Driving Safely During the Holidays

By Joe Farrow, Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol

The holiday season is upon us which typically comes with travel to celebrate with family and friends. This is a joyous time of year, but too often what we in law enforcement see amid the fun and frivolity, is tragedy that occurs as the result of poor decisions made behind the wheel.

Alcohol was the primary collision factor in more than a dozen fatal collisions and in numerous injury crashes during the 2011 holiday period.

Last year during the Christmas holiday, 14 people lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions; another 25 during the New Year’s holiday. Sadly, more than half of those killed in the jurisdiction patrolled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) were not wearing seatbelts. While seatbelts may have saved the lives of these vehicle occupants, alcohol was the primary collision factor in more than a dozen fatal collisions and in numerous injury crashes during the 2011 holiday period. In each of those cases, someone chose to get behind the wheel of an automobile after having too much to drink. Victim advocates know all too well the heartache and grief that follows in these cases, and we are thankful the Victim Compensation Program is there to help surviving victims and family members of those who are killed in these senseless collisions.

The CHP and law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force again this holiday season to assist motorists and to prevent additional tragedies from occurring on our roadways. Each holiday season, law enforcement officers arrest hundreds of people who are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. These motorists present a risk not only to themselves, but also to those sharing the roadway with them. The CHP, local law enforcement, the Office of Traffic Safety, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration are joining together in the coming days to remind motorists to keep safety in mind during the holidays.

Motorists can help keep the roads safe by following these simple steps:

• Always buckle up and secure children in a proper child safety seat.
• Never drink and drive. If you are going to celebrate, designate a driver, use public transportation or make arrangements to stay where you are for the night. Remember, alcohol impairs people differently, and even a small amount of alcohol may be enough for a motorist’s driving to be affected.
• Being sleepy or fatigued can have a similar effect on a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. If you are traveling long distances, plan ahead, and get plenty of rest before driving.
• Obey the traffic rules and drive defensively.
• If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road, call 911 to report the motorist to law enforcement.
• Finally, eliminate distractions inside the vehicle.

I wish you all happy holidays and safe travels wherever your celebration may take you.

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On March 1, 2008, then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Joseph A. Farrow Commissioner of the CHP, and was later reappointed by Governor Jerry Brown in 2011. Currently, Commissioner Farrow commands more than 7,800 uniformed 3,600 non-uniformed, 700 senior volunteers, and 200 Explorer personnel, and oversees a budget of $1.9 billion.
Commissioner Farrow is recognized for his innovative leadership approach in public administration, such as implementing the California Law Enforcement Challenge, effecting the CHP’s accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, and creating an Office of Inspector General to ensure accountability and transparency of the Department.

Drunk and Drugged Driving: An Ongoing Threat

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

We at CalVCP greatly admire the work of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Since their founding in 1980, MADD has made extraordinary progress in educating people about the tragic consequences of impaired driving. Unfortunately, too many still make the irresponsible, foolish choice to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Despite MADD’s incredible efforts over the past 30 years, nearly 1.5 million drivers were still arrested for DUI in 2010 across America.

From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

California has tried taking away impaired drivers’ licenses; 50-75% drive anyway. California has passed legislation requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers in four counties: Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare. Still, it is not enough. One out of every three traffic deaths still involves drunk driving, and, statistically, one in three people will be involved in a DUI crash in their lifetime.

As we commemorate National Drunk and Drugged Driving Month throughout December, and especially during this busy holiday season, CalVCP encourages everyone to reflect on what remains one of the deadliest crimes in the United States.

We see the faces of those families and loved ones left behind. We see the victims of impaired driving.

Last year, CalVCP processed nearly 850 claims from victims of impaired drivers. We provided nearly $750,000 in assistance for medical and mental health bills and burial costs. These aren’t just numbers; these are lives that are changed forever due to a crime that should never have happened. In our work with MADD, we see the faces of those families and loved ones left behind. We see the victims of impaired driving.

Law enforcement is crucial to keeping us safe; organizations like MADD and CalVCP are essential for taking care of the victims of crime; but it falls to you, the citizens of California, to stop impaired driving for good. Through awareness we can put an end to this devastating crime.

Here’s how you can save lives this holiday season:

• Prior to drinking, designate a sober driver or plan to use a cab.
• Assist an impaired person in securing a cab.
• Never allow your friends to drive impaired. Take their keys away. It could mean their life or someone else’s.
• Do not serve alcohol to an intoxicated person or a person under the age of 21.
• Make arrangements for nearby accommodations, if needed.
• Plan safe parties: provide non-alcoholic drink options to guests, assist in identifying designated drivers, and stop serving alcohol the last hour of the party.
• Be prepared to get everyone home safely in case your plans or circumstances change.

Thank you for doing your part to keep the roads safe.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

November is Native American History Month

Governor Jerry brown stands with three leaders
in the Native American Community at the 45th Annual
California Native American Day. CalVCP was honored
to participate in this outreach event at the
State Capitol last month. 

This November marks the observance of National Native American History Month. This observance is an important reminder to those of us who serve victims of crime to continue to reach out to all underserved and vulnerable populations.

Recent research shows that Native American communities face a national public safety crisis and are particularly vulnerable to family violence. Data gathered by the U.S. Department of Justice indicates that Native American Women are 2.5 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than other women in the United States and the majority of these assaults go unreported. This data also shows that in at least 86% of the reported cases of rape or sexual assault against American Indian women, survivors report that the perpetrators are non-Native men. As staggering as these statistics are, we’re told that most cases of violence in Native American communities continue to go unreported.

In at least 86% of the reported cases of rape or sexual assault against American Indian women, survivors report that the perpetrators are non-Native men.

Because California is home to more Native Americans than any other state, it’s imperative that these victims have access to available assistance. We are committed to connecting with these communities and making CalVCP financial assistance available to victims in need. During the 2010-2011 fiscal year, CalVCP helped Native American victims by paying nearly a quarter-million dollars of crime-related bills – and although this is a good start, we know there is much more work to be done. We continue to attend outreach events, share materials and meet with community organizations in an effort to reach Native American victims, survivors and their family and friends.

There are many resources and services available to those in need:

• Help for Native Americans: CalVCP Information Sheet
• Sacramento Native American Health Center
• Bureau of Justice Statistics, American Indians And Crime: A BJS Statistical Profile, 1992-2002 
• Indian Country Accomplishments of the Justice Department, 2009-Present
• Native American Communities Justice Project (NACJP)
• National Criminal Justice Reference Service, Justice in Indian Country

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The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) provides compensation for victims of violent crime. CalVCP provides eligible victims with reimbursement for many crime-related expenses. CalVCP funding comes from restitution paid by criminal offenders through fines, orders, penalty assessments and federal matching funds.

Suited for Success Clothing Drive

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Yesterday I was honored to participate in a press conference for the 2nd Annual CalVCP Suited for Success Program where we presented three very deserving organizations with nearly 2,000 clothing items. The Suited for Success Program was a great success and we are proud of all of the donations that were made. Suited for Success is an incredible program run by our friends at WEAVE to provide interview-quality professional and business casual clothing to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in the greater Sacramento area.

This year, we were thrilled to partner with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and expand the potential for collection. With their assistance we were able to place collection bins in several State agencies and departments, including the Governor’s Office. We also had a helping hand from many Legislative offices and from our friends at Chicory Coffee and Tea on L Street.

WEAVE began this program back in 1999 to fill the need in assisting domestic violence victims attain economic independence. WEAVE, along with our partners, My Sister’s House and the Domestic Violence Intervention Center, help domestic violence victims who are forced to leave their homes and start all over again. Many lack the financial freedom to get back on their feet — and that is where these incredible organizations and the Suited for Success Program come in.

I was touched by a message I received shortly following the press event from Nilda Valmores, Executive Director at My Sister’s House. She wrote:

"A client from our Women to Work Program just came by sharing that she has an interview in a few hours. I asked her if she had her outfit. She said "no." I said, "Guess what I have in my van?" She found not only a great outfit for the interview but some wonderful items for when she starts the job . . . we're feeling positive. She said, "I feel like it's Christmas!"

