Thursday, February 28, 2013

Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego) will convene a public forum to discuss the impact of AB 109, the California Public Safety Realignment Act, on San Diego County




(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego) will convene a public forum to discuss the impact of AB 109, the California Public Safety Realignment Act, on San Diego County as well as explore programs that help former offenders reintegrate back into the community.  The event, which will include input from law enforcement professionals, re-entry specialists, community leaders and other stakeholders, will take place on Friday, March 1st from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the conference room of the La Mesa Police Department (8085 University Avenue, La Mesa, 91942). 

"The implementation of criminal justice realignment has been underway for about a year, so it is important for us to engage in structured dialogue  on its challenges and opportunities so that we are proactive in achieving greater efficiency and better outcomes, " said Assemblymember Weber. "It is also important to continue collaboration and communication between elected officials, law enforcement agencies, and the community so that we are as supportive as possible as we execute our varying roles," she said.

Assembly Bill 109 shifts housing for lower level offenders from prison to local jail, and transfers supervision of designated parolees from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to local probation departments. This shift requires counties statewide to more effectively and efficiently manage offenders while maintaining high standards of public safety.
Panelists participating in the discussion will include Bill Gore, San Diego County Sheriff; Bonnie Dumanis, San Diego County District Attorney; Mack Jenkins, San Diego County Chief Probation Officer; Susan Bower, Director of Operations, Behavioral Health Division, San Diego County Department of Health and Human Services.  Also participating is Kevin Henderson, a former Commissioner of the City of San Diego’s Gang and Intervention Commission, who founded Leaders of Change, a program that works with community members and youth who have transitioned out of gang life. Time will also be provided for public comment.

For information and to RSVP, please contact George Gastil or Lee Hernández at (619)462-7878 or via email: George.Gastil@asm.ca.gov or Lee.Hernandez.asm.ca.gov.



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