Vol 3. Iss 1

Volume 3
Issue 1

SprinVgo2lu0m1e93

Issue 1

2018

Message OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 2 Iss. 2
from the
Chief...

On behalf of Executive Management and
the Strategic Support Division / PIO and Digital
Communications Specialist, we are pleased
to share our Spring 2019 Probation Quarterly
Newsletter.We are so proud of all of the featured
articles, as well as the many accomplishments
our staff have achieved over the past several
months.

On April 16, we will mark the 110th
birthday of the Probation Department. As a
department, we have much to celebrate. We
have grown so much over the past 110 years, both
in size and in the way we work with the clients
we serve. I am proud that we are consistently
on the forefront of providing research based
programing and are always looking ahead to
ensure that our department remains a leader in
public safety.

This is a season of change. Many of
you may be aware of, or are directly impacted
by, the many changes we are making to better
assist the populations we serve. It has been a
busy time for the Department: we celebrated
many retirements and staff promotions; we
cheered on and supported our 20th Anniversary
Baker to Vegas Team; we opened our new South
County Field Services Office; and we have been
preparing for our department budget for the
coming year. The Juvenile Facilities Bureau is
also working hard on the closing of Joplin to
address the declining juvenile populations, while
ensuring we have no break in service for the
youth we serve. We also continue to make the
necessary adjustments in our service operations
to meet the needs of our clients.

Our executive team and department managers will be meeting next month to

discuss and review the ongoing operational changes, staffing needs, and the “desired future”

for the Department moving forward. We want to be sure the Department remains aligned with

the County CEO’s vision of becoming “One County, a County of Excellence.” Further, we want to

ensure the Department moves forward as “One Department,” as we have one mission and one

vision. It remains our focus to move towards the common objectives and principles of both our Steve

mission and vision statements. The executive team is very proud of all of our staff who continue to

ensure Orange County is Safer Through Positive Change!

Thank you for all you do each and every day.

Table of Contents

4. Swearing In
5. Service Awards
6. Retirements
8. Promotions
11. SupCORE
12. BPOC 88
13. JCORE
14. Human Trafficking
15. Partnering to Promote Public Safety
16. Baker 2 Vegas
18. Adopt a Family
19. Sandra Prentiss
20. Mock Trial
22. Juvenile Court
24. After Hours - Velina Gibson
26. Around Probation

SWEARING IN OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

Swearing In

Michael Kawamura, Rick Allen, Monabel Negron, Arturo Lopez,
Pamela Clark-Holmes, Sherry Tran, Anthony Wade, Daniel Arreguin, Gil Garcia

4.

2019

Service Awards

5 20 25

Years of Service Years of Service Years of Service

Connie Avalos Marc J. Avila Anne L. Levasseur
Jon L. Baello Tracy N. Duran Scotty W. Lee
Dea M. Evans Brent A. Ward
Janett Ibarra Diana Fleming
Janny Pauw Kristyn E. Fussell 30Taylor Shay L.
Ubaldo Garcia
Chantell L. Roberts Denise N. Hernandez Years of Service
Christopher R. Rodriguez Kimberly M. Hunter
Armando Lopez Maria C. Barreto
Paul T. Tuipulotu Beth A. Moody Maureen A. Heath
Ja’Nae S. Walker Javier Orozco
Roberta A. Perez
10 Thuyco S. Pham
James P. Pinck
Years of Service Kathryn L. Place
Lorraine Quesenberry
Janna Y. Shim Christopher E. Rae
Gina M. Ramirez
15 Roxanne Ramirez-Lopez
Cheryl L. Randall
Years of Service Kristy R. Samuel
Richard D. Santillan
Maria S. Bone Cherie A. Ybarra
Jackie Burgett Monica Zamarripa
Enrique Gonzalez

Rodney S. Grantham
Melissa R. Pineda

5.

RETIREMENTS OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

6.

2019

Douglas Sanger Andrea D. Price
Nora E Fernandez John Carlson
Brian L. Johnson Nancy M Yopp
Erik Wadsworth Robert Hunter
Leah Perales
Timothy Todd David R. Haller
Andy Hamer
Evelyn Reyes Gary Brittingham
Richard Villavicencio Olga Echevarria
Victor Rodriguez
Matthew O. Usigbe Lori Johnson
Michael Ortega Sandy Pham
Michael L Jones Martha Luna
Kelly Brazao Susan Trammell
Lisa J. Angell Connie Valdez
Sherry Nitchman Darla Salcido
Rodney Zamora Doreen Lore
Andrea M Cavallo Marjorie Taylor
Shay Taylor
Lorna Winterrowd
Lorraine Delfin

