BAKERSFIELD SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE. Thursday, June 16, :30p.m.

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1 BAKERSFIELD eglia Assistant to the City Manager Rudy Salas, Chair Russell Johnson Jacquie Sullivan Meeting called to order at 5:45 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Thursday, 5:30p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park- Community Center South Owens Street Bakersfield, CA Committee members: Councilmember, Rudy Salas, Chair Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Councilmember, Russell Johnson was absent. City staff: Steve Teglia, Asst to City Manager Chris Huot, Administrative Analyst Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Lyle Martin, Asst. Police Chief Lieutenant Joe Mullins, Police Dept. Lieutenant Randy Robison, Police Dept. Sergeant Melvin Johnson, Police Dept. Dianne Hoover, Rec. and Parks Director Darin Budak, Parks Superintendent Raul Rojas, Public Works Director Stuart Patteson, Operations Manager Nick Fidler, Gen. Services Superintendent Jessie Ayala, Gen. Services Supervisor Additional Attendees: Cynthia Zimmer, Joseph Marcano and Scott Spielman, Kern County District Attorney Brandon Beecher, Kern County Probation Otis Jennings, Kern County High School District Dustin Downey, Kern County Sheriff's Office William Haywood and Willie Nichols, Ebony Counseling Center Greg Collins, Southeast Neighborhood Partnership Sedrich Johnson and Donald Wesson, Empowerment Church Dorothy Daniels, AANKC Eugene Frye, African American Islamic Center Sean Battle, Stop the Violence I NAACP Jamallah Dean, Community Member Marvin Dean, Kern County Construction Bootcamp Miscellaneous members of the media

2 2. ADOPTION OF MARCH 17, 2010 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Adopted as submitted. 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee June 16, Po e 2 Will Haywood with Ebony Counseling Center commended the City's graffiti program. He asked if some areas are noted as problem areas. Public Works Director Rojas thanked Mr. Haywood for his comments, and indicated that the goal is to remove graffiti within one to two days. He acknowledged that if there are continual reports of graffiti in a certain area, it is noted as a problem area and subsequently canvassed on a regular basis. Committee Chair Salas encouraged everyone to report graffiti. The wall beside the old fire station on 4 1 h Street was reported as a problem area. 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS A. Update regarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement Police Chief Williamson introduced Police Lieutenant Mullins with the Directed Policing Unit. Lieutenant Mullins reported that prevention and intervention efforts continue, including the on-going partnership with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools and Kern County Probation that involves at-risk youth and those who are most in need of social services to provide them the tools to turn away from the gang lifestyle. In regard to the suppression component, to date, there is less than one-third the number of shootings from this time last year. This year, the Department began a new tracking system whereby they will be considered gang related whenever a gang member is involved. Committee Chair Salas noted that, to date in 2011, there have been 10 shootings and 4 homicides. During the same time period in 2010, there were 33 shootings and 4 homicides. He asked if this was due to the efforts of the Safe Streets partnership. Lieutenant Mullins indicated that the program has made a difference, but it can also be considered a success for the community, which has been more inclined to take a stand and report incidents. Committee member Sullivan acknowledged that everyone is working together. Lieutenant Mullins recognized Pastor Donald Wesson and Sean Battle, who have contributed a tremendous amount of time towards the Safe Streets partnership. Committee Chair Salas asked if gangs are recruiting. Lieutenant Mullins responded that they are. The process requires three separate incidents of violence and related criteria, after which a person is validated as gang member for five years.

