Legal Defense Reps
Several of your directors volunteered for and were recently provided rep training by our legal team of Bobbitt, Pinckard, and Fields. We have stated many times in the past that we currently have a severe shortage of trained reps and can only continue the program on a limited basis if more members don’t volunteer to be trained. We’re burning out those few reps we currently have with no new blood coming forward.

Training your directors was somewhat of a last resort. We ask that you take the following into consideration. Being a rep and assisting a fellow deputy only levels the playing field and helps keep everyone involved honest. Having a fellow deputy as your rep also promotes unity and solidarity in not only the program, but the entire association. Remember, the job does not require you to defend the deputy; its purpose is to ensure that the rights afforded by the government code to each and every one of you are protected.

Even with the directors stepping up to fill the gap, we still need several more legal defense reps. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please contact the DSA office or Vice President Ponzio Oliverio.

PAC
The second round of PAC interviews has come to a close, and your PAC committee has made several recommendations and endorsements for the upcoming November elections. Please take the time to inform yourself on the candidates in our contract cities who have been endorsed and spend a few minutes reading up on the local and state initiatives that will also be on the ballot this November. The DSA website is a good place to begin, as it links to many outside sources where you can learn more about the endorsed candidates and the initiatives the DSA has chosen to support or oppose.

With that said, Props 5 and 6 on the statewide ballot merit your attention.

Proposition 5 :The Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act (NORA) would shorten parole for drug sales offenses and place limits on the courts’ ability to incarcerate offenders who violate probation or parole. This initiative is essentially the state’s answer to the governor’s proposal for the early release of inmates plan that was wholeheartedly rejected.

Proposition 6: The Safe Neighborhood Act is a comprehensive criminal penalty and public safety funding initiative. One of the key elements of this proposition stabilizes law enforcement funding for existing programs such as COPPS. As you recall, every time there is a budget shortfall, many of our funded programs are scaled back or even cut completely, so that the number crunchers up in Sacramento can state that they made the hard decision and cut needed programs to balance the budget. During the September meeting, we will formally request that the DSA take the stance of opposition to Prop 5 and support for Prop 6.

Outside the Office
The summer event was a huge success, and many thanks should go out to Director Steve Purvis and the DSA staff. For some unknown reason, you, the membership, enjoy the stress that is felt by our event organizers and staff when you wait until the last day to purchase your tickets. I guess it comes with the territory. Steve already has an idea for next year’s event, but is always willing to take suggestions from the membership.

Every once in a while, I get invited to participate in an event other than a meeting. I wish to thank Capt. Hernando Torres for extending me an invitation to attend the San Diego CSB noontime carne asada cookout. Everyone involved did a fantastic job, and the tacos were delicious (I can say this as I have had a few in my lifetime). Thank you Hernando and feel free to call me when you have another one.

Take care, stay healthy, and be safe. 