Criminal Justice Council: Police Use of Force, By Zach Friend, Supervisor

FEATURED COLUMNIST Criminal Justice Council: Police Use of Force

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

Editor’s note: Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart says, “Good policy drives good law enforcement.” In Santa Cruz County, the four cities and the county all have policies that shooting from a moving vehicle and chokeholds and require officers to use de-escalation and intervene if they see the use of excessive force. •••

The Criminal Justice Council of Santa Cruz County recently released its first report — an analysis of local police agency policies and procedures — in particular around use of force.

This regional transparent analysis is believed to be the first such comparative regional look into these policies in the nation.

Here is an overview:

What is the Criminal Justice Council?

The CJC was created over 30 years ago in an effort to provide increased coordination and cooperation between criminal justice partners — government, non-profit, educational and others — to reduce youth involvement in gangs.

The CJC focuses discussions on prevention and intervention as well as reentry programs — rather than simply a suppression model.

For example, the CJC has held a conference on the role of women and girls in gangs, which afforded criminal justice and community service providers an opportunity to hear from experts on the role of women and girls in gangs as well as a panel of young women with lived experience in gangs.

The CJC also has worked with school districts, nonprofits and others on intervention and prevention programs to reduce youth involvement in gangs. From supporting educational efforts, nonprofit sporting leagues, conferences that provide viewpoints from those with lived experience and more. The CJC does these events with volunteers and small contributions from the member agencies.

Who is on the CJC?

Local police chiefs, the County Sheriff, the Chief Probation Officer, District Attorney, leadership of two local nonprofits, two local judges, the public defender, the County Superintendent of Schools, the president of Cabrillo College, two County supervisors, elected representatives from the local cities and more participate.

It’s a diverse group that, having participation from local education and nonprofit social program providers, helps create discussions beyond back-end suppression activity toward front-end prevention opportunities. I serve as Chair of the CJC and other members of the executive board include the County Superintendent of Schools, the District Attorney, leadership from the courts, a member of the Scotts Valley City Council and the Watsonville Police Chief.

What did the CJC focus on this year?

This year, the CJC decided to focus our efforts on law enforcement policies and procedures -- in particular around use-of-force, privacy (technology), information release, independent oversight and a small look on behavioral health response (next year the focus will be exclusively on behavioral health and the criminal justice system). The purpose is to see where there is alignment, where there are gaps and where there are opportunities to improve.

While it was not a comprehensive look at local agency policies it was an in-depth look at specific elements -- and provides a transparent overview of the policies that work to ensure officers respond safely and responsibly in key situations. As we noted in the report, while the purpose was to evaluate alignment of policies, the goal is not to necessarily have a standardized set of policies across jurisdictions. Local agencies and the communities they serve may have reasons why they have specific policies, don’t have specific policies or have policies that differ from other agencies within the county.

This analysis is to provide a transparent look at those policies and provide a starting point for evaluation by local law enforcement, elected leaders and the communities they serve.

The CJC created an ad hoc committee to work on the analysis and partnered with Applied Survey Research to produce the report. All local law enforcement agencies — Capitola, Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, Watsonville and the Sheriff’s Office — participated voluntarily, openly, and transparently to provide the policies and answer any questions.

What Were the Key Findings?

One is that there is widespread policy alignment between law enforcement jurisdictions in Santa Cruz County.

For example, on nearly every policy issue regarding use of force, technological deployment and release of information to the public, local law enforcement agencies had updated and modern policies.

“Friend” page 26

Reality TV

ACROSS

1. “Oh, my!” 5. Say untruth 8. Left or right 12. Spiritual leader 13. *”____ing Up with

Marie Kondo” 14. Great reviews 15. Related 16. Double reed woodwind 17. Fourth deck 18. *”The ____ ____,”

MTV’s trailblazing reality show 20. Affirm with confidence 21. I to Greeks, pl. 22. ____ Baba 23. Powerball and such 26. Swaggering show of courage 30. Spermatozoa counterparts 31. Based on two 34. Has a mortgage 35. ____ dog, gin and grapefruit juice cocktail 37. DNA transmitter 38. *”The Real