7.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

PROMOTIONS Supervising Probation Officer Daniel Arreguin Supervising Probation Officer Sherry Tran

Danny began his career with the Orange County Sherry began her career with the Orange County
Probation Department in 2002 as a Deputy Probation Probation Department in 1999 as a Deputy Probation
Counselor. He was assigned to Juvenile Hall and Counselor and worked at Los Pinos, Juvenile Hall,
worked floater shifts in all of the other juvenile institutions JCWP, and ACP. In 2001, she was promoted to
before getting his regular shift. In 2005, he was Deputy Probation Officer and was assigned to the
promoted to Deputy Probation Officer and assigned South Youth and Family Resource Center (YFRC).
to the PC 1210, bilingual field position in Santa Ana. Later, she also worked at the West YFRC. In 2005, she
Danny gained the respect of his fellow co-workers and was selected to be part of the armed cadre and her
was seen as someone who was always fair and cared first armed assignment was High Control. She was only
about the probationers he supervised. In 2008, Danny there for approximately two months before being
was assigned to the Juvenile Field Supervision Division transferred to the Gang Violence Suppression Unit at
at SAO. Through the years, Danny distinguished himself the Garden Grove Police Department. During her
as an outstanding field officer who was always willing first year with the Garden Grove Police Department
to assist his fellow colleagues in his unit as well as other Gang Unit, she was awarded the Civilian of the Year
officers within the department. Therefore, in 2011, Danny award for “Outstanding Contributions of Service.”
was selected for the armed cadre and assigned to the The award focused on her teamwork attitude as well
Costa Mesa PD Gang Unit. Being out-stationed at a as her leadership abilities with the team to organize
local police department and working independently, sweeps and assist on cases. Sherry was recruited
Danny was able to demonstrate his leadership skills to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department North
and become a vital member of the gang unit in Costa Gang Enforcement Team in May of 2010 due to
Mesa for approximately 5 years. In 2016, Danny was re- her professional expertise in working with gangs
assigned to “OC GRIP”, a multi-agency collaboration and remained in that assignment for the last eight
program to prevent youths from joining criminal street years. Sherry has been a member of the Orange
gangs. Danny’s collaborative partners, along with County Gang Investigators Association for the past 12
many supervisors in the Probation Department, have years and has also assisted with two different gang
continuously praised him for his dedication, work ethic, injunctions over the past 10 years.
professionalism, and the leadership he embodies. He
is truly a role model to the hundreds of students’ lives Sherry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice
he touches each year through the program. In 2017, from Cal State Fullerton. Sherry’s dedication and
Danny received a Chief’s Award for his development strong work ethic will serve her well in her new
and organization of the soccer camps run by the GRIP assignment as a Supervising Probation Officer.
program each year.

Danny holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation
and Leadership Management and continues to work
toward his Master’s Degree in Marriage Family Therapy.
Throughout his career, Danny has demonstrated a
dedicated work ethic, outstanding professionalism
and leadership. These qualities will no doubt assist him
in his new role. Please join us in congratulating Danny
on a well-deserved promotion to Supervising Probation
Officer.

8.

2019

Supervising Probation Officer Anthony Wade Supervising Probation Officer Gil Garcia

