Council Amends Contract for Increased Security at Jackie Robinson Center

The City Council on Monday approved a $143,570 contract with California Metro Patrol & EMS LLC for security services at the Jackie Robinson Community Center (JRCC).

In August, a $24,999 purchase order contract was issued to California Metro Patrol for the security services at JRCC for a pilot period.

“It has added another level of security and safety,” said Brenda Harvey-Williams, director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS).

According to Harvey-Williams, in September the Jackie Robinson Center reopened for seniors who come to the senior to take classes.

According to Harvey-Williams there have been no concerns or complaints from those patrons.

Youth classes are scheduled to open soon.

“We wanted to make sure the conditions were safe for those people,” she said.

The request for greater security presence at JRCC was sought by the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department after safety-related incidents took place at the JRCC as people seeking services at the center increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The contract will be amended from $24,999 to $143,570 and extended through June 30, the end of the fiscal year.

“The California Metro Patrol is making a positive difference at JRCC,” a report on the request states.

Staff said the amendment would help ensure the safety of city employees and program participants at JRCC.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a considerable increase in people seeking community-based services at the Jackie Robinson Community Center (JRCC). Over the last 14 months, there have been significant events that have compromised safety and property at JRCC. In October 2020, homeless encampments began popping up at the center. Last December a man seeking services set fire in a temporary trailer. In March, the city began removing the trailers. Two months later, a large fight erupted at the center. In June city employees were harassed and threatened and a security guard was assaulted in June.

“In-person programming has now returned to JRCC which allows senior participants to enjoy daily recreation and art classes,” according to a city staff report. “The presence of California Metro Patrol provides an added level of safety and security for staff and senior participants of line dancing, aerobics, dance, and art classes.

The JRCC offers various community services, including immigration, small claims, and applications for government assistance programs for youth, families and seniors.