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THE FREEDOM JOURNAL E n g a g e - E d u c a t e - E m p o w e r

Volume 1 / Issue 4 LA VERNE CITY, POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND UNIVERSITY SHARE PIZZA FOR PEACE

Pizza Party Meet-And-Greet “La Verne should be a place where it is easy to do the right thing.” These words were said by Mayor Don Kendrick to a group of University of La Verne students, faculty, the University President Devorah Lieberman, La Verne Police Chief Scott Pickwith and LVPD Officers at our Pizza Party meet-and-greet on Friday, December 2, 2016. This event provided an informal, relaxed environment for students to come and meet the La Verne Chief of Police and Mayor and a number of

community engagement is centered around the concept that exposure and

interaction between law enforcement and

Upcoming Events

Domestic Violence Clinic Every third Friday of the month at House of Ruth,

Pomona, California

Record Clean-up Clinic

Our next quarterly record clean-up clinic will be held on January 27, 2016, at Tri-

City Wellness Center, Pomona, California

Visit our website and social media for ongoing event updates.

The mission of the Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc. is to provide

empowerment tools to disenfranchised individuals for better

self-determination.

Attendees engaged in an open discussion on issues of community policing.

officers who were there to The group collaborates as they discuss concerns and solutions.

answer any questions that anyone had.

Exposure and Interaction Leads to Understanding Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc.’s efforts in policing reform and

Marisol Morales and Rob Ruiz of University of La Verne open up the discussion for students to share their experiences and concerns. community

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For exposure and interaction to actually lead to mutual understanding, both parties need to be willing to listen to each other and what better way to do that than over pizza. After enjoying some food, drink, and socialization, attendees sat in a circle for a time of open discussion. With no formality, questions were raised about the amount and type of police training, why or when two police officers would pull-over one person, what the process is for filing a complaint, and the discussion continued. Because of the various community leaders present, attendees were able to hear input from each perspective, providing a more comprehensive discussion. Expecting the Unexpected Jokes were made, people laughed, but genuine information was also shared and everyone walked out of the room with a better understanding of where everyone was coming from. At the conclusion of the event, two students

expressed appreciation for the event and said that they thought things like this only happened on TV. They did not expect to just be eating pizza with the police chief or officers or their city mayor. While events like this may not be expected, they should be. Our hope is that community members and leaders will see

programs and events to increase exposure and interaction between law enforcement and the community in order to develop the mutual understanding that is needed to enable meaningful reform.

Thomas D. Allison, Esq., President of Social Justice Advocacy Project, inc., Chief Scott Pickwith, Council Member Donna

Redman, and University of La Verne student, Tyler Anderson

University of La Verne students enjoy pizza while listening to the event introductions. what can be done and develop

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LA VERNE POLICE DEPARTMENT STARTS “COP TALK”

On September 20, 2016, eight police departments took place in a Truth and Reconciliation program. A University of La Verne (ULV) student, Tyler Anderson, spoke during the truth segment expressing the disconnect she felt, as a student, from the La Verne Police Department (LVPD). Chief Scott Pickwith of LVPD responded to Tyler saying he would do his best to help reach out to ULV students so that they felt comfortable attending college in the city.

On November 22, 2016, Chief Pickwith kept his word. LVPD set up a booth in the middle of ULV campus, with a patrol vehicle on display and pizza in hand, LVPD engaged any student who approached to invite them to ask questions or enjoy the free pizza. LVPD officers and community outreach personnel remained on campus for four hours, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Chief

Pickwith also an appearance availing himself to ULV students and their inquiries.

The program was positive and constructive, and as expressed by LVPD personnel: “the first of many.” This event is the result of one thing: dialogue. Tyler spoke and Chief Pickwith listened, responded, and acted.

NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERSHIP IN ESGV

East San Gabriel Valley is experiencing significant turnover in its law enforcement leadership. Of the eight participating cities, five departments are installing new chiefs: Azusa, Claremont, Covina, La Verne, and San Dimas. Chief John Curley of Covina was sworn in on October 18, 2016.

On November 22, 2016, at 5 pm at the Azusa City Hall, Captain Stephan Hunt was promoted to chief of the Azusa Police Department after serving as active

A week later, on November 29, 2016, at 5 pm at the Doubletree Hotel in Claremont, Captain Shelly Vander Veen was promoted to Chief of the Claremont Police Department. Chief Shelly Vander Veen is the first female to take the chief post in Claremont, and she has the support of her city and surrounding communities behind her. We congratulate Chief Vander Veen on her shattering this glass ceiling. We look forward to reporting further swear-ins and promotions, such

as Captain Nick Paz’s promotion to LVPD chief. Both Chief Vander Veen and Captain Paz were present in the meetings between their respective chiefs and President of the Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc. Thomas D. Allison, Esq. when commitments to collaborative bridge-building were made. We look forward to working with all law enforcement leadership in ESGV and beyond.

Chief Hunt and SJAP President Thomas D. Allison, Esq. at Chief Hunt’s swearing-in.

Prior Claremont Chief Cooper administering the oath of current Claremont Chief Vander Veen,

first female to take post.

Chief Pickwith, SJAP President Thomas D. Allison, Esq., and Captain Paz at their initial

meeting.

Chief Curley at the Truth and Reconciliation event. chief. Chief Hunt participated in our Truth and Reconciliation program and have

continued to provide support for our bridge-building efforts.

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CALL FOR COMMUNITY INPUT ON POLICE BODY-WORN CAMERAS

Five cities in ESGV have received a federal grant for implementation of body-worn cameras for law enforcement officers. These cities include: Azusa, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, and La Verne. These cameras are quite controversial drawing a backlash from both civilians and law enforcement. For this reason, these agencies are reaching out for community input regarding this issue. Matters such as privacy, release, storage, security, etc. are being assessed and the input of community residents and employees is much needed. We have developed an online survey located at advocacyproject.org/body-worn-cameras. We are also in the process of planning town hall discussions on this issues in 2017. More information on these town halls will be included in the next issue of The Freedom Journal.

CALLING COMMUNITY LEADERS MAKE UNPRECEDENTED CHANGES TO

THE ESGV COMMUNITY The time is now for us to step forward and empower the creation of a new approach to community in East San Gabriel Valley and abroad. You can be a part of the group that

worked to better conditions for your children, nieces, and nephews, and their children, or you can play a silent oppositional role to the effort through your inaction. Too much is at

stake to be “too busy” to see that change is made in your community.

Send us an email at justice at advocacyproject.org expressing your interest in playing a role in better our community, the amount of time you have available, and what role you are interested in playing, if any. We will promptly reply to get you started.

Eight police chiefs or representatives from police departments of the East San Gabriel Valley came together for a Truth and Reconciliation event on September 20, 2016. Four of these cities, Azusa, Covina, Glendora, and La Verne are recipients of the

grant to implement body-worn cameras.

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ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, LED BY TRUMP FROM A PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN NARRATIVE OF HATE, WE GLEAN HOPE Thomas D. Allison, Esq.

On November 8, 2016, Donald J. Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States of America. This result took many by surprise and was quite devastating to groups singled out by president-elect Trump during his campaign. These groups include: (1) women, (2) Muslims, (3) Mexicans, (4) undocumented individuals, and (5) the physical impaired. While other groups were targeted during the campaign, these groups were most explicitly addressed or demeaned by the Trump campaign.

Environments of Hate Groups all over the country have experienced hate crimes since the election. The uptick in hate crimes prompted Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis to propose new legislation directing county resources to addressing the issue. People are left lost and confused, questioning the validity of American democracy. Speculation as to the causes of Trump’s victory is plethora, but one thing is clear, president-elect Trump is the most divisive president-elect of our lifetime.

Circumstances of Hope Through Trump division, however, we have seen circumstances of hope. Dr. King in his I Have A Dream speech discusses interposition and nullification. However, in the context in which Dr. King discussed interposition and nullification, the federal government was passing civil rights laws that we not being followed by the states. Interposition means an entity not following the orders of a superior entity within a set hierarchy and nullification refers to the nullifying or the ignoring of the established process or system. While interposition and nullification were used to victimize minorities during King’s time, it is being used now as a form of protection for minorities.

Since Trump’s election, politicians and law enforcement leadership alike have stepped forward and disavowed Trump’s divisive rhetoric and policy positions. In fact, concepts like sanctuary cities are clear examples of interposition and nullification being used as tools of protection for a minority class, regardless of the appropriateness of the protection. Trump has divided the country, but in a way has made himself a villain, an enemy to many. Trump’s acceptance of the villain role has only solidified his “enemy” status to individuals and advocacy groups and organizations. Individuals and organizations that previously found themselves opposed, find commonality in Trump’s enemy relationship. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Moving Forward Stopping president-elect from taking the White House seems a long shot at best. Focusing on the negatives of the election only makes the negative more negative. However, we have the power and ability to fight for the protection of others under the norms and mandates of the U.S. Constitution. This means supporting elected officials who oppose hate and discrimination in government, volunteering for organizations that work day in and out to provide social protections for these disenfranchised individuals, and apply pressure on those following in line with Trump’s divisive rhetoric.

While president-elect Trump has divided many of us, he has also brought many of us together. A single Facebook group of lawyers grew more than 100,000 members, just because the mission was to oppose the anticipated “Trump’s America.” Proactivity is the best line of defense. Federal funding will be cut for governments and organizations that do not follow Trump’s laws. This means establishing effective funding and resource alternatives should be a focus. I have found myself unconvinced that panic and worry is the appropriate response. I believe the appropriate response is action and building tighter, stronger, more resilient communities.