Anthony began his career with the Orange County Gil began his career with the Orange County Probation
Probation Department in 1997 as a Probation Night Department in 1997 as a Deputy Probation Counselor
Counselor and was initially assigned to Juvenile and was initially assigned to the Juvenile Court Work
Hall. He was then promoted to a Deputy Probation Program. He was recognized as a team player with a
Counselor assigned to the Juvenile Hall Annex where positive attitude who quickly gained the respect of his
he fulfilled many roles and earned a Chief’s Award for co-workers as well as serving as a positive role model
the development of a parenting program. In 2001, to the youths. Therefore, in February 2001, Gil was
his hard work and positive attitude led him to being promoted to Deputy Probation Officer and assigned
promoted to a Supervising Probation Counselor. For to the Youth Guidance Center. In July 2008, Gil was
the next six years, he worked in various assignments assigned to the Adult Field Supervision Division at the
and locations and was an important part of the NCFSO. Through the years, Gil distinguished himself
Initial Implementation team that opened the Youth as an outstanding field officer who was always willing
Leadership Academy. As a result, in 2007, Anthony to assist his fellow colleagues. In August of 2010, Gil
was promoted to Deputy Probation Officer and was was selected for the armed cadre and assigned to
assigned to the Central DUI Court. Throughout the the Garden Grove PD Gang Unit where he received
years, Anthony honed his field officer skills, worked numerous accolades. Gill holds a Bachelor of Arts
closely with collaboratives in the DUI Court program Degree in Mass Communication from Cal State
and operated daily with a team first attitude. In 2011, University Northridge, which has served him well as he
he was selected for the armed cadre and assigned to moved over to his next assignment, “OC GRIP,” in May
the demanding AB109 assignment at the Santa Ana 2016. GRIP is a multi-agency collaboration with the
Police Department. He has worked in several multi goal of preventing youths from joining criminal street
agency operations, trained in active shooter scenarios gangs. Gil is known within the program as an effective
and earned several commendations from the Santa communicator with not only the youths but parents,
Ana Police Department administration, including the school staff, caseworkers, and his law enforcement
SAPD Chief’s Award in 2014. Most recently, Anthony partners.
was assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit where he
quickly became proficient in the assignment and was Gil has also continued to assist the department by
a mentor to his peers. participating in speaking engagements at local
universities and colleges in an effort to help recruit new
Anthony earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in employees to our department. It is known that he has
Criminology from Southern Oregon University. had a direct effect on some of our new hires as to why
Anthony’s reputation precedes him wherever he goes, they chose the Orange County Probation Department
and there is no doubt his work ethic, professionalism over other law enforcement agencies. Throughout his
and leadership will serve the department well in his career, Gil has demonstrated a dedicated work ethic,
new role as a Supervising Probation Officer. outstanding professionalism and leadership. These
qualities will no doubt assist him in his new role as a
Supervising Probation Officer.

9.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

PROMOTIONS Supervising Juvenile Correctional Officer Rick Allen Supervising Juvenile Correctional Officer
Michael Kawamura
Rick Allen was hired and began his career with the
Orange County Probation Department in 2000. Michael Kawamura, also known as “Mr. K,” began his
Eleven of Rick’s eighteen years with our organization career with the Orange County Probation Department
were spent in support of the department’s Juvenile in October of 2006. Over the past twelve years, Mike
Court Work Program (JCWP). In 2007, Rick accepted has had the opportunity to work at Los Pinos, Juvenile
a promotion to Senior Juvenile Correctional Officer. Hall, Joplin Youth Center, and most recently at our
For the past seven years Rick has had the opportunity Youth Guidance Center (YGC). During the last 5
to work at Juvenile Hall. The majority of his time was ½ years, Mike has worked in the ASERT program for
spent as a regular staff member in Unit O. Throughout boys and STEP program for girls at YGC. Throughout
his career, Rick has demonstrated his desire to assist his probation career, Mike has used his training (i.e.
the department with enhancing/improving service Mike is trained in ASERT, STEP, ART, T4C and EPICS) to
delivery. His involvement with the Juvenile Hall support and guide youth that have been entrusted to
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) workgroup his care. In his personal life, Mike also supports youth in
and Peer Support (Rick has been a founding Peer his community. He has had the opportunity to coach
Support Team Member since 2015) are just two youth in softball, basketball and football as part
examples of Rick’s leadership and dedication. In of the Department of Education Freeway League.
addition to receiving the CAPIA Southern Region Additionally, Mike volunteers as a wrestling coach at
Line Staff of the Year award this past October, Rick Hacienda Heights High School.
also received a commendation from the County
of San Bernardino for his service and support to the Mike’s leadership and passion for supporting and
individuals impacted by the mass shooting that developing youth can be linked to his experiences
occurred in December of 2016. Dealing with stressful growing up in Rosemead, California. As a high school
situations and/or lending support to those in need wrestler at Rosemead High School, Mike would
are skills that are not new to Rick Allen. become a CIF wrestling champion and ranked
second in the United States. He would go on and earn
Before joining Probation, Rick earned his AA from a wrestling scholarship to Arizona State University.
Santa Ana College and worked as an EMT for 11 Before earning his degree in Family Studies and
years. Rick’s work ethic, leadership and compassion Human Development, Mike would become a Pac-
for his fellow man will assist him greatly as he embarks 10 Champion in wrestling and an NCAA Qualifier.
on his newest set of responsibilities as a Supervising Recognized and respected for his work ethic and
Juvenile Correctional Officer. professionalism, Mr. Kawamura will bring his laudable
attributes to his newest assignment as a Supervising
Juvenile Correctional Officer.
.

10.

