AugustSeptember 2017 eConnection

PROBATION STRONG

County Board of Supervisors Recognizes

Probation Department Personnel During Probation
Services Week July 16-22, 2017

5th District Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger presents the County’s
scroll proclaiming Probation Services Week to Chiefs Terri McDonald, Sheila Mitchell
and Reaver Bingham during the regular meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Adminsitration
Boardroom in Downtown Los Angeles.

Youth Development Services DPO Alan Brown was publicly recognized for his work
on this year’s Youth College Summit.

Probation Directors Jennifer Owen and Kathryn Beigh were recognized for their
ongoing dedication to Campus Kilpatrick and the L.A. Model.

PROBATION HERO OF THE MONTH:

TRANSPORTATION DEPUTY GONZALO PEREZ

Transportation Deputy Gonzalo Perez hard at work in the classroom.

Transportation Deputy (TD) Gonzalo Perez has witnessed a lot of car accidents, even
though most of them have been staged.
TD Perez is the lead instructor in the Probation Department’s Traffic Collision Unit (TCU).
The TCU is the educational component of the Department’s Transportation Division which is
responsible for the safe transport of Probation youth. The Transportation Collision Unit
provides specialized training to enhance the knowledge, safety awareness and
responsibilities of Probation staff who drive a County vehicle in the performance of their
duties. Mileage permittees are afforded the training as well.
“I am proud to help educate our sworn and non-sworn employees” said TD Perez. “It is
beneficial to them and fulfilling to me. Training is a key ingredient in helping to lower liability
and I am proud to help reduce the liability of the Probation Department,” he added.

Under Deputy Perez’ leadership, the Transportation Collision Unit, which is Certified by
Standards and Training for Corrections (STC), educates and trains Probation staff on driving
safety and proper reporting and documentation of traffic collisions. Prior traffic accident
reporting procedures have cost the Department hundreds of thousands of dollars in
settlements each year.

The eight-hour training course, which includes in-class instruction as well as field scenarios of
vehicle collisions, has proven to be an invaluable tool to those who have taken it.

“The training was exceptional” said AB 109 Supervising Deputy Probation Officer Arthur
Mayfield II. “It should be provided as a part of the Field Probation Officers Core (FPOC). It
was very practical, resourceful and well organized,” he added.

By staying aware of new traffic laws and departmental procedures, Deputy Perez ensures
the course is maintained with up-to-date and accurate information. He also provides students
with handouts that can used as a reference in the event of an accident.

Thank you, Deputy Perez, for helping to keep us safe! ■

BRAND NEW CAMPUS KILPATRICK
IS UP AND RUNNING

Department of Mental Health Director John Sherin, Public Works Director Mark Pestrella, 3rd District County
Supervisor Kuehl, Chief Probation Officer Terri L. McDonald, LACOE SuperintendentDr. Debra Durado, Chief
Deputy Probation Officer Sheila Mitchell, Former Camp Gonzalez youth Bryan Arredondo, and Jim Jones
celebrated the opening of Campus Kilpatrick on Friday, June 23rd.

On a bright summer morning, cheers echoed throughout the canyons of Malibu as Campus
Vernon Kilpatrick, the state-of-the-art juvenile residential treatment facility, opened its doors
on Friday, June 23, 2017 with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of 250 invited guests.
The highly anticipated Campus Kilpatrick, home to what is being touted as the “L.A. Model”,
provides a more therapeutic approach to juvenile rehabilitation. On Monday, July 3rd, eight
juveniles moved onto the new campus as its first residents and service recipients, whose
arrival acts as the pinnacle of a collaboration between County of Los Angeles and
community stakeholders, including the County Board of Supervisors—specifically the Third
Supervisorial District.
Former 3rd District Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky first commissioned the renovation of
Kilpatrick in 2012, but was more than happy to sit in the audience as current 3rd District

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl carried the baton across the finish line, even going as far as to
changing the facility’s name.

“I began the practice of calling this place ‘Campus Kilpatrick’ because I wanted this place to
be more like a school campus that will nurture learning and healing youth,” Supervisor Kuehl
explained. “Look at this beautiful campus. It’s a place where our kids will have an
opportunity to become healthy members of our society again.”

The formal ceremony included an impressive speakers list that demonstrated the partnership
involved in making Campus Kilpatrick a reality. County of Los Angeles Chief Operating
Officer Jim Jones; Probation Chief Deputy Sheila Mitchell; Health Services Director Dr.
Mitchell Katz, Mental Health Director Dr. Jonathan Sherin, Office of Education
Superintendent Dr. Debra Duardo, and Public Works Director Mark Pestrella all shared
words of partnership and support for the campus’s success.

