Vol. 2 Iss. 2_5_

Meet the new Executive Management Team

Volume 2
Issue 2
2018

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

Message from the Chief...

O n behalf of Executive Management, our

Strategic Support Division/PIO, and our Digital
Communications Specialist, we are proud to
share the Spring 2018 edition of our Probation
Department Quarterly.

This issue highlights a plethora of
“change” within the department. It pays tribute
to several staff who recently retired, several who
were promoted, as well as our featured articles
spotlighting the many outstanding activities of
our staff. This time of year is always a busy one
as our budget staff and managers are putting
the final touches on our department’s budget,
and our personnel staff are diligently working
on recruitments for promotional opportunities, as
well as entry level positions in our department.
We also have BPOC 86 under way, and the class
is set to be deployed in June. Let’s also not
forget our dedicated B2V runners and support
staff in our department who diligently train and
represent us in the annual Baker 2 Vegas Cup Law
Enforcement Run.

Lastly, I would like to dedicate this
Probation Department Quarterly to the loss of
a dear friend, co-worker, supervisor and, most
importantly, a beloved member of our probation
family. Unfortunately, Supervising Probation
Officer Todd Thomas passed away on March 31st,
after a short and hard fought battle with cancer.
He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Rest in Peace Supervising Probation Officer Todd
Thomas

Fall 2017

Table of Contents

4. Retirements

6. Promotions

13. Recrutment Team

14. Baker 2 Vegas

16. Markay Eason

18. Veteran’s Court

20. BOLOs

22. 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run
New Employee Orientation Video Stars

23. Records Management Team

24. JCORE Academy

26. Angels of Love

27. OCHOT Official Commodation

29. Around Probation

30. After Hours

31. Remembering Todd Thomas

SEAN BARRY CHRIS BIEBER


RETIREMENTS S ean began his career as an Extra-Help C hris Bieber joined the Orange County

Probation Night Counselor (PNC) in 1986. After Probation Department as an Extra-Help Deputy
working at Youth Guidance Center for nearly 6 years, Probation Counselor (DPC) on May 23, 1986 assigned
he promoted to Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) and to Youth Guidance Center (YGC). He promoted to
worked in several different areas of the department. Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) I in 1991 and DPO II in
Over the course of his career Sean worked on a meth 1993. He supervised adult and juvenile gang members
lab task force, in the gang unit, as a range master, and as Probation’s representative on the OCSD, DA and
had assignments in Internal Affairs, Adult Supervision, Probation gang suppression collaboration called Tri-
and Adult Court services. Agency Resource Gang Enforcement Team (TARGET),
He was promoted to Supervising Probation
As a manager, he was assigned to Training, Juvenile Officer (SPO) on August 25, 2000 where he supervised
Hall, and Community Programs. The last 10 years of staff assigned to the Central YRC, Gang Violence
his career have been as the Chief Deputy over juvenile Suppression Unit 332 and was the department’s Range
facilities. In total, he worked a little over 31 years for Master. He promoted to Assistant Division Director
the Orange County Probation Department, and is assigned to Juvenile Hall on July 7, 2006 and then
looking forward to traveling and spending time with to Division Director on March 30, 2007 assigned to
his family. Juvenile Hall. He would later manage the Department’s
Adult Court Services Division.
4. Chris accepted a promotion to Chief Deputy
Probation Officer (CDPO) on April 23, 2010 and as
CDPO assumed responsibility of the department’s
Field Operations Bureau. He is most proud of his
attention to staff safety. Going home at the end of the
day has always been priority number one.

2018

ED HARRISON DON BEEZLEY


SHAWN SMALL SIERRA KENNEDY

5.

PROMOTIONS Chief Deputy Sue DeLacy

Sue holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Religious Studies, from California State
University, Long Beach. She began her career with the Orange County Probation Department in 1989. She served in
a variety of assignments within our Institutional Bureau and was promoted to Supervising Probation Counselor (SPC)
in 1993, where she supervised Deputy Probation Counselors and Night Counselors at Juvenile Hall (JH).
In 1997, Sue was promoted to Deputy Probation Officer (DPO), assigned to the Juvenile Supervision Division.
She also held assignments in the Gang Violence Suppression Unit, Special Enforcement Unit and the Adult Sex
Offenders Unit. In 2006, Sue was promoted to Supervising Probation Officer assigned to the Adult Field Supervision
Unit, as well as the Special Supervision Division. In March of 2008, Sue was promoted to Assistant Division Director,
and was assigned to JH for two years, then was promoted to Division Director in 2010, assigned to JH.
For five years, Sue served as the Division Director over the newly formed Postrelease Community Supervision
Division. Through her steadfast leadership, Sue, along with her staff, which included an Assistant Division Director as
well as Supervising Probation Officers, developed and implemented the necessary policy and procedures to address
the recent change in the state’s law known as AB 109.
Sue’s ability to establish the necessary resources, which included addressing public safety, while providing
opportunities for the supervised adults using evidence-based strategies to reduce their recidivism in the community, is
to be commended. Each adult who enters our Postrelease Community Supervision Division is afforded programming,
as well as opportunities to enhance their success upon their return to the community. Decision Points, Effective
Practices in Community Corrections (EPICS), and the collaboration with GEO for our Adult Day Reporting Center, are
just a few of the programs Sue has implemented while assigned to the PCS Division.
Sue was most recently assigned to the Strategic Support Division which oversees numerous functions that
assist EM and the department to achieve its Mission andVision. This division includes Research, Community Programs,
the department’s Public Information and Media Unit, Government Relations, and the Continuous Quality Improvement
initiative. Sue is also the past Southern Region Chair and most recently Secretary, for the statewide

6. affiliate group CAPSA. She was also the Department’s Peer Support Program Manager.

Chief Deputy Todd Graham

Todd holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. He began
his career with the Orange County Probation Department in 1994. As a Deputy Probation Counselor (DPC) he served in

a variety of assignments within our Institutional Bureau and was promoted to Supervising Probation Counselor (SPC) in

1997, where he supervised Deputy Probation Counselors and Night Counselors at the JoplinYouth Center.

In 1998, Todd was promoted to Deputy Probation Officer, assigned to the Juvenile Supervision Placement and

Monitoring Unit. In 2002, Todd was promoted to Supervising Probation Officer assigned to the Juvenile Court Services

Division, Custody Intake Unit, as well as the Internal Affairs Division. In April of 2005, Todd was promoted to Assistant

Division Director, and was assigned to Professional Standards Division, then was promoted to Division Director in 2010,

assigned to Professional Standards Division.

Todd’s ability to identify and attain the necessary resources, which included all human resource and employee

relations matters, providing opportunities for all staff to be represented fairly and offering promotional opportunities.