2019

SupCORE

(Top photo from left to right – back row) SJCO Victoria Brown; SCO Arturo Gonzales; SPO Daniel Arreguin; AM III Dana Schultz; SPO Arturo Lopez; SPO Gildardo Garcia
(From left to right – middle row) SPO Pamela Clark-Holmes; SJCO Michael Kawamura; AM I Jannett Chavez; SPO Anthony Wade; SPO Monabel Negron; Sr OS Jeromy Collado

(from left to right – front row) SPO Sherry Tran; SJCO Rick Allen; SJCO Kimberly Myers-Smith; not photographed – AM II Kim Olgren-Potter

11.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

BPOC 88

Reginald Kelley, Brandon Correll, Kristen Chidley,
Michael Malmfeldt, Brian Rollon, Raul Zuniga, Philip Franklin, Christopher Rae, Carlos Pina,

Michael Hall, Talisa Childs
Javier Orozco, Rosa Lopez, Indalesia Bravo, Jennifer Price, Michelle Sosa, Laura Arellanez,
Yohey Tokumitsu, Yesenia Torres-Romero, Miriam Martin, Cynthia Madrigal and Jaime Ruiz

Hector Martinez Eric Segura

12.

2019

JCORE

Back Row L to R:
Jacob Brown (Riverside County), Sean Lanternier, Bryan Banes, Matthew Mondragon,

Jason Naramore, Berlin Ohanesian, Andrea Rodriguez
Front Row L to R: Nicole Rice, Stephen Macias, Stacy Bautista,

Cynthia Valdovinos, Khoa Huynh, Luis Contreras

4. 13.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

January is National Slavery and HumanTrafficking Prevention Month!

The purpose of this month is to raise awareness of the atrocity of human trafficking both nationally and
globally and to educate people on ways they can help bring an end to it. The Orange County Probation

Department is a proud member of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force.

Human trafficking is “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by improper means (such as
force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose including forced labor or sexual exploitation.” There are over
40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally, and it can happen anywhere to anyone.

Even though slavery has been abolished in the United States, there are forms that still exist, like human trafficking. This
can happen to anyone, no matter race, age or gender, and is a highly profitable crime. Every year millions of people
are trafficked around the world, including inside the United States. There are many forms of human trafficking, but the
three most common types are: forced labor, sex trafficking, and domestic servitude. In the United States, many human
trafficking cases go unnoticed because it is a hidden crime, as many victims are afraid to come forward or the signs may
be unrecognizable. An important part of ending human trafficking is being able to recognize it and bring this crime to the
forefront. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) put together common indicators to help people recognize human
trafficking. Some examples are:

• Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
• Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
• Has a child stopped attending school?

The Orange County Probation Department works with other government and private organizations to identify possible
victims and assist them in obtaining the resources they need. The Probation Department continues to work with these
partner agencies to raise awareness and do our part to end this crime.

Following Public Safety Realignment, Orange County Probation identified the need to establish a caseload to supervise
offenders convicted of human trafficking related offenses. One Deputy Probation Officer supervises offenders directly
related to these offenses and works closely with the DA’sOffice and investigators from theOrangeCounty HumanTrafficking
Task Force (OCHTTF). Probation has developed training on CSEC and adult victims to raise departmental awareness of
potential victims of human trafficking, review available resources, and explain reporting protocols. In addition, two juvenile
Deputy Probation Officers supervise the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) caseload, collaborating with
other OCHTTF members to provide services and support to CSEC victims while in custody and in the community. They also
work closely with other probation departments across the state to help facilitate a safe return of youth from other parts of
the state who end up in Orange County. The hard work and dedication of the members of the OCHTTF team demonstrates
their commitment to doing all they can to assist victims of human trafficking here in Orange County.

14.

2019

DPO McCleary - Partnering To Promote Public Safety
-As originally published in County Connection (December 2018)



A critical element throughout the Flood Control Channel “By OC Probation and the Sheriff ’s Department being out
(FCC) project was establishing and maintaining public there to address the criminal element, it appeared to have
safety. These important functions were performed by not made people contacted along the FCC feel safe and that
only the Sheriff’s Department and surrounding jurisdictions’ the Officers assigned to FCC were also there to help,”
police departments, but also by OC Probation. DPO McCleary said.