Chief Probation Officer Terri L. McDonald expressed similar sentiments as she proclaimed
that Campus Kilpatrick and the “L.A. Model” will become the new standard for juvenile
rehabilitation.

“Let’s stay the course, let’s treat each other with dignity and let’s celebrate what I believe will
be a national model for these kinds of facilities where kids can live in a community setting,”
Chief McDonald said. ■

LACOE Superintendent Dr. Debra Durado, 3rd District County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, former 3rd District County
Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and Chief Probation Officer Terri McDonald.

CAMP AFFLERBAUGH YOUTH:
NOT TOO COOL FOR SUMMER SCHOOL

Early morning school assembly prepares the staff and students for a productive day.

Positive energy is contagious, even at 8:00 a.m.
Each weekday during the month of July, the youth at Camp Afflerbaugh in LaVerne attend
Freedom School. The 4-week long mid-summer scholastic program encourages literacy and
self-empowerment. It is funded by the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and conducted as an
inter-department collaboration between the Los Angeles County Office of Education
(LACOE) and the Los Angeles County Probation Department. Camp Afflerbaugh has
participated in the highly successful educational program since 2012.
One of the components of Freedom School is Harambee, the early morning assembly where
students prepare for the day by singing, dancing and chanting about the joys of learning.
During the assembly you’ll be sure to find student breaking into small groups, laughing and
even celebrating the start of the school day with fist-bumps, high-fives, low-fives and even an
occasional dap or two. A unique part of Harambee is the daily anthem, ‘Something Inside So
Strong’, a melodious reminder to the students that they are well equipped to meet any of
life’s challenges. Harambee, which means let’s pull together in Swahili, ushers in a spirit of
positive energy. It has also been beneficial in fostering better communication between the
students, their teachers and probation officers.

“The youth have definitely benefited from Freedom School” said Camp Afflerbaugh Director
Bruce Sakamoto. “Statistically their reading levels improve and there are less classroom
restructures and suspensions. The days are full of classroom activities and a different
approach to learning,” he added.

By creating a culture of care for the students the CDF Freedom School Program generates a
positive outlook toward learning. The program, which provides an exciting reading
curriculum, also helps curb summer learning loss and close achievement gaps.

Harambee provides the foundation for a great day. Freedom School provides the foundation
for a bright future. ■

PROBATION WEEK 2017
APPRECIATING EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE

Containers held candy and thoughtful notes for the staff that made the day even sweeter.

The Probation Department really knows how to make their employees feel special.
The Probation Staff Appreciation Luncheon was held at Burton W. Chase Park in Marina Del
Rey. On Tuesday, July 18th, management and staff from Districts 2 and 3 gathered in the
Community Room to acknowledge the employees who have made praiseworthy
contributions throughout the year, many of which often go unheralded.
“We have a complicated job, trying to make the world a better place” said Bureau Chief Paul
Vinetz. “Today is our opportunity to say thanks.” Looking over the room he added, “I treat this
like a family owned business. Events like this make the family organization stronger.”
Approximately 100 Probation employees enjoyed a sunny afternoon, beautifully decorated
venue, delicious lunch and breathtaking view of the Marina. One by one, each of the District
Directors acknowledged their staff for their extraordinary teamwork and commitment to the
Department. Several employees received beautiful certificates, as did the Directors
themselves, who also received words of appreciation for a job well done from Bureau Chief
Vinetz.
“Receiving recognition is something that some view as non-essential, but it would be a
mistake to downplay its importance to staff” said Crenshaw Area Office Director Adam Long.
“Watching the genuine pride and appreciation of staff being recognized underscores for me

the incredible importance of acknowledging staff contributions and accomplishments.
Probation Week gives us a designated opportunity to do this.”
Two probation staff with an extra special reason to celebrate were Supervising Deputy
Probation Officer Jerry Cohen of the Santa Monica Area Office and Deputy Probation Officer
II Larry Holloway from the Crenshaw Area Office. They were singled out and applauded
because of their new designation, Retiree. In just a few days each would submit their final
timecard to payroll.
“I love my job” said Officer Holloway. “What I will miss the most is my interaction with the
clients, helping them to comply with court orders and adding to the safety of the community,”
he added.
It was a memorable day for everyone. ■

Left to right: Crenshaw Area Office Director Adam Long; Firestone Area Office Director Greg Monteilh;
Bureau Chief Paul Vinetz; Santa Monica Area Office Director Dave Bryant; South Central Area Office Director

Denise Govan; Centinela Area Office Director Jed Minoff

SCHOOL-BASED DEPUTIES
DISTRIBUTE SCHOOL SUPPLIES

FOR PROBATION YOUTH

Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) Cluster 4 officers:
DPO II James Mendez; DPO ll Augusto Perez; SDPO Alex Pesqueira.

