In the News

Safety and Security in our Schools and Communities
Published in World Journal, November 7, 2011, written by Qiaolun Chen
English translation provided by Cecilia Mok

Original Chinese version available on the World Journal website.

The CAPA (Chinese American Political Association) Community Education Fund hosted an education forum at San Ramon Community Center on November 6, 2011. Among the guest speakers were County district attorney, judge, sheriff, fire official and school district commissioner. In their analysis of bullying in schools and community emergency response systems, these speakers examined the existing circumstances in our communities and provided their professional opinions in coping with these issues. Over 120 Asian and non-Asian residents attended the forum that went on with active participation and dynamic interaction.

With respect to the rising number of bullying incidents in schools, former San Ramon Unified School District Trustee Bill Clarkson stated that in addition to educating students about the meaning of bullying, teaching staff should keep a watchful eye on how well students relate to each other, and establish a communication channel for the effective delivery of anti-bullying messages and for victims to report incidents of bullying. Clarkson pointed out that bullying could take on many forms and go beyond the verbal ridicule and provocation or the physical assault and coercion. He suggested that parents should communicate with their children openly about bullying and allow them to freely express their emotions and share their experiences. In order to prevent cyber bullying as well as other potential forms of bullying behavior from happening, parents should always keep an eye out on children’s use of text messaging on cell phone and other exchanges in the social media.

San Francisco Assistant District Attorney Mike Menesini reminded residents that majority of thefts and robberies were committed by opportunistic criminals who exploited the vulnerability of the unprepared. When using their cell phones, many people fail to stay alert and aware of their surroundings and therefore they become easy targets of criminals. To combat identity theft, people should shred all documents containing sensitive personal information. When a crime occurs, one should report to the police immediately and keep a record of it.

San Ramon Valley Fire Chief Richard Price encouraged people to learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a life saving skill. It becomes most useful when someone’s life is on the line and a medical personnel is not nearby in an emergency.