Deputy Probation Officers worked with OC Sheriff’s Around mid-February 2018, the focus of efforts along the
Department (OCSD) Deputies patrolling along the Flood FCC shifted to Health Care Agency (HCA) outreach and
Control Channel beginning in September 2017. When engagement, and Deputy Probation Officers continued to
the project along the FCC began in earnest in late work along the FCC to maintain safety. “We accompanied
January 2018, Deputy Probation Officers were already HCA workers through the encampments that would not
accustomed to working with OCSD Deputies, and both have been safe otherwise,” DPO McCleary said.
departments engaged individuals encamped in the area
to let them know about available resources and the By late February 2018, all the individuals who had been
upcoming trail closure. encamped along the FCC had been offered connections
to resources, and no encampments remained along the
“Probation was side-by-side with the Sheriff’s Department trail. Although OC Probation no longer needed to patrol
from the beginning,” said Deputy Probation Officer II that area, there were other areas across Orange County
(DPO) Kelly McCleary, who worked shifts along the Santa where Deputy Probation Officers could apply lessons
Ana River trail. During the County’s efforts along the they learned along the FCC.
FCC, 12 Deputy Probation Officers were assigned to the
project on a given day and accompanied OCSD Deputies OC Probation now has 13 dedicated Deputy Probation
patrolling the area. OC Probation personnel could look Officers assigned to the Coordinated Homeless
up individuals’ probation status and share that valuable Assessment and Response Teams (CHART) conducting
information with OCSD Deputies on the spot. “If people outreach and engagement across the County on an
said they were on probation, we made sure they were ongoing basis.
in good status with their probation officers. If they were
not, they were arrested,” DPO McCleary said. “We also “During the efforts along the Flood Control Channel, we
assisted with searches and the transportation of those learned to work closely with our fellow departments like
arrested with the Sheriffs.” HCA and the Sheriff’s Department,” DPO McCleary said.
In addition to looking up probation status and warrant
While Deputy Probation Officers devoted much of their information, DPO McCleary now sees her role as one
time along the FCC addressing an existing criminal part of a coordinated, comprehensive effort to address
element, many individuals encamped along the FCC had homeless individuals’ needs. “We do the same thing as
positive interactions with OC Probation personnel and we did along the FCC: We provide services and offer
expressed appreciation for their efforts. people any resources the County has available for them.”

15.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

Baker2Vegas

GREAT JOB TO ALL THE RUNNERS AND VOLUNTEERS!!

2019 OC Probation Team Alternate Runners Race Day Support Staff

Leg 1 Sabrina Montalbo Judy Casillas Veronica Armstrong – Team Volunteer
Leg 2 Alex Fernandez Rico DeRamos Stacey McCoy – Team Communications
Leg 3 Justin Westra Marie Lopez Rick Villavicencio – Follow Vehicle
Leg 4 Anthony Magdaleno Sheryl Gulla-Miller Joslin Meraz – Follow Vehicle
Leg 5 Kamil Pajurek Beth Moody Jessica Johnson – Follow Vehicle
Leg 6 Miriam Rivera Jennifer Pulliam – Follow Vehicle
Leg 7 Heather Lamar Graham Esmond – Follow Vehicle
Leg 8 Derrick Pettway Kevin Foss – Follow Vehicle
Leg 9 Erik Pacheco Merced Aguilar – Follow Vehicle
Leg 10 Chris Fox Lourdes Magallan – Follow Vehicle
Leg 11 Lynsay Fox Stephanie Arias – Follow Vehicle
Leg 12 James Hong Joseph Guzman – Follow Vehicle
Leg 13 Ralph Espinoza
Leg 14 Daniel Barrington
Leg 15 Raul Zuniga
Leg 16 Brandon Correll
Leg 17 Melissa Murphy
Leg 18 Jose Chavez
Leg 19 Carlos Pinto
Leg 20 Larry Ibarra

16.