The Probation Department joined with multiple agencies and community
stakeholders in a city-wide community event at Lee Owens Park in Whittier.
On Saturday, July 15th, residents enjoyed a complimentary lunch and live
entertainment while students received backpacks and free school supplies as
part of “The Backpack Giveaway." The event was sponsored by the Hispanic
Outreach Taskforce (HOT), a community based organization in the City of
Whittier that is dedicated to improving the lives of residents.
Probation officers were on hand to answer questions and provide information
about intervention services that are available to families in need. Residents were
excited to learn about tutoring, individual and group counseling, conflict
resolution and self-esteem building. They were also informed about substance
abuse counseling, situation and crises counseling, mediation, anti-gang

intervention, recreational activities and vocational referrals. The well-attended
event helped to prepare youth for a successful school year. ■

BRINGING THE FUTURE
INTO FOCUS

Opticians Myra Ortega (L) and Ramon Vega (R) provide free eye exams for Probation Youth and
their siblings.

The Centinela Area Office was the place to see and be seen.
On Tuesday, August 8th, the probation office parking lot was transformed into an
ophthalmology clinic by Vision To Learn, an organization that brings medically
equipped vans to children who may otherwise have limited access to vision care.
On this day, Probation youth and their siblings, 18 and under, received vison
screenings and fittings for new glasses at no cost.
“We are pleased to partner with Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley
Thomas to provide free eye exams and glasses just in time for school,” said
Bureau Chief Paul Vinetz. “Probation wants to make sure that boys and girls
thrive in the classroom. Eye glasses can help them do that,” he continued.
Probation officers reached out to the youth, letting them know that their back-to-
school supplies could also include a new pair of glasses to help them dot their i’s
and cross their t’s. In all, 52 young people were examined with close to 75% of
them needing glasses. After selecting the style and color of their eyewear they
were given an appointment to return in 3 weeks to pick them up.

“We cannot penalize children if we do not know what ailments confront them”
said DPOII Kent Swift. “If they need glasses, they are afforded them.”

Not to be left out, the Los Angeles County Library Bookmobile was on site to
provide students with library cards and books to go along with their new glasses.
They signed up 25 excited new library patrons.
“A part of our mission at Probation is to provide for a healthier and safer
community,” said Centinela Area Office Director Jed Minoff. “Events like this
one reflect our commitment to that mission.” ■

DETENTION SERVICES BUREAU:
HELPING TO REBUILD LIVES

The Detention Services Bureau is extremely proud of the continued work they do
to provide relevant services to probation youth.

The programs that are offered are diverse in nature. They provide guidance,
leadership and encouragement. They have also been instrumental in the
reduction of youth on youth violence and self-harming behaviors.

This month marks the 7th anniversary of CSEC (Commercialization and Sexual
Exploitation of Children), the highly successful program designed to meet the
needs of youth who have been exposed to sex-trafficking. Piloted at Central
Juvenile Hall by Supervising Detention Services Officer, Markese Freeman, the
program includes weekly workshops and counseling.

Other programs that bring hope, and life skills to the youth are:

 Foster Youth Services – meets the educational needs of foster youth,
such has tutoring, G.E.D. classes, college preparation, educational
counseling and school placement.

 Glam Day - a semi-annual event to encourage and empower young
ladies to feel good about themselves on the inside and as well as the
outside.

 Women/Gentleman Quarterly Conference - provides training and
guidance in the areas of hygiene/grooming, self-esteem, healthy
relationships, education and etiquette i.e.) job interviewing, how to tie a
tie, table setting etiquette

 Uprising Yoga - teaches relaxation techniques to help bring the body
and mind back into balance

 Break the cycle - helps break the cycle of youth on youth violence in
teen relationships

 Project Cuddle - provides medical resources, shelter leads, adoptive
families, food and helpful baby supplies- as needed.