I was moved by this story and reminded of the great work these organizations do and why it is so important to continue to support victims of domestic violence. We know that domestic violence continues to be a concerning issue for California and here in the Sacramento region. The California Victim Compensation Program provides assistance to more than 15,000 victims of domestic violence every year. In fact, 35 percent of all the applications we process annually come from domestic violence victims. Many victims come to us looking to relocate, go to counseling, and get medical attention, and I am proud that we have such a program that can assist with these financial burdens.

Thank you to all who joined us and who donated the life-changing clothing to these worthy organizations. A special thanks to the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence for being a great partner with us during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and of course to WEAVE, My Sister’s House, and the Domestic Violence Intervention Center who will distribute the clothing to those in need.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

About the California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association (CPPCA)

By Dana Smith-Lacy, California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association President; and Reuben Johnson, California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association Vice President

Since 1917, the California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association represents the professional interest of adult and juvenile, state and local, field and institutional correctional personnel. As an Association, members collectively uphold and stand by the rights and restoration of all victims across the state. CPPCA has been a constant voice within the California Legislature in critical decision making processes when proposed bills involve victim safety, rights, restoration, and restitution. Throughout our annual review of bills involving victim interests or rights, our Legislative Committee considers several vital factors, including:

• The Legislative Committee and Executive Board always seek to ensure the protection of victims from intimidation and future degradation or harm.
• Distribute concise statewide information on court processes, restitution programs, defendant location, and release dates.
• Focus on the preservation of victim property, employment, safety, and dignity.

A refreshing fact about CPPCA is that it is connected to almost every probation, parole, and corrections agency throughout California. Therefore, new, effective victim services trends and programs are shared and adopted by many counties. The Association holds an annual conference which provides a comprehensive list of training sessions, some of which involve information on victim rights and services. Roundtables and discussion forums about improvement and modification of victim practices are encouraged, not only from law enforcement staff, but by community based organizations who are seeking insight for improvement purposes. Outside agencies are foot soldiers in the victim movement and are key stakeholders for effective services. CPPCA heavily encourages cohesiveness with all agencies who are vested in this arena. Teamwork is very important to help ensure victims’ rights.

CPPCA will always strive to support legislation to better serve victims in an effort to ensure all victims are made whole and have ample guidance and assistance in the healing process. The task is an ongoing test of fortitude under the law enforcement umbrella.

The Association seeks to foster effective outcomes for communities by addressing recidivism of offenders as well as community factors that lead to success, such as education, housing, employment, sobriety, and other criminogenic factors. By focusing on approaches that are evidence based, probation is able to identify the risk of reoffending, provide supervision interventions, and hold offenders accountable in order to protect public safety and reduce recidivism within local communities.

CPPCA will continue to work collaboratively and reach out to criminal justice agencies to promote team work and sharing of new innovative practices and strategies in order to create and modify effective programs for victims and our clients alike. As counties and the State continue to collect and track data toward this end, we will be able to analyze how specific probation strategies will benefit local communities to improve offender outcomes. By performing these efforts, we can hopefully reduce victimization and recidivism in California.

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Dana Smith-Lacy is a Division Director I with the San Bernardino County Probation Department currently assigned to Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center as the Assistant Superintendent. Dana serves as President of the California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association and has been an active member since September 2001.

Reuben Johnson is a Senior Deputy Probation Officer with the Santa Clara County Probation Department currently assigned to the Juvenile Court Unit and works as a Probation liaison in the Court system. Reuben is the Vice President of CPPCA and has worked diligently to serve the Association, Santa Clara County Probation Department and his community. He looks forward to serving as the Association’s President starting on October 1, 2013.

