECHNOLOGY IS A BIG LIBRARY ON THE GO BUT IT DOESN'T REPLACE OUR COUNTIES LIBRARY SYSTEMS STUDENTS NEED THE EDUCATION HOW TO USE LIBRARY'S, READING BOOKS AS A TOOL OF KNOWLEDGE VS OVER CONSUMPTION USING SOCIAL MEDIA SCREEN TIME PER DAY NO MORE TWO HOURS CAUSING INCREASE MENTAL ILLNESS SUICIDES THUS.GGUSD QUOTE " it takes learning to a higher level and inspires deeper understanding than a text book can provide."TODAY OCREGISTER-CA.NEWSMEMORY.COM Patton Elementary School Wins $25,000 for New Technology. Monday, June 3, 2019 34 Edit Image California State Treasurer Fiona Ma visited Patton Elementary School last week to present the school with a $25,000 check for new technology. After the check presentation, Treasurer Ma joined with the school's staff and approximately 950 students to duck tape Patton Principal Jennifer Carter and Assistant Principal Julie Kawai to the wall. Patton Elementary School was one of only three schools across California to receive an over -sized check for $25,000 as part of the Treasurer's 2019 Scholar Dollar Program. The school -wide duck -taping event was promised to students for winning the competition. Scholar Dollar Program winners are selected based off the number of online votes they receive. Patton received an impressive 14,512 votes, more than any California school that participated in the competition. "The district is grateful to the State Treasurer's Office for providing this creative funding avenue that is enriching classroom experiences across California," said Teri Rocco, board of education vice president. "We know that when you put technology in the hands of our students, it takes learning to a higher level and inspires deeper understanding than a text book can provide." Flase below. 35 {That's a GGUSD school board member claiming technology. it takes learning to a higher level and inspires deeper understanding than a text book can provide." {That's a GGUSD school board member claiming technology https://www.ggusd.uslnewslpatton-elementary-school-wins-25-000-for-new-technology LETS TEACH THE VALUE TO OUR CHILDREN HOW TO USE A COUNTY LIBRARY'S. TO ENRICH THEIR EDUCATION BY TAKEN A FILED TRIPS SO CAN EXPLORE AND HOW THEY CAN BENEFIT FROM THE VAST ROWS OF BOOKS OF KNOWLEDGE .THE VALUE OF READING CREATES IMAGINATION IN ONE MIND OF COLORS,SEEING A VAST OCEANS, MOUNTAINS STIMULATING YOUR ENTIRE MIND WITH DREAMS COMPARED WITH TECHNOLOGY THAT LIMITS IMAGINATION.WHERE BOOKS PROVIDE TO MAINTAIN A HEALTH MIND FUNCTIONING SCREEN TIME HAS BEEN PROVEN TO CAUSE MANY MEDICAL NEGATIVE CONDITIONS. According to Google Analytics, pornography searches increase by 4,700% when kids are using the internet in the hours after school ends. Like it or not, teens are using their devices to access pornography on a regular basis in today's technology driven society. Where previous generations were cautious of a stolen Playboy magazine, current parents are looking for guidance on how to shield their teens from the ever available, internet pornography. The average child is now accessing pornography at the age of 11 - and that is much younger than the legal age for viewing such material. Unfortunately, the access to adult content is easy and is available in a couple clicks. Even though most mature and pornographic sites have a pop-up warning away minors, there is nothing to stop them from clicking the 'over 18' button and viewing inappropriate material. https://www.netnanny.com/blog/pornography-searches-increase-4700-when-kids-are-out- of-school/ After reviewing this body of text to recommend AB 1432 use of smart phones with SB- 1283 is flawed by not addressing pornography on school busses, smartphones, bullying, crimes Since a recent news report points out a shortage of funds and staff to address mental health SB 1283 2024 wants to inspect smartphones when the limit resource of staff and police officers be better served by banning smartphone under 14 years old the State of Florida has and the Gov says working well. AB 3216-2024 with SB-1283 state the date effective as well as the harm when look at CA State Child abuse welfare code 300 (C) and We as a state have not recognize the harm social media with Federal and State Child abuse laws the have direct relationship to current crises CA Welf & Inst Code Section 300 The child is suffering serious emotional damage, or is at substantial risk of suffering serious emotional damage, evidenced by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or untoward aggressive behavior toward self or others, as a result of the conduct of the parent or guardian or who has no parent or guardian capable of providing appropriate 36 care. A child shall not be found to be a person described by this subdivision if the willful failure of the parent or guardian to provide adequate mental health treatment is based on a sincerely held religious belief and if a less intrusive judicial intervention is available. https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtmI?sectionNum=300.&la wCode=WIC Federal legislation provides guidance to States by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that define child abuse and neglect. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 51069), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: "Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm." This definition of child abuse and neglect refers specifically to parents and other caregivers. A "child" under this definition generally means a person who is younger than age 18 or who is not an emancipated minor. I'm opposed to CA State Assembly AB 3216 -2024 as its currently written it has serious flaws with time to be affective, the language is weak compared to other states language 7 This bill would instead require, no later than July 1, 2026, require the governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school to adopt to, by July 1, 2026, develop and adopt, and to update every 5 years, a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones while the pupils are at a schoolsite or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school, as provided. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would constitute a state -mandated local program.https://leg info. legisiature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240 AB3216 I'm opposed to CA State SB 1283, as amended, Stern. Pupils: use of smartphones and social media. the language is weak compared to other states language https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biilTextClient.xhtm,? SB 1283, as amended, Stern. Pupils: use of smartphones and social media. SECTION 1. Section 48901.7 of the Education Code is amended to read: 48901.7. (a) (1) The governing body of a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school may adopt a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones or social media, or both, while the pupils are at a school site or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school. 37 It would be better served to recognize the brain development how curtailing the consumption brings what written in many books to Digital Detox, Screen Strong Teens Discussing A Smartphone free Childhood. The Screen Stronq Chall Screen Detox for Kids & Teens According to the Washington Post, a 2018 study found that the more time that kids were spending on their smartphones, their happiness decreased. The interesting part is that even though kids were not nearly as happy, they were doing everything in their power to find more time to spend on their smartphones.Jul 5, 2022 https://www.moms.com/kids-happier-healthier-without- screens/#:-:text=According%20to%20the%2OWashington%20Post,to%20spend%20on%2 Otheir%20smartphones. Teens who spend less time in front of screens are happier — up to a point, new research shows https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2018/01/22/teens-who- spend-less-time-in-front-of-screens-are-happier-up-to-a-point-new-research-shows/ CA State is seriously flawed with SCR 73 Blue light 2019 causes mental illness and by not protecting the eyes from sleep deprivation, myopia, work comp claims. The lack awareness precludes from State license board to address the over health effects to address the addiction, SB 976 2024 identified the cause yet. How will we address the great gap in our CA State? passes? Laws without factoring in the need training to mirror the health crisis. CA State has overlooked its child abuse laws with Federal what you are witness a breakdown of not recognizing the description in the body of language of both clearly show social media at the current crisis to not educated to limit time bring action with child abuse laws. Both AB 3216 smartphone and SB 1263 be enacted now to ban them until age of 14-year- old to ban during school hours. THANK YOU CRAIG A. DURFEY 38 5/25/24, 9:42 AM Gmail - Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pu... G ma i I Craig A Durfey Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pupils: use of smartphones: Bullying. 4 messages Wed, May 22, 2024 at 12:15 PM To: clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov, David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov, GGEA President <president@ggea.org>, Assemblymember.Davies@assembly.ca.gov, ADAM.BOMAN@asm.ca.gov, assemblymember.quirk-silva@assembly.ca.gov, hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov, Teresa Pomeroy <teresap@ggcity.org>, response@ocgov.com, REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov, senator. nguyen@senate.ca. gov, senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov, SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov, Christopher.Aguilera@asm.ca.gov, Walter Muneton <walter.muneton@ggusd.us>, Dina Nguyen <dina.nguyen@ggusd.us>, Superintendent@cde.ca.gov, kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov, SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov, sbe@cde.ca.gov, publiccomment@anaheim.net, ocbe@ocde.us, pr@abc7.com, Ddbarnes@ocsd.org, assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov, Teri Rocco <teri.rocco@ggusd.us>, 'T'FOX11 NEWS@FOXTV.COM\"" <fox1l news@foxtv.com>, Fourth District@bos.lacounty.gov, Nick Dibs "\"TIPS@NBCUNI.COM\"" <TIPS@nbcuni.com>, Gabriela Mafi <gmafi@ggusd.us>, Supervisor Doug Chaffee <Fourth.District@ocgov.info>, Supervisor Andrew Do <Andrew.Do@ocgov.com>, communityrelations <communityrelations@ggcity.or >, communications cde.ca. ov, Tanya. Lieberman@asm.ca.gov, Senator.Allen@senate.ca.gov, SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov, Jim Tortolano superintendent@sdcoe.net, press@ltg.ca.gov, Chelsea. Kelley@asm.ca.gov, Debbie. Look@asm.ca.gov, Marguerite. Ries@asm.ca.gov, lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov, chinook.shin@sen.ca.gov, kcalnews@cbs.com has shared a OneDrive file with you. To view it, click the link below. Q Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pupils use of smartphones.msg 05-22-2024 (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/C REC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27. pdf To whom it may concern. CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pupils: use of smartphones: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9f7a8e7f10&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1799781456211651651 &simpl=msg-f:179978145621165165... 1 /9 5/25/24, 9:42 AM Gmail - Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pu... (a) There is growing evidence that unrestricted use of smartphones by pupils at elementary and secondary schools during the school day interferes with the educational mission of the schools, lowers pupil performance, particularly among low - achieving pupils, promotes cyberbullying, and contributes to an increase in teenage anxiety, depression, and suicide. (b) In September 2018, France adopted a nationwide smartphone ban in all primary and middle schools in order to promote pupil achievement and healthy social development. (c) The London School of Economics and Political Science published a May 2015 study that found that test scores improved significantly at schools that banned mobile phone use, and that the most significant gains in pupil performance were made by the most disadvantaged and underachieving pupils. The study concluded that "schools could significantly reduce the education achievement gap by prohibiting mobile phone use in schools." (d) Dr. Jean Twenge, who is a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, published a book in 2017 entitled `°iGen," which presents evidence of an increase in depression and suicide among American teenagers that may be caused by increased mobile device screen time and social media use. According to Dr. Twenge, 8th grade pupils who spend 10 or more hours per week on social media are 56 percent more likely to describe themselves as unhappy than those who devote less time to social media. Moreover, teenagers who spend three hours per day or more on electronic devices are 35 percent more likely to demonstrate risk factors for suicide, such as suicidal ideation, and teenagers who spend five or more hours per day on their devices are 71 percent more likely to demonstrate a risk factor for suicide. CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pupils: use of smartphones: These two pieces of legislation flawed to what field research has shown many schools don't want to enact such as the Garden Grove Unified School District they took a popular survey from the community as to ban cell phones. As the result they the School Board elect to leave it with no real verbiage just pass down to the principles. Many news stories across the internet of children being bullied having cell phones during school hours reported Ringgold School District is cracking down on cell phone use, prohibiting students from using them while at school or on district property in hopes to reduce fights and cyberbullying, KDKA reported: Research shows a pattern where reported bullying is reported to the school to then be ignored as such children are come committing suicide at a very young age, above a PDF Testimony from a hearing U.S. Senate a by partisan action to Protect our children online further below is the full hearing https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee-activity/hearings/protecting-our-children- online A mother spoke how her son was given a cell phone during his high school where he was bullied then they family found him dead by hanging himself. What is bullying? Troubling map reveals the staggering number of schools that are s Troubling map reveals the staggering number of schools that are soft on troublemakers - so are YOUR kids in danger. In a press release, the district said its school police department documented 56 criminal incidents last year where students used their cell phones to plan fights, harass other students and vandalize school property. The district also said that the communication between students on phones included planning I'vaping gatherings" in school bathrooms and other criminal mischief, the CBS News affiliate reported. A new school policy introduced in the Ringgold School District is cracking down on cell phone use, prohibiting students from using them while at school or on district property in hopes to reduce fights and cyberbullying, KDKA reported. "in an effort to curb this trend, a new electronic device policy has been enacted for the 2022-2023 school year," the release said. In the new policy, students will no longer be able to use their phones in classrooms, locker rooms, bathrooms or on the school bus. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9f7a8e7f10&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1799781456211651651 &simpl=msg-f:179978145621165165... 2/9 5/25/24, 9:42 AM Gmail - Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pu... According to the district website, "The Board prohibits use of electronic devices by students during the school day in district buildings; on district property; on district buses and vehicles; and during the time students are under the supervision of the district." Additionally, the school board said it's adopting the policy, "in order to support an education environment that is orderly, safe and secure for district students and employees."Some parents agree with the new policy. https://www. pen n I ive.com/news/2022/08/this-pa-school-d istrict-is-banning-cel l-phones-in-the-hopes-of-red ucing-fights-a nd-cyberbu I lyi ng. htmi. Protecting Our Children Online Thank you, Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Graham, and members of the committee. My name is Kristin Bride. I am a survivor parent and social media reform advocate, and member of the bipartisan Council for Responsible Social Media. am testifying here today to bring a face to the harms occurring every day resulting from the unchecked power of the social media industry. This is my son Carson Bride with beautiful blue eyes, an amazing smile, and a great sense of humor, who will be forever 16 years old. As involved parents raising our two sons in Oregon, we thought we were doing everything right. We waited until Carson was in 8th grade to give him his first cell phone, an old phone with no apps. We talked to our boys about online safety and the importance of never sending anything online that you wouldn't want your name and face next to on a billboard. Carson followed these guidelines. Yet tragedy still struck our family. https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee-activity/hearings/protecting-our-children-online Bullying is repetitive, intentionally aggressive behavior — in person or online — that causes hurt or discomfort to another person. Bullying comes in many forms: violent or unwanted physical contact, behavior meant to provoke a fight or confrontation, verbal comments meant to belittle, demean or control, or other kinds of actions with the intent of harassing, humiliating or otherwise causing emotional and/or physical discomfort. Bullying may feel and be unprovoked, and victims often experience powerlessness to defend themselves. Even if the interaction is brief, bullying often causes more than momentary physical or emotional discomfort. According to the American Psychological Association, being the recipient of bullying, especially if repeated, can contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Victims of bullying often have trouble adjusting to school, feel unhappy or unsafe, experience loneliness and withdrawal, and can even have thoughts of suicide. They're also more likely to be rejected by their peers. Types of bullying While cyberbullying and offline bullying happen in different ways, they're both destructive to the victims: • Off line bullying is bullying in person in the form of physical threats or violence and/or verbal taunts, threats or insults. • Cyberbullying is bullying online, in the form of emails, instant messages, or social media posts. Bullying is unfortunately quite common, especially online. The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey' found that nearly 1 in 4 high school students experience in -person bullying or aggression; this is significantly higher for girls and for LGBTQ+ students and students questioning their sexual identity. Cyberbullying is even more common than offline bullying. About 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online and 30% have had it happen more than once. And, it's quite common for youth being bullied offline to also be bullied online. In -person bullying and cyberbullying often overlap — students may start rumors or fights online and continue the aggressive behavior in schools or community settings where they encounter each other in person. Conversely, bullying behavior may start in person and then continue in online spaces. Rumors, veiled insults, purposely excluding someone, and even dirty looks or nonverbal cues are all forms of covert bullying. It's not only common to be a victim of bullying as an adolescent, engaging in bullying behavior is also quite common; 23% of students in a large national study reported that they've said or done something mean or cruel to another person online, with https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9f7a8e7f10&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1799781456211651651 &simpl=msg-f:179978145621165165... 3/9 5/25/24, 9:42 AM Gmail - Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pu... 27% reporting that they've experienced the same from someone else. ' Basile, K. C., Clayton, H. B., DeGue, S., Gilford, J. W., Vagi, K. J., Suarez, N. A., ... & Lowry, R. (2020). Interpersonal Violence Victimization Among High School Students —Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019. MMWR supplements, 69(1), 28. Eel What are the signs of bullying? It's important to recognize the signs of bullying — for ourselves and others — so that we can take action when someone we know or love is being bullied. According to stopbullying.gov this can manifest or show up in many different ways including: • Unexplained injuries • Missing or destroyed clothing or possessions • Frequently feeling or faking sick • Suddenly skipping meals or binge eating; kids may come home from school hungry because they didn't eat lunch • Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares • Declining academic performance or interest • Unexplained or sudden social avoidance or loss of friendships • Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem • Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, self -harm, or suicidal ideation In partnership with Instagram, JED has created a Pressure To Be Perfect Toolkit, aimed at helping to free us from the pressure of thinking we need to conform to a certain set of standards when we post. It also helps you move from a mindset of comparing yourself with others to one where you're thoughtfully sharing yourself with others to make your time on Instagram more intentional and rewarding. What makes someone vulnerable to bullying? Anyone can be bullied, but there are some conditions and characteristics that increase risk especially, when students are different than most of their peers and they don't feel they belong.Certain situations or risk factors can make someone more likely to be targeted: • Kids who are bullied at home by siblings are more likely to be targeted at school according to the APA • HigherADHD symptoms are associated with bullying victimization • Girls are more likely than boys to be both victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying, with 15% of teen girls having been the target of at least four different kinds of abusive online behaviors (compared with 6% of boys) • About half of LGBTQ+ students experience online harassment — a rate higher than average • Bullying behaviors often stem from wide forms of harassment/discrimination such as religion, ableism, homophobia, racism, classism, etc. Causes for bullying Anyone can engage in bullying behavior. Many of us have the experience of being more aggressive or of using less than kind tactics to get what we want at some point in life, often when we're young and learning about relationships. Most of us, however, learn from these experiences and figure out how to advocate for what we want or express anger in healthier ways. Sometimes, people feel so unable to ask for what they want or need or have so much pent up anger or anxiety, that they abuse or manipulate other people. It's unsurprising then that people who engage in bullying regularly tend to have low self- esteem, low academic achievement, and symptoms of anxiety. Research also shows that the most significant predictor for bullying is an environment that allows for bullying and/or which creates difficult or intolerable psychological conditions in the person who bullies. This includes: • Family members' involvement in gangs • Poor parental supervision • Parental conflict • Domestic violence • Low parental communication • Lack of parental emotional support • Authoritarian parenting • Inappropriate discipline • Parental abuse Children of single parents, especially when relationships with the parent are strained or distant, are also at risk of becoming perpetrators of bullying, as are boys suffering from depression. Recognizing bullying People who've been bullied are also at heightened risk of bullying and vice versa, depending on other personal and life characteristics. For example, in a study of over 3,000 7th grade students, bullying victims with higher self-esteem were more likely to engage in future bullying perpetration, whereas victims with lower self-esteem were less likely to bully in the future. While none of us want to think that we would ever be the bully, it's important to note that someone engaging in bullying may not recognize it as bullying, despite how clear it may be to others. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9f7a8e7f10&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1799781456211651651 &simpl=msg-f:179978145621165165... 4/9 5/25/24, 9:42 AM Gmail - Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pu... So what are some signs that we might be doing the bullying? • Often feeling resentful, jealous or like we're not getting the recognition we deserve. • Struggling with empathy and becoming aggressive when we're unhappy with someone; this could be loud or quiet (e.g., passive aggression) • Upsetting people around us — causing them to be agitated or tearful in reaction to our moods and behaviors. From an emotional health perspective, perpetuating bullying is associated with anxiety, depression, susceptibility to peer pressure, endorsement of "masculine" traits, conduct problems, antisocial personality traits, and callous -unemotional traits. But this cycle doesn't have to continue and there are ways to get help and cope. If you think you're being bullied or think you're a bully, check out our How to Cope with Bullying article. And if you need help immediately, text "START" to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Take the self -evaluator. Are you a student? Find mental resources on your campus. Are you an educator? Bring mental health curriculum to your school. You're Not Alone https://jedfoundation.org/resource/understanding-bu llying/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaig n=2023-10-05-Bullying%2OAwareness%2OMonth%20Email- The%20J ED%20Team-General&utm_content=2023-10-05-Bullying%20Awareness%20Month%20Email-The%20J ED%20Team-General+Cl D_ 2c471 a6726005b9558cca6bb03b04cc1 &utm_source=Campaign%20Mon itor&utm_term=October%20is%20Bullying%20Awareness%20Month https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9f7a8e7f10&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1799781456211651651 &simpl=msg-f:179978145621165165... 5/9 5/25/24, 9:42 AM Gmail - Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pu... e� BULLYING CYBERBULLYIN,M 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online 23% lin4 high school students experience in -person bullying or aggression of students reported that they've said or done something rnean or cruel to another person online Look at this: Tennessee high school student pepper sprays teacher in video 27% of students reported that someone has said or done something mean or cruel to them online The student can be seen slowly walking up behind her teacher before spraying him on the left side of his face, sending him to his knees in the hallway at Antioch High School in Nashville https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1 2060643/Tennessee-hig h-school-student-pepper-sprays-teacher-confiscated-phone. html?ito=emai I_share_a rticle- image-share DallasNews.com: Richardson ISD may place new restriction on secondary student cellphone use https://www.daIIasnews.com/news/2022/08/08/richardson-isd-may-place-new-restriction-on-secondary-student-cellphone-use/+ https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9f7a8e7f10&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:l 799781456211651651 &simpl=msg-f:179978145621165165... 