Additionally, Todd assured a “high” level of effectiveness and consistency for his division continually evaluating the

division and department’s performance against the industry standard is to be commended.

For the past eight years, Todd served as the Division Director over the Professional Standards Division which

oversees numerous functions that assist EM and the department to achieve its Mission and Vision. This division includes

all human resource and employee relations, internal affairs, backgrounds, custody of records, department’s firearms

training, risk management, contract negotiations, workers comp, as well as all meet and confers for both employee

unions. Todd was also Probation’s liaison to the County’s satellite HRS team which handles all internal and external

recruitments and hiring for the department. Assuring that the department and each staff member are treated fairly and

is best prepared to meet the department expectations has been a constant competency Todd has displayed.

Throughout his career, Todd has dedicated his time and energy toward helping youth and adults being

supervised, as well as staff at all levels, in reaching their greatest potential. Over the past 15 years he has supported and

led the department’s recruitments, personnel matters and oversight of the department’s risk management. He has also
7.
represented staff and the department in numerous employee contract negotiations.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

PROMOTIONS Division Director Clare Schiller - Clare earned Division Director Scott Chandler - Scott has a
a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from California
University of California, Irvine and a Master’s State University, Fullerton. Scott began his career
Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from as a Probation Night Counselor in September of
California State University, Long Beach. Prior to 1997. He was assigned to the Juvenile Hall Annex.
joining Probation in 1989, Clare worked for CSP He worked various assignments throughout the
(Waymakers). Throughout her 28 years with our institutions and the South YFRC until his promotion
Department, Division Director Schiller has held a to DPO in February 2001. As a DPO, he was assigned
number of positions. As a Probation Counselor, a juvenile field caseload in Santa Ana and then
Clare was assigned to Los Pinos and Juvenile Hall. transferred to the Gang Violence Suppression Unit
In 1991, Clare was promoted to the ranks of Deputy at SAPD. In 2008, he was promoted to Supervising
Probation Officer and she would be deployed to the Probation Officer and was assigned to the North
Placement Unit. She would then transition to Adult Youth and Family Resource Center. In August of 2011
Investigations in 1999. Due to her outstanding Scott took the reins of the newly formed Postrelease
work as a Deputy Probation Officer, Clare would Community Supervision Unit, where he remained
be honored with the Chief Probation Officers of until his promotion to Assistant Division Director
California (CPOC) Distinguished Service Award in (ADD) in November of 2013 when he was assigned
2002. In 2008, Clare would later accept a promotion to Juvenile Hall. As an ADD Scott has worked
to Senior DPO in 2008, and remain her unit’s Senior various assignments at Juvenile Hall and was also
for the next (3) three years. In 2011, Clare would assigned to the Adult Operations Bureau and
subsequently leave Adult Investigations and join Postrelease Community Supervision Division. For
our Professional Standards Division (PSD) as a the past 20 years, Scott has developed a high level
newly promoted Supervising Probation Officer. of functional expertise, and became an authority on
While in PSD, Clare conducted investigations and all things related to the operation of the Postrelease
provided trainings in a variety of topics related Community Supervision Unit and Field Operations.
to employee relations and report writing. In June Scott brought the perfect balance of safety and
of 2016, Clare accepted a promotion to Assistant programming to our field operations. Scott has not
Division Director (ADD) in PSD. Clare supervised / limited his involvement in community corrections
managed IA Investigations, Subpoenas, CORI, and to just Orange County as he has participated in both
Probation Human Resources (HR) staff. CAPIA and CAPSA statewide affiliates. Scott is a
dedicated public servant. He leads by example and
8. is well liked.

2018

Division Director Christy Ronald - Christy earned a Assistant Division Director Priscilla Suzuki-Johnson
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from - Priscilla holds two Bachelors of Arts Degrees in
California State University, San Bernardino. In 1996, Sociology and Criminal Justice and a Masters of
Christy began her career with Probation. Throughout Arts Degree in Sociology from California State
her 22 years with our department, Division Director University, Fullerton. She began her career with
Ronald has held a number of positions. As a Probation the Probation Department in 1997 as a VIP/Intern.
Night Counselor, Christy was assigned to Los Pinos and She was later hired as a Probation Night Counselor
Juvenile Hall. She also worked as a Deputy Probation in 1998 and in 2000 was promoted to Deputy
Counselor at Juvenile Hall and the South County Probation Counselor. While at Juvenile Hall she
Youth and Family Resource Center. In 2000, Christy worked in the Intake Unit and Boys Detention.
was promoted to Deputy Probation Officer and was In 2001, Priscilla was promoted to Deputy
assigned to Non-Custody Intake. She later transferred Probation Officer and was assigned to the Juvenile
to the Juvenile Supervision Placement and Monitoring Supervision Unit at the West County Field Services
Unit. In 2005, Christy was promoted to Senior DPO and Office, working with local law enforcement
was assigned to the Juvenile Supervision Unit at the agencies, treatment providers and the Department
West County Field Services Office. In 2007, Christy was of Education. In 2007, she transferred to the
promoted to Supervising Probation Officer. Her first Special Supervision Division High Control Unit
SPO assignment was with the Juvenile Court Services supervising the cities of Placentia, Fullerton, Brea,
(JCS) Division, Non-Custody Intake/Diversion, Title and Yorba Linda. In 2012, Priscilla was promoted
IV-E/DNA, and Truancy Units. She later transferred to Supervising Probation Officer (SPO). In her
to the Professional Standards Division (PSD) Internal first three years as a SPO, she was assigned to the
Affairs Unit. In 2010, Christy accepted a promotion to Professional Standards Division (PSD) Internal
the PSD Assistant Division Director. She remained in Affairs Unit and later the Background Investigation
this assignment for five years, where she managed the Unit. Here she served as the Custodian of Records,
Internal Affairs and Background Investigation Units, Range/Firearms Instructor and Background
as well as Custodian of Records/Subpoenas, Safety Investigator. In 2015, she transferred to the AB
Coordinator, and the PSD support staff. During her 109 Field Supervision Unit. In AB109, Priscilla
time in PSD, Christy also provided training on employee worked with various law enforcement agencies
relations matters and evaluating performance. Since and collaborative agencies including the Health
2015, Christy has been the Juvenile Court Services Care Agency and the Department’s Day Reporting
ADD where she has managed the diverse Non-Custody Center. She is a trained facilitator in EPICS and is
Intake, Court-Ordered Non-Ward Supervision, Juvenile also an instructor for Trauma Responsive Practices.
Court Officers, Investigations, Truancy, Recovery Court,
PPP, Parent Engagement, and JDAI units. Additionally, 9.
Christy has served as a co-chair of the County’s
Eliminating Racial Disparity and Disproportionality
(ERDD) Advisory Group, has been a member of the
Competency Attainment Team, and coordinator of the
Trauma Responsive Practices Training Team.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

