Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Dimas public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in public safety
AED and CPR requirements on city fields (AB 310)
The field allocation policy would be updated to meet new state law (AB 310) requiring access to defibrillators and CPR training — a player-safety improvement at city sports fields.
Flock Safety mobile security trailer pilot
A one-year pilot would lease a mobile security trailer equipped with automatic license plate readers, with $35,000 appropriated. Supporters see a crime-deterrence tool; the technology raises privacy questions for some residents.
Halloween safety in San Dimas
Councilmembers urged drivers to slow down Halloween night, especially on the busy San Dimas Avenue strip between Bonita and Gladstone. City staff are checking crosswalks and sidewalks to keep trick-or-treaters safe.
Sexual assault awareness at San Dimas High School
Student leaders told the council they're organizing a November 19 panel with professionals to address sexual assault, harassment, and mental health after a recent crisis at the school.
Anticipated litigation (closed session)
The council met behind closed doors before the meeting on one lawsuit threat and gave staff direction. No details were disclosed and no action was reported.
Caltrans right-of-way conditions and encampments
Councilmember Vienna thanked staff and the sheriff's captain for meeting with residents about homelessness, and Councilmember Bratakos discussed proactive approaches near the train station learned at a regional conference.
Parental Access to Youth Incident Reports
Staff reviewed how the city's Kids Fun Club program handles incidents involving children, recommending the city keep telling parents at pickup, documenting the conversation, and handing them a note summarizing their child's involvement.
Zone Zero wildfire rules and defensible space
About 500-600 San Dimas homeowners are getting defensible space notices for the first time after the state updated its fire hazard severity maps. Protest deadlines run through March 5, with inspections in May.
E-bike safety concerns
The city pushed out e-bike law information after a spike in deadly crashes regionally; the mayor called e-bikes 'essentially motorcycles' and warned parents. Councilmember Bratakos noted riders must be 16 for scooters.
SGVCOG public safety grant extension
The council extended the deadline to spend the remaining $140,149 of a $200,000 public safety grant to June 30, 2026 — funding security cameras, drones, and emergency communication upgrades.
New sheriff's Community Action Team sergeant
The San Dimas Sheriff's Station introduced Sergeant Lawler as the new CAT team sergeant, working with code enforcement on quality-of-life issues; he replaces the departing Sergeant Kamal.
Public Safety Spending and the A-Line Fatality
A resident criticized the city's $9.5 million law enforcement spending and new bus stops, and Councilmember Vienna countered that public safety is under 29% of the general fund — below neighboring cities. The council also addressed a fatal vehicle-bicycle collision near the A-Line, urging safety from both drivers and cyclists.