6/9 5/25/24, 9:42 AM Gmail - Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pu... A California high school found students' cellphones too distracti State lawmakers introduce bill to limit cellphone use in schools Kids are using phones in class, even when it's against the rules. This Pa. school district is banning cell phones in the hopes of r Washington, Ringgold districts ban cellphone use during school da State lawmakers introduce bill to limit cellphone use in schools. As will see from this letter that children suffer from too many hours from social media, they become unable to access social skills exercise, past generations it was normal to leave the house to play while learning social skills. Schools reported in the Daily Mail Troubling map reveals the staggering number of schools that are soft on troublemakers - so are YOUR kids in danger? https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1 3426175/map-schools-kids-danger-progressive-woke-justice-discipline.html CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pupils: use of smartphones: Recommend amending to insert two provision SCR-73 Blue Light Awareness Day.(2019-2020) https://Ieginfo.legislature. ca.gov/faces/bilINavClient.xhtml?bill—id=20192020OSCR73 Secondly to require a form certified number receipt requiring any CA State school district with a child or parents who has reported a bullying incident to prevent misconduct. To prevent suicides by training to recognize 51925 This education code provides the opportunity for local Collaborate with your county office of education with various experience hopefully will review what has been published to address gaps from algorithm creating dopamine addictions from to long usages from screen time. Thank You Craig Durfey https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9f7a8e7fl O&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1799781456211651651 &simpl=msg-f:179978145621165165... 7/9 5/25/24, 9:42 AM Gmail - Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pu... Founder of P.R.D.D.C. 3 attachments 20190SCR73 97 (1).pdf J� 182K . U.S. SENATE FEB 23 Hearing on Protecting Our Children Online 2023-02-14 - Testimony - Bride (3).pdf 268K 20190AB272_95 (2).pdf 179K Craig A Durfey Wed, May 22, 2024 at 12:26 PM To: JOE.PAK asm.ca.gov, PIO Department <pio_department@ggusd.us>, Jeffrey Layland <jlayland@ggusd.us>, Gabriela Mafi <gmafi@ggusd.us>, Craig A Gabriel Hsu <ghsu@ocde.us> [Quoted text hidden] https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9f7a8e7f10&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:l 799781456211651651 &simpl=msg-f:179978145621165165... 8/9 5/25/24, 9:42 AM Gmail - Understanding Bullying under CA State Assembly Bill AB 3212 Pupils use of smart phones prior bill AB 272 Muratsuchi. Pu... 3 attachments 20190SCR73_97 (1).pdf 182K U.S. SENATE FEB 23 Hearing on Protecting Our Children Online 2023-02-14 - Testimony - Bride (3).pdf 268K 20190AB272_95 (2).pdf 179K Craig A Durfey Wed, May 22, 2024 at 12:42 PM To: SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov, Craig A Durfey alejandro.cardenas@mail.house.gov, alexis.hamel@mail.house.gov [Quoted text hidden] 3 attachments 20190SCR73_97 (1).pdf 182K n U.S. SENATE FEB 23 Hearing on Protecting Our Children Online 2023-02-14 - Testimony - Bride (3).pdf 268K 20190AB272_95 (2).pdf 179K Craig A Durfey Thu, May 23, 2024 at 2:32 PM To: wanda.cherif@sausd.us, Craig A Durfey [Quoted text hidden] 3 attachments 20190SCR73_97 (1).pdf 182K .,� U.S. SENATE FEB 23 Hearing on Protecting Our Children Online 2023-02-14 - Testimony - Bride (3).pdf 268K 20190AB272_95 (2).pdf 179K https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9f7a8e7f10&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1799781456211651651 &simpl=msg-f:179978145621165165... 9/9 AB 2657 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 23, 2024 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PRIVACY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Rebecca Bauer -Kahan, Chair AB 2657 (Arambula) — As Amended March 21, 2024 SUBJECT: Social Media Commission SYNOPSIS A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control points to a significant deterioration in high school students' mental health in the decade between 2011 and 2021. During that time, the percentage of male high school students who had experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year increased from 21 % to 29%. For female students, the increase over the same period was tragically higher, from 36% to 57%. A number of studies suggest that social media use may be a contributing factor to young people's deteriorating mental health. This bill, co -sponsored by Public Health Advocates and Children's Movement Fresno, proposes to establish the Social Media Commission (commission) for the purpose of bringing together experts and stakeholders young people who use social media, educators, parents, and content experts in social media, technology, and mental health —to provide a comprehensive report with formal recommendations for regulation of social media as it relates to child and adolescent mental health and well-being. Proponents argue that a broad diversity of perspectives will result in more well-rounded recommendations to guide the Legislature. There is no opposition on file. This bill was previously heard by the Assembly Health Committee, where it passed 15-0. SUMMARY: Establishes the commission and tasks it with producing a comprehensive report for regulating social media as it relates to child and adolescent mental health and well-being. Specifically, this bill: 1) Establishes the commission for the purpose of bringing together a diverse group of experts and invested stakeholders to provide a comprehensive report with formal recommendations for regulation of social media as it relates to child and adolescent mental health and well- being. 2) Requires the commission to be composed of seven subcommittees, each with five total members, including one subcommittee chair. Requires each subcommittee chair to be responsible for leading meetings and writing the subcommittee recommendation reports. 3) Requires the subcommittee chairs to consist of the following: a) The Secretary of California Health and Human Services, or the secretary's designee, who shall serve as the chairperson and as subcommittee chair of one of the subcommittees. b) Two subcommittee chair members, appointed by the Governor. c) Two subcommittee chair members, appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. d) Two subcommittee chair members, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. AB 2657 Page 2 e) Requires all appointees to have appropriate knowledge and experience regarding social media, or other relevant expertise. 4) Requires subcommittees to consist of the following: a) A subcommittee of parents, divided into two groups: i) Requires the first group to consist of parents of children eight to 12 years of age, inclusive; and, ii) Requires the second group to consist of parents of children 13 to 17 years of age, inclusive. b) A subcommittee of adolescents 13 to 17 years of age, inclusive; c) A subcommittee of educators, divided into two groups: i) Educators of pupils in second grade to fifth grade, inclusive; and, ii) Educators of pupils in sixth grade to twelfth grade, inclusive. d) A subcommittee of researchers with expertise that collectively covers the following subject areas: i) Communication; ii) Human development; iii) Psychology; iv) Neuroscience; v) Pediatrics; vi) A subcommittee of media and technology experts in the following subject areas: vii) Computer science; viii) Data privacy; and, ix) User experience researchers; e) A subcommittee of policy experts in the following subject areas: i) Communication law; ii) Policy research; and, iii) Economics; f) A subcommittee of mental health professionals, consisting of the following: AB 2657 Page 3 i) Therapists; ii) Psychiatrists; and, iii) Addiction specialists. 5) Requires the commission to meet for the first time on or before March 30, 2025, and to convene meetings at least quarterly at locations that are easily accessible to the public. 6) Requests the University of California to send, prior to the initial subcommittee meeting, an informational briefing to each committee's members for review that contains a summary document containing all of the following: a) A list and description of proposed, enacted, and failed legislation by each state relating to social media and child or adolescent well-being; b) A review of other countries' existing legislation relating to social media and child or adolescent well-being; c) A review of research on the outcomes of enacted legislation on adolescent social media use and mental health; d) A description of the goals and processes of the commission; and, e) A description of the legislative process with respect to the commission's purpose. 7) Requires subcommittees to meet a minimum of two times prior to the first commission -wide chairs' meeting. 8) Requires, during the first commission -wide chairs' meeting, each subcommittee chair to share the thoughts of their respective committee and receive feedback from the group. 9) Requires a final subcommittee meeting to occur following the commission -wide chairs' meeting to discuss any new information or recommendations from other committees. Requires, at this final subcommittee meeting, subcommittees to draft their official recommendation report. 10) Requires, at a final commission -wide chairs' meeting, subcommittee chairs to create a summary of recommendations that will be sent to commission leaders to draft a final report. 11) Permits the commission to establish advisory committees that include members of the public with relevant knowledge and experience that support stakeholder engagement and an analytical process by which key design options are developed. 12) Requires the commission and each advisory committee to keep official records of all of their proceedings. 13) Requires, on or before April 1, 2026, the commission to submit a report to the Legislature and the Governor that includes both of the following: AB 2657 Page 4 a) A summary and analysis of the robust, multidisciplinary research and current regulatory practices regarding child and adolescent social media use and mental health with special consideration for parental, youth, and industry perspectives; and, b) A formal set of policy recommendations for legislators on how to effectively regulate social media to enhance youth safety and well-being. Authorizes the recommendations to include identifying areas where further investigation is needed to provide ongoing governance recommendations, particularly as technology and research in adolescent well- being co -evolve. EXISTING LAW: 1) Establishes the California Health and Human Services Agency. (Gov. Code § 12806.) 2) Defines "social media platform" as a public or semipublic internet-based service or application that has users in California and that meets both of the following criteria: a) A substantial function of the service or application is to connect users in order to allow them to interact socially with each other within the service or application. (A service or application that provides email or direct messaging services does not meet this criterion based solely on that function.) b) The service or application allows users to do all of the following: i) Construct a public or semipublic profile for purposes of signing into and using the service or application. ii) Populate a list of other users with whom an individual shares a social connection within the system. iii) Create or post content viewable by other users, including, but not limited to, on message boards, in chat rooms, or through a landing page or main feed that presents the user with content generated by other users. (Bus. & Prof. Code § 22675(e).) FISCAL EFFECT: As currently in print the bill is keyed fiscal. COMMENTS: 1) Background. When the Centers for Disease Control released its Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report 2011-2021 earlier this year, the report's findings resonated nationwide. Among the most concerning results were the following: In the decade between 2011 and 2021, the percentage of male high school students who had experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year increased from 21 % to 29%. For female students, the increase over the same period was tragically higher, from 36% to 57%. • In 2021, 22% of high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide during the past year. AB 2657 Page 5 • In 2021, 42% of high school students felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks in a row that they stopped doing their usual activities. Female students were more likely than male students to experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.' The connection between findings such as these and teens' increased use of technologies such as smartphones and social media applications is increasingly the subject of both research and legislation. A meta -analysis of 20 research studies published worldwide between January 2010 and June 2020 revealed that "while social media can create a sense of community for the user, excessive and increased use of social media, particularly among those who are vulnerable, is correlated with depression and other mental health disorders. ,2 And regulation of social media platforms, with an eye to ensuring children's well-being online, has been a topic of significant bipartisan interest in the Legislature for several years. In 2022, concerns about children's health and its connection to their online activity prompted this Committee and the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee to hold a joint informational hearing on the topic of "Protecting Kids Online: Challenges & Opportunities in a Digital World." One of the most notable points made in the informational hearing background paper was the difficulty of disentangling the benefits from the harms of youths' online activity, and the consequent nuance that is required when policymaking in this area: Though the harms of digital technology are substantial, they are not insurmountable, and are particular to certain types of content, patterns of internet use, and design features. Adequately addressing online media that are problematic to the wellbeing of young people could accordingly allow children to utilize the considerable advantages online media provide over traditional media without endangering their mental and physical health.3 2) Author's statement. According to the author: The promise of social media was to build virtual communities that would bring people together to share information and ideas. In many ways, this promise has been fulfilled. Some platforms have billions of users and act as a digital thread connecting friends and families. Unfortunately, social media companies have abused their position as facilitators of some of the most personal human interactions by prioritizing screen time and profits over the mental health of their users. Social media's addictive design exacerbates compulsive and obsessive behaviors detracting from real -world in -person engagement and contributing to social isolation. Children and adolescents who use social media should be safe from harm. AB 2657 will identify ways to counteract the intentionally addictive design of social media platforms by establishing a commission to investigate the methods used by social media companies and to The full report maybe found athttps://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/Tdf/YRBS Data-SummanL- Trends_Report2023_508.pdf. 2 Ulvi, et al., Social Media Use and Mental Health: A Global Analysis, Epidemologia (Jan. 11, 2022), available at hLtps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36417264/. ' The background paper for the informational hearing (background paper), is available at https://privacycp.assembly.ca.gov/sites/privacycp.assembly.ca.gov/files/Back rg ound�032922pd£pdf. AB 2657 Page 6 make recommendations on how to prevent future impacts on the mental health of children and adolescents. 