Class 38 Criminal Justice Day

"If we do not maintain justice, justice will not maintain us." - Francis Bacon

Jake Ainsworth, Undersheriff, County of Santa Cruz; Sarah Ryan, Chief of Police, City of Capitola; Jorge Zamora, Chief of Police, City of Watsonville

Class 38's Criminal Justice Day centered on the leadership competency of problem identification within the criminal justice system. Held across three Santa Cruz County locations—Live Oak Sheriff’s Center, Rountree Correctional Facility, and the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley—the day explored the disconnect between declining crime rates and rising public fear.

Executive Director Ryan Coonerty said, "The cohort spent the day delving into issues of crime, justice and rehabilitation. It was a full, challenging and critical day."

Participants engaged with local justice leaders through a panel on policing, a defense-versus-prosecution dialogue, and a sentencing workshop, fostering critical discussion on crime perceptions and solutions. A tour of Rountree offers a firsthand look at corrections, while discussions at lunch prompted personal reflections on justice experiences. Restorative yoga added a wellness angle and respite from the intensity of the day.

Sponsored by Bandit Systems and the Sheriff’s Office, the day emphasized community involvement and wrapped up with an optional happy hour in Watsonville, encouraging informal dialogue. The overarching theme was understanding and addressing the complexities of crime and public trust in the justice system through diverse perspectives and interactive learning.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners: