CC4J Timeline
YEAR SEVEN - 2023. More Detail
CA AB 481 & Chico Police Department’s (CPD) Use of Military Equipment
Chief Aldridge’s POST Video
Meetings CPD’s Chief Aldridge
Rally & Vigil with 40 Grandmothers
Promoted and Attended NAMI’s 2023 Regional Forum
Outreach to CSU-Chico
Contacted Leaders of Local Community Orgs for Collaboration
CC4J Organization Updates
YEAR SIX - 2022. More Detail
CC4J Name Change
Met with Butte County Supervisor Debra Lucero
CC4J’s 1st Newsletter
Advocacy Against Use of Military Equipment by Law Enforcement
Hosted Butte County Supervisor Candidate Forum
1st Meeting with Butte College Police Academy (BCPA)
City Council Candidate Questionnaire
KKRN Radio Interview with CC4J - October
Red Door “Evolve” Project UC Davis
YEAR FIVE - 2021 More Detail
CC4J Continues Growth
Memorial Day “Say Their Names” Event
Emily Alma Retires – August 11
Advocacy with CA Attorney General (AG)
Served on Hiring Panel for New Police Chief
Former Police Chief appointed to Chico City Council
Meetings with Interim Chico Police Chief
Building a Coalition
Response to George Floyd’s Murder
Chico City Council “Police Review” Ad Hoc Committee
Established a Technology Team
Developed “Action Plan for the Transformation of Policing in Chico”
Response to Stephen Vest Killed by Chico Police
YEAR THREE - 2019 More Detail
Panelists on League of Women Voters Law Enforcement Forum
Attended “NACOLE” Conference
(National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement)
Met with Davis CA. Police Accountability Commission (PAC)
YEAR TWO - 2018 More Detail
Focus Points Completed
Community Conversations
Candidates Forum on Law Enforcement
Meetings with Public Officials
YEAR ONE - 2017 More Detail
First Meeting
Developed Mission Statement
Developed Communication Guidelines
Research of Law Enforcement Issues & Resources
2023 Year 7 Detail
CA AB 481 & Chico Police Department’s (CPD) Use of Military Equipment
AB 481 became CC4J’s major, yearlong focus. This new state law requires local police to submit an annual report to City Council’s for approval, regarding their purchase and use of Military Equipment, to promote greater local police transparency and accountability. CPD’s was due in April. CC4J tracked compliance with 481, as well as, related new CA law AB48. We met with CPD Chief Aldridge and City Council members, encouraging them to postpone the Council’s review and approval of this Policy and Report until after the public comment of AB 481 at CPD’s mandated “Community Engagement” meeting. We met with members of the Chico Peace Alliance and the Chico Democratic Club, providing information, and encouraging their active participation in support of AB 481 through communications to their own organizations, to Councilmembers and Letters to the Editor. We developed talking points to facilitate community input, sent out an Action Alert press release, did a KZFR radio interview publicizing the issue of military equipment in the hands of local police, and encouraged public advocacy at the City Council and CPD Community Engagement meetings in April or on CPD's "Public Comment" website, for greater local law enforcement transparency and accountability. We strategized with the American Friends Service Committee's “Healing Justice” group, joining them and others for a state-wide Zoom discussion with AG Bonta's staff re AB 481 compliance issues across California. We networked by ZOOM with the Santa Monica police reform group and shared our stories. Finally, we consolidated and gave our community’s input to Chief Aldridge, including requests related to several CPD policies regarding Use of Force, Military Equipment, and First Amendment Assemblies
Chief Aldridge’s POST Video
As our newest Police Chief, Aldridge sent CC4J a Police Officer Standards & Training (POST) video about police officer training. We thanked him and hoped meetings with the Chief and CC4J would soon be revived.
Meetings CPD’s Chief Aldridge
CC4J representatives met three times with Aldridge. We learned of CPD’s website for public comments about AB481. Goal being establishing a relationship that fosters trust, communication, transparency, and accountability. Encouraged reformation of the Police Community Advisory Board (PCAB), publicized, and solicited community member applications. CC4J member Julian Zener was appointed.
Rally & Vigil with 40 Grandmothers and CC4J
Rally was held for local people who’ve been killed by police and in solidarity with recent national police killings.
Promoted and Attended NAMI’s 2023 Regional Forum
Helped our local “National Alliance on Mental Health“ organization publicize and get local law enforcement speakers for their forum focused on police & people with mental health issues.