2019

17.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

4-H Club Adopts a
Probation Family By Alicia Steward-Puga

This past Christmas the Orange Acres Back Breakers At their December meeting, OABB created a Google
(OABB) 4H Youth Club of Orange Park Acres adopted docs sign up form with the provided ‘Wish List”
a family through the Probation Adopt-A-Family information from the family. We also asked DPO
program. Pettway if there were any specific needs that he knew
of. He provided them with some basic information.
4-H is an organization for youth ages 5-19 that The family was made up of Mom, Dad and 5 children
promotes hands-on, experiential learning, leadership ranging from 3-14 years old.
development, and public speaking skills. 4-H
welcomes youth members and adult volunteers from Gifts and donations began to pour in! OABB families
all backgrounds and all locations. The local clubs are were amazing. Little by little they shopped, wrapped,
run for youth, and by youth, with adult advisors. The and tagged specific gifts for the family. A new pair
overall program is administered through University of shoes for Dad, blouses for Mom, headphones
of California County “Cooperative Extension Offices”. for the older boys as well as a unicorn backpack,
Through 4-H, youth members accept responsibility, Power Ranger toy and a Paw Patrol toy for the three
develop leadership and public speaking skills, all younger kids. The club donated almost 50 wrapped
while having fun. The four H’s are HEAD, HEART, gifts. There were over $200 additional donations in
HANDS, and HEALTH. If you have ever been to the gift cards that were used to purchase household
OC Fair and gone to visit the livestock area and saw items for the family, like toothbrushes, toothpaste,
those adorable little kids all dressed in white tending shower soap, shampoo, Q-tips, toilet paper, paper
to the animals, well that’s 4H. The youth learn about towels, and much more. It was beginning to look a
livestock by raising and tending to the animals in lot like Christmas for the family and the OABB kids
specific projects. The program started in 1902 as were learning a lesson in humility and how good it
agricultural education in rural communities. It is feels to be on the giving end of Christmas.
now an international program for youth. It has also
expanded to encompass STEAM (science, technology, Lastly, it was very important that some of the OABB
engineering, arts, and math) learning projects. youth be a part of the gift delivery. Just before
Christmas a few OABB kids (in Green) and a few of
The OABB youth decided that they wanted to Adopt- their parents met with DPO Pettway and caravanned
A-Family as a group service project for the holidays. over to the family’s home. It was an amazing
SJCO Steward-Puga served as the liaison between experience.
the 4H club and DPO Derrick Pettway, who referred
his client’s family. Since she was familiar with the 13.
Adopt-A-Family program, she arranged an adoption
with Volunteer Coordinator Sandra Prentiss.

18.

2019 Photo by Steven Georges
Behind the Badge
Sandra Prentiss

Sandra Prentiss – Role Model and
Outstanding Volunteer by Kaajal Kamdar

Volunteer Services Coordinator Sandra Prentiss watched the ball dropping at
Times Square on the small screen of her cell phone on New Year’s Eve while
providing her help in the aftermath of one of the deadliest fire disasters in our
state history, the Paradise Camp Fire in Butte County, with 700-plus displaced
residents.

“I was so fortunate that I didn’t lose my home and knowing how lucky I was
to participate at the volunteer camp”. With that thought in mind, Sandra
immediately decided when she received a request, to spend nine days at the
camp driving 8 hours, 500+ miles to the Camp Fire area.

Sandra was stationed at the Donation Center for a couple of days distributing
food, clothing, toiletries, water, dog food, and blankets. She then spent four
days at the Red Cross and FEMA shelter.

As she recalls – “People were so humble and thankful; they would help others
by saying,’ leave items for other people; we don’t need it.’ It was quite an
experience.” Sandra says she became a good listener to the stories shared
by others of their loss during this disastrous fire. She worked a 12-hour shift,
getting up early in the morning with 35-40 degree temperatures. Her peer
support skills that she learned by taking training at the Probation Department
helped her with communicating with the victims of the fire more patiently and
becoming a good listener.

Sandra has been a certified volunteer member of Anaheim Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) since 2016. She provides community
outreach on a regular basis to her neighborhood, and attends trainings offered
by Anaheim CERT. She also participates as an actor during triage drills to train
new employees. What started as a way to learn skills to make her family safe,
Sandra is now at the level of helping the community on a bigger scale. The
Probation Department is thankful to have Sandra as the Volunteer Services
Coordinator who sets herself as a role model to the prospective volunteers
that she brings on board.

19.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

Mock Trial



Each fall, over 45 teams from local high schools prepare they are presenting the issues in a court of law. During the
for Orange County’s Mock Trial competition. Among them Mock Trial, the participants represent the prosecution
is Rio Contiguo High School, located at Probation’s Youth and defense arguments and must prepare a case for both
Guidance Center (YGC). Probation has been participating sides, since they will be required to switch and present the
in the Mock Trial program since the early 1980’s. Larry Baril, other side. In addition, the participating students are not
who has been there for the last 10 years, and Yvette Wade only acting as counsel, but are also witnesses, both regular
for the last 2 years, currently supervise the program. and professional, court clerks and bailiffs. As they present
their hypothetical cases, not only do they conduct their
Mock Trial is a non-profit program run and funded by the own legal research, they learn about civics, the justice
Constitutional Rights Foundation and is co-sponsored by system and an alternative way to find solutions. Teams
the American Board of Trial Advocates. Each year, the can receive guidance from either teachers, coaches or
foundation creates the Mock Trial case for the students volunteer attorneys. Probation is lucky enough to have
across not only Orange County, but the State of California. mentors from the Orange County Public Defender’s Office
The selected cases provide students an opportunity to as their legal coaches. According to Larry and Yvette,
wrestle with large societal problems within a structured YGC has won several awards for their presentations. The
forum as well as a timely, powerful learning experience. cases are presided over by real judges from different
It is expected that the students conduct a cooperative, judicial systems, each with their own unique styles. Judges
vigorous, detailed and comprehensive analysis of the have ranged from Municipal Court judges, judges from
case. They will conduct themselves as if local courts, Drug Court, Juvenile Court, State of California
judges and more recently, a federal court judge.