PROMOTIONS Assistant Division Director Jeff Burgett - Jeff holds a Supervising Probation Officer Robert Eitner-
Bachelors of Arts Degree in Speech Communication Robert or “Bert,” as he is known within the
from California State University, Long Beach. Jeff Department, started with Probation in 1997,
began his career with the Probation Department working as both a Probation Night Counselor
in 1990 as a Probation Night Counselor. He was and Deputy Probation Counselor at Orange
promoted to Deputy Probation Counselor shortly County Juvenile Hall. In 2004, he was promoted
afterward. While at Juvenile Hall he worked in Boys to Supervising Juvenile Corrections Officer,
Detention, Assessment and ISU. Jeff was promoted to spending three years in that role. In August of
Supervising Probation Counselor in 1997 and assigned 2007, he was deployed as a new Deputy Probation
to Alternative Confinement Division. During a ten year Officer, assigned to Juvenile Court as an RPO and
period he oversaw JCWP, ACP and Office operations. followed that with time in Adult Court as an RPO,
Jeff went part-time at Probation for two years, while for a total of five years. Drawing on his previous
working at Warner Bros in television production and 8-year enlistment in the Navy, Bert was assigned
development. Jeff was promoted to Deputy Probation to the Veterans Treatment Court, assisting those
Officer in 2007 and assigned to West Drug Court, assigned to him in navigating through, not
working with collaborative partners in the intensive only the requirements of probation, but in their
supervision and treatment of felony drug offenders. readjustment to the community and their own
He was later transferred to Adult Supervision lives. For the last couple years, Bert was assigned
supervising the cities of Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, to SEC and, most recently, was assisting SEU as
Cypress, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach. Jeff promoted the unit case classifier. Bert’s dedication to detail
to Supervising Probation Officer in 2016, and was and strong organizational skills will be of benefit
assigned to the Placement Unit. Jeff worked with the to him in his new position.
California Department of Social Services and Orange
County SSA and HCA to implement sweeping changes
in the foster care system through Continuum of Care
Reform. Jeff served on the Commercially Sexually
Exploited Children Steering Committee, Foster Youth
Outcomes Committee and Foster Youth Services
Advisory Council. Jeff is an instructor for both JCOCC
and BPOC. He is a trained facilitator in Thinking for
a Change, Decision Points and EPICS. Jeff is also an
instructor for Trauma Responsive Practices. Jeff will

10. be assigned as the Assistant Division
Director for the Juvenile Court
Services Division.

2018

Food Services Manager Michael Gomez - Mike has recent SJCO Alma De La Rosa - Alma earned an Associate of Arts
experience as a Chief Cook at Juvenile Hall, and as a Senior Degree in Criminal Justice from Santa Ana College in June of
Institutional Cook with the OC Sheriff’s Department. Prior to 2002. She began her career with Probation in May of 2002 as
these assignments, Mike served for 8 years in The United States an Extra-Help Probation Night Counselor. Alma would later
Coast Guard in a variety of Food Service related duties. Mike has become a Regular PNC assigned to Juvenile Hall. She had
consistently looked for ways to improve the delivery of quality the opportunity to work in a number of living units including,
meals to our youth in detention. He is skillful at identifying ways Unit C, Unit D, Unit K, Unit I and Unit S. Alma would later
to improve quality, while simultaneously reducing costs where become a Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer in March
possible. As Food Service Manager, Mike will be responsible for of 2005 and work as a floater in Juvenile Hall until she was
the oversight of the kitchen, warehouse and laundry operations, assigned to the Lacy Juvenile Annex. She was assigned to
as well as ensuring consistency amongst the various facilities.
theYouth Leadership Academy prior to her promotion.

SJCO David Moore - David began his career with Probation in SJCO Afa-Jack (Afi) Thompson - Afi was hired fourteen years
November of 2000, when he was hired as an Extra-Help Deputy
Probation Counselor. In 2001, he became a regular full-time ago as a night counselor for the Orange County Probation
Deputy Probation Counselor/Deputy Juvenile Correctional
Officer II. David began his career working various assignments Department, and was assigned to the Youth Guidance Center.
at Juvenile Hall. After six months he transferred to the Theo
Lacy facility, where he worked for eleven years in the Probation A year later, he was working the day shift in the Breakthrough
staffed juvenile mod. He then returned to Juvenile Hall where
he received the Chief’s Award in 2013 for his work with youthful recovery program. Afi helped convert Breakthrough into the
offenders in Unit Tango. Since then, he has worked in units Bravo
and Tango, where his calm demeanor while working with youth ASERT program, and was involved in a men’s recovery group
has been a big asset.
with the Department of Education. Afi served as the lead

staff at YGC for facility safety and security. He provides yearly

departmental training on Blood Borne Pathogens. He works

closely with the many collaborative partners at the facility and
11.
coordinates activities, assemblies and
guest speakers. Afi’s free time is

spent as a Krav-Maga trainer.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

PROMOTIONS SJCO Daniel Johnson - Daniel began his career with Probation 16 years ago SJCO Kendra Bolden - Kendra earned an Associate of Arts Degree from
as an Extra Help Deputy Probation Counselor (DPC) assigned to Juvenile Long Beach City College in May of 1999. She would go on and earn her
Hall. He would float for nearly one year before accepting a transfer to the Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University,
Youth Guidance Center (YGC). After floating for about one year Daniel had Dominguez Hills in May of 2016. Kendra began her career with Probation in
the opportunity to work in ASERT Units 600 and 200 programs. Over the July of 2001 as an Extra Help Probation Night Counselor (PNC). She served
years Daniel has consistently made a tremendous and positive impact with in a variety assignments within Juvenile Hall over the next four years. In
the youth atYGC. He is known for his expertise in teaching substance abuse April of 2005, Kendra was promoted to Deputy Probation Counselor (DPC)
educational program to hundreds of youth over the years. Daniel has also and assigned to Juvenile Hall. For the past ten years, Kendra has been one
proven himself to be a gifted and popular trainer for staff. He has trained of the stalwarts in Unit H (Hotel). Through her steadfast leadership, Kendra
staff in JCORE on the use of the ICMS system. Also, he is a certified master along with the Unit Hotel team won a Team Employee of the Month Award
trainer for the Aggression Replacement Training (ART) program. He has for their excellent effort in handling difficult youth. Kendra is a facilitator/
also assisted in training staff in the ASERT and STEP programs. During the trainer for Decision Points, Effective Practices in Community Corrections
last two years, Dan has reviewed and coded audio interventions for EPIC’S (EPICS), and Thinking for a Change. She has consistently facilitated
interventions. He has used his computer and creative abilities to; develop Decision Points groups and conducted EPICS sessions with youth on her
computerized study aides and program testing for the youth, modified a caseload. Kendra also started a Book Club for unit youth, to enhance their
PREA video for use in training youth and staff. Finally, Daniel developed an reading and communication skills. In 2011, Kendra received a CAPIA award
online data base of casework Individual Treatment Plan resources for allYGC in honor of her excellent work with Unit H youth. She most recently served
program staff. Daniel received the CAPIA Line staff of the year award for his on the Reducing Isolation inYouth Facilities (RIYF) Workgroup and also lent
dedication and programming implementation, along with a Chief’s award for her time and skills to the Room Confinement/Incentives workgroup under
his work as an A.R.T. Trainer in 2013. the direction of CDPO Doug Sanger.