3 Po e 3 Jamallah Dean asked for a clarification as to why the number of shootings is down. Lieutenant Mullins responded that it is a result of the combination of prevention, intervention and suppression efforts. Fewer people are not joining gangs due to school and community efforts to dissuade them. Additionally, the intervention efforts that acquaint current gang members with the opportunity to disassociate with the gangs have had some success. Lastly, law enforcement officers are focusing on zero tolerance with individuals who are responsible for the gang-related violence. B. Report on Kern County Probation Activities Brandon Beecher, with Kern County Probation reported that on June 4, 2011, 150 students graduation from court community schools, which includes the Bridges Academy, Kern Crossroads facility, and Juvenile Hall Central School. One particular student from the Bridges Academy has already enrolled in Bakersfield College for next year. Community, or continuation schools are available to both students who are on probation, who are disruptive or having trouble in the classroom, or have been expelled. Some are ordered to attend by the juvenile court, others by probation officers or through their school district. The Department continues to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, including the F.B.I., District Attorney's Office, and Bakersfield Police Department. Probation officers actively participate in the Safe Streets call-in meetings, sex offender sweeps and high profile public events to ensure compliance of 290 offender registrant laws. Two officers are assigned to oversee and supervise approximately 40 high-risk juveniles who have been released from the California Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, formerly known as the California Youth Authority. Reports from the State indicate that out of the approximately 30,000 inmates to be released, about 2,000 will be returned to Kern County. Due to budget constraints, it will be challenging for the Probation Department to adequately supervise these individuals. Methamphetamine prices are up, but heroine prices are down, indicating that there is a significant amount of heroine on the streets at this time. Hispanic gang activity is up in Metropolitan Bakersfield and in other County areas. Committee Chair Salas asked what the impact will be when all of the inmates are released. Mr. Beecher responded that additional resources are needed, as caseloads are already high. The Department anticipates some additional funding, which could possibly be used to hire additional personnel. Committee Chair Salas asked about the level of inmates who are being released. Police Chief Williamson replied that they are considered non-serious, non-violent, and were not convicted of a sex crime. Mr. Beecher added that they are also considered nonrevocable. Committee member Sullivan asked for clarification as to why the inmates were being released. Mr. Beecher replied that the federal government issued a directive that a number of inmates be released early due to overcrowding in the prisons. Two years have been allotted to accomplish this and get the prisons in compliance.

June 16, 20 11 Po e 4 Committee Chair Salas asked how this will impact the City of Bakersfield.

4 June 16, Po e 4 Committee Chair Salas asked how this will impact the City of Bakersfield. Police Chief Williamson responded that while Governor Brown signed AB 109, it will not be implemented without funding, which is not yet available. The State has to have a plan in place by November. Staff is watching State legislative actions closely, and will have more to report when additional information is available. The Probation Department has been assigned the task of supervising all of the released inmates. The Chief Probation Officer, Sheriff, Chief of Police, District Attorney, and a County Supervisor will meet and devise a plan. Committee Chair Salas asked if the Probation Department makes it a top priority to help juveniles get their high school diploma to help turn their life around. Mr. Beecher replied that early intervention and prevention programs are the key to breaking the cycle of behavior. With diminished revenues, they have had to cut programs, but there is a collaboration with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools to run the court-ordered and community schools. Out of custody schools are transitioning schools, which students go to before they transition back into the mainstream school system. Marvin Dean thanked the Committee for holding meetings in the community, and thanked Committee Chair Salas for his online forum. He stated that a public-private partnership is necessary to deal with crime, and one of best things to do is put able-bodied people to work. He believes the City ought to employ people from within redevelopment areas to work on redevelopment projects, and create temporary jobs for citizens to work on road projects instead of using contractors. Mr. Beecher noted that in addition to an education, students learn job skills, get assistance with job placement, learn job application and interview skills, and meet with potential employers, all through the Bridges Academy. The Kern Crossroads facility also provides job skills, including carpentry skills, and training with Westec to work in the oilfields. Marvin Dean asked if the programs reduce the recitivism rate. Mr. Beecher replied that as the Bridges Academy has only been in existence for 18 months, that data is not yet available. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Report on Graffiti Operations Public Works Director Rojas provided an overview of a slide show he presented. The program began in 1993, and grew from 2 employees once a week to a multiemployee effort, 7-days per week in The additional effort was a result of the increase in the amount of graffiti, and the need to reduce the response time to hours, which was a high-priority goal of the City Council. The trucks are moving advertisements of the anti-graffiti program. Staff is present at community events to promote awareness. They will meet with any community group to educate participants and provide the necessary equipment and materials. Materials can also be picked up at the City's Corporation Yard, or it can be delivered on request.

