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Home My WebLink About03/19/2009 S A K E R S F I E L D Staff: City Council members: John W. Stinson, Assistant City Manager Irma Carson, Chair Steven Teglia, Administrative Analyst Sue Benham Rick Kirkwood, Management Assistant Jacquie Sullivan SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE and Community Advisory Committee of the City Council - City of Bakersfield Thursday, March 19, 2009 11:45 a.m. City Hall North — Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 AMENDED AGENDA 1. ROLL CALL 2. ADOPTION OF OCTOBER 16, 2008 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS A. Update regarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement — Police Chief Rector B. Report on Kern County Probation Activities — Probation Chief Roberts C. Discussion regarding Feasibility of a Booth at the Kern County Fair— Police Chief Rector 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion regarding What the Community Can Do to Assist the Bakersfield Police Department in Providing Information and Other Assistance to Address Violent Crimes B. Discussion and Committee Recommendation regarding Adoption of the 2009 Committee Meeting Schedule — Stinson 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 7. ADJOURNMENT SACouncil Committees\2009\Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations\March\March 19 Amended Agenda.doc B A K E R S F I E L D DRAFT 1,. q, - Cl— Irma Carson, Chair Staff: John W. Stinson Zack Scrivner Assistant City Manager Jacquie Sullivan REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE and Community Advisory Committee of the City Council - City of Bakersfield Thursday, October 16, 2008 11:45 a.m. City Council Chambers 1501 Truxtun Avenue Second Floor, City Hall South Bakersfield, CA 93301 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Meeting called to order at 12:00:36 PM 1. ROLL CALL Committee members: Councilmember Irma Carson, Chair Councilmembers Zack Scrivner and Jacquie Sullivan Advisory members: Ann Batchelder, Employers Training Resource Stephanie Campbell, Cornerstone Group Devon Johnson, O.G.P.C. / Prodigy City staff: Rick Kirkwood, Management Assistant–City Manager's Office Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney William Rector, Chief of Police Bryan Lynn, Assistant Police Chief Capt. Greg Williamson, Bakersfield Police Department Additional Attendees: Ed Jagels, Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, Kern County District Attorney's Office Susan Lerude, Kern County Probation Kirk Foster, Kern County Sheriff's Office Karen Goh, Garden Pathways Marques Stansberry, Ebony Counseling Center Tiffani Alvidrez and David Reese, Bakersfield High School Alan Paradise, Kern High School District Patricia Birdie, Pat Birdie &Associates Rachelle Hill Media 2. ADOPTION OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Adopted as submitted Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report October 16, 2008 Page 2 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS Advisory member Johnson thanked staff at the PAL Center for donating a football facility and equipment. 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS A. Update regarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement — Rector Gangs: Chief Rector gave an overview. Year-to-date, there have been 46 shootings and 4 gang-related homicides. The Special Enforcement Unit has spent approximately 4,800 hours working with other law enforcement units. Graffiti: Capt. Williamson reported that the Police Department continues to get 40-50 calls per week, which is a significant increase. Last month, one case involved three different tagging crews. Capt. Williamson reported that some recent business burglaries citywide have been committed by one group of people. Chief Rector notified the Committee of a recent meeting that involved the Police and Sheriff's Departments, and City Recreation and Parks staff to coordinate a baseball program for youth 8 to 15 years old. The games will be played at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Committee member Scrivner indicated he had pledged to be involved in the program. B. Report on Kern County Probation Activities — Chief Probation Officer Roberts Susan Lerude with the Kern County Probation Department gave the report. They are competing for a drug rehabilitation grant, which would enable the opening of 40 beds at Juvenile Hall. Early intervention programs have expanded into Lamont and North Kern. Strengthening Families, which is an evidence-based program, is progressing, as is Parent Project. The Committee and audience were encouraged to call their office as there are several available sites, and a Spanish- speaking group. The grand opening of the Bridges Academy is scheduled for October 30, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 2001 28th Street. Thus far, the school is successful. They are working with youth on interviewing skills, pubic speaking and raising self confidence. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Update on District Attorney's Target Program — Cindy Zimmer Kern County District Attorney Ed Jagels spoke about the program. More resources are dedicated on a percentage basis towards gang suppression than any other District Attorney's office in the State. There is a unit that handles traditional gang cases. Additional resources were recently granted by the Kern County Board of Supervisors to create another unit that is dedicated to target gangsters, specifically, shot callers and trigger men. Utilizing intelligence sources, with assistance of the Bakersfield Police Department and Kern County Sheriff's Department, a list was S:\Council Committees\2008\08 Safe Neighborhoods\October 16\Oct 16-ASR.doc JWS:al Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report October 16, 2008 Page 3 developed of the worst offenders. There are 82 individuals on the current list, and they are all adults as it is only worthwhile to use the resources for strike offenses. The list is comprised of 30 members of the East Side Crips, 23 members of the Country Boy Crips, 13 members of the West Side Crips, 11 members of the Bloods, and 5 members of the Mona Park Crips, which is a gang from Southern California that has committed casino robberies. Since July 1, 2008, of the 82 individuals on the list, there have been 16 felony convictions and 36 felony cases are pending. Of the remaining 30, at least 1 has been killed and some have either left the county or are in custody for misdemeanors. New names will be added as the list is reduced. It is very difficult to catch one of these criminals in the act; so anytime someone on the list shows up in the criminal justice system, he or she will be prosecuted by a Target Gang Deputy District Attorney, who has more time to devote to the case. The objective is to send these individuals to prison for a long period of time or encourage them to stop engaging in gang activity. Advisory member Campbell suggested that the list be published. District Attorney Jagels said that the issue is under consideration. Advisory member Johnson noted that all of the gang members currently targeted are black, so there may be a perception in the community that the focus is on black gangs. District Attorney Jagels stated there are more gang crimes per capita committed by those gangs identified on the list. Committee Chair Carson stated that a request was made for the District Attorney's office to focus on prosecuting these gangs. B. Update on Safe Neighborhood Booth at 2009 Kern County Fair— Police Chief Rector Police Chief Rector stated that Crime Prevention personnel were informed that the cost for a booth will be $1,200. 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Karen Goh with Garden Pathways thanked City staff for their support of the skate outreach event. There will be four nationally known skaters at the facility located at 201h and O Streets both Saturday, October 18, 2008 and Sunday, October 19, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Also, on Sunday, October 19, 2008, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., a movie will be shown called "Dope" which chronicles the rise, fall and redemption of skaters. On Saturday, October 18, 2008, the Good Neighbor Festival will be held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. At 11:00 a.m., during the Festival, the skaters will perform on the basketball court. Marques Stansberry from Ebony Counseling Center reminded the Committee of a Community Forum to be held at Beale Library on Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Councilmember Carson will be presented the Hidden Hero Award at that time. Advisory member Johnson voiced his support to have the targeted gang list published. 7. ADJOURNMENT 1:08:15 PM S:\Council Committees\2008\08 Safe Neighborhoods\October 16\Oct 16-ASR.doc JWS:al Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Meeting Schedule All meetings will be held at City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A and Joint City-County Standing Committee to Combat Gang Violence Meeting Schedule County to Host February and August,City to Host May and November JANUARY 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 2009 =Safe Neighborhood Committee Meetings-11:45 p.m. BUDGET MEETING&PRESENTATIONS Monday's @ Noon,Wednesday's @ 5:15pm Joint City-County Standing Committee to Combat Gang Violence Meetings- 10:00 a.m. =City Council Meetings-5:15 p.m. =Holidays-City Hall Closed =Joint City-County Meeting-5:30 p.m. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 8 9 10 11 12 13 141 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 18 19 20 21 221 23 24 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 231 24 251 26 271 28 25 261 27 28 29 30 31 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 =A-- APRIL MAY JUNE S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7® 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 28 29 30 31 JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 ME 14 15 13 14 15 191 20 21 22 231 241 25 16 17 18 191 201 21 22 201 21 221 231 24 251 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 A 28 291 30 30 31 OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 211 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 191 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29301 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 ®League of California Cities Executive Forum ®League of California Cities Annual Conference Last update: 1/22/20094:05 PM FROM THE DESK OF IRMA CARSON 4300 Garnsey Lane Bakersfield, Ca 93309 Email Councilmeml(a,aol.com Phone — 661-325-4327- Cell 246-8481 DATE: Friday, January 16th. 2009 12:00 Noon In Front of the Bakersfield Police Dept 1601 Truxtun. PRESS RELEASE Councilwoman Irma Carson Chairperson of the Safe Neighborhoods Committee Councilwoman Irma Carson says she regrets that during a time when we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the historic inauguration of Barack Obama, it is necessary to address the recent violent crimes in our city. The community is a stakeholder along with elected officials in assisting law enforcement in addressing this problem. We can do better in improving the image of the city. She is inviting the community to join Pastor Jordan & other Ministers, and Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee members to join her in assuring the citizens that the Police Department with officers on the street and the gang task force are doing everything that can be done to address these crimes. We the citizens working in concert with the Committee can make a "Change", YES WE CAN! We are asking all Ministers within the city to pray for peace during these challenging times we are facing to help stop the violence. WE ARE MAKING A CLARION APPEAL TO FATHERS, MOTHERS, SISTERS, BROTHERS AND FRIENDS TO HELP STOP THE VIOLENCE. As Councilwoman, I am requesting the Chief of Police to establish a special investigation and intelligence unit to address the recent violence in our City. I am aware of the economic crisis facing the City but we can work with the Council and the Community in finding the money. I believe we can possibly use some of Community Block Grant funds to help address shortage of Police on the street. Also, the community can help. The city of Bakersfield has a 501c fund where citizens can contribute funds designated for specific issues, if candidates can raise funds with small donations I know we can too! The first meeting of the Safe Neighborhoods Committee will be on: Thursday, January 29th. 2009 Time: 12 Noon City Hall, 1501 Truxtun WE INVITE YOU TO ATTEND The following document pertains to the: SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS and COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE meeting of Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 11 :45 AM. y^y. BAKERSFIELD POLICE MEMORANDUM March 6, 2009 To: Chief of Police, William Rector From: Sgt. Greg Jehle and Sgt. Jeff Watts, Gang Unit Subject: 2008 Gang Unit Year-End Report The Gang Unit continued its efforts to reduce gang violence in our community this past year. Probation/parole searches saw an increase of 7%(5,292 in 2007 to 5,638 in 2008)and search warrants executed increased by 11%(71 in 2007 to 79 in 2008). The number of gang related shootings saw a 2% decrease(61 in 2007 to 60 in 2008). The number of gang related shootings that resulted in death for 2008 remained the same as 2007 with a total of 7. The Gang Unit has made the seizure of firearms from gang members a priority each year. This year was no exception as the Gang Unit surpassed all previous years by seizing 166 firearms. This number yields an increase of 4% compared to 2007(160 firearms were seized in 2007). The Gang Unit has seized a total of 1,111 firearms since its inception in 1999. The Gang Unit is also involved in gang presentations throughout the city. These presentations offer a look into gangs and their members,which in turn raises the communities' awareness of the dangers and warning signs of gangs. Officers gave approximately twenty-six gang presentations to various aspects of the community including schools,the US Army, churches and numerous other organizations in the community. The Gang Unit is comprised of 2 Sergeants, 3 Senior Patrol Officers, and 16 Officers. The Gang Unit is dedicated to reducing the amount of gang related part 1 crimes, such as shootings,homicides, robberies, etc through active enforcement, increased patrols, and community awareness. 7200 180T- 6600- 160 6000 5400 140 �' I 4800 -°- 120 x 4200 100 3600 3000 80 — 2400 60 1800 1200 600 20 0 0 Probation/Parole FI's/Street Checks Hours assisting other Search Warrants Gang Related Guns Seized Searches departments/ Shootings agencies D 2004 0 2005 02006 E32007 2008 LEI 2004 M 2005 112006 El 2007 17 2008