SJCO Francisco (Frankie) Frias - Frankie has been assigned as a SJCO Nikko Avila - In May of 2005, Nikko earned a Bachelor’s Degree
in Criminal Justice from California State University, Long Beach
DJCO at YGC for the last twelve years. He has been assigned (CSULB). As a student at CSULB she participated in the Volunteer
In Probation (VIP) program at the Youth Guidance Center. She
as a regular staff in Unit 500 (ASERT) Program for the last three began her career with Probation in June of 2005 as a Deputy Juvenile
Correctional Officer (DJCO) I at Joplin Youth Center (JYC). In March
years. He has worked asActing Duty Officer on several occasions. of 2006, Nikko was promoted to DJCO II and floated at Juvenile Hall
until she was assigned to the IRC in November of 2007.
Frankie has a strong emphasis on programming, and regularly In 2014, she transferred to JYC and became actively
involved in the substance abuse program, Face Everything and
created transition plans for youth on his caseload and facilitated Recover (FEAR). Nikko was responsible for conducting sessions on
HIV/AIDS, Coping with Stress, and the psychological, physiological
(A.R.T.) programming. Frankie also served in the U.S. Marine effects of drugs/alcohol. Additionally, Nikko was the Safety Officer
for 3 years at JYC. She is EPICS trained and in 2017 was a CAPIA
Corps. His military background has come in handy as he has Award recipient.

trained youth preparing for Color Guard for CSP Victim’s Rights

Conferences and PCAA. Frankie has been a member of OCGIA

and is primarily responsible for gang related investigations
12.
occurring within the facility. In 2017,
Frankie was recognized by the Board

of Supervisors for his contributions to the citizens of Orange

County, in celebration of Probation Services Week.

2018

By Duke Trinh

Veronica Gaxiola, Katiria Soltero, Corina Lockhart, Rodney Grantham, Aries Franco, George Menendez, Duke Trinh

This year, HR Recruitment teamed up with PSD Investigators to attend and recruit at various

job and career fairs, including Cal State University, San Bernardino’s Annual Criminal Justice Career
Exploration, Cal State University, Long Beach’s Criminal Justice Career Fair, and the 2018 Annual OC
Hiring Fair. Our Department had the opportunity to meet and assist hundreds of highly motivated
students and applicants interested in pursuing both sworn and non-sworn careers. Attendees
completed online job interest cards and received insight on the recruitment process, including the
application process and the different types of assessments. Attendees were also fortunate enough
to speak directly to and hear of past work experiences from former Deputy Juvenile Correctional and
Deputy Probation Officers alike. In addition to the excitement and knowledge gained through these
job and career fairs, it serves as a greater, invaluable basis for educating and connecting with the
students and applicants in our communities.

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself.
When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch

13.

Baker OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2 Vegas

to

By Daniel Barrington

14.

2018

This year was the Orange County Probation The temperature was in the low 60’s during the

Baker to Vegas team’s 20th anniversary. In day and in the low 30’s during the night. One of

celebration of the occasion, this year’s team our runners even watched as it began to gently

wanted to focus on the basic fundamentals that snow while he was waiting for the next runner

inspired the 1st team 20 years ago- teamwork, to arrive. Nonetheless, the team came focused

physical fitness and having as much fun as and ran courageously from start to finish. The

possible. result was a 100th place finish out of 275 teams

in total. What is also just as noteworthy is the

To do this, the Baker to Vegas committee fact that the team finished in 3rd place in the

started spreading a message around the ‘800’ category (the total age of the 20 runners

department: ‘We want you to be involved whether must add up to over 800 years), which allowed

you run, volunteer or even support the people them to take their place on the podium to receive

who do.’ While the team is technically comprised their mugs and plaque. This finish fueled an all

of 20 runners who train vigorously to give their all night celebration that included the entire team of

on the race course, this team is also comprised runners, volunteers and supporters. AOCDS was

of dozens of volunteers and supporters who also kind enough to throw a post-race party for

donate hundreds of hours to make this team the 3 teams that they sponsored at the race (OC

successful. The volunteers and supporters Probation one of them).

assisted with driving follow vehicles during the

race, transporting runners to their assigned legs, The end result of the Baker to Vegas

communicating race-day information to the entire weekend was a fantastic finish that the team

team, ‘catching’ runners once they have completed and department are proud of, new friendships

their legs, fundraising year-round, gathering all that were developed, old friendships that were

of the running equipment needed for the race, strengthened and a sense camaraderie and team

timing runners during the time trials or simply just bond that will last for many years to come. Next

being there to support the team and celebrate the year’s race is the weekend of March 23rd and 24th,

team’s successes. 2019. The team would like to invite everyone to

come out as a runner, volunteer or supporter next

On 3/17 and 3/18, our fearless team year. It is an event that instills pride and a sense

set out to have a great time while running 120 of accomplishment for everyone who comes out

miles through the frigid desert. This year was or volunteers each year. Hope to see you there!

much colder than past years, when temperatures

normally reach the 100’s during race day.

1135..