Housewives” is full of this type of conflict 39. Write on a tombstone 40. Unwholesome atmosphere 42. Hairpiece, slangily 43. Stitched again 45. Unit of electric current flow 47. Solemn pledge 48. Like nose during hayfever 50. Uncouth one 52. *”Who ____ ____ ____ a Millionaire?” 56. Front of cuirass 57. Sixth month of civil year 58. “Jack and the

Beanstalk” instrument 59. Travesty 60. Italian money 61. *”Vanilla Ice Goes

Amish” and “Cleveland

Hustles” state 62. *”____house

Masters” on Animal

Planet 63. *Not Khloé or

Kourtney 64. Common allergens

DOWN

1. Gelatin substitute 2. Gospel writer 3. “Tosca” song, e.g. 4. Like sunroom, hopefully 5. Balance in the sky 6. *”Pop ____” and

“American ____,” pl. 7. Gave the once-over 8. *”Outwit, Outplay,

Outlast” show 9. Not active 10. Point of entry 11. Sixth sense 13. Foot, to a child 14. Aussie bear 19. Buzz Lightyear’s buddy 22. Brow shape 23. *”The Biggest ____” 24. Egg-shaped 25. Same as talcums 26. Civil rights concern 27. In the know 28. Raise objections 29. Missouri River tributary 32. Like a desert 33. Crime scene evidence 36. *Singing competition (2 words) 38. Curses 40. Feline sound 41. “I think I can, I think I can...”, e.g. 44. “For better or for ____” 46. “Monty ____’s Flying

Circus” 48. r in a circle, pl. 49. Deprive of weapons 50. *Star of wilderness reality shows, ____

Grylls 51. Fairytale beast 52. Street-crossing word 53. Hawaiian island 54. Londoner, e.g. 55. Narrative poem 56. Back of a boat

December is filled with festivals and celebrations, days dedicated to this and that, from cupcakes to poinsettias, French toast to candles, volunteering to mourning to neutrality. In between are festivals of light, festivals dedicated to saints and to the holy ones who guide and guard our lives.

Then there are the new and full moons, planetary transits, a retrograde (Venus) and a solstice. Below are calendar guides, social and spiritual for December. It’s fun to follow along. Notice how all the festivals overlap. It’s a busy time!

Each Sunday night in December we light a new Advent candle. Advent (Latin “adventus” meaning “something’s coming”). Each night ‘til Christmas we light candles illuminating the dark half of the year.

Saturday, December 4 — new moon festival solar eclipse (12.22 degrees Sagittarius). Something essential falls away, it’s work complete. Hanukkah, Hebrew eight-day festival of Lights ends December 6 - feast of St. Nicholas, the original

Santa Claus. The next day, December 7 is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Monday, December 13 — Saint Lucy Day. Lucy walks through town with candles on her head heralding the dawn.

Wednesday, December 15 — Human Rights and cupcake day. Both are essential.

Saturday, December 18 — the Long Cold Winter’s Before Yule full moon Sagittarius solar festival, 27 degrees - the smallest (14% smaller) full moon of the year and remains above the horizon for everyone to see for the longest time!

Sunday, December 19 — Venus retrogrades until the end of January. During

Venus retrograde all values and resources shift.

Tuesday, December 21 — Winter Solstice. The Sun enters Capricorn, resting for three days at the Tropic of Capricorn.

Christmas Eve and the Festival of Seven Fishes are Friday, December 24. Saturn squares Uranus (in the heavens, so the unexpected could occur. Christmas is Saturday, with Venus retrograde joining Pluto, it may be a very intense and transformative Christmas. Plan on it.

December 28 is Pledge of Allegiance Day and Call a Friend day.

And as always, the last day of December is New Year’s Eve.

The new year of 2022 begins with a practical Capricorn new moon as Venus retrograde re-enters Aquarius! Our values and resources will definitely be changing in the new year to meet the new Aquarian era as it continues to surprise us.

December’s Calendar of Events: https://www.calendarr.com/ united-states/calendar-december-2021/

Catholic Feast days & liturgy for December: https://www.vercalendario. info/en/event/catholic-liturgy-month-december-2021.html

ARIES

Gradually certain spiritual components and aspiration will enter your consciousness. They will work into and align with your goals, many of which are appearing now in large numbers. It’s good to give thanks for your great mind and for the transformative affect you have on those you meet in the world. Be aware that you are always a force that influences others. You must link that force with love. And gratitude.