20.

2019

Both Larry and Yvette have found that the youth have would like to have more youth involved and wish that they
increased their proficiency in reading, public speaking, could field a team ever year, but sometimes they do not
critical thinking, analyzing and reasoning, as well as have enough youth willing and able to participate.
interpersonal skill such as listening, following directions and
cooperating as a team. This experience also plants a “seed One youth that recently completed the entire program
of change” so they can take these new skills with them at YGC stated that as he participated in the program he
for the rest of their lives. They also stated that they are not saw a change in himself. He said prior to participating’ he
only learning about the court system, the legal system but felt withdrawn and shy and did not like to talk to people,
are learning to discover a different way of thinking that is especially strangers. He stated that the more he talked
not as confrontational . They also went on to state that for to people the more he realized that things would go a lot
many of these youth, it provides them with their first and smoother and he no longer felt it was him against the legal
perhaps only opportunity for an interaction or relationship system. In the past, he had always felt that every time he
with positive role models. had any contact with the police or legal system it felt like
they were out to get him and arrest him. He realizes now
According to Chief Deputy Probation Officer, Bryan that this is not the case and it is not like it is in the movies or
Prieto, in charge of the Juvenile Facilities Bureau, this is an TV either. He also stated that he has learned that there are
“excellent chance at rehabilitation and a chance for the various solutions to problems and that it “is important to think
youth to make smart life choices. It provides a positive way as you go along,” which is an important aspect of critical
to see the justice system, helps build critical thinking skills thinking and learning. He also went on to say that people
and improves interpersonal skills and relationships.” CDPO in the program were and are willing to help him when he is
Prieto stated, “I have sat in on some of the trials and have released. He said that this is the first time that anyone has
seen firsthand minors learning how to think on their feet, offered to help him on the outside. He shared that now he
challenge old issues and develop new thought processes has a positive outlook about his future. He is taking college
right there on the spot.” level classes, has learned carpentry skills and has a job as a
carpenter lined up when he is released.
However, according to the people who run the program
there is one major drawback, which is finding enough According to Division Director Michael Redwood, “the Mock
people to participate as a team for the Mock Trial. To do Trial program is an excellent platform for our youth to work
it successfully you need between 8 to 16 youth. The issue together as a team, improve their public speaking, and this
is that the commitments to YGC, JH and YLA are often not experience allowed them to have a better understanding
long enough. The program requires that participants are of the justice system. This was my first Mock Trial experience
involved for one year. The program requires a lot of work, and to see our youth’s growth from start to finish was
research, practice and time away from other activities. amazing. Our YGC and Youth Leadership Academy (YLA)
staff were dedicated and committed throughout the
Mock Trial is a voluntary program, but staff do have the final process, attending practices and the competitions. A big
say based on the youth’s behavior, attitude and willingness thank you to all of the teachers and attorneys from the
to commit for at least a year. Youth can “drop out” of the Orange County Public Defender’s office that coached,
program if they so desire at any time and many do, since it cheered and motivated our youth this year.”
is more work than they anticipated. Both Larry and Yvette

21.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

Juvenile Court by Andrea Mahar

What is Juvenile Court?

Juvenile Court is located at the Lamoreaux
Justice Center (LJC) next to Juvenile Hall. It
is also known as the Juvenile Justice Center
(JCC). The courthouse services family law,
dependency, and delinquency cases.

There are six delinquency courtrooms, in which
Probation has an important role. By law a
Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) shall be present
in each courtroom to represent the interests of
each youth and furnish information to the court.
The Juvenile Court DPOs are called court
officers, which is different from Adult Court,
where the DPOs are called Resident Probation
Officers (RPOs). The court officers work as a
liaison between the court and the DPOs who
are writing the court reports.

What happens in Juvenile Court?

Every youth is assigned to a judge. The judge
does not change through the court process.
Before a youth comes before the court, the
court officers will hand out the report a day
before, to the judge, district attorney (DA) and
defense attorney. The defense attorney and DA
will argue the case before the court, using the
Probation report as a basis for their information.
The court officer supports the supervising DPO’s
recommendation, and will provide information to
the court when needed. The judge then makes a
court order that is recorded on the minute order
by the court clerk. The minute order is the legal
document of the court proceedings.