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

Markay Eason



Though many of you may have seen her profile in However, over time the job became so routine, Markay
the March County Connection, it only seems fitting that her concluded she needed to find a different outlet for her
home agency also recognizes Markay Eason as she celebrates various skills: She restores carousel horses (and featured in
35 years of county service. Except for a brief assignment an related article in the February 1988 edition of “The County
with another department, Markay has continuously served Roundup,” predecessor to the County Connection.) She’s a
Probation since April 1983. talented artist and a published author, a skilled woodworker
Markay was hired as an OfficeTechnician in Personnel and experienced DIYer, and a master gardener. So it was
and Payroll; eventually promoting to IPT for the Recruiting fortuitous that she came across an article in the OC Register
Unit, but eventually transferring as unit clerk to the Home detailing Orange Coast College’s Horticulture Program.
Supervision Unit. She left Probation for a six-month stint at She consequently enrolled in and took evening classes at
Clerk of the Board, but returned to Probation, assigned to the OCC for three years to become a Certified Ornamental
Records Unit where she had a variety of job tasks. Markay’s Horticulturist. Markay’s coworkers were soon consulting her
next move was to the Juvenile Hall Business Office until, in about a gardening project on grounds which prompted her
1991, she was “loaned” to Youth Guidance Center to cover to think an actual horticulture program could be a valuable
a coworker’s maternity leave. When that employee chose asset. After researching horticulture therapy programs in
not to return to Probation, Markay requested a permanent institutional settings, she submitted a 35-page proposal that
transfer. As one of three staff working in the admin office persuaded Top Management to support launching the YGC
at YGC, she was primarily responsible for the intake/release Horticulture Program in June 2000. She was recognized with
functions of transferring commitment-serving youth to and a Chief’s Award in 2004 for that proposal and her tireless
from Juvenile Hall, maintaining their institutional records work in implementing the program.
and providing clerical assistance to the unit staff of the then As an Educational Assistant/Correctional Facility,
125-bed facility. Throughout the following yearsYGC evolved Markay has spent the last 18 years teaching students how to
from a short-term commitment facility to a substance create and maintain landscaping all over the campus. From
abuse treatment program that provides comprehensive propagating plant cuttings to building extensive gardens
educational/vocational alternatives for the resident youth - a and an amphitheater, the 300-plus students who have
program Markay made many contributions to through her passed through Markay’s program have acquired not only
landscaping skills but basic life skills they might not have
16. writing and computer graphic skills . otherwise learned.

2018

Markay’s students are assigned to her Nursery/ manual and video. It was just one of the bigger projects that
Landscaping Occupations course through a collaborative
partnership with the North Orange County Regional Markay and her crew worked on in the first few years of
Occupational Program (ROP). Interested youths participate
in interviews just as they would out in the community when the program. Aside from building the horticulture center,
job hunting. They also participate in classroom activities to
develop their employability and social skills. Being assigned they also began renovating various other landscaped areas
an on-grounds job such as Landscaping aids these students
in developing hands-on and teambuilding abilities. and doing preliminary tasks associated in preparation of
Though the County contracts a landscaping
company to maintain the turf and overall landscape building the outdoor amphitheater. But those projects
components, it has been Markay’s vision and guiding hand
that has created what some consider the Department’s were just the beginning…
showplace. It all started while she still worked in the YGC
Admin Office when one day she asked if she could “do Any of you who work at or have been to YGC
something” with the planter outside her window. Enlisting
an ROP student to help with the heavy work, the neglected are already familiar with Markay’s handiwork. There is
planter soon became a place where shade-loving plants
thrived. Soon Markay took on a much larger challenge in a definitive Japanese garden influence in the Serenity
re-inventing the “garden” outside the director’s office –
a transformation that everyone took notice of. By now and Zen Gardens; a sense of tribute and respect in the
Markay had completed her coursework at OCC to achieve
her certification. She worked her office job most of the day Remembrance Garden and an overall peaceful ambiance
and then carried on with her projects outside after school.
It was while doing this “groundwork” (pun to the numerous other garden areas around campus. In
intended) that the idea of aYGC landscaping class came to
mind. After submitting the already-mentioned proposal, redirecting the purpose and overall focus of YGC from a
and coordinating its implementation with ROP, Markay
took on part-time employment with ROP and provided short-term program to a substance abuse rehabilitation
structured training after school and on Saturdays. This
arrangement continued until former (now-retired) Director program, it seemed logical that the outdoor environment
Kathy Goto decided Markay’s skills were better put to use
as a full-time vocational instructor and had her position also needed to reflect and support this alternative approach
reclassed. Once this occurred, Markay took on students
throughout the work week, only too glad to have her to helping the resident youth. These young people
Saturday’s back.
By this time, the area now known as the Horticulture often come from very unstable lives lacking in structure
Center had been equipped with an outbuilding that serves
as an office and tool room. Markay and her students soon or support , so creating a calming and peaceful outdoor
added a shade structure and installed a patio with bricks
donated by the ROP Masonry program. Once called “the atmosphere for both residents (and staff) seemed the best
Black Forest” because of the dense shade caused by the
dozens of ash and pepper trees originally planted there back way to enhance the new program model. Markay wanted
in the 60s, the area soon began to be transformed. Space
was cleared for the greenhouse – ordered as a DIY kit and to soften the institutional feeling of YGC and provide a
shipped toYGC in 11 crates. Markay’s crew took great pride
in assembling this structure aided only by a very elementary park-like setting where counseling, sober fun activities

and the overall every day function of the facility would be

enhanced by the architecture of different plants, fragrant

and colorful flowers and shrubs and areas where all could

enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.

The combined efforts of this vocational instructor

and her students have resulted in the creation of an overall

landscape that is pleasing to be in and look at. With an

ever-evolving crew of students, Markay has been able to

transform the grounds ofYGC from a rather plain institution

to a facility that has numerous green areas for strolling,

counseling or conversation; an outdoor amphitheater

for activities ranging from unit to departmental events,

and an overall ambiance that contributes hugely to the

efforts of every staff member working in the ASERT and

STEP programs, the teaching staff of Rio Contiguo High

School and to all the collaborators from Health Care

Agency and various other organizations. As noted in the

County Connection profile, Markay looks on what she has

accomplished in changing the physical appearance of YGC

as her legacy. She hopes that once she retires, there will be
17.
someone who will want to carry
on her work and maintain her

vision, because “a true garden is never finished.”

VETERAN’S COURTOC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

By Sanford Rose

Do you realize that America has had troops discharge from the service.
Once they have finished serving their
deployed overseas in military conflicts continually commitment which is often four years, they are
released back into society without the sense of
since 2001? These troops are made up of young purpose, camaraderie, and importance they once
had. Even though they may return to families and
men and women from throughout Orange loved ones that care about them, they feel that they
those loved ones truly do not understand what
County and the entire US. These young people they have experienced. Non-military individuals
may unintentionally question service members in
are willing to put their lives on the line to fight for a way that can come off as callous or uncaring.
Consequently veterans can feel isolated even
the freedom that each of us enjoys every day. The when they are surrounded by family and friends.
There are many civilian situations that
military takes these young men and women and can cause stress for military veterans. Suddenly a
disorganized room and dirty dishes in the sink can
spins them 180 degrees and teaches them how be triggers for the veteran to lash out in anger at
the lack of cleanliness in the house. As a part of
to be soldiers to serve in our armed forces. Many serving in the military it has been drilled into them
to that they are to be organized and prepared at
have seen the horror of war first hand. While we all times. This can cause stress and tension with
family members who may not be used to having
might get a glimpse of what war is like in movies such structure in their lives. The military does not
deal with the lack of structure and disorganization
like American Sniper or 12 Strong, some of these that a two year old can bring to a house.

individuals experience it for months on end during

a deployment. Imagine instead of going to work,

you have to leave the base and go over the wire

and deal with the opposing army as well as suicide

bombers dressed as civilians? Day in & day out for

months? After being in combat and being shot at

and having to shoot at the enemy leaves these

individuals changed. One veteran spoke about

being blown up by suicide bombers and IED’s 8

times. Often times these individuals will experience

Post-Traumatic Stress from
18. their service. These symptoms

usually do not manifest themselves until they

2018
For one returning army veteran, being in
crowded rooms was not an option due to having

so many confrontations while being deployed.

