Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/16/2012Regular Meeting of the Joint City / County Standing Committee to Combat Gang Violence Minutes August 16, 2012 – 10:00 AM Kern County Board Chambers 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 Roll Call: Call to order 10:04 AM. All members present – Supervisor Maggard, Supervisor Goh, Councilmember Rudy Salas, Councilmember Russell Johnson and Councilwoman Jackie Sullivan. Public Presentations: Samuel Bautista spoke about Project 180 and Probation Department, KCSOS, Grizzly Academy and how it has helped his life. Kim Albers spoke about Bakersfield Safe Streets Partnership and night walks(a handout providing an update on BSSP was also provided at start of meeting by BPD). Jan Casteel provided an update on New Life Recovery and Training Center. Discussion regarding handouts from BPD, Sheriff’s Office and Probation: S:O: and Probation state that there have been no significant changes. Additional AB109- related numbers were discussed by Matthew Kundinger of Probation. BPD Chief Greg Williamson provided AB109-related numbers and information. Project 180 Update provided by Cindy Uetz. History of Strategic Plan and also updates on Project 180 Gang Prevention agencies: Ebony Counseling, Garden Pathways, KCSOS, New Life, Stay Focused, & Stop the Violence.She pointed out that Project 180 partners are funded solely by the County and that the City does not contribute. Councilmember Johnson asked about a brick and mortar facility for a coordinator. Sal Arias from Project 180 stated that their staff has been cut from 2 to 1. Update Gang Strategic Plan. The Committee reviewed recommendations made by the Project 180 partners based on the February 16, 2012 meeting of the Committee. These are not necessarily recommendations made by the Committee. Prevention: Efforts to Outcome, ETO needs to be up and running with all agencies. Re: developing a community collaborative. Directed staff to explore idea of a coordinator funded by the different members in the collaborative rather than the City or County. Supervisor Maggard suggested that perhaps the Project 180 partners could explore the idea of funding a coordinator from the money they already receive from the County, rather than hire a coordinator that becomes a new government employee position. Councilmember Salas agreed that the Project 180 partners can pool their money to fund a coordinator position. Supervisor Goh took the lead for going through the Plan and stated that the Intervention element needed work. Moving on in the Prevention element, the Objective of “Increase availability of academic enhancement and after school programs(including literacy, tutorial and mentoring opportunities) for youth in communities with high incidences of gang violence”. Responsible party is Project 180 and 3 main recommendations are listed in the update. Supervisor Goh commented that these were recommended action items from Project 180, and Supervisor Maggard stated that the Committee isn’t approving money today, simply forwarding the recommendations. Next, Supervisor Goh went on to the objective “ Provided substances abuse treatment opportunities for at-risk youth:”. Cecilia Martinez with Mental Health provided an update, and Kern County Mental Health Substance Abuse was identified as the responsible party. Next Supervisor Goh outlined “Increase mentoring services being provided to at-risk youth and their families to decrease negative behaviors and realize substantial, positive changes”: Notes made in Update: Next is “Mobilize community members and groups to reduce gang activity and violence in communities”: Jan Casteel spoke about considering having disadvantaged local people be required to be hired when some government contracts go out to bid. City Attorney Ginny Genaro suggested that City staff take the recommendations from the Committee and it would be more efficient for City staff to meet with the joint neighborhood group and discuss; and additionally have City Manager staff and City Attorney staff answer some of the referrals. Then City and County staff could meet together and pore over the recommendations, plus bring back from the City Council, direction for the recommendations perhaps before the next meeting. Supervisor Maggard suggested that what Ginny Genaro makes sense and the Committee can hash out these items and still do work in front of the public. Karen Briefer-Gose from ETR provided an update on programs available. Manuel Carrizales spoke about a memorial service for a Marine vet that was recently killed on Haley St. Councilmembers Johnson & Salas suggested that copies of the plan be available to the public at the next meeting which is at the City. Final item under Prevention. “Programs will provide increased parent education and training services to parents and at-risk youth throughout the County”: Supervisor Goh stated that the Intervention section needs to be addressed in any update. Supervisor Maggard stated that it would be helpful if the City could communicate to us what specific language changes are recommended so that at the next meeting we can adopt. And to have those recommended changes available at the next meeting which will be held at the City. . Kim Albers asked for direction for RFP for 6 contractors, so that the Project 180 partners can know what they need to do. Supervisor Goh agreed and stated that our priorities can be identified for the RFP. Ann Georgean from KCSOS expressed concern about a brick and mortar program: She stated they don’t have room for more office space requirements: Supervisor Maggard asked if anyone in the audience had any questions for the Committee. There were none. Then he asked if any Committee members had comments: Councilmember Sullivan thanked everyone for coming but didn’t realize this meeting would last so long, then cited a conflicting engagement and had to leave. Councilmember Salas thanked everyone and stated he looked forward to the next meeting and working on the Plan more. Supervisor Maggard summarized the work and thanked everyone for attending. The meeting was adjourned at 12:29 PM.