Outreach to CSU-Chico
Actively participated in Professor Amy Magnus' and Professor Michael Coyle's classes in the CSU-Chico Political Science and Criminal Justice Department. Promoted the book "Defund Fear" by Zach Norris for CSUC’s Book in Common. Met with newly hired Director of CSU-Chico’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Joseph Morales. Invited and attended 2 EDI sponsored campus conversations about “Campus Safety, Free Speech, Hate Speech and the Media”.
Contacted Leaders of Local Community Orgs for Collaboration
CC4J Organization Updates
CC4J’s name was changed from “Concerned Citizen’s for Justice” to “Concerned Community for Justice” Community”, with logo adjustment, website, banking and donation improvements continuing.
2022 Year 6 Detail
Name Change
“Concerned Citizens for Justice” name was changed to “Concerned Community for Justice” to be more inclusive of all community members.
Met with Supervisor Debra Lucero
CC4J reps met with Supervisor Lucero at her request, to better understand our Law Enforcement concerns, including the Military Equipment list that both Chico and Butte County the County already have. We expressed concern that Peter Durfee, CPD Sgt. and past President of Chico Police Officer Association (CPOA) is running for Supervisor against her. Durfee won.
CC4J’s 1st Newsletter – April
CC4J’s first newsletter was written, emailed to our membership e-list and posted on our website. We plan regular publications of current law enforcement events, “call to actions” and volunteer recruitment.
Advocacy Against use of Military Equipment by Law Enforcement
CC4J members spoke at both Chico City Council and Board of Supervisor’s meetings about AB 481- a new law requiring California law enforcement agencies to publish information by May 1, 2022 about the range of militarized gear used in policing and carceral facilities, and to obtain approval of policies regulating the use of this military equipment: Use Policy 709. CC4J members also held “Community Outreach-Interviews” on KZFR about AB 481
Hosted Butte County Supervisor Candidate Forum – March 3
CC4J hosted a Butte Co. Supervisor “Candidates Forum” at Chico Women’s Club. Candidates Debra Lucero, Tammi Ritter and Carl Jeffries attended. Murphy-Waldorf had another engagement. Sgt. Durfee did not respond to our multiple invitations. 70 public and media attended. The event was televised by BCATV.
1st Meeting with Butte College Police Academy (BCPA) – May 31
CC4J initiated a meeting with BCPA’s Dean of Public Safety and Don Beasley, Director Public Safety, Education and Training (for police and fire). Five members shared CC4J’s Focus Points and why we have concerns about Law Enforcement. BCPA shared their training courses and appreciate our interest. We hope for future meetings.
City Council Candidate Questionnaire - Sept. /Oct.
Revised and sent the questions we asked at our Supervisor’s Forum, to all 8 City Council candidates. Four responded. Q&A were posted on CC4J’s website.
KKRN Radio Interviews CC4J - October
CC4J members Robin K. Ann P. & Julian Z. were interviewed by Sharon Brisolara, host of KKRN’s show “Bending the Arc”. Sharon is a founding member of SEJC www.shastaequaljustice.org and interested on how CC4J & SEJC might collaborate.
Red Door “Evolve” Project UC Davis – Oct./Nov.
CC4J became aware that the Portland based theater & education project The Evolve Experience was coming to UC Davis. “Evolve” is unique learning opportunity that examines the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve, interweaving monologues written by African American men and women about their experiences with racial profiling with monologues based on interviews with members of the criminal justice system to decrease polarization. After conversations with UC Davis and community outreach 5 CC4J members attended the 2hr theater performance and Chico’s Interim Police Chief and a Lt. attended the 4-hr. workshop. We intend to work with our community to bring Red Door to Chico next year.
2021 Year 5 Detail
CC4J Continues Growth
Mostly by email, phone and zoom CC4J continued public meetings and coalition building. We restructured our committees, started Facebook, Twitter and Blogs accounts and greatly improved our website.10 local Organizations joined our Coalition and over 500 individuals are on our “membership” email list.
Memorial Day Event at One Mile – May 31
CC4J organized a local “Say Their Names” event one year after George Floyd was killed by Officer Derek Chauvin to commemorate 38 people killed by Butte Co. Law Enforcement in the last 20 years, with only one police officer conviction.