Often, enemy soldiers would attack in civilian

clothing so it really hindered his ability to live his

life once he returned state side. While this might

seem like something that is easily avoidable, trips

to the grocery store, movies, and the DMV became

impossible tasks. These are all symptoms of Post-

Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Often times service members pickup

negative coping strategies to deal with the horrors

of war during their service careers. Alcohol and

drugs are often the self medicating tools that these DPO Steven Andrews
veterans often turn to deal with their undiagnosed
Post Traumatic Stress. One veteran stated, “I needed The Orange County Veterans Treatment

marijuana to numb the pain and get me going Court which is held at the Community Court under
in the morning and alcohol to help me deal with the guidance of Hon. Mary Kreber Varipapa, has
the demons at night.” These veterans will often attracted national attention as an innovative and
refuse treatment through the Veterans Affairs effective way to help veterans overcome the issues
due to the fact that they do not want to appear to that impeded their full integration into society,
be weak or preventing other veterans that really while protecting public safety and reducing costs
need from getting treatment. They will often say associated with recidivism. The mission of the
to themselves, “I’m not physically injured and if I program is to provide an interagency, collaborative,
only suck it up I will be fine.” “I do not want to be non-adversarial treatment strategy for Veterans in
seen as weak or a coward.” The quality that makes the criminal justice system who suffer from Post-
them tough and resilient soldiers also prevents Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain
them from receiving the treatment they need and Injury (TBI), psychological issues, sexual trauma,
or substance abuse problems as a result of having
deserve.
Many veterans will subsequently run into served in the United States military per Penal Code
trouble with the law due to excessive drinking section 1170.9.
and substance abuse issues. Often these veterans An example of a successes story is Eric,

will pick up DUI’s, Domestic Violence incidents, who entered Veterans Court in 2015. Eric was
and assaults which cause them to enter into the homeless and strung out on heroin. He was picked
criminal justice system. This is where the Veterans up from custody and after being terminated from
Treatment Court Program can be an option for a separate residential treatment program finished
some of these veterans who want to volunteer to Unidos, a 90 day residential treatment program,
and subsequently moved into a sober living home
be in the program.
Veterans Treatment Court was established for several months until he was able to work and
in 2008 by Hon. Wendy Lindley to serve military afford an apartment of his own through his VA
service veterans with mental health issues who service connection and working part time as a
become involved with the criminal justice system. mechanic. He is currently attending school and
This groundbreaking program, the first to be working on getting his full certification as an
established in California, embodies an approach auto mechanic. He is maintaining his sobriety and
that has been encouraged by an amendment to credits the structure of this program, the fact that
Penal Code section 1170.9 that allows the court to he is treated with respect by the court and the
order that person into a treatment program instead team, and the camaraderie of his fellow veterans
of jail or prison. It is a collaborative team approach as keys to his success. Some veterans have called
to treating the many issues faced by returning the program “Boot Camp for Life.” That term might
veterans. The team includes an OC Superior Court be the most fitting as Veterans Treatment Court is
Judge, Deputy District Attorney, Public Defender the 180 degree spin that helps Veterans turn back
or Defense Counsel, VA Representatives, Probation around and go back to being the fathers,
Officer, Court Coordinator, Court Clerks, Sheriff mothers, sons, daughters,
Deputies, Volunteer Mentors, and Health Care and great people in society 19.
that they can be after
Agency.
serving our country with honor and integrity.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

Always on the Lookout

Deputy Probation Officers responding to “Be On The Look Out” (BOLO)
provide critical information resulting in arrests of alleged criminals.

DPO Tamrin Walker – OPD - Robberies- DPO Walker contacted OPD after reviewing the BOLO regarding OPD’s
armed robberies and recognized her probationer. OPD then conducted a search of the youth’s residence
to check and located the suspect, property consistent with the robberies, the clothing the suspect was
wearing in the BOLO photo as well as an additional probationer who was out to warrant.

DPO Justin Westra – OPD Package Theft – DPO Westra recognized one of his probationers on an OPD BOLO
flyer for package theft. DPO Westra contacted the detective assigned to the case and got information on
the package and items stolen. With that information, DPO Westra searched his bedroom and found the
shirt he was wearing and the stolen merchandise and turned over the evidence to Orange PD and arrested
the suspect.

DPO Jennifer Fix – SAPD Car Jacking - DPO Fix worked with SAPD when one of her probationer’s was
identified as a carjacking suspect in the photo. DPO Fix had arrested the probationer on a flash (due to
reporting issues). After the probationer was identified as the carjacking suspect, DPO Fix placed a 3455PC
hold on her. SAPD charged the probationer with carjacking.

DPO Debby Rodriguez – OPD Commercial Burglary – DPO Rodriguez identified one of her probationers
as a suspect in an OPD Burglary suspect. DPO Rodriguez coordinated with the OPD detective and they
conducted a search at the probationer’s residence and located some items seen in the BOLO video.

DPO Jeffrey Andrew – SAPD Bank Robbery – DPO Andrews noted that a suspect shown in a BOLO from
SAPD referencing a suspect in several bank robberies was one of his probationers. DPO Andrew contacted
SAPD and they were able to arrest the probationer.

DPO Carlos Meza - SAPD Assault – DPO Meza was scanning the regularly issued bulletins. One particular
bulletin, issued by Santa Ana PD, referenced a New Year’s Day assault resulting in head and brain trauma
to the victim, who remained in an induced coma. DPO Meza recognized the person in the photo to be a
youth on his caseload. DPO Meza contacted SAPD officers who were subsequently able to ID DPO Meza’s
probationer based on the information provided.

20.

2018

DPO Nicole Waldron - SAPD Robbery – DPO Waldron responded to a wanted flyer seeking help in identifying
a suspect. DPO Waldron recognized one of the suspects as a former offender previously assigned to her. DPO
Waldron immediately contacted the assigned SAPD detective and coordinated efforts in identifying the suspect
and confirming various tattoos.

