This is the second post in our new “Member Spotlight” series. Our goal is to introduce some of our awesome members, and hear more about why they choose to be involved with Canyon Dems.
This time, our spotlight shines on member Christine Roy. Here is a bit more about Christine — her story in her own words:
“I went back and forth over if I should respond to this because outing one’s self is never a light decision. I am a transgender woman. My way of giving back to the trans community is to be open and share my story with the general public so that you get to know me as your neighbor, your coworker, your friend — your fellow Democrat in this case. I volunteer with PFLAG to speak to college students and OC Sheriff’s Academy Recruits about what it is like being transgender, so that they can relate to us as people, not stereotypes. I also volunteer within the trans community helping those that have come after me as I was helped by those who went before.
So my life was cruising along pretty well: Good job, bought a condo in Laguna Hills before prices got crazy, started my transition in 2008 while also transitioning politically and enthusiastically voting for President Obama both times. I used to be a Republican! (Talk about outing yourself!) and I couldn’t believe as a So Cal native that race would actually be an issue in 2008 America? Sadly I was naive.
My transition went well, my family accepts me, I kept my job, most of my friends. Those are not givens for transgender people. Some lose everything when they transition. Transgender people were in the media in a positive light: Laverne Cox, Sarah McBride, Janet Mock, Chas Bono, Jazz Jennings, Caitlin Jenner, etc.
Then HB2 in North Carolina the 1st of the “bathroom bills” passed. A report by the Human Rights Campaign notes that 100 anti-LGBT bills were introduced in 2017. These are about more than the bathroom. These bills are about making life as difficult as possible for transpeople and vilifying us. Next Donald Trump won… That was terrifying! Like so many I attended my first Canyon Dems meeting in early 2017 still in shock. Currently I volunteer with Voter Registration staffing tables at places like the Irvine Spectrum, Mission Viejo Library, even the Laguna Hills DMV. I enjoy attending the meetings, hearing the candidates for the 45th speak, learning about the variety of activities we are doing to reverse what happened in 2016, and getting fired up by Vivian. Who doesn’t enjoy that?
Not bad for someone who is an introvert! I am single. I love my cat, biking, reading, nerding out on tech, being an usher at church (mine is big on social justice), spending time with family and friends; and most of all just being comfortable, happy, and my authentic self. Despite the struggles I am living in a wonderful time and place to be me. If you’ve never met a transgendered person say hi at the next meeting. I’m a nice person.”
Thank you Christine, for sharing your story with us. Members like you are what makes our group great!
Canyon Dem members, we want to hear from you. Your voices are important as we work toward turning Orange County blue. If you would like to share your story with our group, please complete the form below. Once received, our Communications Team will contact you to get started.
Jaclyn Schildkraut is an Assistant Professor of Public Justice at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego, and a national expert on mass shootings research. Her research focuses on school and mass shootings in the United States in regard to crime statistics, media representations, security and prevention, legislative responses, and other important considerations that impact individuals and communities struck by these tragedies. She has been published in numerous academic journals, and her research has been cited by the news media locally, nationally, and even internationally.
Along with her research partner H. Jaymi Elsass, Jaclyn released a book entitled Mass Shootings: Media, Myths, and Realities. This book provides a critical examination of mass shootings as told by the media, and investigates common myths about these tragic events.
She took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about recent events, myths of mass shootings, and what we can all do to make a difference.
Specifically, Jaclyn shared current projects that she is working on now — advocating No Notoriety, conducting interviews with survivors of mass shootings, and remembering the victims of these tragedies.
Jaclyn is an advocate for the No Notoriety campaign, which was founded by Tom and Caren Teves immediately following the murder of their son, Alex Teves, by a mass killer. Alex was one of 12 individuals killed and over 70 shot and injured in the Aurora theater shooting on July 20, 2012. The goal of No Notoriety is to challenge the media to limit the name and likeness of the perpetrator in media reporting after initial identification — except when the alleged assailant is still at large and in doing so would aid in the assailant’s capture. They ask the media to not broadcast or publish self-serving statements, photos, videos, or manifestos made by the individual. In addition, No Notoriety encourages the media to elevate the names and likenesses of all victims killed or injured to send the message their lives are more important than the perpetrator’s actions.
