ARGH!

As I attempted to fall asleep last night, I found my mind preoccupied with thoughts of the recent shootings, wondering how the community will respond, wondering whether they were gang related.

My chain of thought went something like this: Why haven't we heard any updates from PD concerning the shooting. What if they are gang related. Hmm. Wasn't there going to be a community meeting about Pomona gang activity? Oh no! That meeting was tonight! Oh no! I missed it. Oh no, I missed my chance to hear from the PD about these issues.

Sad but true -- last night's Area Commander meeting, which I totally forgot about and obviously did not attend, focused on Pomona Gangs. Any chance anyone who was there reads this blog and would be willing to pen a guest post?

I'm chalking this one up to "Not yet into the swing of a new semester." As a reminder, the next police-community meeting is slated for Tuesday, October 13, 7PM, Council Chambers. Topic: Fraud.

John Schools -- Possible for Pomona?

I've heard John Schools -- kinda like defensive driving school but for people who solicit prostitutes -- are a relatively effective strategy for reducing prostitution. I imagine they are relatively expensive, though I also guess Johns would gladly pay the price of admission rather than having a black mark on their record. Any revenue generated by such a program could be put toward vice sting efforts or better lighting for the streets.

Might Pomona make use of such a model to help address prostitution on Holt? Pros? Cons?

Here's a story from CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/08/27/tennessee.john.school/index.html)

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (CNN) -- The accused came from all walks of life: Retirees, dads and twentysomethings. An engineer, a business owner and an auto worker. A man in a wheelchair. Men in need of Spanish or Farsi translators.

About 40 men somberly entered a classroom on a recent Saturday morning. About half of them wore shiny wedding bands.

All had tried to buy a prostitute's services and were caught by police. It was their first offense, and a county court referred them to a one-day program called the John School. It's a program run by volunteers and city officials in conjunction with Magdalene House, a nonprofit that works to get prostitutes off the streets.

"Prostitution doesn't discriminate," said Kenny Baker, a cognitive behavioral therapist who is the program's director. "Most of these men don't have a prior criminal history, so our goal is to help these folks understand why they put themselves in a bad position, to prevent it from happening again."

Set in a church in Nashville, Tennessee, the John School is led by former prostitutes, health experts, psychologists and law enforcement officers who talk to -- and at times berate -- the men about the risks of hiring a prostitute.

Prostitution is based on the law of supply and demand. The thinking is: Women won't stop selling sex until men stop buying.

So Nashville and a growing number of cities are shifting their focus from locking up suppliers to educating buyers. Across the country, about 50 communities are using John Schools. Atlanta, Georgia, and Baltimore, Maryland, are among dozens more cities that plan to launch similar programs by the end of the year.

"It will make them [offenders] see that this is not a victimless crime, and they are contributing to the exploitation of women," said Stephanie Davis, policy adviser on women's issues at the mayor's office in Atlanta. "It's hurting them, the man, and it's hurting their families and its hurting the community."

No comprehensive effort has been made to track the numbers, but experts estimate 1 million to 2 million prostitutes work in the United States. The FBI's 2007 Uniform Crime Report lists about 78,000 arrests for prostitution and commercialized vice, but experts say those numbers are extremely conservative because many sex workers and johns aren't caught.

Experts add that easy accessibility to prostitutes and pornography on the Internet are feeding the problem.

In most communities, prostitution has been a one-sided battle focused on the women who offer sex. Their customers, when they are arrested, are usually cited for a misdemeanor and fined.

By comparison, prostitutes are often charged with more severe sentences and jailed for months, depending on the offense.

But in Nashville, the johns' faces are shown on a police Web site.

For decades, Nashville battled prostitution by arresting women on the streets and through stings. Still, the problem persisted, irritating business owners and residents.

In the early 1990s, Nashville's mayor helped launch the John School with the help of the Magdalene House, public defenders, prosecutors and police officers. Nashville became one of the first major cities in the U.S. to focus on the customers, predominantly men.

Only first-time offenders who solicit an adult are eligible for John School. Johns who pick up minors are not eligible and face much tougher sentences.

"If you get caught again and you get me, I will guarantee to put you in jail," warned Antoinette Welch, a local prosecutor, in speaking to the men in the class. "I've had men cry to me that they will lose their jobs or their wives, but you're all grown up and you make your own decisions."