22.

2019

as a DJCO. The court officers also complete a disposition
(dispo) sheet on each case. The dispo sheets
contain the court orders and are used by the
DPOs, Booking, Juvenile Hall Reception,
After Court and other units to carry out those
orders. Court officers make efforts to try to
solve problems by reaching out to field officers
and the detention facilities, while collaborating
with judges, attorneys, social workers and
community program representatives. DPO
Daniel Barrington, DPO Chris Lillja, DPO
Jennifer Nelson, DPO Gelene Gutierrez, DPO
Mark Hemminger, and DPO Mi Hoang are
court officers who are assigned to courtrooms.
They rotate courtrooms approximately every
six months.

What is a contested officer?

The court officers who are not assigned to
courtrooms are called contested officers.
They monitor a caseload of youth who are
pending filing by the DA’s office or pending a
court hearing on their first petition. DPO Jamie
Ruiz, DPO Jennifer Price and DPO Brandon
Correll are the contested officers; they also
write reports, assist in the sealing of records,
generate victim letters and cover courtrooms
when needed.

What does contested clerical do?

The clerical staff are an invaluable component
to the operations of Juvenile Court. Juvenile
Court clerical include, Monica Zamarripa,
Jeremy Lambert, Cecilia Barajas, Cynthia
Velasquez and Steve Chung. They make
sure all of the packets, reports and files are
in for court, as well as set up and screen
dispo sheets. They work with multiple units
and coordinate the paper flow of the court
actions. They also solve last minute problems
to ensure the court process runs as smoothly
as possible. The Juvenile Court Officers and
Clerical are the hub of Juvenile Court.

232.

AROUND PROBATION OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

24. 23.

Around Probation

2019

25.

OC Probation Quarterly Vol. 3 Iss. 1

Coach Velina Gibson

AFTER HOURS Basketball has always been a big part of Office bigger universities such as Berkeley, Arizona State,
Assistant Velina Gibson’s life, from the time she was UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, and University of San Diego,
in kindergarten watching her dad play pickup games but chose not to play basketball, and just focus on
with his friends, through high school when she academics.
attended Santa Ana Valley and lettered for four years
on the varsity team. She was 1st team all-league, She started working with a facility called Lyceum
played in two different all-star games, and was Village in Tustin that helps kids with academics. They
featured in an article in the Orange County Register in provide tutoring for reading, writing (English/Lang.
her senior year. She played at the junior college level Arts) and math along with other subjects. They also
but there was no WNBA at the time so she stopped have other activities such as chess club, karate, ballet,
playing, and started coaching. and basketball for girls and boys. They also will help
with applying for different academic scholarships/
Her first coaching job was at Saddleback High School grants. Working with this program has helped her
back in 1997 as the head JV coach. She was there for lower level club team get the extra tutoring, and
two years, and it was during that time that she found when they get to high school they will have that
out about community recreational basketball where extra help to apply for grants for colleges.
she could coach kids at all different ages, and help
with developing their skills. She teamed up with a Currently Velina coaches for low-income kids, and
former coach, and began coaching low-income kids volunteers her time teaching girls basketball, and
to be able to play in club leagues, providing them working on development. She currently has a team
with opportunities they might not otherwise have. that she has been working with for the past two years.
They did fundraisers to help the less fortunate kids She also has coached JV girls’ basketball for Tustin
buy shoes or their uniforms. In a blink of an eye, one High School for the past five years. Velina states that
team became two teams, and two teams became four she loves coaching, and knowing that she could be
teams. saving a life by keeping the kids off the streets. The
kids are not just learning how to play basketball, they
They were able to get three girls playing for 4-year are learning life lessons like being leaders, being a
colleges on basketball scholarships. They have one team player, not being selfish, dedication, not giving
finishing her last year at University of La Verne, one up, being alert and aware, and how to deal with
at Mammoth University in New Jersey, and one at losing/failure.
Ottawa University in Arizona. Other players went to

26.

April 16, 2019 is the 110th birthday of the
Probation Department!!!

28.

EMAIL SUBMISSIONS FOR NEXT NEWSLETTER TO
[email protected]

STEVE SENTMAN

CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER

TODD GRAHAM BRYAN PRIETO SUE DELACY

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

JENNIFER PALMQUIST MELISSA MURPHY CARLA LOPEZ

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST ASSISTANT DIVISION DIRECTOR
EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER EDITOR

ORANGE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT
ADMINISTRATION AND EXECUTIVE OFFICE

P.O. BOX 10260 PHONE: (714) 569-2000

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