 Dance Therapy- teaches self-expression thru dance and exercise
 CAHSEE Test Prep - provides success tools for the CAHSEE exam.
 Dance Therapy- teaches self-expression thru dance and exercise
 Girls & Gangs - a joint collaboration between Probation and Los Angeles

County Office of Education (LACOE), program brings awareness to
issues facing young women in juvenile justice system.

Participation in these groups helps enable the youth to develop healthy and
productive dialogue with their peers and staff. ■

SUPERVISOR CORE
ACADEMY GRADUATION

2017-02

(Top L to R) Yvette E. Sims, Gloria Barnes, Leonardo Preciado, Sup Core Administrator Kimberly
Wells, Curtisa Taylor, Wing Chan; (Btm L to R) Eric Chung, Ernest Gabriel, Leticia Cervantez,
Daniel Benitez, Robert Cedano, Robert Rivera (Not pictured)

New supervisors went old school, dancing their way into the auditorium, swaying
in unison to 1970’s R and B Chart Topper, ‘Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.’
Key note speaker, Los Angeles County Chief Probation officer Terri L.
McDonald, congratulated the eleven newly promoted supervisors during the
Supervisor Core (Sup Core) graduation ceremony on Friday, August 4th, at the
Probation Training Center in Pico Rivera.
“Be an employee advocate” Chief McDonald told them. “Be proud of what you
do. If you set the bar high, you will draw the best out of people,” she added.
Sup Core is a mandatory 80-hour training academy for the Department’s newly
promoted supervisors. It covers the basic principles of supervising probation
staff while satisfying the mandates of the California State Board of Corrections
for supervisor education. It is a requirement that all newly promoted probation
supervisors complete the training within twelve months of their appointment to
their new position. Consisting of both sworn and non-sworn personnel, the goal
of Sup Core is to provide foundational training that crosses all supervision levels

and includes state-mandated and probation related subjects that will enhance
their current skills and/or provide them with new tools.

“You have to empower your employees. Get them to rise up to be the best they
are” said Bureau Chief of Professional Standards, Dave Grkinich. “They will look
to you to move them forward. That will help the Department because they will do
the job we need then to do,” he added.

The unique cadre consisted of both sworn and non-sworn personnel and
included a cross section of age, background and experience. Their class motto,
“Together We Achieve More” was indicative of the bond that was forged during
the training.

“We held on to each other as anchors”, said Sup Core Class Representative
Curtisa Taylor. “We supported each other’s ideals and provided resources from
our diverse background. Leaders do not create followers; leaders create more

leaders” she added. ■

JCOC ACADEMY GRADUATION
2017-03

JCOC Academy graduates recite the Peace Officers Oath

Supportive family and friends arrived at the graduation, balloons and bouquets in
tow.
On Thursday, August 10, 2017, the newest graduates of the Juvenile Correction
Officers Core (JCOC) Academy were sworn in by Chief Probation Officer Terri L.
McDonald, at the Probation Staff Training Center in Pico Rivera.
“You’re drawn to Probation because we are in the business of changing people’s
lives” said Chief McDonald. “Your primary role is that of rehabilitation, not a role
of suppression or containment. We spend generations in America focused on
arresting the body. Your job is to help us arrest the behavior,” she continued.
A packed auditorium fell silent as the seventeen new officers recited the “Peace
Officers Oath.”
“We have sacrificed time with family and friends to become peace officers and to
serve the public” said class representative Emily Jimenez Marquez. “The
experiences we take with us will not only allow us to thrive in our new profession

but also in our everyday lives. We stepped out of our comfort zone to develop
not only a command presence but also, we hope to become a strong voice in the
Department,” she went on to say.

The 7-week Juvenile Corrections Officer Core Academy trains recruits in
Probation Department and State and Federal policies and procedures, arrest
and control tactics, safe crisis management, physical conditioning and academic
examinations.

“There are challenges ahead. Our clients have had difficulties and they will
challenge you,” said Professional Standards Bureau Chief, David Grkinich. “Go
forward and always do the right thing, no matter what,” he told the new officers.

The graduates, whose class motto was “Let Your Voice Be Your Strength,” will
be assigned to various juvenile detention facilities throughout the County. ■

LOS ANGELES COUNTY WOMEN'S
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2017

Attend Event Event to be held at the following time,
date, and location:

Thursday, November 2, 2017 from 8:00
AM to 5:00 PM (PDT)

Pasadena Convention Center
300 East Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91101

View Map

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