Research finds that the prospect of infamy could serve as a motivating factor for other individuals and inspire copycat crimes. In fact, Jaclyn’s research related to No Notoriety finds that 80% of news consumers believe there is a copycat effect. No Notoriety asks the media to keep this responsibility in mind when reporting — recognizing that the individual’s name and likeness is irrelevant to media coverage of such acts unless the alleged assailant is at large.
Jaclyn focuses on providing empirical evidence to support that No Notoriety is effective. She promotes No Notoriety online, in media interviews and written work. She recently had this related article published by Vox, “The Media Should Stop Making School Shooters Famous.”
The second focus of Jaclyn’s recent work is on victims and survivors of mass shootings. She has spent the past four months interviewing 35 survivors of mass shootings in order to understand their needs as it relates to recovery. Although this work is painful and emotional, she feels it’s critical to helping survivors of mass shootings. “If you want to understand their needs as it relates to recovery,” Jaclyn says, “just ask.”
After the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Jaclyn began sharing the stories of each of the victims on her Facebook page. She meticulously gathers information about each victim, and shares their stories in a way that honors their memory in a profound and meaningful way. Her posts have been liked and shared thousands of times, elevating the names and likeness of the victims of this horrible tragedy.
We asked Jaclyn, based on her research and expertise, if she could share with us some of the myths that we have as a society about mass shootings. “If I could sum it up,” Jaclyn says, “the biggest myth is that mass shootings can be prevented by focusing solely on guns, solely on mental health, or solely on some other causal factor — whether that’s violent media, child rearing, whatever the case may be. The fact of the matter is mass shootings are complex, multi-dimensional phenomena. Attempting to try to shove them in very black and white, one or the other boxes — it doesn’t work.”
She continues, “What this most recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas has highlighted is that we have a much bigger issue than just guns or just mental health. We have a huge issue of systems failures.”
Jaclyn adds, “I am a researcher. I don’t get into debate. I present the evidence, and let other people figure out the solutions.”
In fact, Jaclyn’s research and expertise are contributing to both local and national discussions, and helping to find solutions to the issue of mass shootings in our country. Specifically, Jaclyn is currently participating in multiple task forces — the Gun Violence Researchers of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, the Governor’s School Safety Taskforce in Syracuse, NY, and Governor Andrew Cuomo’s newly formed “States For Gun Safety Coalition” (which included the governors of Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island).
In conclusion, we asked Jaclyn for advice on what we can do as individual citizens to make a difference as it relates to gun violence. She recommends we focus on the following: put pressure on media regarding no notoriety, look for warning signs within our own communities and organizations, talk to our schools about security measures, and change our focus to proactive rather than reactive solutions.
Finally, Jaclyn recommends we “pick which solution makes the most sense to you and do something.”
“If we all do our part, we can make a difference.”
You can find out more about Jaclyn’s work on her website and by following her on Facebook.
This is the first in our new “Member Spotlight” series. Our goal is to introduce some of our awesome members, and hear more about why they choose to be involved with Canyon Dems.
Our first spotlight shines on member Deborah Sacker. Here is a bit more about Deborah — her story in her own words:
“My first recollection of participating in Political action, was as a 13 year old, full of sparkle and moxie, wearing unsterilized, questionable metal McGovern campaign buttons through my ear piercings as the adults in my life ceaselessly ‘tsk-tsked’ my audacious dramatics.
In 2008 and 2012, after participating in the first Camp Obama Community Organizing training sessions in the California capital region, I worked as 2nd to the lead in Sacramento county’s then CD35, successfully flipping the historically Conservative/Republican district to a 51% Democratic majority. Then magnifying that gain with an exhaustively aggressive GOTV effort, which to our relief and delight, eventually removed Dan Lungren from the Congress and elected Dr. Ami Bera to his former seat. I am pleased that the seat has continued to be filled by Dr. Bera, and with an uncannily similar diverse population mix as south Sacramento county, and as we seek the strongest Democratic candidate for 2018, I “feel it in the air” that this will be our opportunity to finally break through the historic Republican majority in this weakening conservative stronghold. From the press I read that’s not a hollow expectation.