Former Police Chief O'Brien Appointed to Chico City Council - July
O’Brien was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Scott Huber, who resigned due to harassment. O’Brien was also named as the Commander of BINTF- Butte County Inter-Agency Narcotics Task Force.
Emily Alma Retired – August 11
Emily, Co-founder & Coordinator of CC4J, retired at age 80. We honor and appreciate all she contributed to the founding and structure building of CC4J.
Advocacy with CA Attorney General (AG)
CC4J initiated a letter writing campaign to expose Butte Co. DA Ramsey’s failed record with a “Move On” petition posted on our website and social media. CC4J & community members wrote letters to: AG Rob Bonta; Asst.AG for Civil Rights Enforcement, Michael Newman; and, Dir. of AG’s Office of Community Awareness, Response and Engagement, Catherina Nou; as well as the CA State Bar Project.
2022 Year 4 Detail
Name Change
“Concerned Citizens for Justice” name was changed to “Concerned Community for Justice” to be more inclusive of all community members.
Met with Supervisor Debra Lucero
CC4J reps met with Supervisor Lucero at her request, to better understand our Law Enforcement concerns, including the Military Equipment list that both Chico and Butte County the County already have. We expressed concern that Peter Durfee, CPD Sgt. and past President of Chico Police Officer Association (CPOA) is running for Supervisor against her. Durfee won.
CC4J’s 1st Newsletter – April
CC4J’s first newsletter was written, emailed to our membership e-list and posted on our website. We plan regular publications of current law enforcement events, “call to actions” and volunteer recruitment.
Advocacy Against use of Military Equipment by Law Enforcement
CC4J members spoke at both Chico City Council and Board of Supervisor’s meetings about AB 481- a new law requiring California law enforcement agencies to publish information by May 1, 2022 about the range of militarized gear used in policing and carceral facilities, and to obtain approval of policies regulating the use of this military equipment: Use Policy 709. CC4J members also held “Community Outreach-Interviews” on KZFR about AB 481
Hosted Butte County Supervisor Candidate Forum – March 3
CC4J hosted a Butte Co. Supervisor “Candidates Forum” at Chico Women’s Club. Candidates Debra Lucero, Tammi Ritter and Carl Jeffries attended. Murphy-Waldorf had another engagement. Sgt. Durfee did not respond to our multiple invitations. 70 public and media attended. The event was televised by BCATV.
1st Meeting with Butte College Police Academy (BCPA) – May 31
CC4J initiated a meeting with BCPA’s Dean of Public Safety and Don Beasley, Director Public Safety, Education and Training (for police and fire). Five members shared CC4J’s Focus Points and why we have concerns about Law Enforcement. BCPA shared their training courses and appreciate our interest. We hope for future meetings.
City Council Candidate Questionnaire - Sept. /Oct.
Revised and sent the questions we asked at our Supervisor’s Forum, to all 8 City Council candidates. Four responded. Q&A were posted on CC4J’s website.
KKRN Radio Interviews CC4J - October
CC4J members Robin K. Ann P. & Julian Z. were interviewed by Sharon Brisolara, host of KKRN’s show “Bending the Arc”. Sharon is a founding member of SEJC www.shastaequaljustice.org and interested on how CC4J & SEJC might collaborate.
Red Door “Evolve” Project UC Davis – Oct./Nov.
CC4J became aware that the Portland based theater & education project The Evolve Experience was coming to UC Davis. “Evolve” is unique learning opportunity that examines the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve, interweaving monologues written by African American men and women about their experiences with racial profiling with monologues based on interviews with members of the criminal justice system to decrease polarization. After conversations with UC Davis and community outreach 5 CC4J members attended the 2hr theater performance and Chico’s Interim Police Chief and a Lt. attended the 4-hr. workshop. We intend to work with our community to bring Red Door to Chico next year.
2019 Year 3 Detail
Panelists at LWV Forum on Law Enforcement - March
Two CC4J members participated as panelists at the League of Women Voters Forum on Transparency in Law Enforcement.
NACOLE Annual Conference - April
Six CC4J members attended the annual conference held by NACOLE returning with insights, enthusiasm, and contacts to support our work.
Davis CA. Police Accountability Commission (PAC) - November
Two members drove to Davis to observe a meeting of the Davis PAC and had a chance to talk with several of the commissioners afterwards. They had only been established for a few months,
yet there was a sense of optimism that their structure was running smoothly. The Davis PAC contracts with an Independent Police Auditor, who attends their monthly meetings.
