SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMISSION

 

MINUTES

 

 

Wednesday, February 9, 5:30 p.m.

 

Commissioners Present:

 

                Don Allegri               Francesca Raphael   Donna Lind

                Alan Hiromura         Heidi Simonson       Linda Byrum

                Charles Molnar        Michelle Finch         Mary Simoni   

               

Commissioners Excused:

 

                Linda Starn              Dee O'Brien              Judge Thomas Kelly

                D.A. Bob Lee           Melissa Berrenge     JoAnne Allen

                Larry Biggam           Lynn Harrison          Gillian Greensite

                Steve Robbins

 

Others Present:

 

        Jennifer Pike - SCDAO     Julie Schneider        Det. Rick Martinez, SCPD

        Terry Parker, SCSO

 

1.              Call to Order.

Vice-chair Simonson called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.

 

2.              Introduction of Members.

Commissioners introduced themselves.

 

3.      Introduction of Guest Speakers.

 

4.      Consideration and Approval of Previous Minutes.

Due to a lack of quorum, the January Minutes could not be officially approved, however, the table unofficially approved their content with the changes listed below:

 

7.A   Old Business, DV Commission Membership Update

 

        Add: Recommendation for Patricia Gilbertson to fill the Advocacy seat, discuss filling vacant positions and/or add positions to the commission i.e. Family Matters and a UCSC position.

 

 

 

5.              Additions and deletions to Agenda.

+ E, Kid Power Endorsement, Old Business

+ B, Domestic Violence Reporting, New Business.

 

6.              Oral Communications from the Community.

Two community members were in attendance but preferred to remain anonymous.

 

7.              Old Business For Further Discussion.

 

A.    DV Commission Membership Update

Vice-chair Simonson recapped discussions from January's meeting with regard to contacting individuals to fill vacant positions and seeking candidates for potential positions.  No contact was made any of the commissioners so Vice-chair Simonson requested that contacts be made prior to the March commission meeting.  Vice-chair Simonson announced that two individuals who are interested in the At-Large position contacted District Attorney Lee. 

 

B.    Funding for Report to the Community 2004

Alan Hiromura addressed the commission with the costs of producing the SCCDVC 2004 Report to the Community.  He stated that the subcommittee needs $1,000 to print 250 copies or $500 for only 100 copies.  Approval is also needed for the graphic design of the cover of the report and several samples were displayed.  Unable to vote due to a lack of quorum, the table determined that any suggestions or ideas for financing the report should be directed to Alan.

 

C.    DV Statistics

Alan Hiromura recommended waiting to discuss this topic until next month in hopes that there will be a quorum.  Detective Rick Martinez, SCPD, attended the meeting for the purpose of discussing the statistics, discussions were held.  Detective Martinez explained that Emergency Protective Orders have gone up 200%.  This type of order is approved in the field after a law enforcement officer contacts the on call judge.  It is different than a court ordered protective order and the statistics should reflect that.  Alan Hiromura stated that the statistical information provided by law enforcement is confusing and needs to be refined so that 2005 statistics are more accurate.

 

D.    Celia's Resignation

Discussions were held on how to acknowledge Celia Organista's dedication and hard work while on the DV Commission.  Julie Schneider suggested that the commission involve themselves by personally recognizing her and her efforts.  With no volunteers or further suggestions, Vice-chair Simonson volunteered herself, D.A. Bob Lee and Donna Lind.

 

E.    Kid Power Endorsement

Due to a lack of quorum, this item will be discussed next month.

 

 

 

8.              New Business.

 

A.    Review of "At-Large" Representative Positions

Linda Byrum stated that, although she did not attend the January commission meeting, she reviewed the Minutes and felt as though her position as "At-Large" Representative was being jeopardized.  She also stated that she contacted the Board of Supervisors to inquire as to any new applicants for the position and found that no new applications had been submitted.   Discussion was held as to whether the At Large position in particular, or all appointments are being “reviewed”.  It was acknowledged the Chair needed to be present for this conversation.  Donna Lind and Francesca Raphael contributed to the discussion as well.  Ms. Raphael provided a copy of the Domestic Violence Terms of Office, Memorandum dated November 6, 2003 entitled Establishing Terms for Members Appointed on At-Large Basis and the code sections in support thereof (all of which are attached hereto).  Due to a lack of quorum this topic has been moved to the next agenda.

 

B.    Domestic Violence Reporting

Alan Hiromura distributed copies of the Domestic Violence Reporting Memorandum created by Donna Lind.  The Memorandum includes a newly established questionnaire to help guide law enforcement officers and their clerks to acquire accurate and consistent statistical information.  This questionnaire has been reviewed and approved by the Commanders.  Discussions were with regard to its content and it was determined that question number 5 should be reworded.

 

9.              Announcement from Commissioners.

Don Allegri announced that he will be returning to his position of Division Director for the Adult & Long Term Care Division and recruitment for the new Public Guardian/Conservator will commence soon.

 

10.        Adjournment.

                        The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.