Po e 5 Almost 20,000 tags were removed during Fiscal Year 2009-2010, with approximately 18,000 weekdays and 2,000 on weekends. Most are reported by phone call.

5 Po e 5 Almost 20,000 tags were removed during Fiscal Year , with approximately 18,000 weekdays and 2,000 on weekends. Most are reported by phone call. Prior to 2007, the average rate of removal was less than 10,000 tags per day. The City operates 6 pressure washer trucks and 6 paint match trucks. Mr. Rojas explained how paint is both matched and applied on site. During the week, anywhere from 9 to 10 trucks are used, as they regularly rotate through the maintenance facility. There are 8 employees who work on Monday and Tuesday, 13 on Wednesday and 9 on Thursday and Friday. There are 5 employees who work on weekends, one of whom stays in the office to answer and log calls. The weekend crew handles areas that are better accessed on weekends, such as highly traveled arterials. They also attend community events to promote the program. Committee Chair Salas reminded everyone to download the graffiti application onto their phone, and advised the meeting attendees how to do this. Mr. Rojas acknowledged that people are using it, and it does work. Committee Chair Salas is going to Mr. Rojas a list of questions that he would like answered at the next Committee meeting. Committee member Sullivan stated she is encouraged by the improved efforts. Dorothy Daniels, with AANKC asked for clarification on the statistics showing fewer tags removed in Fiscal Year than in Mr. Rojas replied that through the combined efforts of the Police Department and the anti-graffiti program, and a reduction in staff during a budget crisis, there were fewer tags removed. Bakersfield Operations Manager Patteson added that volunteer groups have made a difference, and they help to eradicate graffiti in their areas. The amount of tags they remove are not incorporated into the City's data. Committee member Sullivan noted that business owners also deserve credit for encouraging their employees to assist in eradicating graffiti on the outside of their facility. Mr. Rojas stated that there is a program for business owners where they are given materials and equipment if their business gets tagged frequently. Committee Chair Salas asked about the efficiency of the schedule that has been in place since He also asked how many requests were received during the previous schedule and the number of employees on staff. Mr. Rojas referred to a graph in his presentation that reflects improved efficiency from the previous schedule. He further noted that prior to 2007, there were fewer employees so fewer tags were removed. Committee Chair Salas relayed a question from a citizen in the Tyner Ranch area who asked if the City could impose a fraction of a cent fee on every spray paint can sold and use that money towards graffiti abatement. Assistant to the City Manager Teglia replied that Proposition 26, which relates to fees versus taxes, may play a role in the