LEO

Your abilities are in the spotlight for everyone realizes without you the work needed for the new era would not materialize. There’s praise for your ongoing accomplishments, praise for the connections you make and for the important people and events you cultivate. In return be sure to provide even greater praise for everyone around you. This brings forth trust, gratitude, pleasure, care and a love not often experienced. Soon you will tend to even greater tasks.

SAGITTARIUS

There may be new friends’ groups, acquaintances, contacts and colleagues and each one becomes a learning and lesson. Some Sag’s are seeking teachers and teachings that will bring harmony and balance into their lives. Some Sags are becoming teachers, professors. All Sags are in a state of seeking a new state of equilibrium. This is because new goals are being formed. They’re not visible yet. But in time they will appear. In all the silence of Sagittarius, speak words of gratitude.

TAURUS

It is important to conserve your strength, rest whenever possible, and economize all actions each day. This is vital for the well-being of all that you are to bring forth for the greater good. It’s also useful to consider what assets you have, especially what is hidden away and/ or in storage, in boxes, room drawers, safes, or simply lying about on tabletops. These resources await your gratitude and attention. They need a new home. Careful with impatience.

GEMINI

You begin to sense a certain level of dignity, selfconfidence and self-assurance in relation with others. It’s as if the sun has begun to shine on all your interactions. You begin to cooperate more and hide less, allow changes of environment to expand your interests, and realize that even enemies and those you don’t resonate with have a certain purpose in your life. Tend to commitments, consider suggestions and learn how to be a better friend.

CANCER

Daily routines begin to take precedence in terms of diet and health, scheduling tasks and chores, and utilizing your energy more effectively. You’re grateful for this awareness. It allows you to nourish yourself while also ordering and organizing the environment. Perhaps your garden called you to attention and the miracle of what each plant presents has shifted your emphasis to the devas. Cultivating your garden you fall in love again.

VIRGO

Tend to family, parents and elders and the principle of caring will be returned to you a hundred-fold. Perhaps you feel unrecognized or unseen during these times. However, this will not last. You will emerge out from under any shadows into the light of day where three lights meet. There will be new projects to focus on. Now the groundwork is being prepared. Like seeds underground sprouting new shoots, your life settles into a new security.

LIBRA

A new self-reliance appears and a new practicality. You reserve your energy for important matters; tend to money with confidence, firmness and decisiveness. Do not overlook your health, become overworked or let your physical body become cold. Tend to yourself and all parts of your life very carefully. Later you will plan holiday parties, inviting people to your home. I see flowers, holiday wreaths and colorful lights everywhere in your home. You are at your best during these festival days.”

SCORPIO

Whatever you ask for seems to come your way. You simply need to state your needs and whatever it is races towards you. Be careful therefore what you seek and ask for. It’s prudent to supervise your money and all life matters carefully. With the first be sure to share generously, giving to those in need. With the second use speech to always radiate goodwill into the world. Both take discipline, which you possess more than most. Something secret or spiritual hovers around you.

CAPRICORN

Assessing what you have and being always and ever thankful creates an expansion of inner happiness and joy. Then life is almost overabundant. This cultivation of abundance prepares you for the transformations that has been and continues for all Capricorns. Seeing and experiencing life as abundant aids others. You become their mentor in understanding life (filled with both happiness and suffering). You know both.

AQUARIUS

For two-and-a half-years or more you will attempt to read more, study, learn and expand your mind. This brings new prospects, new goals and new people to your life. You recently find yourself making compromises. Although it’s unusual, you feel secure enough in your willingness to help others. Aquarius is about serving humanity and you are learning this. Everyone becomes your friend. The world itself is your companion.

PISCES

Concerned with the future and experiencing constant change you focus intently on work in order to feel useful, responsible and to create order and consistency in your life. However the changes continue, the future is distant, things dissolve away and health becomes something to tend to. Maintain physical warmth (don’t get cold), create a daily exercise schedule, walk in the sun’s light each day, and maintain a direct and constant contact with Divinity. “Friend” from page 25

Some agencies are looking to update or add policies as a result of this review and all are planning to work with their respective elected city councils or the Board of Supervisors on looking at the findings and seeing if adjustments are needed.

