LOCAL WRITER SLEUTHS OUT PROOF THAT FINGERPRINT EVIDENCE CAN BE WRONG, SKEWED BY EXAMINERS’ BIAS
Printer-friendly versionEast County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery interviewed journalist/author Sue Russell, an East County resident whose latest article exposes evidence that fingerprint analysis is not infallible as we’ve always thought and may be wrong in as many as 1,000 cases a year in the U.S., according to one estimate. Russell’s article, BIAS AND THE BIG FINGERPRINT DUST-UP, documents how unintentional bias on the part of examiners influences their findings. MR: Sue, you’re an East County writer so we’re pleased to see your story breaking at www.Miller-McCune.com on the ways that human examiner bias can affect the interpretation of fingerprints. How did you get on to this important story? SR: Thanks, Miriam. A light bulb first went off for me while watching a fingerprint examiner in an L.A. crime lab eyeballing images of prints to make a comparison. For all the technology, this is what it comes down to. The human factor is still very much part of fingerprint matching, something that many – CSI fans in particular – may not realize. MR: They’ve been used in courts for about 100 years. We all think fingerprints are infallible. SR: Exactly! They are the old gold standard of evidence and until recent years, rarely questioned. As I reported, even a Scottish police officer, accused of leaving her print at a murder scene she’d never visited, believed it must have been her print because the fingerprint experts said so. She believed it was hers but couldn’t fathom how it got there. But it wasn’t her print at all. MR: So humans still make the final call on fingerprint matches that go into court? SR: Yes, despite massive databases like the FBI’s IAFIS which spit out a ‘short list’ of the closest matches. MR: When did you realize examiner bias might interfere with fingerprint matching’s accuracy? SR: In February, I wrote for Miller-McCune.com about the release of the massive National Academies of Science report on forensics. The report gives the bias issue serious attention. It cited Dr. Itiel Dror’s innovative scientific studies on the possible effects of contextual bias on fingerprint experts. In one study, Dror showed five international fingerprint experts prints they had called a match five years earlier, but with a different context. The results were startling. There’s more, of course! But my editor, Michael Todd, was also very intrigued by Dr. Dror’s work, and suggested the story. MR: What else jumped out at you about this subject? SR: That Dr. Dror and others, like UCLA law professor Jennifer Mnookin, an evidence expert, see the very enormity of fingerprint databases like the FBI’s IAFIS increasing the statistical chance of finding very similar fingerprints by accident. Think about that! Technology helps, but also throws up new problems that demand further study. For more information on Sue Russell, visit her website at http://www.suerussellwrites.com. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SRussellWrites. Read her full article, BIAS AND THE BIG FINGERPRINT DUST-UP, at: http://tinyurl.com/llvfa8. Printer-friendly version
SHERIFF CONDUCTS ANTI-GANG SWEEP IN FALLBROOK
Printer-friendly versionThe North County Regional Gang Task Force, in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Fallbrook Substation, conducted an anti-gang enforcement operation in Fallbrook on Saturday night, June 13th. The operation focused on all gang members residing in the jurisdiction of the Fallbrook command. Deputies conducted directed patrol, gang compliance checks, and probation and parole searches on gang members. The operation lasted 10 hours and resulted in the following statistics: Approximately 100 contacts were made with potential gang members or associates. Deputies made three felony and one misdemeanor arrest. These arrests were for violations of parole and or probation and possession of marijuana. Three citations were issued for Vehicle Code violations and sixteen (16) field interviews were conducted on documented gang members from Fallbrook and Temecula. Funding for this operation was provided through a federal grant under Project Safe Neighborhood. Additional anti-gang operations are scheduled for the Fallbrook area. Printer-friendly version
LA MILPA ORGANICA FARM OPEN HOUSE & POTLUCK MOVIE NIGHT: SAT. JUNE 20
Printer-friendly versionJune 19, 2009 (Escondido) – La Milpa Organica Farm invites the public to join in a potluck that also features freshly-made wood-fired pizzas and a family-friendly film showing outdoors beneath oak trees after dark. The event will be held at 9928 Protea Gardens Road, Escondido from 3 to 10 p.m. Guests are asked to “bring something tasty to share”; organic food is encouraged, along with a dish description (organic, vegetarian, vegan, etc.). Learn why La Milpa Organica serves as a model for a soon-to-be created Sustainable Farm & Education Center for San Diego Roots. La Milpa Organica website: http://milpaorganica.com/ Map: http://www.sandiegoroots.org/images/la_milpa_map.html Printer-friendly version