“We have the power and ability to fight for the protection of others under the norms and mandates of the U.S. Constitution.”

I believe the appropriate response is action and building tighter, stronger, more resilient communities.

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COMMUNITY-ORIENTED POLICING TASKFORCE: EAST SAN GABRIEL VALLEY Mission:

Investigate, assess, and report meaningful community-oriented policing issues and strategies in the East San Gabriel Valley.

Participants: Community residents Community leaders Organization representatives Police officers Public officials

Purpose: To develop a memorandum of understanding between the community and police departments of the east San Gabriel Valley in order to establish community-oriented policing norms and expectations, as well as continue to monitor and facilitate community-oriented policing programs and dialogues.

Anticipated Results: • Build bridges of understanding between community and police departments;• Establish rules of engagement for traffic stops between law enforcement and law

abiding citizens;• Establish effective complaint and review procedures that permits open lines of

communication between community and police;• Provide effective community-oriented policing education and civic engagement

opportunities for residents of east San Gabriel Valley;• Establish consistent modes of communication between law enforcement and the

community;• Develop programs to encourage positive contact and exposure between law

enforcement and the community;• Create educational resources to educate residents on the role of the community in

law enforcement;• Provide law enforcement needed social information to better help them help us;

and• Provide positive interaction opportunities between groups within the east San

Gabriel Valley for constructive contact, exposure, and understanding.

Interested in helping plan programs, community outreach, research, and presentations?

Contact us to get involved today!

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SJAP COMMUNITY PROGRAMS RECORD CLEAN-UP

CLINIC

On January 27, 2017, we are holding a record-clean up clinic which provides legal assistance by cleaning up criminal records of individuals to permit them to vote, as well as gain meaningful employment. We had almost 50 individuals from Pomona, CA and surrounding areas attend the last clinic. We will be hosting a quarterly record clean-up clinic at the Tri-City Wellness Center in Pomona, CA.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CLINIC

We continue holding monthly clinics to provide legal information and advice for victims of domestic violence. If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, visit our website or on social media to be notified as to when and where our next clinic is. If you work for an organization that would be interested in us holding an on-site clinic for your clients, email us at justice@advocacyproject.org.

FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOPS

We will begin conducting in-person financial literacy workshops. The workshops will be ten weeks long and will include everything from basic budgeting to starting a maintaining your own business. This program will be facilitated by SJAP directors as well as some of our community partners. Look out for updates on this great workshop soon!

BUILDING BRIDGES OF UNDERSTANDING IN OUR COMMUNITY We can continue to carry on in hate or we can begin building bridges. These bridges do not have to be to friendship, but simply to understanding. Worst case scenario in trying is the group you dislike is exactly as you know it to be and therefore you are justified in your actions, and even know that your actions are right. Best case scenario, you begin to understand some of the members of the other group who want to understand you. One-by-one, as this happens, you begin to form a different group. This group is composed of individuals who were previously oppositional, but have found common understanding, together. NOTE: understanding does not mean agreement. As long as we are good people, the rest are inconsequential details.

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Chief Scott Pickwith On July 7, 2016, Brittany Allison, Director of Communication, called La Verne Police Department, in an effort to set up a meeting with Chief Scott Pickwith and SJAP President Thomas D. Allison. Despite the fact that police officers were being killedand protests were occurring all over the country, Chief Pickwithmet with us anyway. In the discussion, Chief Pickwith admittedthat therewas morethatcould bedone and

committed to doing the most he could. Chief Pickwith participated in our Truth and Reconciliation program,

created a regular program to bridge the gap between the police department and University of La Verne called “Cop Talk”, and hosted the mayor, city council, and University of La Verne administration and students for a pizza meet-and-greet. Chief Pickwith not only spoke a big game in making commitments, but he has stepped up to follow through with them. He exemplifies true leadership.

ADVOCACY ALERT! CreativeC

orner

Submit Nominations

for ADVOCACY ALERT! and Creative Corner

If you have an organization or

advocate you would like to nominate for our monthly "Advocacy

Alert" or a creative piece for our "Creative

Corner," please provide that nomination by the

last Friday of the month before you would like to submit the nomination.

Send Submissions to justice@advocacyproject.org

#MoreThanHashtags Brittany Allison

We hashtag our lives Hashtag what’s trending, hashtag to complain

Hashtag about all the wrongs that we see But #itallremains.

A hashtag may be a start, But it can’t end there.

They can only get a movement moving But WE have to get up and take it somewhere.

To many work for photo-ops, re-tweets, and likes Instead of #doingwhatmattersinlife.

Chief Pickwith at the Truth and Reconciliation event, September 20, 2016

Chief Pickwith poses with Council Member Donna Redman and a group of ULV students after the Peace, Police, and Pizza event, December 2, 2016.

Chief Pickwith responds to students’ questions and concerns at the Peace, Police, and Pizza event, December 2, 2016.

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