While not all jurisdictions have a dedicated unit with sworn officers responding to behavioral/mental health calls, all of the agencies are supportive of the creation of an independent agency that would aid in response to these calls.

Another key finding: All local agencies require de-escalation, ban chokeholds, neck restraints and similar methods, require less lethal force before deadly force when reasonable to do so, have polices that require release of body-worn footage and more.

How Can You Learn More?

The CJC meets quarterly and these meetings are open to the public. Over the last year (and into the foreseeable future) these meetings have been virtual. Information (including the 2021 report and policies that informed the report) can be found at santacruzcjc.org. For the last few years I’ve served as chair and would be happy to provide additional information if you have questions.

If you have any questions about the CJC, or any other matters in our district, please don’t hesitate to call me at 454-2200. I’m maintaining regular updates on social media as well at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend. •••

To view the 5-page report, visit https:// tinyurl.com/CJC-2021-Final

While not all jurisdictions have a dedicated unit with sworn officers responding to behavioral/mental health calls, all of the agencies are supportive of the creation of an independent agency that would aid in response to these calls.

GIVING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON With the heart of the holiday season is upon us comes the biggest time of giving of the year.

Santa Cruz County has always been a place that supports local businesses, local nonprofits and local causes. With supply chains in upheaval and the need greater than ever due to the persistent pandemic wreaking havoc, there has never been a better time to give back to the local Santa Cruz County community.

For those looking for ways to connect and make their holiday celebrations more meaningful, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County can help. Each year, the Volunteer Center posts an online Holiday Volunteer Guide, which is available at www.scvolunteercenter.org. For more information see www.scvolunteercenter.org, call 831- 427-5070, or email connect@scvolunteercenter.org.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES The Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region has experienced a 48 percent decrease in new blood donors this year as fewer blood drives took place due to the pandemic.

As the holidays approach and the need for blood increases, you can make a difference.

•••

Santa Cruz

December 2: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. December 15: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Scotts Valley

December 3: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Scotts Valley HS, 555 Glenwood Drive

Ben Lomond

December 4: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — Highlands Park Senior Center/San Lorenzo Valley, 8500 Highway 9 ••• Those who come to give Dec. 1-16 will get a $10 Amazon. com Gift Card by email, and be automatically entered for a chance to win a private screening of the new film, The Matrix Resurrections, for 50 people.

SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS This new program from Community Bridges brings enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and up in their homes at no cost.

To participate, you need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges.org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481.

STRIKE OUT HUNGER RETURNS TO BOARDWALK BOWL After a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic, the Boardwalk Bowl in Santa Cruz is once again hosting the Strike Out Hunger food drive through Jan. 2.

Bowlers of all skill levels and ages can participate. They get to bowl for free by bringing a can of food for Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County to help feed local families.

In 2019, Strike out Hunger provided 21,334 meals to local families in need.

Participants who make a $100 cash donation to Second Harvest during Strike Out Hunger will receive 25 free bowling passes for use during future visits to the Boardwalk Bowl.

Boardwalk Bowl league players who bring in 3 cans of unexpired food during league play get 3 bowling passes for future use.

“We are very proud to again offer Strike Out Hunger in support of Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County,” said Willie King, director of Boardwalk Bowl. “Strike Out Hunger helps feed local families in need while having fun.”

Now in its 14th year, Strike Out Hunger received the Charity of the Year Award from the Bowling Proprietors Associations of Ameirca and is the official charity of the Northern California Bowling Centers. For information, visit https://boardwalkbowl.com/strike-outhunger Some restrictions apply.

STATE PARKS FRIENDS SALE The Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks once-a-year ParkStore Holiday Sale will take place over the first two weekends in December.

The first weekend — Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-5 — will be exclusively at the ParkStore Online at https://thatsmypark.org/collections/.

The second weekend, Dec. 11-12, will be in-person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations: • Seacliff State Beach, 201 State Park Drive, Aptos • Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, 144 School St., Santa Cruz • Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz

Members will receive 30% discounts on select iconic Michael Schwab illustrated apparel, plus maps, nature guides, local history books, and educational toys. Non-members receive 20% off. Proceeds benefit local state parks.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by December 20

PROPERTY TAX BILL DUE The Santa Cruz County has mailed out property tax bills, and the first due date is approaching.

