SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMISSION

 

MINUTES

 

SCPD COMMUNITY ROOM

115 Center Street

Santa Cruz, CA 

 

Wednesday, September 8, 2004, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

Commissioners Present:

 

Heidi Simonson, Vice-chair                  Gillian Greensite

Julie Schneider                                   Dee O'Brien

Amy Christie                                       Charles Molnar

Don Allegri                                          Alan Hiromura

Linda Byrum                                       Larry Biggam

Francesca Raphael                             Melissa Berrenge

Lynn Harrison                                     Judge Thomas Kelly

Donna Lind                                         JoAnn Allen

 

Commissioners Excused:

 

Mary Simoni                                       Linda Starn

Michelle Finch                                     Celia Organista

Sheriff Mark Tracy                              District Attorney Bob Lee

 

Others Present:

 

Jennifer Pike - SCDAO   

 

 

1.                 Call to Order.

Vice-chair, Heidi Simonson, called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m.

 

2.                 Introduction of Members.

Commissioners introduced themselves.

 

3.                 Consideration and Approval of Minutes of June 9, 2004.

The Minutes were not approved due to a lack of quorum. 

 

4.                 Additions and Deletions to Agenda.

The first page of the Minutes of May 13, will be changed from "Commissioners Absent" to "Commissioners Excused".

 

5.                 Oral Communications from the Community.

No communications from the community were made.

 

6.                 Old Business for Further Discussion.

A.        Web Links to Batterer's Programs

This topic was moved to the next meeting for further discussion.

 

B.        Medical Personnel Subpoenas

In Chair Lee's absence, this topic was moved to the next meeting for his update.

 

C.        Soft Rooms For Victims

In Linda Starn's absence, this topic was moved to the next meeting for her update.

 

D.        Permanent Injury Compensation

A recap of last month's discussion was held with regard to the improvement of advocacy availability and compensation for victims.  Vice-chair Simonson suggested contacting the California Alliance Against Violence in Sacramento.  She believes they have a committee that could address the issues at hand.  Linda Byrum reiterated her experience through the criminal court system and her difficulty receiving compensation.  Judge Kelly stated that the Small Claims limit should be raised to $10,000 so that a victim could utilize the services of an attorney.  He felt this avenue was one Linda should explore.  Julie Schneider suggested inviting Sylvia Nieto, Victim Witness Coordinator at the District Attorney's Office, as a guest speaker as she has been attending classes in Sacramento and is fluent with the new laws.  She could also provide references and/or agency referrals.  Dee O'Brien felt that a review of the By-Laws was needed to review what, if any, restrictions the Commission might have.  Vice-chair Simonson suggested a Commissioner research and educate the group before any action being taken.

 

This topic was moved to the next meeting so that Sylvia Nieto may make a presentation.

 

E         Family and Child Services Update

Don Allegri reported on the 2004 Santa Cruz Child Welfare Services Self-Assessment.  The self-assessment was established by the State to gather and evaluate operations and procedures of State agencies, and then look for the areas in need of improvement.   This is their first step to reshaping services in the prevention of child abuse.  The Federal and State Legislature require proof of actions on abuse cases.  The three areas of their focus are Permanency and Stability Outcomes, Family Relationships and Community Connections and Well Being Outcomes.  Once the data has been compiled, the System Improvement Plan will be developed and it will provide improved guidelines for the Family and Child Services to follow.

F          Medical Reimbursement For Victims

This topic was moved to the next meeting for a presentation by Sylvia Nieto.

 

 

7.                 D.V. Commission Membership Update.

Vice-chair Simonson stated that pursuant to the discussion in May, an updated list of Commissioners would be created including a rotation list.  Franchesa Raphael stated that the composition of the Commission should be discussed and perhaps adding a representative from Simply Your Best be considered.  This topic was moved to the next meeting for a further discussion.

 

8.                 D.V. Commission By-Laws.

This topic was moved to the next meeting for a further discussion.

 

9.                 Court Update.

Melissa Berrenge reported that the counties are participating in a Court Conference.  Some of the topics include expediting restraining orders and access for South County.  Judge Kelly reported the establishment of Drug Court for Family Law cases in hopes that this will redirect those parents falling through the cracks.  In addition, the grant allotment for supervised visitation was increased for next year.  Family Law caseloads have doubled over the past three years.  Judge Kelly stated that the mediators are doing their job and more women are reporting crimes against them.

 

10.             Schedule of Future Meetings of Commission.

11.             Announcement from Commissioners.

12.             Adjournment.