SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMISSION

MINUTES

Simply Your Best

903 Pacific Avenue, Ste. 202

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Thursday, May 13, 2004, 5:30 p.m.

Commissioners Present:

Bob Lee, Chair Jim McMillin for Larry Biggam

Melissa Berrenge Amy Christey for Sheriff Mark Tracy

Linda Byrum Donna Lind

Lynn Harrison Linda Starn

Tom Kelly Michelle Finch

Heidi Simonson Charles Molnar

Gillian Greensite Francesca Raphael

Celia Organista Jenny Sarmiento

Commissioners Absent:

JoAnn Allen Ernesto Lopez Molina

Alan Hiromura (excused) Francine Nickell

Mary Simoni (excused) Dee O'Brien

Don Allegri Dixie Mitchell-Clow

Others Present:

Jennifer Pike - SCDAO Bill Butler - SCDAO

Jodi Harvey - Simply Your Best Jeanine Cowan - Simply Your Best

1. Call to Order.

Chair Lee called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.

2. Introduction of Members.

Commissioners and guests introduced themselves.

3. Consideration and Approval of Minutes of March 10, 2004.

On the motion by Lynn Harrison and seconded by Heidi Simonson, the March Minutes submitted by Jeanne Rodriguez were approved.

4. Additions and deletions to Agenda.

No additions or deletions made to the Agenda.

5. Oral Communications from the Community.

A. Update and Review of Public Comments from March 10, 2004.

Heidi Simonson provided an update on Ofelia Gomez, a survivor of domestic violence. The petition she filed with the immigration court was accepted and Ms. Gomez was granted U.S. citizenship.

Linda Byrum provided an update on Dawn Montgomery. Ms. Montgomery stated that she is grateful for the Commission's help. Although the individual has been expelled from school, she is still fearful.

B. Introduction to Batterer's Treatment Program - Simply Your Best.

Chair Lee introduced Jodi Harvey, Executive Director and Jeanine Cowan, Facilitator, of Simply Your Best. Ms. Harvey addressed the Commission with a presentation about their services. She stated that Simply Your Best is the newest abuse and violence prevention treatment facility in the county. She emphasized the fact that they are educational in nature and not a therapy group. Their structured format was designed to bring awareness to the participants in what constitutes abuse and the consequences of choosing to use abuse and/or violence. This is the basis of their 52 weeks Domestic Violence Intervention Program. Ms. Harvey stated that their facility interacts with many of the county agencies including probation and family court.

In response to several questions, Ms. Harvey stated that a strict attendance policy is enforced. Not too many participants are mandated. Approximately 20% of their clients are women, which recently increased due to the closing of another facility.

Gillian Greensite raised the question of publicity and asked if Simply Your Best would be open to her promoting the program on campus. Ms. Harvey welcomed the idea. Chair Lee suggested that the Sentinel Newspaper do a piece on Simply Your Best and their educational services. Donna Lind suggested reaching out more to teens in school and educating them now before abuse becomes a larger part of their day-to-day lives.

Amy Christey asked whether the program offers educational services for and about same sex couples. Ms. Harvey responded by saying that they do and they are trying to incorporate the issue into the groups more in an attempt to help change the cognizant behavioral education many of the participants have received.

Ms. Harvey informed the Commission that their fee schedule is on a sliding scale. This allows almost anyone to participate in the program when seeking help. Soon they will begin a Spanish curriculum. They have a bi-lingual facilitator working on interpreting their materials.

Myra Echevarria, a graduate of Simply Your Best, also made a presentation to the Commission about her experience s. Myra stated that she had been on both sides of the abuse cycle without realizing it at first. This type of behavior was accepted by her family members and seemed to be passed down over the years. She also stated that her experience through the court system (counseling, etc.) was not helpful or rehabilitative. Enforcement of fees by the Court is a deterrent to most individuals as the majority of abusers are addicted and practicing an addictive lifestyle. Myra stated how she was in complete denial when she first enrolled in Simply Your Best but found how to be open with herself which allowed her personal growth.

6. Review Annual Report.

Linda Starn stated that the Annual Report is being printed and should be ready for distribution in a week. She, and the rest of her team, is very proud of the final product. They feel it is appropriate for the public to view and intend to put it on their website. Chair Lee stated that the Commission should be promoted more and suggested contacting the media to publish a summary of the report as the United Way does each year. Discussions were held with regard to adding links to batterer treatment programs to the Commission's website. It was agreed that this topic be placed on the next agenda for further discussion.

7. Court Update.

William Butler of the SCDAO presented the court update on domestic violence cases. Mr. Butler stated that an average of ninety cases arrive each month to the SCDAO. Forty-five of those cases are filed on; twenty-four of those cases are felonies and twenty are misdemeanor cases. The SCDAO end up prosecuting approximately twenty cases per month. In the last four months, domestic violence convictions included four prison commitments and forty jail commitments. Mr. Butler explained that a "no file" is a case wherein the SCDAO feels that the evidence cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Only an average of four cases are dismissed each month. Chair Lee informed the Commission that an update could be provided at anytime.

8. Membership Update and Revisions.

This topic has been moved to the next Commission meeting on June 9.

9. Announcement from Commissioners.

10. Adjournment.