News Coverage
Rachelle Gayton Appointed Chief Probation Officer for Yolo County
From The Davis Enterprise.
YOLO COUNTY, Calif., — February 14, 2025 — Yolo County Interim Administrator Dirk Brazil has announced the appointment of Rachelle Gayton as Chief Probation Officer. Gayton has been serving as Probation Division Manager and most recently as Interim Chief Probation Officer following the resignation of Dan Fruchtenicht in January.
ICYMI: Umberg Introduces Measure to Provide Funding for Prop 36 Implementation
From Fullerton Observer.
The Office of Senator Tom Umberg, 34th District, Press Release – February 14, 2025 – Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) announced the introduction of his Senate Bill 38 which proposes to make drug and collaborative courts eligible for competitive grants administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).
Voters approved of Proposition 47 on the November 2014 ballot which generated savings with its implementation. Sixty-five percent of these savings are set aside annually for the BSCC to administer a competitive grant program for services related to mental health, substance use treatment, and diversion.
This past November, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36 which, among other things, established a “Treatment Mandated Felony” option for people with two or more prior serious drug convictions. This would allow people with serious addictions to choose drug treatment rather than incarceration as a pathway to recovery and rehabilitation.
“The voters have spoken loud and clear,” said Senator Umberg, “It’s our job now to make sure that Proposition 36 is given the support it needs to succeed.”
Senator Umberg’s Senate Bill 38, sponsored by the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), would make court, collaborative court programs, and Treatment Mandated Felony programs expressly eligible for the BSCC competitive grant program.
Additionally, Senate Bill 38 allows for public entities to apply for this funding, which will help county courts, prosecutors, public defenders, probation departments, and behavioral health programs coordinate as they work to implement Prop 36.
“We know firsthand that highly incentivized drug treatment when paired with supervision and accountability, delivers effective results,” stated San Joaquin County Probation Chief Steven Jackson, who is also president of CPOC.
“We fully support this legislation and applaud Senator Umberg’s leadership. It effectively uses existing resources into proven drug treatment programs that enhance both individual rehabilitation and community safety.”
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The measure is expected to be heard in policy committees sometime in March or April.
Read the full article here.
San Francisco Opening Triage Center with Police, Other Staff to Handle 6th Street Arrests
From CBS News.
San Francisco, Calif. – February 5, 2025 – San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie on Wednesday said the city will be opening a triage center staffed by various city departments to more efficiently handle people detained for drug use.
The triage center will be near 6th Street, and there will be police, fire crews, staff from the public department of health and other organizations at the site.
“This is going to be a triage center where we are going to streamline all of our departments in one place,” Lurie said. “We have to try new things, and we have to do it quickly.”
Lurie said police will take people to the site, and they will be seen by the Department of Public Health and by behavioral health specialists.
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The program provides bus or train tickets out of the city for people dealing with substance abuse or who are experiencing homelessness.
“The program strives to reconnect individuals with family, friends, or other support networks in their hometown. Journey Home provides eligible participants with free bus or train tickets (within the lower 48 states), a meal stipend, and an overnight stay if the train/bus does not leave the same day,” a department notice for the program says.
Lurie said they hope to have the site open in the coming days.
Read the full article here.
ICYMI: California County’s Juvenile Hall Leads the Way with Innovative Tablet Program
From Newsbreak and Marin County.
MARIN COUNTY, Calif. – February 3, 2025 – Marin County Juvenile Hall is transforming education for incarcerated youth through its groundbreaking Orijin Tablet Program, according to Marin County’s Probation Dept.
This initiative provides youth with electronic tablets loaded with academic resources, ensuring continuous learning beyond traditional classroom hours, the department stated.
County Deputy Probation Officer Helps Launch Nonprofit to Assist Foster Youth
NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. – January 21, 2025 – One of the biggest challenges former foster youth face as they transition into independence is getting reliable transportation. They can’t get to school or a job if they don’t have a ride.
Nevada County Deputy Probation Officer Karyn Mueller hopes to alleviate that with her new nonprofit, Beyond the Barriers California, formed in partnership with Helena Heinzelman, foster youth specialist for the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools.
County Deputy Probation Officer Helps Launch Nonprofit to Assist Foster Youth
NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. – January 21, 2025 – One of the biggest challenges former foster youth face as they transition into independence is getting reliable transportation. They can’t get to school or a job if they don’t have a ride.
Nevada County Deputy Probation Officer Karyn Mueller hopes to alleviate that with her new nonprofit, Beyond the Barriers California, formed in partnership with Helena Heinzelman, foster youth specialist for the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools.
Chief Probation Officers of California Response to Governor’s January Budget Proposal
State Budget Proposal Which Recognizes Probation's Integral Role in Public Safety and Rehabilitation
Sacramento, California, January 10, 2025 – The
Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) is encouraged by
Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed January budget which recognizes
“the significant role probation plays in maintaining public
safety and reducing prison admissions.” We remain cautiously
optimistic as details related to several mission-critical areas
are unknown and some areas such as support for Proposition 36
implementation have not been adequately addressed.
Investing in the Future: Orange County Supports Innovative Programs for System-Involved Youth
From the Daily Pilot.
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – January 9, 2025 – The Orange County Probation Department (OC Probation) is honored to announce the historic allocation of over $2 million dollars to new Community Based Organizations (CBO) Programs through the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (OCJJCC).
Deputy Chief of the San Mateo County Probation Department Receives Statewide Recognition
San Mateo, Calif. – December 3, 2024 – San Mateo County Probation Department Deputy Chief Moniay Wade was recognized at the 2024 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) Awards Ceremony as the Bay Region Employee of the Year, an honor celebrating outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the field of probation.
O.C. Juvenile Hall Youth Help Rescue Dogs Overcome Trauma, Train Them for Forever Homes
From the Daily Pilot.
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – December 18, 2024 – Surviving a 20-year sentence for his role in a 1997 gang-related homicide in Westminster forced Nhut Thanh Vo to disassociate from his emotions. By the time he was three-fourths of the way through his prison stint, he was starving for an opportunity to form a relationship with another soul.
A program that taught inmates dog handling by pairing them with pets rescued from shelters allowed him to bond with another living being for the first time in over 16 years.
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“Vulnerability is not a good trait in prison. But with a dog, you need to be vulnerable. That’s the only way you can connect with them.”
Award Honors Legacy of San Benito County Probation Chief Frontella
From the SanBenito.com.
SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. – December 13, 2024 – The Chief Probation Officers of California recently introduced the Joseph Frontella Award for Distinguished Service in Institutions, an honor recognizing “exceptional contributions to juvenile institutions across the state,” says a press release from the Chief Probation Officers of California.
The award celebrates the legacy of former San Benito County Probation Chief Joseph “Joe” Frontella, whose lifelong commitment to the service of others profoundly impacted the local community and the probation profession throughout California, says the press release.
The inaugural Joseph Frontella Award will be presented to Kilee Willson, Juvenile Hall Division Director for Sonoma County Probation, at this year’s awards ceremony.
Frontella, who retired in 2023 after 28 years of dedicated service to the field of probation, passed away on Feb 29, 2024, following a bicycle accident, says the press release. Known for his unwavering compassion and dedication to youth and community, Frontella’s loss was deeply felt by all who knew him.
“The Joseph Frontella Award is a tribute to an extraordinary leader whose values continue to inspire California’s probation professionals,” said Chief Kelly Vernon, President of CPOC and Tulare County Chief Probation Officer. “Chief Frontella exemplified compassion, mentorship and innovative leadership. Through this award, we honor his memory and ensure his contributions are never forgotten.”
Frontella’s career was defined by his quiet strength, resilience and an unrelenting drive to create opportunities for justice-involved youth, says the press release. As Chief Probation Officer, he worked to guide young people toward positive pathways while mentoring colleagues and fostering a culture of integrity and fairness. His deep commitment to justice, community and collaboration left an enduring mark on the probation field.
“Chief Frontella’s impact on San Benito County and our probation department cannot be overstated,” said Chief Ashlyn Canez, Chief Probation Officer of San Benito County. “His visionary leadership set the foundation for countless transformative programs that continue to serve our youth and families today.
“Chief Frontella believed in the power of compassion and collaboration, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he mentored and the lives he helped change. The Joseph Frontella Award is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary contributions and a reminder of the standards he set for all of us in this field.”
The new annual award is bestowed upon a probation department staff member working in a juvenile institution who embodies Frontella’s qualities, according to the press release, including leadership; compassion and empathy; dedication to justice; innovation and mentorship.
