Allies of CC4J (Concerned Community for Justice)

 

We are asking you to donate to help us continue to be local watchdogs of the Chico Police Dept.

 

Each year we fundraise to finance the minimal needs of a bank account, our website and our email account as we continue to do the work of advocating for the well-being and safety of the community vis-a-vis the local police.

 

Our work includes:

•  Tracking Chico PD compliance with CA  AB 481 which mandates transparency and accountability of military acquisition and use.

• Speaking up for local police de-militarization, challenging the police culture of excessive force and impunity.

• Advocating for community members who have complaints against the police dept. but fear making formal complaints

• Advocating for and supporting families who have lost loved ones to police violence

• Learning how to promote community policing

• Meeting with City and Police officials to discuss CC4J Action Plan priorities.

 

2026 CC4J Activities

 

In the spring we promoted and achieved excellent turnout for the Community Engagement Meeting and City Council meetings regarding the CA AB 481 mandated annual report on military equipment acquisition and use by Chico PD. We challenged the police narrative regarding the need for more military equipment, especially the $1.3 million Incident Command Vehicle and significant increases in their stockpile of drones and automatic rifles; asking that the City prioritize affordable shelter, mental health care and other basic needs.

 

In July, Ann and Diane attended an American Friends Service Committee Convening focused on organizing in support of AB 481.  We were introduced to the issue of the nation-wide proliferation of ALPRs. Their mass surveillance poses serious risks to privacy right and civil liberties. A Chico Sol News intern exposed the extent to which out-of -state and federal agencies, including ICE, were given access to Chico's ALPR data for over 2 years. This appears to be a violation of two California laws (SB34 and SB54).

 

In September we shared our concerns about these infractions during Public Comments at City Council meetings, asked that Chico PD cancel its ALPR contract, and that Council establish an independent  board for police accountability.

 

We will continue to follow and address these issues.

 

There are a few upcoming issues of concern to us :

• A Public Nuisance Ordinance that the city of Chico is considering.

• A School Board decision to hire two SROs (School Resource Officers) to be assigned to the two high schools.

• A planned community meeting to follow-up on ALPR data issues.

   

We support local efforts to keep our police dept. transparent and accountable as we believe that no one is above the law.

 

Our Steering, Outreach and Technology Committee includes:

Diane Suzuki, Ann Polivka, Robin Keehn, Julian Zener, Sheryl Sanchez, Scott Rushing and Lynn Gonzalez.