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Alameda County is
slow-walking oversight
Like the National Enquirer, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors is set to “catch and kill” independent sheriff oversight.
The murder of George Floyd by police spurred municipalities nationwide to enact police oversight. After Sacramento deputies shot in the back and killed a fleeing unarmed African-American man, AB 1185 became law making possible oversight of county sheriffs, as well.
Following four years of delay, millions of dollars in payouts for deadly deputy misconduct, costly consultants, 69 deaths at Santa Rita Jail since 2014, and multiple town halls demanding independent oversight, on June 18, Alameda County is set to pass one of two ordinances that block misconduct investigations unless “requested by, or with the authorization of, the sheriff.”
AB 1185 enacts independent oversight through action by a board of supervisors or citizen voter initiative. Their action is meant to “catch and kill” any possibility of a citizen initiative for effective independent oversight.
Bob Britton
Castro Valley
Jury duty is justice’s
teachable moment
My understanding and appreciation for the rule of law began with my jury service in a murder trial. It was 1979 in Butte County, right after college and before Santa Clara Law School. The experience introduced me to the complexities and nuances of our legal system.
Those early lessons of the legal process served as a cornerstone for my subsequent 40-year career as a litigation lawyer.
Upon retirement, I served on the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury. This role allowed me to engage from a completely different perspective, investigating local government operations, collaborating with fellow jurors, and contributing to reports aimed at improving government functions.
I encourage everyone to embrace the opportunity to serve on a jury when called upon. It is not only a civic duty but also a unique chance to gain insight into our legal system and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of justice.
Kent Ball
Danville
Biden’s late border
action fools no one
Shortly after taking office, President Biden issued 94 Executive Orders that stopped border wall construction and undid the immigration rules of the Trump administration (including “Stay in Mexico”). He basically threw the border gates wide open and invited anyone and everyone to come in.
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For the last three years, as concern and complaints about the millions of unvetted illegal immigrants coming into the country mounted, President Biden has consistently said one thing: He was powerless to do anything about it. Suddenly, with the election just months away and his position in the polls not looking so good, he finds that he can do something.
Of course, there are numerous loopholes in his new plan — for example, 1.8 million asylum seekers would still be allowed to enter each year. But at least that’s less than with his policies the last three years.
We are not fooled.
Mike Heller
Walnut Creek