HELIX WATER DISTRICT TO IMPOSE LEVEL 2 WATER RESTRICTIONS JULY 1: OUTDOOR WATERING RESTRICTED TO 3 DAYS A WEEK–EXCEPT FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH WATER-EFFICIENT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Printer-friendly versionBy Kate Breece HWD Public Affairs Editor’s Note: Due to a family emergency I was unable to cover this important hearing. Thanks to Kate Breece at Helix Water District for providing this summary of the Board’s decision. La Mesa, CA – Thursday, June 18, 2009 – Due to water the allocation cutback of 8% from the San Diego County Water Authority, and the continuing regional water shortage, Helix Water District Board of Directors approved raising the Water Shortage to Level 2 and implementing mandatory watering restrictions as of July 1, 2009. The District requires customers to “Pick Three Days and Water Ten Minutes.” • The “ Pick 3 – Water 10” program allows customers to determine the three best days to water on their property and requires that they only water 10 minutes per irrigation station. These restrictions apply June through October, with two days of watering per week from November to May. • This provision does not apply to landscape irrigation systems using water efficient devices, including, but not limited to: weather-based controllers, drip/micro-irrigation systems, and stream rotor sprinklers. • Watering of landscaped areas not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system (bucket, hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation) will be done on the same schedule. • Leaks must be repaired within seventy-two hours of notification by the District, unless other arrangements are made with the General Manager. • In addition all provisions of Water Shortage Level 1 become mandatory: 1) Stop washing down paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or patios, except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards. (2) Stop water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation, such as runoff, low head drainage, overspray, etc. Similarly, stop water flows onto nontargeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways or structures. (3) Irrigate residential and commercial landscape before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. only. Irrigation run time should be adjusted to avoid runoff. (4) Use a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle or bucket to water landscaped areas, including trees and shrubs located on residential and commercial properties that are not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system. (5) Irrigate nursery and commercial growers’ products before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. only. Irrigation of nursery propagation beds is permitted at any time. Watering of livestock is permitted at any time. (6) Use re-circulated water to operate ornamental fountains. (7) Wash vehicles using a bucket and a hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle, mobile high-pressure/low volume wash system, or at a commercial site that reclaims water on-site. Avoid washing during hot conditions when additional water is required due to evaporation. (8) Serve and refill water in restaurants and other food service establishments only upon request. (9) Offer guests in hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments the option of not laundering towels and linens daily. In the past, Helix customers have risen to the challenge of specific water conservation goals. It is anticipated that the proposed rate increases taken in conjunction with mandatory watering restrictions will produce desirable water conservation efforts. Water waste can be reported to: 619.667.6244 or conserve@helixwater.org. Printer-friendly version
BUDGET AXE FALLS ON POWAY DAYS PARADE—UNLESS CITIZENS CAN SAVE IT