3) Analysis. Under this bill, the commission, by April 1, 2026 must submit to the Legislature and Governor a report that includes both of the following: • A summary and analysis of the robust, multidisciplinary research and current regulatory practices regarding child and adolescent social media use and mental health with special consideration for parental, youth, and industry perspectives. • A formal set of policy recommendations for legislators on how to effectively regulate social media to enhance youth safety and well-being. The recommendations may also include identifying areas where further investigation is needed to provide ongoing governance recommendations, particularly as technology and research in adolescent well- being co -evolve. The commission is composed of seven subcommittees, each with five members. These subcommittees involve a diverse array of experts and stakeholders —young people who use social media, educators, parents, and content experts in social media, technology, and mental health. These subcommittees can provide the commission perspectives arising from lived experience and expertise, leading to a well-rounded set of conclusions that should assist the Legislature in formulating policy to help young people engage with social media in healthier ways. According to Youth Leadership Institute, which supports the bill, "[y]outh, parents, researchers, teachers, and government officials are deeply concerned of the safety and well-being of our community. Oftentimes individually we may feel isolated in our worries and solutions are out of reach. Through this approach, this will unify stakeholders and build human -centered approaches to solutions and recommendations." Oakland Privacy, in support of the bill, adds: The commission proposed under AB 2657 will complement other initiatives by the state legislature to reduce harms caused by social media. The commission is an opportunity to address social media harms on teens through a holistic approach, with engagement from various stakeholders including youth. Youth's perspectives and participation in the discussions and decision -making process is essential and has been implemented in other systems that can impact youth, such as foster youth in the child -welfare system. To ensure that the fullest array of voices are represented, the author may also wish to consider ensuring that the experts and stakeholders have diverse personal backgrounds reflective of California as a whole. Additionally, it should be noted that this Committee recently passed a similar bill, AB 1282 (Lowenthal, 2023), which would require a similar report from the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. To avoid duplicative efforts, the author is encouraged to work with the author of AB 1282 to find a common approach. 4) Related legislation. AB 1282 (Lowenthal, 2023) requires the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission on or before July 1, 2026 to report to the relevant policy committees of the Legislature a statewide strategy to understand, communicate, and AB 2657 Page 7 mitigate mental health risks associated with the use of social media by children and youth. AB 1282 is currently pending on the Senate Inactive File. AB 2390 (Arambula, 2024) establishes the Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program. The bill is pending in this Committee. ARGUMENTS INSUPPORT. Co-sponsor Pubic Health Advocates writes: While most people will have a positive experience on social media platforms, there are also risks. Young people spend considerable time daily on social media — averaging 4.8 hours per day — and through a combination of the content they encounter and social media replacing or competing with other activities, 37% of young people describe social media as a major and direct contributor to depression and anxiety. This is higher than traditional adolescent stressors of family and community expectations (18%), school pressure (16%) and bullying (8%). As the risks are receiving greater attention, there is nationwide momentum to pass legislation to protect youth on social media. It is incumbent upon the state of California to review existing data and develop evidence -informed strategies to protect young people online. AB 2390 establishes a commission to investigate the methods used by social media companies and to make recommendations on how to prevent future impacts on the mental health of children and adolescents. The design of this commission will ensure input from young people who use social media, educators, parents, and content experts in social media technology and mental health to fully consider the experience and existing research to develop recommendations to guide the California legislature. The American Academy of Pediatrics writes: Current laws such as the Cyberbullying Protection Act and the Online Violence Prevention Act have been important in regulating social media platforms. However, the rapidly evolving landscape of social media demands a more comprehensive approach that considers the profound impact these platforms have on the mental health and well-being of young people. The proposed Social Media Commission offers a promising solution by bringing together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to provide formal recommendations for the regulation of social media. By including subcommittees composed of parents, adolescents, educators, researchers, and subject matter experts, the commission ensures that a wide range of perspectives and experiences will be considered in the decisionmaking process. The commission's focus on child and adolescent mental health and well-being is particularly crucial, given the growing body of research linking excessive social media use to various negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and cyberbullying. By empowering the Secretary of California Health and Human Services to chair the commission, AB 2657 demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of our youth. I commend the efforts of the bill's sponsors in recognizing the importance of proactive measures to address the challenges posed by social media platforms. AB 2657 Page 8 REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION: Support Public Health Advocates (co-sponsor) Youth Leadership Institute (co-sponsor) American Academy of Pediatrics, California Oakland Privacy Opposition None on file Analysis Prepared by: Josh Tosney / P. & C.P. / (916) 319-2200 5/25/24, 11:39 PM Bill Text-AB-2390 Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program. 7 11� 1 LEGISLATIVE INFORNI:I,TION Home Bill Information California Law Publications Other Resources My Subscriptions My Favorites AB-2390 Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program. (2023-2024) SHARE THIS: Date Published: 03/22/2024 04:00 AM AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 21, 2024 ASSEMBLY BILL CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 2023-2024 REGULAR SESSION Introduced by Assembly Member Arambula February 12, 2024 NO. 2390 An act to add and repeal Division 21 (commencing with Section 27000)-t-e of the Health and Safety Code, relating to social media. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 2390, as amended, Arambula. . Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program. Existing law regulates social media platforms, through various acts, including the Cyberbullying Protection Act, that requires a social media platform to, among other things and subject to specified exceptions, disclose all cyberbullying reporting procedures in the terms of service and the Online Violence Prevention Act that requires a social medial platform to, except as specified, clearly and conspicuously state whether it has a mechanism for reporting violent posts that is available to users and nonusers of the platform. Existing law establishes the California Health and Human Services Agency, which includes various state departments charged with the administration of health, social, and other human services. This bill would establish, until December 31, 2029, the Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program and would require the California Health and Human Services Agency to designate a nonprofit organization to undertake the responsibilities of the program. The bill would require the program to do various specified tasks, including recommending statewide standards for the use of online social networks by kindergarten and grades 1 to 12 pupils, inclusive, and would require the program to coordinate with existing laws regulating social media platforms to ensure consistency and avoid duplication of effort. Vote: majority Appropriation: no Fiscal Committee: yes Local Program: no https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biIINavClient.xhtmI?bill_id=202320240AB2390 1 /2 5/25/24, 11:39 PM Bill Text - AB-2390 Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Division 21 (commencing with Section 27000) is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: DIVISION 21. Social Media Harm Reduction 27000. (a) The Legislature finds and declares both of the following: (1) Despite the potential benefits to society of online social networks, there is substantial evidence that tools designed to increase time spent on these networks result in adverse mental health impacts, especially among elementary and middle school pupils. (2) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish the Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program to comprehensively examine the adverse mental health impacts associated with the use of online social networks by kindergarten and grades 1 to 12 pupils, inclusive, and to intervene as needed to prevent or mitigate those impacts. (b) The Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program is hereby established. (c) The California Health and Human Services Agency shall designate a nonprofit organization to undertake the responsibilities of the program. (d) The program shall do all of the following: (1) Develop model educational materials and methods to leverage existing peer -to -peer support programs to inform pupils about the harms of social media, foster the development of healthy social media habits among pupils, and create a supportive environment in which they may do so. (2) Evaluate the impact of those educational materials and methods and the peer -to -peer support program through the establishment of statewide learning communities. (3) Recommend statewide standards for the use of online social networks by kindergarten and grades 1 to 12 pupils, inclusive. (4) Define best practices for expansion of the program. (e) The program shall coordinate with existing laws regulating social media platforms, including, but not limited to, the Cyberbullying Protection Act (Chapter 22.2.9 (commencing with Section 22589) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code) and the Online Violence Prevention Act (Title 1.81.46 (commencing with Section 1798.99.20) of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code), to ensure consistency and avoid duplication of effort. (f) This division shall remain in effect only until December 31, 2029, and as of that date is repealed. https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biIINavClient.xhtmI?bill_id=202320240AB2390 2/2 5/11/24, 10:51 PM Bill Text-AB-2390 Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program. 7 11� 1 LEGISLATIVE INFORNI:I,TION Home Bill Information California Law Publications Other Resources My Subscriptions My Favorites AB-2390 Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program. (2023-2024) SHARE THIS: Date Published: 03/22/2024 04:00 AM AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 21, 2024 ASSEMBLY BILL CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 2023-2024 REGULAR SESSION Introduced by Assembly Member Arambula February 12, 2024 NO. 2390 An act to add and repeal Division 21 (commencing with Section 27000)-t-e of the Health and Safety Code, relating to social media. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 2390, as amended, Arambula. . Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program. Existing law regulates social media platforms, through various acts, including the Cyberbullying Protection Act, that requires a social media platform to, among other things and subject to specified exceptions, disclose all cyberbullying reporting procedures in the terms of service and the Online Violence Prevention Act that requires a social medial platform to, except as specified, clearly and conspicuously state whether it has a mechanism for reporting violent posts that is available to users and nonusers of the platform. Existing law establishes the California Health and Human Services Agency, which includes various state departments charged with the administration of health, social, and other human services. This bill would establish, until December 31, 2029, the Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program and would require the California Health and Human Services Agency to designate a nonprofit organization to undertake the responsibilities of the program. The bill would require the program to do various specified tasks, including recommending statewide standards for the use of online social networks by kindergarten and grades 1 to 12 pupils, inclusive, and would require the program to coordinate with existing laws regulating social media platforms to ensure consistency and avoid duplication of effort. Vote: majority Appropriation: no Fiscal Committee: yes Local Program: no https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biIITextClient.xhtmI?bill_id=202320240AB2390 1 /2 5/11/24, 10:51 PM Bill Text - AB-2390 Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Division 21 (commencing with Section 27000) is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: DIVISION 21. Social Media Harm Reduction 27000. (a) The Legislature finds and declares both of the following: (1) Despite the potential benefits to society of online social networks, there is substantial evidence that tools designed to increase time spent on these networks result in adverse mental health impacts, especially among elementary and middle school pupils. (2) It is the intent of the Legislature to establish the Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program to comprehensively examine the adverse mental health impacts associated with the use of online social networks by kindergarten and grades 1 to 12 pupils, inclusive, and to intervene as needed to prevent or mitigate those impacts. (b) The Social Media Harm Reduction Pilot Program is hereby established. (c) The California Health and Human Services Agency shall designate a nonprofit organization to undertake the responsibilities of the program. (d) The program shall do all of the following: (1) Develop model educational materials and methods to leverage existing peer -to -peer support programs to inform pupils about the harms of social media, foster the development of healthy social media habits among pupils, and create a supportive environment in which they may do so. (2) Evaluate the impact of those educational materials and methods and the peer -to -peer support program through the establishment of statewide learning communities. (3) Recommend statewide standards for the use of online social networks by kindergarten and grades 1 to 12 pupils, inclusive. (4) Define best practices for expansion of the program. (e) The program shall coordinate with existing laws regulating social media platforms, including, but not limited to, the Cyberbullying Protection Act (Chapter 22.2.9 (commencing with Section 22589) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code) and the Online Violence Prevention Act (Title 1.81.46 (commencing with Section 1798.99.20) of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code), to ensure consistency and avoid duplication of effort. (f) This division shall remain in effect only until December 31, 2029, and as of that date is repealed. https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/biIITextClient.xhtmI?bill_id=202320240AB2390 2/2 SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Senator Anna Caballero, Chair 2023 - 2024 Regular Session SB 1504 (Stern) - Cyberbullying Protection Act Version: April 30, 2024 Policy Vote: JUD. 10 - 0 Urgency: No Mandate: No Hearing Date: May 13, 2024 Consultant: Liah Burnley Bill Summary: SB 1504 expands provisions of the Cyberbullying and Protection Act. Fiscal Impact: Unknown, potentially significant workload cost pressures (General Fund, Trial Court Trust Fund) to the courts to adjudicate civil actions brought to enforce this bill. It generally costs about $8,000 to operate a courtroom for one eight -hour day. It is unknown how many additional civil actions would be brought as a result of the implementation of this bill. Consequently, if additional cases filed under the provisions of this measure that otherwise would not be available under existing law take 50 or more hours of court involvement, the cost pressures of this measure to the courts would surpass the Suspense File threshold. While the superior courts are not funded on a workload basis, an increase in workload could result in delayed court services and would put pressure on the General Fund to increase the amount appropriated to backfill for trial court operations. For illustrative purposes, the Governor's 2024-25 state budget proposes $83.1 million ongoing General Fund to continue to backfill the Trial Court Trust Fund for expected revenue declines. Background: Existing law, the Cyberbullying Protection Act (the Act), requires social media platforms, as defined, to disclose their cyberbullying reporting procedures and to implement a reporting mechanism for the reporting of cyberbullying between pupils as well as other conduct that violates the platform's terms of service. The reporting mechanism must allow, but not require, an individual to upload a screenshot of the content that contains cyberbullying or violates the terms of service. The Attorney General is authorized to bring suit against platforms for intentional failure to comply and seek a $7,500 per day, per violation civil penalty. Proposed Law: • Expands provisions of the Cyberbullying and Protection Act to cover all minors, not just pupils. • Expands the Act to include conduct committed by any person, not just pupils. Requires the social media company's mechanism to report cyberbullying to be prominently displayed within its internet-based service and to include all of the following: o Allows an individual to upload a screenshot of the content that contains cyberbullying or violates the terms of service related to cyberbullying; SB 1504 (Stern) Page 2 of 3 o Includes a method of contacting a reporting individual in writing by a method, including a telephone number for purposes of sending text messages or an email address, chosen by the reporting individual and that is within the control of the social media platform; o Provides, within 36 hours of receipt of a report, written confirmation to the reporting individual that the social media platform received that individual's report; and, o Issues a final written determination to the reporting user within 10 days of receiving the report, as specified. • Allows civil actions to enforce these provisions to be filed by any person, including but not limited to, a parent or legal guardian of a minor, who submits a report of cyberbullying to the social media platform, a city attorney, a district attorney, or county council, or by the Attorney General. • Increases the civil penalty from $7,500 to $75,000 for each violation. • Authorizes the award of attorney's fees and costs to prevailing party. Related Legislation: • SIB 976 (Skinner) would prohibit internet-based services and applications from offering addictive feeds, as defined, to minors under 18 without parental consent. SIB 976 is pending in this Committee. • SIB 1228 (Padilla) would require social media platforms to verify influential users and authorizes the AG to enforce these provisions. SIB 1228 is pending in this Committee. • SIB 1444 (Stern) would require social media platforms, as defined, to make third - party -accessible application programming interfaces to allow a third -party safety software provider, upon authorization by a child or a parent or legal guardian of a child, to manage a child's online interactions, content, and account settings and initiate secure transfers of the child's user data for these purposes, as provided. SIB 1444 is pending in this Committee. • AB 2879 (Low, Chapter 700, Statutes of 2022) established the Cyberbullying and Protection Act and requires a social media platform, as defined, to establish a reporting mechanism for the reporting of cyberbullying and other conduct that violates the platform's terms of service. • SIB 680 (Skinner, 2023) would have subjected social media platforms to civil liability for damages caused by their practices, affordances, designs, algorithms, or features, as provided. It provides a safe harbor where certain auditing SB 1504 (Stern) Page 3 of 3 practices are carried out. SB 680 was held under submission in Assembly Appropriations Committee. AB 1394 (Wicks, Chapter 576, Statutes of 2023), requires platforms to have mechanisms to report child sexual abuse material and to respond to reports in a timely manner by a method chosen by the reporting individual. -- END -- Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Saturday, June 1, 2024 6:18 PM To: Craig Durfey; Nick Dibs; Maureen Blackmun; 'PIO Department'; Gabriela Mafi; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; Teresa Pomeroy; Public Records Request; Assemblymember Davies; Public Comment; Devon Atkinson; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; CITY COUNCIL; Ryan Durfey; Third District@bos.lacounty.gov; PVazquez@StantonCA.Gov; Ho, David; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; Terra.Lawson- Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; press@ltg.ca.gov; ABC7 General Release; 'GGEA President'; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; Teresa Pomeroy; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; tthurmond@cde.ca.gov; sbe@cde.ca.gov; Assemblymember Davies; Walter Muneton; Ho, David; clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov; Pam Haddad; Christopher Aguilera; CITY COUNCIL; forrester_betty@lacoe.edu; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; COB -Response; ocbe@ocde.us; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; Don Barnes Subject: [EXTERNAL] Smartphones to be banned in Italian classrooms Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 06-01-2024 Craig Durfey To Whom it may concern. Smartphones to be banned in Italian classrooms. Lets support to call banning smartphones in schools in CA State and across the entire USA in schools. https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/02/23/smartphones-to-be-banned-in-itatian-classrooms Smartphones to be banned in Italian classrooms Phones and tablets can lead to aggression against staff and create tensions in schools, Italy's education minister Giuseppe Valditara claimed. Thank You Craig Durfey Susana Barrios From: d u rfeycra i Sent: Saturday, June 1, 2024 8:12 AM To: David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; 'GGEA President'; Assemblymember.Davies@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.quirk- silva@assembly.ca.gov; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; 'Teresa Pomeroy'; REPLOUCORREA@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; Don Barnes; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; JONATHAN@GGPD.ORG; GGDPIO@GGCITY.ORG; 'Dina Nguyen'; response@ocgov.com; 'Walter Muneton'; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; Public Comment; publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov; 'Teri Rocco'; Tanya.Lieberman@asm.ca.gov; Theresa Bass; 'Ryan Durfey'; lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov; 'Lan Nguyen';joel.anderson@sdcounty.ca.gov; assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov; Superintendent@cde.ca.gov; sbe@cde.ca.gov; assemblymember.fong@assembly.ca.gov; assembly.rules@asm.ca.gov; 'Supervisor Doug Chaffee'; FirstDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Podcast Device Detox Dr. Brenna Hicks with Parenting Solutions for Less Screen Time & More Memory Making Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 05-31-2024 (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. https://www.govi nfo.gov/content/pkq/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27. pdf To whom it may concern. If your kids are anything like mine they love playing on their devices, whether that's a phone, tablet, computer or video game console. After taking Dr. Brenna Hicks' course and reading her book Device Detox, my husband and I learned about the physiological, behavioral, and emotional dangers of too much screen time for kids. Using the techniques of Play Therapy found in her book we have managed to bring peace and less screen time to our own home. Listen in as Dr. Brenna shares some of the data behind these statements as well as strategies, tips, and tricks for getting your kids to choose making memories and being present over their beloved screens. https://rumble.com/v27cct5-device-detox-dr.-brenna-hicks-with-parenting-solutions-for- less-screen-time.html Thank You Craig Durfey N Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Tuesday, June 4, 2024 5:44 PM To: Craig Durfey; Public Comment; clerk@cityofirvine.org; TGOODBRAND@CITYOFIRVINE.ORG; "'TIPS@NBCUNI.COM"'; Terra.Lawson- Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; tpetropulos@cityofirvine.org; Third District@bos.lacounty.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; KTLA 5 News; CBS 2; "'TIPS@NBCUNI.COM"'; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Ho, David; Devon Atkinson; rosie.rosales@sausd.us; Christopher Aguilera; COB -Response; Ryan Durfey; Malibu Blue; Assemblymember Davies; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; assemblymember.muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov; Assemblymember Fong; assemblymember.friedman@assembly.ca.gov; lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Read this: Colon cancer crisis in young people could be fueled by booming drinks brands adored by teens Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Colon cancer crisis in young people could be fueled by booming drinks brands adored by teens They are used by millions of workers to power through afternoon slumps. But highly caffeinated energy drinks could be partly fueling the explosion of colorectal cancers in young people. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13493163/red-bull-colon-cancer-crisis-young- people.html?ito=email_share_a rticle-bottom Most Read Articles: Colon cancer crisis in young people could be fueled by booming drinks brands adored by teens https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13493163/red-bull-colon-cancer-crisis-young- people.html?ito=email_share_article-bottommost-read-articles Why eating one chip is like smoking a cigarette: DR CATHERINE SHANAHAN reveals the vegetable oils hidden in everyday foods that could be linked to serious disease https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13489439/vegetable-oils-hidden-foods-ill-DR-CATH ERIN E- SHANAHAN-eating-chip-smoking-cigarette.html?ito=email_share_article-bottommost-read-articles CDC recommends using antibiotic as a 'morning after pill' for STDs - to halt epidemic of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13493103/cdc-morning-pill-std-epidemic-syphilis- chlamydia-gonorrhea.html?ito=email_share_article-bottommost-read-articles Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Monday, June 3, 2024 9:10 PM To: Craig Durfey; Teresa Pomeroy; 'PIO Department'; Public Comment; Public Records Request; PVazquez@StantonCA.Gov; press@Itg.ca.gov; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; Stephanie Klopfenstein; clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov; Walter Muneton; Devon Atkinson; Ho, David; Nick Dibs; District 1 com m u n ity@sdcou nty.ca.gov; HollyJMitchell@bos.lacounty.gov; Pam Haddad; Malibu Blue; Marshall.Kirkland@asm.ca.gov; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; Gabriel Hsu; Teri Rocco; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; Assemblymember Davies; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; assemblymember.muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov; Assemblymember Fong; 'PIO Department'; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; Kim Nguyen; Lan Nguyen;jonathan@ggpd.org; joel.anderson@sdcounty.ca.gov; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; Don Barnes; Craig Durfey Subject: [EXTERNAL] Screen Time and Eye Health: Is There a Connection? Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSNI: Screen Time and Eye Health: Is There a Connection? - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/screen-time-and-eye-health-is-there-a- connection/ar- AA1 bA1 LO?ocid=socialshare&pc=DCTS&cvid=d6a30475680047c88239c1 df8f654603&ei=82 Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Saturday, June 8, 2024 4:10 PM To: Craig Durfey; Ryan Durfey; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; forrester_betty@lacoe.edu; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; Christopher Aguilera; Assemblymember Fong; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; Terra.Lawson- Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; Public Records Request; Teresa Pomeroy; ThirdDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; ABC7 General Release; KTLA 5 News; CBS 2; FOX11 NEWS@FOXTV.COM; "'TIPS@NBCUNI.COM"'; Assemblymember Davies; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; assemblymember.muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.friedman@assembly.ca.gov; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; Don Barnes; Public Comment; 'PIO Department'; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Adults who had difficult childhoods are not receiving sufficient mental health care, finds California study Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Adults who had difficult childhoods are not receiving sufficient mental health care, finds California study - https://www.msn.com/en- us/health/other/adults-who-had-difficult-childhoods-are-not-receiving-sufficient-mental-health-care- finds-california-study/ar- BB1 msd9o?ocid=socialshare&pc=DCTS&cvid=ddf8a1 bc2a8e47a3a7f9070e34ff7d04&ei=13 Susana Barrios From: d u rfeycra ig Sent: Saturday, June 8, 2024 10:29 PM To: cpca@californiapolicechiefs.org; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; Don Barnes; sbe@cde.ca.gov; Superintendent@cde.ca.gov; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; 'GGEA President'; Assemblymember.Davies@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.quirk- silva@assembly.ca.gov; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; 'Teresa Pomeroy'; REPLOUCORREA@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; 'Dina Nguyen'; response@ocgov.com; 'Walter Muneton'; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; 'Dina Nguyen'; 'Devon Atkinson'; ocbe@ocde.us; Public Comment; publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; 'Bob Harden'; lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov; 'Lan Nguyen'; 'Gabriel Hsu'; 'Gabriela Mafi'; GGDPIO@GGCITY.ORG; JONATHAN@GGPD.ORG; Christopher.Aguilera@asm.ca.gov; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; Tanya.Lieberman@asm.ca.gov; 'Nick Dibs'; assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov; ABC7 General Release; 'Supervisor Doug Chaffee'; "'FOX11 NEWS@FOXTV.COM"'; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; Theresa Bass; KCAL 9; 'Supervisor Andrew Do'; 'communityrelations'; joel.anderson@sdcounty.ca.gov;jonathan.peterson@sen.ca.gov; 'Jeffrey Layland'; Istephaniek'; 'George Brietigam'; 'Kim Nguyen'; cindyt@ggcity.org; 'Teri Rocco'; 'Bob Harden'; 'Lan Nguyen'; KTLA 5 News Subject: [EXTERNAL] Press release The dangers of energy drinks can be fatal -especially for teens/A little-known ingredient in energy drinks was thrust into the spotlight this week after scientists theorized it may partly explain a rise in colon cancer in young ... Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 06-08-2024 (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkq/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf 06-08-2024 PRES S RELEASE (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkq/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf Governor Gavin Newsom: 1021 O Street, Suite 9000: Sacramento, CA 95814; Phone: (916) 445-2841 District Attorney, Todd Spitzer Orange County District Attorney 300 N Flower St, Santa Ana, CA 92703 Office of the Attorney General 1300 "1" Street Sacramento, CA 95814-2919. Phone: (916) 445-9555 ; 455 Golden Gate, Suite 11000 Attorney General's Office California Department of Justice Attn: Public Inquiry Unit - P.O. Box 944255 - Sacramento, CA 94244-2550. Sheriff -Coroner Don Barns 550 N. Flower Street Santa Ana, CA 92703 z Sergeant Frank Gonzallez # 2383 Orange County Sheriff Dept CA Orange County Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs Association. CA California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) PO Box 255745 Sacramento, CA 95865 United States Congresswomen Steel CA U.S. Senators Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent California Department of Education 1430 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814-5901 Ca State Assembly Ta Tri Ca State Senate Janet Nguyen Ca State Senate Tom Umberg To whom it may concern. To whom it may concern. Energy Drink linked to Causing colon cancer in young people, such as driving children to compete to Esports using legal stimulant's Energy Drink. As an example, Modesto City Schools 426 Locust St Modesto, CA 95351 Phone: (209) 574-1500 All Elementary Schools will have an Expanded Learning Esports program that includes Minecraft EDU Esports Nintendo Switch Console Games Smash Bros. Game Under Federal laws Child Abuse and Neglect Definition: § 51069), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: "Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation'; or. May 9, 2023State are required https://www.hhs.gov/answers/programs- for-families-and-children/what-is-child- abuse/index.html#:-:text=Child%20Abuse%20and%20Neglect%20Definition&text=%C2% A7%205106g)%2C%20as%20amended%20by,sexual%20abuse%20or%20exploitation%22 3 %3B%20or and another example link https://www.usef.org/forms- pubs/7aQrApxjOUk/training-resourcey---federal-state The action of Schools permitting Esports is driving children to use legal stimulants energy drinks as well health and safety considering many studies medical harm. Yet who will enforce are child abuse laws with current deficiency awareness by training those are responsible to recognize to report to when schools seriously flawed to create Epidemic a book called The Anxious Generation how the great rewiring of childhood an epidemic of mental illness. To Digital Madness: How Social Media Is Driving Our Mental Health Crisis --and How to Restore Our Sanity where page 28 to 29 that esports was so addictive the U.S. Military hired Dr. Nicholas Kardaras is at the forefront of psychologists sounding the alarm about the impact of excessive technology on younger brains. In Glow Kids, he described what screen time does to children, calling it "digital heroin". Now, in Digital Madness, Dr. Kardaras turns his attention to our teens and young adults and looks at the mental health impact of tech addiction and corrosive social media. PAGE 29 soldiers were playing esports during a marathon during that time infants were being neglected to the extent death occurred they had to created special death certificate . South Korea wrestles with inability to unplug Video games are practically a national pastime, but mental health experts see cause for alarm GAMERS AT an esports cafe in Seoul. Concerns over video games' effects have led South Korea to consider listing "gaming disorder" as a disease. Video games are practically the national pastime, played by the majority of adults and more than 90% of adolescents. Rising concerns over the effects of games on mental health have been met with skepticism and disdain by the $13-billion gaming industry. The debate intensified in May after the World Health Organization officially added "internet gaming disorder" to the 2022 edition of its International Classification of Diseases, which sets global standards for diagnosis. That was a welcome development to many of South Korea's mental health professionals, who say the classification will broaden understanding of the problem and improve treatment. They point to multiple incidents of gamers dying after playing for days with little food or sleep. In 2009, a couple became so consumed by games that they allowed their infant daughter to die of malnutrition — landing them in prison for negligent homicide. The South Korean government, which has assembled a panel of experts and industry insiders to study the issue, could add gaming disorder to its own diagnostic Korean Standard Classification of Diseases as soon as 2025. 4 Studies conducted primarily in Asia "suggest that when these individuals are engrossed in internet games, certain pathways in their brains are triggered in the same direct and intense way that a drug addict's brain is affected by a particular substance," the organization said in a 2013 brief. "The gaming prompts a neurological response that influences feelings of pleasure and reward, and the result, in the extreme, is manifested as addictive behavior." Dr. Allen Frances, who chaired the task force that oversaw the production of a past edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the bible of U.S. psychiatry, tweeted that recognizing gaming disorder could help some people but also carries the risk of mislabeling "millions of normal recreational gamers." Though there are support groups for sex addicts and food addicts, gambling is the only behavioral addiction recognized in current U.S. or international diagnostic manuals. South Korea has long been at the vanguard of concern about addiction to video games. In 2011, the country passed the so-called Cinderella Law requiring games to include automatic shutdown for children 15 or younger after midnight. Most teens quickly found workarounds using VPN connections or signing on as their parents. Los Angeles Times - eNewspaper (latimes.com) : "I just played whenever I felt empty and depressed," he said as a 10-minute countdown clock flashed. His grandmother has been traveling an hour and a half every day, taking a bus, a train, then another bus to visit him. She often finds herself thinking back to his elementary school days, when a soccer coach suggested that her grandson had talent and that she should sign him up for lessons. The family couldn't afford it — but now she wonders whether it would have made all the difference Los Angeles Times - eNewspaper (latimes.com) Earlier this year, a half -dozen students from City Hill Middle School in Naugatuck, Connecticut traveled with their science teacher Katrina Spina to the state capital to testify in support of a bill that would ban sales of energy drinks to children under the age of 16. Having devoted three months to a chemistry unit studying the ingredients in and potential health impacts of common energy drinks —with brand names like Red Bull, Monster Energy, and Rockstar—the students came to a sobering conclusion: "Energy drinks can be fatal to everyone, but especially to adolescents," 7th-grader Luke Deitelbaum told state legislators. "Even though this is true, most energy drink companies continue to market these drinks specifically toward teens." A 2018 report found that more than 40% of American teens in a survey had consumed an energy drink within the past three months. Another survey found that 28% of adolescents in the European Union had consumed these sorts of beverages in the past three days. This popularity is in marked contrast to the recommendations of groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine, who say youth should forgo these products entirely. These recommendations are based on 5 concerns about health problems that, although rare, can occur after consumption, including seizures, delirium, rapid heart rate, stroke, and even sudden death. A US government report found that from 2007 to 2011, the number of emergency department visits involving energy drinks more than doubled, to nearly 21,000. Of these, approximately 1,500 were children aged 12 to 17, although the number of visits from this age group increased only slightly over the four years. How bad are energy drinks like Red Bull for teens? (qz.com) Home of Caffeine Scientist, Author, and Speaker Green Eyed Guide Should energy drinks be banned? Let's look at energy drink laws in the US and other countries. Watch the video below for a review of energy drink bans the US has tried, as well as energy drink bans and laws in the UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. In this three-part series, we'll talk about whether energy drink bans are good or bad, what has been tried in the US, and the bans or restrictions in other countries. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids can have 0-100 mg caffeine per day. Technically, caffeine recommendations are per bodyweight but some kids weigh more than some adults and personally, I don't believe your weight defines you as a person. So let's just say if you're under 18, you get 0-100 mg caffeine, from all sources. So we're not just talking about Red Bulls and Rockstars, it's also Caramel Macchiatos and Mountain Dews. Oh sure, you want to ban Red Bull, but don't you dare come after my Pumpkin Spice Latte. A standard can of Red Bull has 80 mg caffeine. A Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte has almost twice the caffeine — 150 mg. A Grande brewed coffee from Starbucks - over 300 mg caffeine - that's more than 3 Red Bulls. We can't just ban energy drinks. Caffeine is the key ingredient doing all the work. The other so-called energy drink ingredients don't come close to affecting your body the way caffeine does. If we really want to protect kids from caffeine, we need to consider a ban on all sources of caffeine. Any ban on energy drinks needs to consider all sources, because energy drinks aren't the only place kids are getting their caffeine. The Department of Nutritional Sciences at Penn State found that less than 10% of the caffeine drinkers under 18 get their caffeine from energy drinks. Out of 10 kids, 8 of those get their caffeine from soda, 3 of those 10 get their caffeine from coffee, 5 of those 10 get their caffeine from tea, and 1 out of 10 get their caffeine from energy drinks. know this adds up to more than 10 kids, but these 10 kids are allowed to drink more than one thing. If we really want to protect kids from caffeine, we can't just focus on the 10%. We can help all of them. https://greeneyedguide.com/2019/05/11/energy-drink-bans/ Children are fueling marathon gaming sessions with 'dangerous' stimulants that have DOUBLE the caffeine of Red Bull and are promoted by YouTube stars like KSI and FaZe Jarvis Gaming supplements sold to children on Amazon contain up to 200mg caffeine Equivalent of six cans of Coke, two -and -half cans of Red Bull or three espressos Required no proof of age to purchase despite energy drinks ban in UK for U-16s Experts slammed the companies for encouraging kids to stay up all night gaming Using YouTube stars like KSI and eSports players to promote to young audiences. Too much caffeine can cause headaches, irritability, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain and poor sleep. Leading experts have slammed manufacturers for sidestepping the UK's energy drink laws and encouraging youngsters to stay up all night playing video games. The government banned under-16s from purchasing them in a crackdown on the hyper- caffeinated products in June. Energy drinks were said to trigger adverse behaviour in pupils at school and home, leaving teachers and parents to deal with the fallout. Ian Hamilton, an addictions lecturer at the University of York, said: 'There is clearly a mismatch between the regulations and the reality. 'The regulations restrict access of these products to those under the age of sixteen, but these restrictions are easily side-stepped as children are able to access these products through known online retailers. 'The government needs to consider extending the current legislation beyond physical retailers to online ones.' Mr Hamilton said youngsters consuming high amounts of these products regularly would crash hard and risk the chance of heart problems. He added: 'There will be a price to pay in the form of tiredness and irritability. This come down would have an impact on these young people's ability to function well at school, particularly if these drinks are used on a regular basis. 'Drinking [high amounts] significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular problems, something that many young people will be unaware of until it's too late. 'The psychological risk of developing gaming dependence is also elevated by using these drinks as they enable greater engagement and length of time spent playing. 'This could lead to a combined dependence on gaming and on these drinks, as children develop a tolerance to caffeine, needing greater quantities to get the same desired effect of improved concentration and mental stamina.' Companies that usually target gym -goers and bodybuilders are now using eSports players to promote them to their young audiences on Instagram. British YouTube star KSI, whose real name is Olajide William Olatunji, has advertised G Fuel products - which contain 140mg of caffeine per serving - to his 7.4million followers on Instagram. Seventeen -year -old Surrey -born Fortnite gamer FaZe Jarvis, 18, has also promoted the formulas to his 1.3million followers. The gamer, real name Jarvis Kaye, made headlines in October when he was permanently banned from playing the video game for cheating. Doug Martin, a professional Call of Duty player who is better known as FaZe Censor, has also flogged the G Fuel supplements to his 1.4million followers on Instagram. The products are packed with caffeine, taurine, vitamins, electrolytes and other A February 2018 study from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, found half of Canadian teenagers who consumed energy drinks reported negative side effects including a rapid heartbeat, nausea, and in rare cases, seizures. More recently, a November 2018 study from the University of Texas at Houston found that just one energy drink narrows blood vessels, which restricts blood flow to vital organs, and increases the risk of stroke and heart attacks. https://www.dailymaii.co.uk%health/article-7686397/Child-gamers-using-dangerously- powerful-stimulants-DOUBLE-caffeine-Red-Bull.html and https://www.bbc.com/news/uk- d12R7125 Children are fueling marathon gaming sessions with 'dangerous' stimulants that have DOUBLE the caffeine of Red Bull and are promoted by YouTube stars like KSI and FaZe Jarvis Revealed: The popular drinks that contain taurine - after ingredient was linked to colon cancer in young people 3 A little-known ingredient in energy drinks was thrust into the spotlight this week after scientists theorized it may partly explain a rise in colon cancer in young people. Taurine is an amino acid used in Red Bull to energize cells and improve mental clarity. However, scientists in Florida hypothesize that this ingredient could 'feed' harmful bacteria that have been 'over -represented' in the guts of people with colorectal cancer. However, this prediction is based on a small number of animal studies. Research published by the NIH states that 500 to 3,000 milligrams of taurine a day is safe (0.5 to 3 grams), though the European Food Safety Authority suggests that 6,000 milligrams (6 grams) is safe. Excess amounts could lead to vomiting, nausea, headache, and stomach pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, the amino acid has been shown to halt tumors from growing and spreading by as much as 44 percent. In others, it has been shown to prevent protective T cells from fighting cancers, allowing the disease to become more aggressive. While the amino acid is not actually used to build proteins in the body, like other amino acids are, it has a range of roles, including regulating the amount of calcium in nerve cells and controlling inflammation, among other things. Here are five of the most popular drinks containing taurine. Federal And State of California Definitions of Child Abuse Neglect Federal legislation provides guidance to States by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that define child abuse and neglect. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 51069), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/7aQrApxjOUk/training-resource-j--- federal-state and 9 "Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm." This definition of child abuse and neglect refers specifically to parents and other caregivers. A "child" under this definition generally means a person who is younger than age 18 or who is not an emancipated minor. While CAPTA provides definitions for sexual abuse and the special cases of neglect related to withholding or failing to provide medically indicated treatment, it does not provide specific definitions for other types of maltreatment such as physical abuse, neglect, or emotional abuse. While Federal legislation sets minimum standards for States that accept CAPTA funding, each State provides its own definitions of maltreatment within civil and criminal statutes. Did you notice that Federal law states that in order for the state to take your child/ren..... the harm must have been SERIOUS or the harm coming soon must be SERIOUS. The minimum harm done, or will be done to your child/ren MUST be SERIOUS. That Esports drive youth into stay awake As an example, awareness education with enforcement of Federal, State laws child abuse is paramount over the first amendment the child brain development is being compromised a quote from "President John F. Kennedy said technology 'has no conscience of its own. Whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man.' Yet swayed by digital -age myths, we are providing our children with remarkably little guidance on their use of technology." . It was Albert Einstein who famously said that once you stop learning, you start dying. It was Albert Einstein who famously said that once you stop learning, you start dying. it takes a village to save a child. Quotations by John F. Kennedy, "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future. With six and a half years advocating to raise awareness with field combined experiences, reading published books with posting two websites now begs the attention will those who are silent over many years will you now rise to voice concern of children crying for help only commit suicides, depression, blue light harm. 10 Thank You Craig A Durfey Founder of P.R.D.D.C. 11 Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Saturday, June 8, 2024 4:17 PM To: clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; Bob Harden; alexis.hamel@mail.house.gov; Supervisor Janice Hahn (Fourth District); senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Ryan Durfey; Craig A Durfey; Nick Dibs; PIO Department; Dina Nguyen; Devon Atkinson; KTLA 5 News; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; Teri Rocco; Teresa Pomeroy; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; alejandro.cardenas@mail.house.gov; assemblymember.friedman@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov; Christopher Aguilera; COB_Response; Public Comment; Theresa Bass; ocbe@ocde.us; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; SENATOR.ALLEN@SENATE.CA.GOV; senator.mim@senate.ca.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; Don Barnes; GGEA President; ABC7 General Release; TIPS@NBCUNI.COM; CBS 2; sjud.fax@sen.ca.gov; FOX 11 NEWS@FOXTV.COM Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: WSJ.com: How Broken Are Apple's Parental Controls? It Took 3 Years to Fix an X-Rated Loophole. Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: CRAIG DURFEY <no-reply(d)share.wsj.com> Date: Sat, Jun 8, 2024 at 4:01 PM Subject: WSJ.com: How Broken Are Apple's Parental Controls? It Took 3 Years to Fix an X-Rated Loophole. To: Trouble viewing this email? View in web browser > THE WALL STREET JOURNAL. 4 How Broken Are Apple's Parental Controls? It Took 3 Years to Fix an X-Rated Loophole. By Joanna Stern Apple's Screen Time continues to be marred by bugs that let its youngest users circumvent parental controls Read the Article > Related Articles Controversial Lawmaker Nan cv The Smart, Cheap Fix for Slow, Mace Fights for Her Political Life Dumb Traffic Lights ❑E Access WSJ.com and our mobile apps. Subscribe Dow Jones & Company, Inc. 4300 U.S. Route 1 North Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 Copyright 2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. I All Rights Reserved. Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Monday, June 10, 2024 12:02 PM To: Craig Durfey; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; Teresa Pomeroy; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; ThirdDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; tpetropulos@cityofirvine.org; Public Records Request; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; Public Comment; Public Comment; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; Christopher Aguilera; joel.anderson@sdcounty.ca.gov; JOE.PAK@asm.ca.gov; Peterson, Jonathan; jonathan@ggpd.org; 'GGEA President'; clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov; Ho, David; clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov; HollyJMitchell@bos.lacounty.gov; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; assemblymember.friedman@assembly.ca.gov; Assemblymember Davies; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; assemblymember.muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov; Assemblymember Fong; 'PIO Department'; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; Don Barnes Subject: [EXTERNAL] &#8216;Mental Health Is the Bipartisan Issue of Our Time&#8217;: Senators Launch Mental Health Caucus Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. A bipartisan group of 10 lawmakers has launched the Senate Mental Health Caucus to continue work on regulatory reform and help diminish the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. On Tuesday, Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced the caucus&#8217; early strategic efforts to ensure appropriate implementation of the Bipartisan Safer [&hellip;]: https://bhbusiness.com/2023/10/17/mental-health-is-the-bipartisan-issue-of-our-time-senators- launch-mental-health-caucus/ Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Monday, June 3, 2024 10:22 PM To: Craig Durfey; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; Ho, David; Districticommunity@sdcounty.ca.gov; Christopher Aguilera; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; Public Records Request; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; jonathan@ggpd.org;joel.anderson@sdcounty.ca.gov; JOE.PAK@asm.ca.gov; Joyce Rivero; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; 'Supervisor Andrew Do'; Public Comment; alexis.hamel@mail.house.gov; alejandro.cardenas@mail.house.gov; Assemblymember Davies; Assemblymember Davies; assemblymember.muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov; Assemblymember Fong; assemblymember.friedman@assembly.ca.gov; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV Subject: [EXTERNAL] Youngkin looks to put guardrails on collection of teenagers' online data Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Youngkin looks to put guardrails on collection of teenagers' online data https://www.vpm.org/news/2023-04-11 /general-assembly-civil-liability-internet-minors-bill The governor's proposal would require parental verification for children under the age of 18 to sign up for social media platforms or visit most websites. Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Thursday, June 6, 2024 11:00 AM To: Craig Durfey; Teresa Pomeroy; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; Third District@bos.lacounty.gov; tpetropulos@cityofirvine.org; Teri Rocco; Roxanne Evens [CA]; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; Public Comment; rosie.rosales@sausd.us; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; NMUSDBoardofEducation@nmusd.us; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; Devon Atkinson; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov;jonathan@ggpd.org; joel.anderson@sdcounty.ca.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; Don Barnes Subject: [EXTERNAL] Read this: Revealed: The popular drinks that contain taurine - after ingredient was linked to colon cancer in young people Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Revealed: The popular drinks that contain taurine - after ingredient was linked to colon cancer in young people As an upcoming trial suggests that taurine is linked to rising causes of colon cancer in young people, DailyMail.com reveals seven of the most popular drinks containing taurine. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13497931 /popular-drinks-taurine-colon-cancer- link.html?ito=email share article -bottom Most Read Articles: World Health Organization warns a NEW strain of bird flu has jumped to humans with 'potential for high public health impact'- as man in Mexico, 59, tests positive before dying from it https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13499189/world-health-organization-bird-flu-strain- humans.html?ito=email share article -bottom most -read -articles Intimate and embarrassing women's health problems answered by doctors - from lumps and itches to the red -flag signs of cancer you must not ignore https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13501595/Intimate-embarrassing-womens-health- problems-answered-doctors-lumps-itches-signs-cancer-not-ignore.html?ito=email_share_article- bottom most -read -articles Revealed: The popular drinks that contain taurine - after ingredient was linked to colon cancer in young people https://www.dailym a it.co.uk/health/article-13497931 /popular-drinks-taurine-colon-cancer- link.html?ito=email share article -bottom most -read -articles Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Friday, June 7, 2024 9:17 AM To: Craig Durfey; clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov; HoIIyJMitchell@bos.lacounty.gov; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; SH EA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; Christopher Aguilera; Assemblymember Davies; Public Records Request; Public Comment; Assemblymember Davies; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; assemblymember.muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov; Assemblymember Fong; assemblymember.friedman@assembly.ca.gov; forrester_betty@lacoe.edu; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Look at this: Sodas, juices and other drinks recalled by FDA over harmful chemicals Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. More than a million cans of Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder were pulled from shleves because they were suspected to be contaminated with the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13502023/sodas-drinks-recalled-FDA-harmful-cancer- chemicals.html?ito=email_share_article-image-share Most Read Articles Revealed: The 28 sodas, juices and other drinks recalled by FDA due to containing harmful ingredients and cancer chemicals https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13502023/sodas-drinks-recalled-FDA-harmful-cancer- chemicals.html?email_share_article-image-share most -read -articles Florida man's colon EXPLODES after coughing and sneezing at the same time in a diner - causing his intestines to fall out of his body https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13502845/Florida-patient-colon-explodes-sneezing- coughing.html?email_share_article-image-share most -read -articles Scientists find shocking new health issue in young sports stars after Bronny James, Reggie Lewis suffer cardiac arrest https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13502011 /blood-pressure-athletes-Bronny-James-Reggie- Lewis-cardiac-arrest.html?email_share_article-image-share most -read -articles Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Friday, June 7, 2024 3:25 PM To: Don Barnes; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; Jonathan@ggpd.org; GGEA President; ggpdpio@ggcity.org; PIO Department; Jim Tortolano; Teresa Pomeroy; Craig A Durfey; Public Comment; SENATOR.ALLEN@SENATE.CA.GOV; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; Walter Muneton; Teri Rocco; Dina Nguyen; Theresa Bass; Jeffrey Layland; lara.flynn@asm.ca.gov; Lan Nguyen; Bob Harden; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; Peterson, Jonathan; Pam Haddad; communityrelations; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov; rosie.rosales@sausd.us; assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: You're invited: Protecting kids online with Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Craig A Durfey Date: Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 3:17 PM Subject: Fwd: You're invited: Protecting kids online with Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal To: Craig A Durfey Nick Dibs <hauwie.tie(aasm.ca.gov>, ADAM.BOMAN(aASM.CA.GOV <ADAM.BOMANCaasm. ca. gov>, Christopher Aguilera <Christopher.Agui[era _ asm.ca.gov>, <David.Ochoa(a)sen.ca. gov>, Devon Atkinson <datkinson0bocde.us>, Assemblymember Quirk -Silva <assemblymember.quirk- silva _ assembly.ca.gov>, Ryan Durfey ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Common Sense <advocacy(a)commonsense-emaiLorg> Date: Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 12:01 PM Subject: You're invited: Protecting kids online with Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal To: C*-/)common sense Dear CRAIG, You're invited to a special conversation on Tuesday, June 18th at 11am PT to talk about the bills moving in California that will protect kids online. The bills we're championing would make the internet healthier and safer for young people and directly address the youth mental health crisis that is unfolding all around us. Here are the event details: WHO: Assemblymember Lowenthal and Common Sense Media WHAT: California legislation to protect kids online WHERE: This event will be on Zoom. Please register here WHEN: Tuesday, June 18th at 11am PT The bills that we support would hold social media platforms accountable for the harm they cause to children and teenagers and they would also prevent platforms from sending an addictive feed to a child, or notifications overnight, without parental permission. On this call, Assemblymember Lowenthal will give an overview of this legislation and what we can expect during the coming weeks. Please join us to find out more about how California can continue to be a leader in kids' safety and how you can help. We look forward to seeing you! Mikey Hothi Director of California Kids and Technology Policy Common Sense Media Get answers to FAQs Privacy policy Manage email preferences Common Sense Media 699 8th Street, Suite C150 San Francisco, California 94103 © 2024 Common Sense Media. All rights reserved. Unsubscribe Susana Barrios From: d u rfeycra i Sent: Monda , June 3, 2024 10:48 PM To: David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; 'GGEA President; Assemblymember.Davies@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.quirk- silva@assembly.ca.gov; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; 'Teresa Pomeroy'; REPLOUCORREA@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; 'Dina Nguyen'; response@ocgov.com; 'Walter Muneton'; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; 'Teri Rocco'; Superintendent@cde.ca.gov; Don Barnes; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Christopher.Aguilera@asm.ca.gov; sbe@cde.ca.gov; Public Comment; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; Tanya.Lieberman@asm.ca.gov; assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov; 'Nick Dibs'; 'Gabriela Mafi'; 'Supervisor Doug Chaffee'; lauren.robinson@asm.ca.gov; ocbe@ocde.us; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; Theresa Bass; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov Cc: 'GGEA President' Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lawmakers take a hard look at the dangers teens & kids can face online. Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 06-03-2024 (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkq/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf Lawmakers take a hard look at the dangers teens & kids can face online. Published: Feb. 14, 2023 at 2:59 PM PST WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are eager to discuss the future of social media and the internet as they seek to suppress the dangers children can face online. On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the issue that some lawmakers call a 'public health emergency.' They say what kids find while surfing the web can contribute to depression, eating disorders, cyberbullying, and thoughts of suicide. "The American consumer is virtually unprotected from the adverse effects of social media. That needs to, and I think, will change," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke at length about the bipartisan legislation they want Congress to pass. The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act would require additional online security tools and force social media companies to rethink their algorithms. "Big tech has relentlessly, ruthlessly, pumped up profits by purposefully exploiting kids and parents pain," said Sen. Blumenthal, adding, "we have to give kids and parents, yes both kids and parents, the tools, transperency, and guardrails they need to take back control over their own lives." Sen. Blackburn told the panel, "it is almost as if these social media platforms are operating in the days of the Wild West. And, anything goes. And when these children are on these platforms, they're the product. They're the product. Their data is taken. That data is monetized and then it is sold to the advertisers who are going to feed more information to these children." A recent Pew Research Center poll shows 46-percent of kids between 13 and 17 have experienced cyberbullying. Oregon mother, Kristin Bride testified to lawmakers at the hearing about the cyberbullying that she said led to the death of her son Carson. Bride is now a member of the Council for Responsible Social Media. "I woke to the complete shock and horror that Carson had hung himself in our garage while we slept. In the weeks that followed, we learned that Carson had been viciously cyber-bullied," she said. Emma Lembke, founder of the Log Off Movement & fellow member of the Council for Responsible Social Media, also spoke about the impact social media had on her life. She created her first social media accounts in the 6th grade. "As a 12-year-old, I was constantly comparing myself to others, quantifying my worth through likes, comments, and followers. And, as a young woman I was really exposed to unrealistic body standards that damaged my sense of self and led me to disordered eating," said Lembke. She said finally in the 9th grade she asked herself why she allowed apps to have so much control over her life. N "That breaking point led to a very long and difficult process of rebuilding my healthy relationship with tech that has led me here today to advocate not just for the healthier usage of tech but for lawmakers to regulate these companies to build safer online spaces for the next generation," she said. Concerned lawmakers believe a recent CDC report is evidence of the harm social media can cause. https://www.whsv.com/2023/02/14/lawmakers-take-hard-look-dangers-teens-kids-can- face-online/?outputType=apps Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Monday, June 10, 2024 9:00 PM To: Craig Durfey; ABC7 General Release; 'GGEA President'; "TIPS@NBCUNI.COM—; Ho, David; clayton.heard@asm.ca.gov; HoIIyJMitchell@bos.lacounty.gov; Gabriel Hsu; REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; KTLA 5 News; SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; Christopher Aguilera; Nick Dibs; 'PIO Department'; fgozalez@ocsheriff.gov; Don Barnes; Public Records Request; Teresa Pomeroy; Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov; terrywalker@iusd.org; Teri Rocco; Gabriela Mafi; Cherif, Wanda; Devon Atkinson; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; Nick Dibs; Dina Nguyen; Assemblymember Fong; FOX11 NEWS@FOXTV.COM; assemblymember.friedman@assembly.ca.gov; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; Third District@bos.lacounty.gov; HoIIyJMitchell@bos.lacounty.gov; Lan Nguyen; Public Comment; Theresa Bass; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; CITY COUNCIL; city clerk@cerritos.us; CityClerk@santa-ana.org; city@buenapark.com; CBS 2 Subject: [EXTERNAL] New York Passes Law to Protect Minors From "Addictive Feeds" on Social Media Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: New York Passes Law to Protect Minors From "Addictive Feeds" on Social Media - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/new-york-passes- law-to-protect-minors-from-addictive-feeds-on-social-media/ar- BB1 nWViz?ocid=socialshare&pc=DCTS&cvid=b353665e674641 e6bl 2ef2dl 4aad63cl &ei=147