Your bill can be paid in two installments. The first installment was due on Nov. 1 and becomes delinquent after Dec. 10, and a penalty is charged. The 2nd installment is due Feb. 1 and becomes delinquent after April 10. Penalties will be incurred if not paid before becoming delinquent.

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. More information: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealing center.org

TINY HOMES INPUT County planner Daisy Allen will seek feedback from county residents on tiny homes at three virtual evening meetings via Microsoft Teams. Among the questions: • Are tiny homes appropriate in all areas of Santa

Cruz County? • Where should tiny homes be located on a property? • What development standards should be required for tiny homes? • What kind of permits are appropriate? • What utility hookups should be required?

TOY TRAINS ARE BACK

Thursday December 16 thru Sunday December 26

Noon-6 p.m., Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz Visit the whimsical world of Toy Trains, hosted by the Museum of Art & History for the 16th year.

Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be on hand Thursdays thru Sundays to share their amazing collection of toy trains. The exhibit will close early at 3 p.m. on Dec. 24, and will be closed Christmas Day.

Masks are required when viewing the train display. There is no charge to view the exhibit. https://www.santacruzmah.org

Tiny homes are defined as homes less than 400 square feet, providing separate, independent living quarters and including areas for cooking, sleeping, and toilet and bathing.

Three virtual meetings will be from 6-7:30 p.m.

To participate via phone: +1 916-318-9542.

Each meeting has a different focus:

Wednesday, Dec. 1: Coastal Urban Area

Online: https://tinyurl.com/tiny-home-urban

Phone Conference ID: 772 527 750#

Tuesday, Dec. 7: Rural Concerns

Online: https://tinyurl.com/tiny-home-rural

Phone Conference ID: 358 258 277#

Thursday, Dec. 9: South County

Online: https://tinyurl.com/tiny-home-sc

Phone Conference ID: 667 185 385#

The regulations will go to a Planning Commission hearing before a hearing by the Board of Supervisors. See: https://www.sccoplanning.com/. For information or to provide input via email, call Daisy Allen, Senior Planner, 831-454-2801, or email daisy.allen@ santacruzcounty.us.

TWO NEW GRACE HARBOR SHOPS The Rustic Table Restaurant and Lighthouse Treasures Shoppe are open at 55 Brennan St., Watsonville, sharing space with Grace Harbor Women’s Center, a satellite of the nonprofit faithbased Teen Challenge Monterey Bay and Pajaro Rescue Mission.

Grace Harbor is a shelter and recovery program for women (and their children) facing life controlling issues such as drugs and alcohol.

Hours at Rustic Table, a professionally trained studentrun restaurant with dine-in and pick-up options, are Monday through Saturday 8 am-3 pm.

Hours at Lighthouse Treasures Shoppe, a secondhand retail store run by Teen Challenge students and staff, are Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm. The phone for both places is 831-761-3191.

ONGOING EVENTS

Ongoing Through Sunday December 12 MI CASA ES TU CASA EXHIBIT Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville Mi Casa es Tu Casa is Pajaro Valley Arts’ annual exhibit inspired by Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead, a traditional holiday in Mexico that remembers community members and family who have passed away.

Altars/Ofrendas are built in homes, churches, schools, cemeteries, and museums that honor and remember the dead.

Ongoing thru December 17 SECOND HARVEST FOOD DRIVE AT MT. MADONNA Second graders taught by teacher Prema Gammons at Mount Madonna School are leading a campaign to collect food for Second Harvest Food Bank to feed those in need.

They put up posters they created to ask classmates to help.

Collection barrels are at the upper and lower campus school offices. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 17. They’ve already raised $52. To make a monetary contribution, visit https://give. thefoodbank.org/teams/16653-mount-madonna-school. Tuesdays GRIEF THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS Ongoing thru December 14, phone or online. Hospice of Santa Cruz County offers individual grief support sessions (via phone or Zoom) and a special group, Coping with Grief though the Winter Holidays, meeting virtually via Zoom on Tuesday evenings. Call (831) 430-3000 for more information and to register. Third Thursday Each Month