My most rewarding and reassuring moments when working a campaign are those that are face-to-face, mind-to-mind. I love striking up a relaxed conversation, feeling out what political beliefs and opinions -if any- the person in front of me has, asking questions that help me know if this is a potential Democratic voter, being polite to those who I suspect are unshakable in their differing preferences, and moving on quickly to those who I sense are open to considering a more Progressive -or at least a less Conservative- approach.
I have found that many new or first generation citizens from other countries of origin may never have participated in political action, or an election, in spite of their citizenship! I then ask them what they think motivated their parents or perhaps their own action to make their way here. I find over and over that while political participation is not always their first response, they have plenty that’s good to say about this country, including wonder that at times like this, when so much seems to be working against forward progress, still having the freedom to express their often negative reactions to current events.
Once the conversation takes that tone, it is not hard to share that many others in the last 200 and more years have contributed to huge progress in this country, and how important every bit of participation is.
And then I offer them a pen, and a registration card! I can’t recall ever being told, ‘No Thanks…’ or refusing Vote by Mail registration.
But I also know being heavy-handed has always been my biggest error. I care deeply about people, and honor and respect the hardships and challenges of newcomers to the U.S. Being sincerely interested in their story, and sharing a bit of my own immigrant family’s history (especially with young registrants) goes a long way in encouraging them let their political lights shine, and become fully involved members of this Nation.
Ironically, it was I who I believe was the first in our Democratic Community to engage with Sanam Javidnia, highlighted beautifully in this piece. She is an incredible, warm, open, lively, upbeat, positive person of strong will and good heart, who had time to talk with me at the Mission Ranch Market. The best of the best of those joining the American family, and an inspiration to anyone thinking they are in a tough spell of it. I left our conversation feeling enriched and invigorated and determined to keep breathing though the horror that is this faltering Administration, knowing, we are all still here, and just tired, hurt, and bamboozled sometimes by the weakness of many in office.
But for me, that’s the kick in the rear that keeps me going, and will help me as I begin my registration efforts this month, encouraging new voters to hold on to their dreams of great possibilities for life in this country, and restart those who, understandably are quite overwhelmed with the events of the day, but capable of being recharged and encouraged to add their efforts to this year’s election, by voting, by sending others to us to register, to become a Ballot Buddie by making a commitment to a partner to get each other’s ballots in, and give deep consideration to jumping in when the call goes out for phone banks, GOTV efforts, or maybe guiding extended family members to participate despite their resistance.
While the needs of my aging parents increase, and the time impacts of preparing to return to work tug at me, I am glad to know there are others around me concerned about current events and am fully confident that all of our efforts combined can have historic impact!
Looking forward to participating with many of you. May 2018 see remarkable progress!”
Thank you Deborah. We look forward to working with you in 2018. Together, we can bring the blue wave to Orange County!
Canyon Dem members, we want to hear from you. Your voices are important as we work toward turning Orange County blue. If you would like to share your story with our group, please complete the form below. Once received, our Communications Team will contact you to get started.
Theresa Smith’s activism began on a cold, rainy night in December of 2009. She had worked seven days in a row, and was relaxing in her pajamas at home when she received a phone call that no mother ever wants to receive. A family member called to say that there was a police shooting on the news — and they thought the person shot was Theresa’s son, Caesar Cruz.
Still in her pajamas, Theresa drove to the site of the shooting — a Walmart parking lot. Her son had already been transported to the hospital at that point. Police would not let her near his vehicle or provide any additional information. She headed off to the hospital — where she was refused access to her son, kept waiting for hours, questioned by police, and eventually told that her son had died. She was not allowed to see him or view the body.
Caesar was a husband and a father of five, and was on his way to pick up his children from school when he was killed by the Anaheim police.
As Theresa explains, “I don’t remember much after they told me Caesar had expired. It’s all a fog. All of the voices sounded like they were straight out of Charlie Brown — wah-wah-wah-wah.”