DPO Frederick Fontes – SAPD Assault - An Attempt to Identify/Locate bulletin was sent from SAPD. They were
looking for a subject that became violent and destructive after his credit card was declined. “In a fit of anger,
the subject stuck the cashier in the head, pushed one cash register and printer to the floor, threw bananas at
the other cashier, and pushed the other register off the counter. The suspect caused $700 of damage to the
store’s registers and printers.” DPO Fontes was on vacation when the bulletin was sent out, but upon his return
to the office, he immediately identified the subject. The suspect was being supervised by DPO Gonzalez, but DPO
Fontes supervised him for three months in 2016 and drug tested him regularly. On April 11, 2017, he contacted the
SAPD detective and gave him the probationer’s name, assigned Probation Officer and her contact information. He
also told her that the suspect has mental health and anger issues. Subsequently SAPD arrested the suspect for
assault, battery on a person and vandalism: damage to property.

DPO Albert Miramontes, DPO Pat Hernandez, DPO Mike Mebane, DPO Anthony Wade and DPO Lisa Tafua - SAPD
Armed Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon - A recent SAPD wanted flyer referenced a serious armed
robbery and assault with a deadly weapon that occurred April 27, 2018. The suspects entered a business; one was
armed with a shotgun. They assaulted the victim stealing his wallet, money and a cell phone. DPO Miramontes
recognized one female suspect from prior supervision. He contacted his old partner DPO Pat Hernandez. Together
they were able to identify her. A quick search of ICMS revealed she is currently under active supervision and
assigned to DPO Tafua. DPO Miramontes then reviewed ECR notes for additional information. Based upon
detailed ICMS notes by several DPO’s including DPO Wade, DPO Mebane and assigned DPO Tafua, DPO Miramontes
identified the offender’s husband as the suspect with the shotgun in the robbery. DPO Miramontes followed up
and contacted SAPD police detectives with the information.

DPO Stella Belmares –SAPD Theft - The case was recently transferred to DPO Belmares. The offender absconded
and never reported. She promptly requested a warrant. While reviewing wanted flyers, DPO Belmares recognized
and identified the offender by her ICMS photo. DPO Belmares quickly contacted SAPD and notified them of the
offender’s identity, her recent arrest and custody status on our probation warrant.

DPO Christopher Fox – SAPD Homicide - On 5-14-18 in the early morning hours, SAPD distributed an Attempt to
Locate flyer related to a shooting involving a semi-automatic rifle that had occurred hours earlier resulting in one
person being deceased and two injured. A couple of black and white photos of possible suspects were included as
well as a couple photos of a vehicle believed to be possibly involved. DPO Fox reviewed the flyer and recognized one
of the subjects as a juvenile assigned to him, who was recently released. He noted that the subject he recognized
was wearing a distinctive piece of attire. He was also aware of another subject who was the juvenile’s neighbor,
who he had previously supervised but was now supervised under AB109. Officers located the AB109 offender
driving his vehicle, which matched the vehicle depicted in the flyer. Fox and his partners conducted a home call
at the juvenile’s residence, the juvenile was not located; however, the distinctive attire shown in the photographs
was found. The juvenile was located shortly following the home call.

21.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run

On June 8th the Probation On the top, left to right: Sonny Bui, Alex Fernandez, Graham Esmond, Christie Esparza, Bettina Membrila,
Gaby Rodriguez, Mi Hoang, Heather Lamar, Gerardo Guzman-Prieto, Derrick Pettway,Yolanda Talwar and
Department joined several other Gil Garcia On the bottom, left to right: Earlene Bozanich, Sheryl Gulla-Miller, Lea Suyao, Rosa Amrhein,
Orange County Law Enforcement Michele Poholsky, Kristin Tucker,Yara Solorzano and Lourdes Villegas
agencies in the Law enforcement
Torch Run for Special Olympics.
The team ran for over 2 miles along
the Pacific Coast Highway between
Huntington Beach and Seal Beach
to raise money and awareness for
the Special Olympics. The mission
of Special Olympics is “through
the power of sports, people with
intellectual disabilities discover
new strengths and abilities, skills,
and success.”
This is the second year
that the Orange County Probation
Department has participated in
this worthwhile event!!

NEO- New Employee Orientation Video

By Vera Jackson

There was a Red Carpet screening on May 3, of the New Employee Orientation

Video that I had the privilege to be a participant. Dena Gunsolley of CEO-HRS, was the
mastermind behind this new video concept. The new video highlights employees from
several County of Orange agencies including Probation. It begins with beautiful aerial
shots of various Orange County landmarks, parks and attractions.
The video portrays various County employees welcoming their new coworkers
and sharing their Orange County story. This new video will partner with the revamped
New Employee Orientation that will now be a full day, instead of the previous 2 hour
meeting.

22.

2018

RECORDS MANAGEMENT TEAM
By Rita Silao

Did You Know - April is Records and of Justice mandates. Teletype’s Tina Chavez,
Information Management Month? Sandy Pham, Patricia Hernandez, Ionut
It’s Spring and April is Records and Paraschiv, Joe Gallegos and Anthony Perez
Information Management (RIM) Month. processed nearly 156,000 requests in 2017.
The Association of Records Managers and Records/Juvenile Special Functions’
Administrators (ARMA), who were advocates Yuko Tran, Veronica Avila, Pauline Sample, John
of the passage of U.S. Paperwork Reduction Mendez, Kumu Gunasiri, Isaias Duran, Ricky
Act, attained RIM Day that later bloomed to RIM Perez and Valerie Parga process files/packets
Month. Recognized globally, RIM focuses on in Non-Custody and Custody Intake; update
value and efficiency of good management and statistics in DOJ’s Juvenile Court and Probation
maintenance of records. Segue to Probation’s Statistical System (JCPSS); dismiss charges or
own Records Unit of 27 team players with a terminations and set up new informal/formal
myriad of responsibilities. files via ICMS. They also processed their share
Located at Manchester Office Building of over 8,500 Application for Petitions (aka
(MOB), 229,276 files are housed on the 1st and Greenies) received last year.
4th floors. Historically, adult files were stored Cultivating these “strong branches” in
at the Santa Ana Office. Sandy Montoya, Kathy Records are Office Supervisors Maria David and
Place, Jose Chavez, Elvia Smith, Uzzy Sierra Ramona Burgess, and Elia Silva, their Senior
and Chris Meza alternate the arduous tasks Office Supervisor, who witnessed Records
of maintaining and organizing the file rooms, evolve from maintaining manual records of
file requests, witnessed shredding, mailroom 300,000 cases to the automated IBM AS400
and backup to Receptionist Rita Medrano. System over 24 years ago. Upgrades have
Transporting the departmental mail to/from since been made from CMS to ICMS.
31 locations are Mike Mulligan, Chris Ard and Spring cleaning has begun with files
Mike Macias. being scanned in preparation for online
Various record check requests and access in the future. With a combined
holds are run in ICMS via the Enhanced Law 777,921 County service hours, this deeply
Enforcement Terminal Emulator (ELETE) in rooted Records Unit is highly commended for
compliance with laws and Department their diligence and dedication.