The men listened carefully as Welch talked about their records; many had not yet told their wives or significant others about their arrest.

If the john pleads guilty, pays a $250 fee and completes the course without re-offending, the charge can be dismissed after a year. The money paid by the john goes to Magdalene House; the program doesn't cost taxpayers any money. John School models in other communities may differ.

A woman who called herself Alexis, a 35-year-old former prostitute with dark hair and bright blue eyes, spoke to the men as the class came to an end. Four years ago, she left the streets and now works at a factory.

By the age of 10, Alexis had learned to barter with sex with her stepfather. In her 20s, she found herself hooked on drugs and selling her body. She was arrested more than 80 times. She was hospitalized after someone shot her on the job.

As she told her story, the men were silent. A few blushed, while others stared at the floor.

"These gentlemen are no different than I was on the streets," she said. "I think everyone has to look at the void they are trying to fill."

One john, a father of two with salt-and-pepper hair, found himself near tears after Alexis spoke. In July, he tried to pick up a prostitute through Craigslist. He said he was depressed and having problems with his wife.

"I'm so embarrassed," he said. "These girls are somebody's daughters. I have a daughter."

Some evidence suggests that John Schools are working. A study released in 2008 by Abt Associates Inc. for the federal government looked at the John School program in San Francisco, California. It's one of the largest programs in the country; more than 7,000 johns have attended since 1995.

According to the study, the re-arrest rate fell sharply after the school was launched, and stayed more than 30 percent lower for 10 years afterward.

But critics call John School a slap on the wrist. On Saturday, one john abandoned the classroom.

Carol Leigh, a member of the Sex Workers Outreach Project, a group that promotes legalizing prostitution in California, said she doesn't believe the program is an effective deterrent. Last year, she helped advocate on behalf of a law known as Proposition K that would legalize prostitution in San Fransisco. The proposal was rejected by the city.

"John School doesn't do that much," said Leigh, who has worked as a prostitute. "The reality is they aren't spending that much time on the johns and they will just go to other venues. This also doesn't target the violent offenders who are the real problem."

Melissa Farley, head of the nonprofit group Prostitution Research and Education in San Fransisco, believes johns deserve stronger punishment like longer prison sentences.

A recent study she conducted among johns in Chicago, Illinois, found that 41 percent of them said John School would deter them from buying sex, compared with 92 percent who said being placed on a sex offender registry would scare them from re-offending.

Nashville officials said they haven't tracked recidivism rates in their city, but the school's program director said it's probably deterring a third of the offenders in each class.

At least one college educated, 47-year-old john's attitude appeared to change on a recent Saturday.

After class he wrote, "There is no good part. I would rather be with my wife. This was quick but it wasn't worth it."

Do you own rental properties? If yes, take note...

The following announcement just appeared in my e-mail inbox. Although I didn't find the announcement itself particularly informative, the attached brochure gives a better sense of the nuts and bolts of the program. If you own rental properties, consider taking the steps listed in the brochure to keep your properties free of crime.

I love the idea of a "crime free addendum" to lease agreements. I've heard property owners complain about the difficulties they've encountered trying to boot ne'erdowells prior to the end of a lease agreement. This addendum seems like a great solution.

CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROGRAM

I’m glad to announce the launching of a new crime prevention program and give you some information behind its start.

In March of 2008, Pomona City Council recommended direction to establish a Crime Free Multi-Housing Program within The City of Pomona. Efforts via the Housing Department and Police Administrative Services were initiated to begin the formal process.

Crime Free Multi-Housing is specifically designed for property owners and managers to reduce crime on rental properties. The program's success rate is widespread and its concept has grown nationally and internationally as well. CFMH works with active management and uses proven crime prevention methods and training to reduce illegal activity on rental properties. To learn more on the program's concept and benefits, please see the attached brochure.

The CFMH program will be coordinated through the Code Compliance Unit of the Pomona Police Department. Program support will be necessary from city resources, so we are asking for your support and cooperation as this program gets underway. Please note, this program is funded via CDBG and Federal Weed and Seed grant sources. A pilot program in Pomona is currently underway. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions.