Sacramento’s New B.O.S.S. Program: Building Opportunities for Domestic Violence Survivors

By Tara Shabazz, Executive Director, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence

When domestic violence survivors leave their abusive relationships and seek shelter, it can be a first step toward a new life. But what many people don’t realize is that after victims leave they must immediately face a whole new set of economic challenges, challenges that can sometimes tip the scale when they’re weighing whether or not to return to an abusive partner. Economic factors and financial issues play a critical role in domestic violence, and present serious obstacles for many women who wish to leave their batterers and stay out for the long term.

That’s why my agency, the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, is so excited about a new program we’re launching with support from the Allstate Foundation: it’s called B.O.S.S., or “Building Opportunities for Survivors’ Success.” This groundbreaking new collaborative will help Sacramento-area service providers support survivors in achieving the financial stability they need to keep their families safe. Together with two local domestic violence agencies (My Sister’s House, WEAVE) and one homeless services agency (Women’s Empowerment) the Partnership will work to make Allstate Foundation’s Moving Ahead through Financial Management curriculum available to shelter residents and others affected by domestic violence.

Economic concerns are the most frequently cited reason survivors return to abusive relationships. If the choice is between going back to an abuser and becoming homeless, a victim may choose to return in order to keep a roof over their kids’ head or food on the table. Domestic violence advocates know that in order for survivors to build new, violence-free lives, they must have a solid financial foundation. Over the course of the coming year, the Partnership will use the Allstate Foundation’s grant to support the participating agencies in training their advocates to teach Allstate’s financial curriculum to their clients.

The Partnership is the statewide umbrella organization for California’s domestic violence service providers and allies, and so we’re uniquely positioned to support community programs in collaborative projects and resource sharing. The structure of the B.O.S.S. program is innovative, in that we’ve chosen as our collaborators one mainstream domestic violence agency (WEAVE) one culturally specific organization (My Sister’s House) and one homeless services provider (Women’s Empowerment). The Partnership strongly believes that by sharing expertise, advocates and allies can end domestic violence, because together we’re stronger.

The B.O.S.S. program is an amazing collaborative opportunity for community-based organizations to pool resources and share their strengths in addressing survivors’ financial literacy and stability. Our member advocates have told us that many survivors passing through their doors have questions about banking, credit ratings and how to begin to separate their financial lives from those of their abusers. In the coming year, the B.O.S.S. program will host a series of workshops on those topics; the workshops will take place at each of the participating agencies in turn, for maximum convenience for the survivor workshop participants. The Partnership will train advocates from the three local agencies to teach the workshop sessions and present supplemental materials in an engaging, accessible manner. We’ll also oversee the creation of a local resources list, and a consortium of Sacramento area community-based financial programs, community partners and other stakeholders to contribute to the sustainability of B.O.S.S. and other long-term strategies. We want Sacramento, and ultimately the whole of California, to be a place where victims can access services that will not only keep them safe in the short term, but will also help them build a long-term future that’s violence free and financially secure.

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Tara Shabazz is the Executive Director of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, the nationally-recognized State Domestic Violence Coalition for California. Together with our 150 member organizations and individuals across the entire state, The Partnership has built upon the 30-year history of our predecessor organizations while forging into new territory to provide statewide leadership and successfully pass legislation to ensure safety and justice for domestic violence survivors and their children.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

This month we join millions of Americans in recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and stand together to do all we can to stop violence before it starts. One in four women and one in nine men¹ in the United States are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives, and approximately 33 million² U.S. adults report that they were a victim of domestic violence. The epidemic is impressed upon each of us at CalVCP every single day because nearly 30% of the applications we receive for help are from victims of domestic violence.

The survivors we serve need many kinds of support, including mental health counseling, medical attention, and relocation. Visit our resource page to join the cause and learn more regarding statistics, resources, events, our Suited for Success clothing drive, applying for CalVCP benefits, and news and media surrounding the issue.

It is far past time to “Break the Silence” and put an end to these cowardly acts and senseless violence. This month, I stand with the victims and survivors of domestic violence to raise awareness and call for everyone to recognize the signs and take action.

1. CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey 2005
2. Based on July 2005 U.S. Census estimate released January 2006 (223,000,000 total U.S. adults aged 18 or over)

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.