SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMISSION

 

MINUTES

 

 

Wednesday, February 8, 5:30 p.m.

 

Commissioners Present:

 

Jewell Roberts                 Mary Simoni          Steve Robbins

                   Melissa Berrenge   Bob Lee                          Alan Hiromura       

                   Gillian Greensite     Charles Molnar       Linda Starn

Celia Organista      Francesca Raphael Irwin Joseph                            

Commissioners Excused:

 

                   Heidi Simonson      JoAnn Allen           Kathy Loughlin

Jackie Grubelnik    Dee O'Brien           Scott MacDonald

                   JoAnna Goodman

         

Commissioners Unexcused:

 

                   Larry Biggam                   Linda Byrum          Patrick Meehan

                                                                  

Others Present:

 

Jennifer Pike                   Julie Schneider      Kristie Clemens     

Todd Mayer          

 

1.                  Call to Order.

District Attorney Bob Lee called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.

 

2.                  Introduction of Members.

Each Commissioner introduced him/herself.

 

3.          Additions/Deletions to Agenda.

No additions or deletions were made.

 

4.         Introduction of Guest Speakers.

No guest speakers were scheduled for this meeting.

 

5.                  Oral Communications from the Community.

The community made no communications.

 

 

6.          Consideration and Approval of Previous Minutes.

A motion was made by Sheriff Steve Robbins to approve the January Minutes, Commissioner Irwin Joseph seconded, one absentia was made by Celia Organista and the Minutes were approved  without a quorum until the February 13 Retreat.

 

7.                  Old Business.

 

A.        Report to the Community 2005 Funding

Linda Starn reported that the 2005 Report to the Community is in the editing stage.  Orders will need to be placed by then next DVC meeting in March as the Report will be going to print.  The higher the order amount the less expensive they become.  Questions were raised as to where the funding would come from.  Sheriff Robbins reminded the commissioners that last year the SCSO, DAO and Probation Department provided funding for the Report.  Alan Hiromura suggested that the cost be divided equally among each agency with Retreat participants paying last.  DA Lee stated that most organizations do not have the money that is why County organizations are generally the funders.  Discussions were held with regards to placing the Report on the DVC website.  DA Lee reminded the commissioners that it could be placed on the website, however, the commissioners had previously voted for hard copies also.  DA Lee stated that he would ask Kay Bowden to place the discussion of funding on the Retreat agenda.

 

B.        DVC Retreat - Update

DA Lee reminded the commissioners of the location of the Retreat and that JoAnn Allen needed a final head count for the caterer.  Further, he provided the following summary at the request of Kay Bowden:

 

1.         Arrive by 8:30 a.m., as Retreat will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.

2.         A lunch break will be given from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.  The Retreat will end at 3:00 p.m.

3.         Bring the workbook, Survey and Goal packet to the Retreat.

4.         Read the Survey and Goal packet prior to the Retreat, as they will be discussed.

 

DA Lee reported that funding for the Retreat had been resolved.  A donation had been provided through a source known to Commissioner Joseph.  The Women's Crisis Center has agreed to provide $1,000 towards this proposal, and the remaining estimated cost will be equally shared by the member government agencies using existing appropriations.  The DAO and SCSO went before the County Board of Supervisors to request the additional funding and the Board of Supervisors agreed to allow it through their budgets.  DA Lee reminded the commissioners that the basis of the Retreat is to achieve workable goals for the DVC.  Mary Simoni expressed her concern for the lack of attendance.  She believes that more commissioners attended the 2002 Retreat then the commissioners that have signed up to attend this one.  She raised the question of how subcommittees can be formed to complete the goals generated by the Retreat if attendance is low.  DA Lee suggested that Kay Bowden address the issue at the Retreat.

 

8.                  New Business

 

A.        Memorial for Judge Arthur Danner

DA Lee made a brief statement regarding the passing of Judge Danner.  He pointed out that Judge Danner's contribution to domestic violence awareness was enormous in the community.  During his tenure, he literally fashioned the domestic violence unit in the District Attorney's Office.  To recognize his historic contribution, the DAO will have a bronze relief made in his honor and displayed at the front door of the office.

 

B.        Patricia Gilbert

Mary Simoni stated that Patricia Gilbertson was not reached prior to this meeting, therefore, she was unable to attend and give an overview of Family Matters and which commissioning agency could assume the role of issuing restraining orders.  Further, she stated that the Batterers Treatment agency could not get funding for issuing restraining orders, as it is not a non-profit agency.  Julie Schneider reminded the commissioners that Family Matters was the only agency that serves males with a restraining order and she is not aware of any grants that provide for male victims.  Twenty years ago women lobbied for victim assistance that is why there are so many facilities and grants to fund them. Discussions were held with regards to Patricia Gilbert subcontracting for another agency such as Alto or MOAB and possible funding for a paralegal.  Commissioner Joseph suggested a "chit" system where the victim would present a "chit" and the donating facility would hand the victim a check to pay the paralegal.  Todd Mayer stated that he would approach Chief Ehle and ask for funding from the CPD community foundation.  DA Lee stated that he would contact Patricia Gilbertson to see if she could attend the next meeting.

 

9.                  Announcements.

 

DA Lee announced that Judge Stevens had responded to his request to discuss domestic violence court but he would not be available for a couple weeks. 

 

10.       Adjournment.

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