Oversight_Panel
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
Kathy Black welcomed Dion Roberts, as the newest member of the Justice and Courage Oversight Panel. Ms. Roberts introduced herself and provided a brief overview of her background and work experience. Ms. Roberts is the Program Manager of Family Supportive Housing with the Human Services Agency, has expertise in homelessness and supportive housing, and stated that she is looking forward to working with the Oversight Panel to ensure the City and County of San Francisco has policies in place to support victims of domestic violence with permanent supportive housing to lead violence-free lives. Oversight Panel members welcomed Ms. Roberts and stated that they look forward to working with her, as housing is an important issue for survivors of domestic violence.
Ms. Upton asked that a meeting of the Governance Committee be scheduled to further discuss membership and succession planning for 2010.
Mr. Theisen reported that resources have been added to the Audit Implementation Matrix, and that the committee has focused discussion on no-cost or low-cost solutions. At this time, many of the departments suffer from a lack of training funds. Administrative Analyst Laura Marshall stated that although there is a lack of resources in many departments, there have been substantial policy developments within the departments. Ms. Marshall will provide an overview of the accomplishments to date at the next Oversight Panel meeting.
C. Batterer Accountability Committee
No report. The Batterer Accountability Committee has been suspended.
Ms. Black stated that she attended the last JUSTIS Governance Council meeting and found it extremely educational. Ms. Black reported that Judge Ryan distributed a timeline for quick movement, as there is community pressure and a strong commitment within City Hall to complete the JUSTIS project. Ms. Black also reported that the San Francisco Police Department recently hired a Technology Officer. Ms. Upton stated that JUSTIS is working to make progress within the next 60-90 days. Ms. Upton stated that Board of Supervisor President David Chiu is supportive of JUSTIS and raised the issue at a recent Board of Supervisor’s Budget Committee meeting.
Committee members requested an update on JUSTIS at the October meeting.
Ms. Upton thanked and recognized the efforts of Ms. Marshall in putting together the First Comprehensive Report on Family Violence in San Francisco, 2009. Ms. Upton highlighted three key points her update:
1. Report on Family Violence – Ms. Upton stated that the First Comprehensive Report on Family Violence in San Francisco, 2009 is a strong report, but needs some refinement. She said the report draws a united picture of where people are and identifies the violence they are experiencing. She is looking forward to sharing the report with the Mayor and Board of Supervisors.
2. Batter’s Intervention Programs – Ms. Upton stated that when child abuse, elder abuse and domestic violence issues are brought to the same table there is an opportunity to discuss state mandated intervention programs.
3. Child Abuse Centers – Ms. Upton reported that Co-Chair Kathy Baxter is looking at creating a forensic center to work with and address issues around children exposed to family violence.
Laura Marshall reported that the last meeting was on Friday, May 22. Mark Guillory of the District Attorney's Office presented on issues of technology and emerging stalking “tools” available on the internet, including stalking websites and the ability to text anonymously. Ms. Marshall stated that the presentation was a great overview and will help advocates who are seeing this as an emerging trend in the District Attorney’s Office.
Ms. Upton commended Mr. Guillory’s work as it has raised the profile of stalking. The next meeting has not yet been scheduled.
Ms. Upton reported that the community is monitoring two cases.
1. Ciera Davis: Ms. Upton reported that Assistant District Attorney Diana Garcia did a remarkable job in Court. Frank Green was found guilty of second degree murder in May. Sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2009.
2. Cindy Weaver: The community expects this case, determined to be a homicide by the Medical Examiner, to proceed. Ms. Upton will continue to follow this case.
B. Upcoming Department Head Meetings
Committee members reported on recent meetings with City Departments.
Judge Mary Morgan, Superior Court of California, Domestic Violence Court, April 10, 2009
Mr. Theisen stated that the meeting with Judge Morgan was productive and the discussions focused on victim safety in the courtroom and in the line to enter the building.
Sheriff Michael Hennessey, Sherriff’s Office
Ms. Black stated that the meeting with Sheriff Hennessey was positive and the Sherriff is committed to and supportive of the JUSTIS system.
Chief of Police Heather Fong, San Francisco Police Department, April 28, 2009
Mr. Theisen reported that the meeting with Chief Fong was productive and that there is some discussion about possibly moving the Domestic Violence Response Unit back to the 5th Floor, but there is no commitment at this time, and it will likely be up to the incoming Chief. Ms. Upton stated that the community will kept this on the agenda for discussion with the incoming Chief. As well, the community will follow-up with a request for a written policy around U Visas from the new Chief.
District Attorney Kamala Harris, District Attorney’s Office, May 12, 2009
Ms. Black reported that the meeting with District Attorney Harris addressed similar agenda items and concerns. Ms. Black reported that training and staff resources were discussed in great detail. Assistant District Attorney Jim Rowland responded that currently staffing is down in all departments, yet there is an overt desire of department heads to tackle the issues with the resources they have available.
Judge James McBride, Superior Court of California, May 29, 2009
Mr. Theisen stated that it was a positive meeting and they focused on representation of the Courts on the Audit Implementation Committee. Judge McBride expressed his cooperation with any formal requests, but stated that he could not assign staff to attend monthly meetings at this time. Allyson Hauck reported that they also discussed victim safety issues and reported that an individual can request an escort from the Sheriff’s Office. If this happens, the case/clients will be tracked for future court dates/appearances by the Sheriff.
No public comment.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Rape Cold Case Presentation
The presentation has been postponed due to budget responsibilities of Mr. Giuntini. The presentation will be rescheduled for the August meeting.
No public comment.