6 Po e 6 ability to do that. A tax that would charge a specific user, yet benefits a larger group, may have to be voted on. B. Report on DUI Checkpoints Police Chief Williamson introduced Police Sergeant Johnson, who is the Traffic Sergeant and administrator of the Office of Traffic Safety Grants. He noted that over the last two years, the Bakersfield Police Department has received four first place State awards in regard to traffic safety: Life Interrupted program; MADD; in the most recent law enforcement challenge, Bakersfield was voted the # 1 city for traffic safety in the State for cities that employ 250 to 500 sworn personnel; and, Bakersfield was voted # 1 for the technology used for traffic safety. Sergeant Johnson reported that in 201 0, staff was called upon 28 times to investigate fatal collisions, 36% of which were collisions involving impaired drivers or motor riders, with a blood alcohol content of.08% or above. In comparison, the national average for was 32%; and in the State, 30%. In 2011, to date, there have been 13 fatal collisions, 62% of which involved impaired drivers. Staff has been aggressively competing for several years for grant funding through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the California Office of Traffic Safety to obtain funding that would provide for additional officers. One of most effective means to combat impaired driving is the DUI checkpoint. Since 2007, the Department has conducted 87 checkpoints, which does not include 15 to 18 they participated in with other law enforcement agencies. The City is divided into three geographic regions for the purpose of coordinating the checkpoints: west, which is everything west of Highway 99; east, which is everything east of Union A venue; and central, which is everything between Highway 99 and Union Avenue. Since 2007, there were 36 checkpoints conducted on the west side of town, 32 on the east side, and 23 in the centra l region. Staff has noticed a reduction in the amount of hit and run accidents, which they attribute to seizure and impound of vehicles at checkpoints that were driven by unlicensed motorists and those with a suspended or revoked license. In 2008, at an average checkpoint, there were 80 vehicles impounded. In 2011, the average is 35. Committee Chair Salas stated that there needs to be public education on how many checkpoints are held in each area, as there is a lot of misinformation being disseminated amongst citizens. Sergeant Johnson said that staff is constantly looking for new methods to address the issue of traffic and public safety. Committee Chair Salas asked about a legislative bill that related to checkpoints and impoundments. Sergeant Johnson replied that it is listed as AB 1389, and it is now in the State Assembly. The language proposes to eliminate impoundment of vehicles for unlicensed drivers at DUI checkpoints.

7 Po e 7 Police Chief Williamson added that the bill will limit what an officer can do at DUI checkpoints, such as only look for red watery eyes, slurred speech or if they smell alcohol on the breath. They will not be allowed to ask for a driver's license. If they, as experts, see someone they believe may be under the influence of methamphetamine or cocaine, the officer will not be allowed to consider it. Committee Chair Salas asked about the main cause of vehicle impounds. Sergeant Johnson replied that they are mainly caused by either unlicensed drivers or those who are driving on a suspended or revoked license. He added that Bakersfield is above average for DUI arrests at checkpoints, with 4 and the State average is 3.4. There is usually an increase in the number of incidents in the summer, so staff is actively strategizing for ways to reduce the number of persons killed or injured. C. Discussion regarding Funding Source Options to Combat Gang Violence Police Chief Williamson reported that the Department is about mid-way through a threeyear ARRA stimulus grant that allowed for the hiring of numerous officers who are part of Directed Policing Unit. In the Proposed Fiscal Year budget, it was projected to hire individuals to fill those positions permanently. If the ARRA funding isoffered again, the Department will apply for 11 additional positions. Committee Chair Salas asked about the status of the CaiGrip grant funding. Lieutenant Mullins responded that those funds were to be used towards the response to gang shootings. Since the number of shootings has decreased, some of the funds still exist. The grant awarded in supports the Safe Streets Partnership, the Public Health Department's Family Nurse program, and a prevention specialist at the Kern County Network for Children to guide to individuals who wish to turn away from gang lifestyle to existing social programs. At the request of Committee Chair Salas, Police Chief Williamson clarified that the Special Enforcement Unit is under the umbrella of the Directed Policing Unit. This Unit responds to all Council referrals and graffiti investigations. 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee member Sullivan thanked staff for attending and providing informative reports. She encouraged staff to make sure the information for the next meeting is disseminated to encourage as many people as possible to attend. Committee Chair Salas thanked everyone for coming. He stated that this meeting was held in the evening to make it more accessible. He encouraged everyone to attend the regular monthly meetings, and to call staff or him with any questions. 7. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

City Council members: Steven Teglia, Administrative Analyst

City Council members: Steven Teglia, Administrative Analyst Staff: John W. Stinson, Assistant City Manager Steven Teglia, Administrative Analyst Rick Kirkwood, Management Assistant City Council members: Irma Carson, Chair Sue Benham Jacquie Sullivan REGULAR MEETING