23.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

Back Row Left to Right:Olivia Davis, Brenda Montanez, Andrea Gonzalez, Christopher Smith, Francisca Mendez,
Sarah Helzer, Andre Garcia, John Gaddis. Middle Left to Right: Antonio Palacios, Jacklyn Garcia, Jeremy Lambert,
Olga Saldivar, Juanita Chaparo, Christian Oropeza, Giovanni Zavala Bottom. Left to Right: Jackie Burgett, Ermes
Gonzalez, Rebecca Halstenberg, Cindy Amador-Rodriguez, Veronica Soto, Daniela Cosio Salazar, Jillian Huynh,
Merwa Azizi, Alicia Steward-Puga

The road to becoming a Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer (DJCO) is not an easy one. After applying,
testing, interviewing, passing a medical and psychological exam, and an extensive back ground investagation,
then comes the academy (JCORE). The Orange County Probation Department’s Juvenile Correctional Officer
Core Course consists of 169 hours of state mandated classroom training, 47 additional hours of department
specific training and an additional 40 hours of Penal Code 832-Laws of Arrest training must also be completed
(28 classroom instructional hours and 12 hands-on tactical training hours) at Golden West Community College
Criminal Justice Academy
(this week long course
grants them Peace
Officer Powers). After
a combined total of
266 hours of training,
each one of these
fine officers are
now formally Peace
Officers and ready
to begin working in
one of our juvenile
facilities as a DJCO.

24.

2018

25.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

Angels of Love
By Barbara Lee

Volunteer Probation Officer Rick Cryder is the founder of a non-

profit philanthropy called Angels of Love. Rick brings his Angels

Program to the Youth Guidance Center (YGC) to work with Rio

Contiguo’s Student Council creating beautiful stained glass

angels as gifts for people in need.

These special people include ones who’ve recently lost a loved

one, are fighting serious illnesses or are patients in local hospitals.

They put together these heart- warming angels and participate in

monthly outings to engage in random acts of kindness at YGC

and within the community.

Rick has been volunteering his time weekly for over the last

10 years as he encourages, uplifts, and mentors students

through this life changing program. Rick often discusses

life challenges with our youth and reminds them that

this altruistic act is a way to simply “replace something

negative in their life with something positive”. Once

they have the experience of giving away an Angel of

Love to a complete stranger and they see the spark

of hope in that person’s eye, then Rick reminds

them how it uplifts the human spirit to give

anonymously. Patients have told our youth that,

“there should be more kids like you in the world”.

One can only imagine what this kind of feedback

can do for our incarcerated youth whom are used

to hearing the opposite.

With all of Rick’s countless donated hours and

funds to continue this program over the decades

and despite retired budget constraints as well

as an inconsistent economy, Rick still shows

up weekly and pours his heart, energy and

commitment into this program with our kids.

26.

2018

Official Commodation

I n September 2017, our Department was asked by the County to assist with outreach along the
Santa Ana River Trail (SAR). We soon formed a team of 13 DPO’s who volunteered to participate on the
Orange County Homeless Outreach Team (OC HOT). As the months progressed and the outreach along
the SAR expanded, we requested additional DPO’s and SPO’s to volunteer to assist in OC HOT operations.
In all, a total of 48 DPOs and SPOs volunteered to assist with the OC HOT operations along the SAR. The
hours were long and the conditions on the SAR were less than “ideal”. Everyone worked together as
“One County” along the SAR with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Public Works,
Orange County Social Services, Orange County Health Care Agency, CEO’s Office and Parole. From helping
a woman who was 8-months pregnant find a shelter, to helping take down tents, to
finding weapons and stolen property along the SAR, their hard work helped in 27.
keeping our communities safe while assisting the homeless in Orange County.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

28.

2018

29.

AFTER HOURS OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2

Earlier this year, Executive Secretary Lynda Weisman was honored by the Orange
County Animal Shelter as their “Foster Parent of the Year.” Lynda has been a volunteer with OC
Animal Care for 7 years contributing more than 800 volunteer hours. In addition she has completed
1,616 foster days. Through her dedication and loving care, Lynda has saved more than 180 kittens
over the span of her foster service. She has been a foster parent to over 215 cats and kittens as well
as 2 dogs!! Linda specializes in fostering kittens, often times having special needs like needing to
be syringe fed or having other medical challenges. She also helps train new volunteers
According to Brittany Hayes, OC Animal Care’s Public Education Officer:
“Lynda is never afraid to take on the most challenging fosters, young or old. Lynda has taken
fosters that require weaning, force feeding, medicine, confinement, quarantine and everything in
between. We are so grateful to have Lynda as a part of our fostering family!”
Lynda describes her shelter volunteer duties as being a “cat socializer” which helps the cats and
kittens learn to be comfortable with people and helps get them ready to be adopted. She also
works to socialize cats who have had medical issues which requires experienced volunteers as
these cats often have special needs and have been through some difficult times. She also uses her
time and experiences as a foster parent to write-up “bios” so that potential adoptive families can
know more about the cats and kittens to see if they will be a good fit. In addition to her caretaking
duties, Lynda uses her interest in photography to take “glamour shots” of many of the cats and

30. kittens who are available for adoption so that people looking at the website have an
opportunity see these potential adoptees at their very best!!
http://media.ocgov.com/gov/occr/animal/default.asp

2018

IN MEMORIAM

TODD THOMAS

SUPERVISING PROBATION OFFICER

SEPTEMBER 4, 1957- MARCH 31, 2018

31.

EMAIL SUBMISSIONS FOR NEXT NEWSLETTER TO
[email protected]

STEVE SENTMAN

CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER

TODD GRAHAM BRYAN PRIETO SUE DELACY DOUG SANGER

CHIEF DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER CHIEF DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER CHIEF DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER CHIEF DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER
OPERATIONS SUPPORT BUREAU
JUVENILE FACILITIES BUREAU ADULT OPERATIONS BUREAU JUVENILE OPERATIONS BUREAU

JENNIFER PALMQUIST SCOTT CHANDLER MELISSA MURPHY

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER DIVISION DIRECTOR DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

EDITOR EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ORANGE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT
ADMINISTRATION AND EXECUTIVE OFFICE

P.O. BOX 10260 PHONE: (714) 645-7000

SANTA ANA, CA 92711 FAX: (714) 558-3199