Respectfully Yours,

Teri Baker

Crime Free Multi-Housing Coordinator

Code Compliance Unit

375 S. Main Street Suite 101

Pomona, CA 91766

Phone: (909)620-2184

E-Mail: crimefreehousing@ci.pomona.ca.us

Crime Free Brochure

Prostitution in Pomona

Congrats to the Pomona Vice Squad for a successful sweep. As someone whose home looks onto east Holt, I'm very appreciative of your efforts!

From the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin:

Girl, 13, arrested in Pomona prostitution sweep

By Melissa Pinion-Whitt

Created: 08/14/2009 06:41:09 AM PDT

Nine suspected prostitutes, including a 13-year-old old girl, were arrested during a police sweep Thursday in Pomona.

The four-hour sweep took place at various locations along east and west Holt Boulevard starting at 7:30 p.m.

An undercover Pomona police officer solicited suspected prostitutes for sex acts in exchange for money.

The people arrested included women from as far away as Compton and Long Beach. They ranged in age from 13 to 46-years-old, police said.

One of the suspects was a parolee who was wanted back into custody. Police discovered one of the suspects was in possession of methamphetamine.

Save the Dates

The following list of important dates arrived via Web Watch. It looks like there are some really great topics slated for discussion. As a reminder, roughly half of each meeting focuses on issues from a specific quadrant of the city; the other half of the meeting focuses on a general issue. EVERYONE is welcome at all meetings, regardless of which quadrant you happen to live in. Meetings start at 7 PM in Council Chambers.


Tuesday August 11th- Crime Prevention Topic “Cyber Bullying”
Lt. Hitt / CSO Salcido

Tuesday September 15th- Crime Prevention Topic “Pomona Gangs”
Lt. McDonald / CSO Ibanez

Tuesday October 13th- Crime Prevention Topic “Fraud”
Lt. Rilloraza / CSO Hernandez

Tuesday November 10th- Crime Prevention Topic “Drug Effects”
Lt. Guzek / CSO Carrigan

Tuesday December 15th- Crime Prevention Topic “Graffiti”
Lt. Hitt / CSO Salcido

Tuesday January 12th- Crime Prevention Topic “Theft”
Lt. McDonald / CSO Ibanez

Tuesday February 9th- Crime Prevention Topic “Burglary”
Lt. Rilloraza / CSO Hernandez

The Sights of a National Night Out

In case you didn't make it to Pomona's National Night Out celebration, here are a couple photos for your viewing pleasure.



Did you know Pomona is home to a line dance club? Did you know they created a line dance called the Pomona Shuffle? If only I had a video camera! ...


Much love in the air for the icons of the LA County Fair (what are their names?)...


Representatives from the Vietnamese Community of Pomona Valley...


Carrie Cruz, the Emergency Services & Risk Coordinator for Pomona, shares earthquake preparedness insights...


Pomona City Council members Soto and Lantz...


Home Depot sponsored a flower-planting booth for the kiddos...


The inflatable climbing wall was a huge hit...


Lots of places to register for prizes, get information, and learn about community offerings...

I tried taking a photo of members of the SWAT Unit. Alas, that one turned out really blurry; I bet they have a jamming device ;)

The Police Department's Mobile Command Center...



Here are the submissions for the flier design contest for next year's National Night Out. See what you think...

Do you live South of Holt and West of Garey?

The August Area Commander meeting is slated for Tuesday, August 11 at 7PM in Council Chambers. This meeting is open to all Pomona residents, regardless of address, but will focus on issues in the Southwest quadrant of our fair city (previously defined as South of Holt and West of Garey, though the current flier indicates Mission serves as the N/S divider; hmmmmmm).

Lt. Hitt will facilitate the meeting. To the extent you are able, please let him know ahead of time what questions or issues are on your mind. Doing so will allow him to look into your concerns before the meeting so that he can provide concrete answers at the meeting. You can reach Lt. Hitt at 909-802-7495 and areacommander_southwest@ci.pomona.ca.us

Now for a personal plea. When raising concerns, please be as specific as possible. Having sat in on about six of these meetings, I'm stunned by how often people say things like, "There's this weird corner in our neighborhood where people just hang out. Have the police talked to these folks? What's that about?" Often speakers don't provide addresses, times, etc. It seems to me totally unreasonable to expect the police to be able to respond to such vague concerns. So, for the sake of our city, please bring to the table as many details as you can.