The award presentation to Willson will take place during the annual ceremony hosted by CPOC, where probation professionals gather to celebrate the achievements of their peers and honor the memory of a man whose life exemplified service, justice and hope, says the press release.
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Read the full article here.
Congratulations to California Probation’s Employee of the Year
From the County News Center.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. – December 13, 2024 – A San Diego County Probation Youth Development and Community Support Services special projects supervisor has received the California Probation Employee of the Year.
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Yvonne Salgado first received the Southern Region Employee of the Year award along with four other Region Employees of the Year. Then she was selected among the five region award recipients.
“A true leader, Yvonne encourages excellence from her staff, fosters a culture of learning, and is dedicated to advancing the core values of our Probation Department,” said Chief Probation Officer for San Diego County Tamika Nelson. “Her positivity, genuine enjoyment of her work, and willingness to support her colleagues make her a beacon of inspiration in the field of probation work and enhance the health and safety for everyone in our community.”
Nelson said Salgado’s exceptional leadership, dedication and innovative approach to community collaboration and youth development has had a transformative impact on County Probation and the broader California Probation profession. She had made significant contributions on numerous critical projects and initiatives.
Recognizing a need to note in the Probation case management system if the child was affected by the Child Welfare Act (ICWA), she led an effort to develop a ICWA Node in the Probation system. She did this by implementing ICWA policy and procedures in collaboration with Tribal Star for planning and working with County staff to assist with the technological set up.
She worked with community partners to create the Community Resource Directory, a comprehensive system facilitating referrals to community programs. Then, Salgado spearheaded a virtual resource fair where community partners showcased their unique programs and answered participant questions. Now, she has expanded the directory to include ICWA partners.
“Officer Salgado exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated and forward-thinking leader,” said Tulare County Probation Chief Kelly Vernon, president of the CPOC. “Her tireless efforts and collaborative approach continue to uplift not only San Diego County but also serve as a model for probation across California.”
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Read the full article here.
Congratulations to CPOC’s 2024 Award Winners! Leading California in Safety & Rehabilitation
Learn more about the winners of the 2024 CPOC Awards from earlier this month, and the incredible work that they are doing in their communities as part of probation across the state of California.
Mono County Probation Department Employee Receives Statewide Recognition
From the Mammoth Times.
MONO COUNTY, Calif. – December 12, 2024 – Darcie Perkins, Behavioral Health Services Coordinator III for Mono County, was recognized at the 2024 annual Chief Probation Officers of California Awards Ceremony as the organization’s Central Region Employee of the Year.
“Darcie exemplifies the dedication and leadership that drives our department forward,” said Karin Humiston, Mono County’s Chief Probation Officer. “Her exceptional ability to connect clients with vital services, foster collaboration between agencies, and provide hands-on support reflects her deep commitment to improving lives and helping enhance safety in our communities.”
As the primary liaison for mental health services, Perkins coordinates psychiatric and psychological assessments, substance abuse programs, and individual and residential treatment services. Her leadership role in the Reentry Committee — a multi-disciplinary team that meets weekly to plan stable living and resource connections for probationers exiting custody or treatment — is instrumental in fostering successful transitions for both adult and juvenile clients, according to the department.
Statewide Award Presented to Tehama County Probation Officer
From the Corning Observer.
Red Bluff, Calif. – December 11, 2024 – Tehama County Probation Officer Oscar Morales, who is a dual member of the Probation Business Managers Association (PBMA) and Probation Information Technology Managers Association (PITMA), was honored at the 2024 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California Awards Ceremony with the Affiliate Employee of the Year Award.
“Oscar’s willingness to take initiative and go above and beyond to enhance our work in probation is exemplary,” said Tehama County Chief Officer Pamela Gonzalez, Chief Probation Officer of Tehama County. “His expertise and dedication are invaluable to Tehama County Probation and help make our community safer for everyone.”
Morales helped lead initiatives to modernize the affiliate organizations and embraced the challenges with enthusiasm and skill. Creating backend systems and enhancing technology for probation work, he contributes fundamentally to the work of probation to create safer communities and help connect offenders to transformative rehabilitation services, she added.