Chico Police Chief Mike O’Brien Gives Notice of Retirement in April
2018 Year 2 Detail
Focus Points Completed - March
The CC4J Focus Points summarize a vision for our community with six priorities for changes to be made in law enforcement practices. The Focus Points were presented to Chico City Council at the City Council meeting on March 20. Below are the headings of the Focus Points:
· De-escalation must become normal practice
· Training in behavioral health crisis intervention and avoidance of implicit bias is essential
· Expanding community-oriented policing
· Demilitarizing of local police
· Support and care for officers
· Community oversight of law enforcement
Community Conversation - June 18
The public was invited to participate in a conversation about law enforcement with a focus on enhancing community/police relationships. The event was held at the Chico Library. We had a full room and it aired on BCAC TV – Butte County Public Access TV (see BCAC TV video).
Candidates Forum on Law Enforcement - September 24
We invited candidates for Chico City Council to respond to questions on their positions regarding aspects of law enforcement. Candidates Alex Brown, Scott Huber, Rich Ober and Ken Rensink participated. Public was provided an opportunity to learn the candidate’s positions on Policing issues. The forum was well attended and covered by local media.
Meetings with Public Officials
During CC4J’s first two years CC4J members met with Chico Chief of Police, the Butte County Sheriff, former President of NAMI Cathy Guerney, and with the City Asst Manager. We also met with several city council members, several members of the Police Community Advisory Board, and with two sworn Chico PD officers representing the Police Union. These meetings were held to establish communication, to share our vision, and to build relationships with key players regarding local law enforcement.
2017 Year 1 Detail
First Meeting - May 19
Community members came together in response to the police shooting death of Desmond Phillips. We shared the view this was a tragic, unnecessary death and that our community must establish some form of community oversight of law enforcement to avoid future preventable deaths at the hands of law enforcement.
Desmond Phillips, a 25-year-old black and Miwok Native man in a mental crisis episode, was killed by Chico police officers on March 17,2017. The two officers who fired eleven bullets totaled 3 ½ years of experience as police officers. On the evening of Desmond's demise, his father David Phillips called 911, telling the dispatcher that he thought only medical aid was needed. DA Ramsey exonerated the two officers, despite their conflicting stories about the seconds before Desmond's life was lost. Desmond Phillips’ family has sued the city of Chico over his son's killing. “It’s not about money; it’s about accountability,” David Phillips said.
On July 23, 2017, only months after Desmond Phillips' killing, 34 year old Tyler Rushing died a brutal death by police officers in a Chico downtown business. Tyler was shot in the chest by a private security guard, attacked by Butte Co. Sheriff’s canine and shot twice by a Chico police Sgt. at nearly point-blank range detailed in a released video. After Tyler was down on the ground, he was tased by an officer. The Rushing family has taken the case to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Chico Sol's Dave Waddell has done extensive research on Tyler Rushing and Desmond Phillips' cases.
On July 23, 2017, only months after Desmond Phillips' killing, 34 year old Tyler Rushing died a brutal death by police officers in a Chico downtown business. Tyler was shot in the chest by a private security guard, attacked by Butte Co. Sheriff’s canine and shot twice by a Chico police Sgt. at nearly point-blank range detailed in a released video. After Tyler was down on the ground, he was tased by an officer. The Rushing family has taken the case to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Chico Sol's Dave Waddell has done extensive research on Tyler Rushing and Desmond Phillips' cases.
Developed Mission Statement
“CC4J works to foster a police culture that values the dignity of all people, eliminates the use of excessive force and preserves human life. We are a non-partisan community group.”
Developed Communication Guidelines
We are committed to nonviolent approaches to our communication and believe that is essential to our goal of building a more peaceful community. We believe that individual expression without judgment and active listening are crucial in our approach to our work.
Research
Much of first year spent doing wide-ranging research focused on: Chico’s Police Community Advisory Board; local mental health issues as they relate to law enforcement; crisis intervention, de-escalation and implicit bias training models; militarization of police; community policing strategies; and forms of citizen oversight. We studied the recommendations of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) and 21st Century Policing and agreed that these would be models for our work. Through this process our priorities emerged for changes in law enforcement practices, captured in our Focus Points.