Inside The County

Growing Bureaucracy

NEW AGENCY WILL HELP WITH JAIL REFORM

Eager to address systemic racism and equity, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors is creating a new agency focused on public safety, justice and community input. The move acknowledges “the role of structural racism in the criminal justice system” and the importance of approaching the problems with an “equity lens,” the board says.

The agency’s formation will allow various county departments to meet with community stakeholders and strive for jail reductions and diversion programs.

Among the departments involved are coroner, probation and public defender. The new agency will serve as liaison to the sheriff and district attorney, since those jobs are held by separately elected offi cials and don’t fall under the county executive.

Community activists who identify themselves as supporters of Decarcerate Sacramento heaped appreciation on the fi ve supervisors. In the past, the group fought against county plans to improve the jail system. They predicted earlier strategies would result in jail expansions.

The group wants to decrease jail populations and shift money from policing and incarceration. Advocates want dollars spent on alternative, community-based systems. Members are active in the “defund the police” movement.

County insiders aren’t surprised by the board’s action. Last November, the supervisors declared racism a public health crisis and affi rmed the need for racial equity. Supervisors Phil Serna, Patrick Kennedy and Don Nottoli voted in favor of the declaration, with Sue Frost opposed. Supervisor Rich Desmond wasn’t yet on the board.

This time, the vote was unanimous to form the new agency and improve community engagement.

But activists didn’t get everything they wanted. Decarcerate Sacramento sought language to create a “Care First: Alternative to Incarceration Committee” that would give them “a

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By Howard Schmidt Inside The County

seat at the table” to guide the county’s de-incarceration efforts.

County Executive Ann Edwards told the board she was “fully committed to engage with the community.” This means county staff will recommend a committee structure to help the new agency ensure a “community voice” that includes advocacy organizations and formerly incarcerated people.

Edwards said the committee could be ready for board consideration this month.

When the “defund the police” movement was at its peak, public testimony on criminal justice reform was often heated. Profanities were routinely hurled at the supervisors. By comparison, the new agency hearing was tame.

Prior to the vote, Kennedy remarked how the subject of criminal justice reform can be emotional. He thanked the audience for its “polite language” this time around.

STATE PRISONERS RELEASED EARLY

While the Board of Supervisors seeks to reduce jail populations, District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert has been combing through records of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, studying the early release of prison inmates. She found more than 1,300 inmates from our area have been freed after serving less than half their time.

Her fi ndings should concern the public. A recent U.S. Department of Justice study found a 71-percent recidivism rate among prison releases in 34 states, including California.

Schubert and 44 other California district attorneys are suing the state over the good conduct credit rules established for the pandemic. She says the emergency regulations allow additional credits to be awarded to serious and violent felons—including credits not based upon completion of any rehabilitation programs.

Howard Schmidt worked 16 years for Sacramento County. He can be reached at howardschmidt218@aol. com. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento. n

TIMOTHY SCOTT

Celebrating his first year in Sacramento!

HAIRSTYLIST

FOR MEN AND WOMEN

We can make you look

BETTER than just your best!

Why do you refer to "We" when it's just you in your salon?

"I say 'we' because it's a collaboration between the client and myself to create a hairstyle that fits. My consultations are thorough. I ask a lot of questions along with taking into consideration your head and face shape, body build and your daily routine. Between my ideas and your preferences, we create a look that makes you look great and is easy to manage at home as well."

What do you do for people who aren’t open to new ideas?

"I can do your hair any way you want it. But depending on what I see, I may advise to make some adjustments to make it better. What's most important to me is that the client and I understand each other and together we work to create a style that works for them."

How long have you been working by yourself?

"I've been a hairstylist for 34 years, of which 29 have been working solo. I've been selfemployed since I was 23 and I really prefer working alone. It's a completely private session and we can talk about whatever we want without anyone listening in or the distraction of commotion going on around us."

Your salon is very spacious and grand. Did you use a decorator?

"I did it myself. I wanted a space to reflect who I am; open, low key, and fun loving. I didn't want it to look like a hair salon at all."

I had to smile when I saw your mirror ball floating up there.

“Yeah. To me, happiness is a disco ball. It does make people smile, it’s nostalgic, it evokes good energy, and it adds a touch of sophistication. It’s also just fun and I like it in the room.”

You only use Kerastase products. Why is that?

"Kerastase is top of the line in luxury hair care. They have something for every type of hair, which provides me the ingredients to create formulas that will make your hair sublime."

What's one word of advice you would give to people about their hair?

"Don't leave your house without doing your hair. Now, sometimes people wake up late and don't have time to do it. I get it. But your hair is like your bedroom: even if everything is put away, dusted, and vacuumed, if your bed isn't made, your room looks unkept. So, if your hair isn't done, you just don't look as good, no matter how nice or expensive your outfit is."

What do you like most about being a hairstylist?

"I like helping people who genuinely come to me for what I can offer, honest advice and expertise. Now, I always say that I'm not perfect, but I try to be and I do my best to give people what they want and make them happy. I will never say that I'm better than anyone else. There are a lot of talented people in this business. Like I say, I want to make people look better than just their best, and when I've achieved that, THAT is rewarding for me and makes it all worthwhile."

Do you have a hero in the industry? Or is there anyone in the business who inspires you? anyone in the business who inspires you?

"Yes, Tabatha Coffey, hands down. She had a TV show called 'Tabatha's Salon Takeover' where she coached struggling salon owners on how to run a business. I think she's tremendous."

How do you keep up with your profession?

"I go to hair shows and take classes all the time. Sometimes I'll go to a class that I've been to before. You'll always see or hear something that makes you go, 'Ah, right'. The hands on classes are my favorite. That's the best way to learn a new technique or to learn about a new product. The classes can get expensive, but there's real value in self-improvement and keeping current. They're fun to go to and I see a lot of creativity that inspires me."

What services do you offer?

"I do precision hair cutting, hair coloring including highlighting, and hair smoothing."

Do you have a favorite?

"I like all aspects of doing hair. Although, I don't do permanent waves anymore because I never liked the way they look and I think they're too damaging to the hair."

Are your clients exclusive?

"No. Everyone is welcome. My door is open to men and women of all walks of life.

I do think however, the relationship with your stylist IS exclusive. I have learned not to try and make something work when it isn't or win over a difficult client. I strongly suggest that people read through my website, click on the links to watch my TV interviews, and read my Yelp reviews. Even the bad ones.

My only requirement is that you schedule your own appointment through the website. The website walks you through all the necessary information needed to book the appointment. I cannot make appointments over the phone or by walking in. I prefer not to be distracted during a session out of respect to the client. Doing it online is easy, instant, and convenient."

www.timothyscottsalon.com

3330 Folsom Blvd. at 34th St. in East Sacramento