The Connector Newsletter – December 23, 2024
California Probation Creating Safer Communities Through Accountability & Opportunity
In this issue of The Connector, read stories of hope and inspiration of how California Probation is helping create safer communities by focusing on holding justice-involved individuals accountable while helping them transition out of the system permanently through transformative and evidence-based rehabilitation. Probation Departments are a connector in the justice system, interlacing and maximizing the resources available within our systems and communities to reduce recidivism by carefully balancing direct human services and research-based interventions.
County Spotlight: San Joaquin County Probation Client Testimonial
California Probation’s collaborative work in re-entry services for those involved in the justice system, not only helps those within the system turn their lives around, but also helps make our communities safer for all.
For those interested in understanding the realities of formal probation, this video from San Joaquin County Probation highlights Jason’s journey of transformation. Growing up in the foster system, Jason faced significant challenges, which ultimately led to a life of crime and incarceration.
While many may believe the role of California Probation is to catch probationers violating their terms, the truth is, they strive to guide people toward successfully completing their rehabilitation which leads to long-term safety in our communities.
Jason emphasizes the turning point of taking accountability and the significant role his probation officer played in supporting him during his recovery journey. He credits his probation officer’s care and guidance for keeping him on track and fostering personal growth, stating that his officer provided unwavering support and helped him get access to helpful programs.
“My Probation Officer was a staple for my recovery!”
Jason’s story highlights the value of strong supervision and self-commitment in recovery, and the transformative impact of effective probation supervision. San Joaquin County Probation, for Jason, became a cornerstone of change.
Watch Jason’s story here.
California Probation across the state, provides a multifaceted integrated safety model that uses accountability and provides opportunity. Probation continues to successfully connect individuals to workforce development, substance use treatment, mental health services, family engagement, and educational opportunities.
The San Joaquin County Probation Department provides safe custodial care for juveniles and adults in ways that help uphold public safety. As a partner to and bridge between the Courts, the detention system, and the community, they provide the prevention, investigation, and supervision services needed to make the communities they serve safer and stronger. Officers and staff are committed to excellence, professionalism, and integrity. The Department’s shared values include excellence, importance of the individual, team concepts, ethical conduct, professionalism, importance of community and a safe and healthy environment.County Highlight: Law Enforcement and Children Celebrate the Holidays Early at Shop with a Cop 2024
From County of San Diego Communications Office.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – December 9, 2024 – San Diego County Probation hosted this year’s Shop with a Cop Dec. 7 as a way to spread holiday magic to more than 300 children selected by area schools to participate in the festive annual event.
“As the Probation Chief, I can tell you our officers and staff participate in this event every year because it brings them so much joy to be part of this special day for the children in our communities,” San Diego Chief Probation Officer Tamika Nelson said. “Our department really enjoyed hosting this year’s event and I want to thank all the officers, staff, and elves who helped raise funds and organize the event, and, of course, our generous donors.”
The event, which started in 1994, includes more than 300 officers from over 30 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in San Diego County. All the officers and law enforcement staff volunteer to take part in the fun event.
Sonoma County Judge & Director of Juvenile Hall Receive Statewide Awards from Chief Probation Officers of California
From County of Sonoma.
SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. – December 10, 2024 – The presiding judge of Sonoma County Superior Court and the director of Sonoma County’s Juvenile Hall were recently honored by a statewide group of probation officers for their efforts to improve the local justice system.
Sonoma County Superior Court Presiding Judge Shelly J. Averill was recognized as Judicial Officer of the Year by the Chief Probation Officers of California at its annual awards ceremony. Kilee Willson, director of Sonoma County’s Juvenile Hall, received the group’s Joseph Frontella Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership, compassion and dedication in juvenile justice.
Judge Averill was honored for leadership and innovation that significantly impacted community corrections and the justice system.
“Judge Averill exemplifies the highest standards of judicial excellence, guiding the Sonoma County Superior Court through challenges with strength, compassion and innovation,” said Vanessa Fuchs, Sonoma County’s Chief Probation Officer. “Her dedication is a true gift to Sonoma County and our justice system.”
Yuba Probation Manager honored by statewide group
From The Appeal-Democrat.
YUBA COUNTY, Calif. – December 10, 2024 – Lisa Cunningham, a manager with the Yuba County Probation Department, was honored at the 2024 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) Awards Ceremony with the affiliate employee of the year award.
Lisa was recognized for her dedication, adaptability and leadership as the Yuba County Probation’s business systems analyst, contributing to the success of the Probation IT Managers Association (PITMA) and Yuba County Probation.