Even in this deep fog, Theresa knew that the situation required immediate action. “My son’s death happened on a Friday, we had a vigil for him on Saturday, Sunday I started protesting, and by Monday I had an attorney.”
The entire first year was a blur. She fought within the legal system to have Caesar ‘s case heard, protested every weekend, and wrote to every politician short of the President. She also researched for hours on end, and reached out to other families who had experienced similar tragedies.
Theresa continued pressing for accountability for her son’s death. In spite of her efforts, there were never criminal charges brought against any of the officers involved in the shooting. The city of Anaheim eventually settled a private case with Caesar ‘s family after a lengthy court battle, but admitted no wrongdoing.
Throughout this time, Theresa continued to research the topic of officer-involved shootings. She discovered that this was not an isolated incident. Perhaps her son’s death was not really as random and isolated as she originally thought.
Theresa knew now that she had to be an agent for change. She wanted to connect with other victim’s families and work with local law enforcement to create more open dialogue with the communities they serve. To do this, she founded an organization she named LEAN – The Law Enforcement Accountability Network.
LEAN’s mission is to promote supportive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Theresa states emphatically that she is not anti-police. Rather, she is pro-accountability. As she explains, “Police are human just like us. It was five human beings who took my son’s life. And those human beings should be held accountable. There is no justice in my case. Nothing will bring my son back. What I’m asking for is accountability.”
LEAN provides resources to support those affected by use of force by law enforcement officers, facilitates dialogue between police and concerned community residents, and advocates for policy changes that support community policing, police accountability and transparency.
LEAN also works with organizations doing similar work across the United States. Theresa connects with other mothers who have also lost children in officer involved shootings, or in police custody. She is part of a circle of mothers throughout the country who share similar stories. In describing this group, Theresa says, “We are not angry mothers. We are angry about the manner in which the police took our child. When we get together, it it is very healing. We laugh. We cry. We talk about how our children lived. Only we know what we are going through. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Theresa says her work is sometimes exhausting and lonely. “That is why so many families walk away from this,” she says, “The system is just too much.”
But Theresa did not walk away. She continues her efforts to promote positive change — so that other mothers do not have to experience her pain. As she explains, “I’m going to be doing this until I take my last breath. Or until there is accountability. One or the other.”
Theresa keeps her son’s memory alive through her activism. It is work that can be painful, but is also incredibly rewarding.
Working with other families is what Theresa finds most rewarding. She says only those who have been through this can truly understand the pain. She explains, “I have PTSD. You live with this forever. Suicide and homicide are the worst deaths because it’s sudden and violent. It’s almost impossible to get over it. Especially when it’s your child.”
Theresa continues, “I talk about my son’s death all the time. It does take a toll on me. But I remind people of how my son lived. Because Caesar isn’t the person that they killed. That is not who he was. That doesn’t define Caesar. Caesar was Caesar from 1974–2009. That dash was my son — not the day he was born or the day he died. It was the in between. Caesar was true to himself. There was nothing fake about my son. He was very loving, very caring. His five boys were his world. He was a protector. Beloved by family and friends. He didn’t have much, but what he did he would share with others.”
“There is one thing you take beyond the grave.” Theresa says, “It is love. I can still feel my son’s love every day.”
You can support Theresa and her work with LEAN through a monetary donation. LEAN is sponsored by the ACLU, and a 501c organization. Theresa’s goal is to develop a fund to help families who are in similar situations. These families who lost loved ones suddenly and violently, have immediate financial needs, that many times they can not meet. This fund would provide assistance to show these families that someone cares. As Theresa says, “They are already broken in so many ways, if I can alleviate something small to help them, that is what I want to do.”
Theresa also welcomes and needs volunteers to help plan events, attend protests, contact legislators, and provide technical support for her website. She especially needs volunteers to help plan community outreach events, like her LEAN holiday event each December, where she provides gifts to local children who have lost fathers due to gun violence.
You can find out more about Theresa’s work in our community and how you can support it at lean4change.org.
This is part of our series we call “Community Voices” on our site. We want to hear from more members of our community. If you would like to share your story with us, please send an email to our Communications Team by filling out the form below.