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 18, 2009 (Poway)—Poway Councilmembers voted Tuesday to stave off cuts in public safety services and avoid lay-offs, but opted to cancel the Poway Days Parade and reduce park hours to make ends meet amid state budget cuts. The parade has been a 44-year tradition in the community. Council adopted a $33.2 million general fund budget by a 4-0 vote. Canceling the parade, which is co-sponsored by the Poway Chamber of Commerce, will save the city $22,560, North County Times reported. Council members have said they hope to see community sponsors or a civic group step forward to save the parade – following in the footsteps of La Mesa, where a privately-led community fundraising drive saved that city’s Flag Day parade. Councilman Jim Cunningham aims to organize a “Poway Posse” to sponsor the event next year, according to the Poway Chieftain. Meadowbrook Gym will close for nine weeks over the summer and Community Park will close one hour earlier (at 11 p.m. instead of midnight) on Fridays and Saturdays. Fourth of July activities will also be curtailed, though the fireworks show will go on. For more details, see http://www.mylocalnews.com/nws/index.php?/main/content/poway_city_budget_approved/ and http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/17/news/inland/poway/z823ebbc85fd0b34f882575d70081572f.txt . Printer-friendly version
GONE TO POT: FALLBROOK DEPUTIES BUST MARIJUANA GROWERS, ARREST THREE
Printer-friendly versionJune 18, 2009 (Fallbrook) Three people were taken into custody for cultivating marijuana on Tuesday afternoon by Sheriff’s Deputies from the Fallbrook Substation. Deputy Andrew Brumfield was alerted by a concerned citizen of a possible marijuana grow in the Deluz Canyon area off of Calle Roxanne Road. Deputies Brumfield, Mark Cahill and Jeff Holder formulated a plan to conduct surveillance on the property with the help of the Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter. ASTREA deputies located and observed several people in and around what appeared to be a greenhouse on an unfenced and undeveloped parcel of property. Deputies Brumfield, Holder and Cahill surrounded the property and walked in toward the greenhouse. There, they detained three men who appeared to be staying on the property. The greenhouse had water and power going to it. The deputies could see what appeared to be hundreds of marijuana plants in various stages of growth inside the greenhouse. Because of the sophistication of the grow, agents from the Narcotics Task Force (NTF) were called in. NTF agents confirmed the grow and recovered 324 marijuana plants. The three men were arrested. None of them lived in the Fallbrook area. “It appears they planned on being there for awhile based on the construction of the greenhouse and the sophistication of the grow,” said Lt. Phil Brust of the Fallbrook Substation. “This is a great example of citizens getting involved in the community to combat illegal activity.” By utilizing the help of the Narcotics Task Force, deputies were able to bring federal resources into the investigation. There are severe civil penalties associated with the cultivation of marijuana up to and including the seizure of the property, dwellings and vehicles. Those arrested were Ian Sean McKinster-Peters, 18, from Placentia, CA, Corbin King, 20, from Fullerton, CA. and Erik D. Trent, 19, from Yorba Linda, CA. All were book at the Vista Detention Facility for violation of 11358 H&S, Planting/Cultivating Marijuana. Printer-friendly version
FIRST DEATH FROM H1N1 INFLUENZA VIRUS IN SD COUNTY: ESCONDIDO WOMAN, 20, DIES AT PALOMAR MEDICAL CENTER
Printer-friendly versionJune 20, 2009 (San Diego)–Escondido resident Adela Chevalier, 20, has died of H1N1 influenza (previously known as swine flu) at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido. Previously young and healthy, her death leaves some health experts concerned over whether the disease could have mutated into a more virulent form, though County Health authorities urge people not to panic. “We understand people are concerned after the first H1N1 Influenza-related death in our community,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., San Diego County Public Health Officer. “The loss of any human life is tragic and we again send our deepest condolences to the family. “But I need to remind the public that each year about 36,000 people in the United States die from the seasonal flu. It’s unfortunate to see a death related to H1N1 Influenza but we expect more cases here and throughout the U.S.” The local woman’s death was the first H1N1-related death in San Diego County and there have been 8 deaths in California. There are now 290 confirmed H1N1 cases and 25 hospitalizations in San Diego County. County Health officials have declined to reveal where the deceased influenza victim lived, worked, or received medical treatment, citing privacy laws. “It may be that the severity of the disease is due to the robust immune response of younger individuals,” Dr. Daniel Jernigan, deputy director of the CDC’s Influenza Division, said in a press briefing June 19. Following news of Chevalier’s death, Palomar’s emergency room was flooded with more than 80 patients, most seeking testing for fear of exposure to the flu. The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) stresses that county residents should take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the spread of the H1N1 Influenza virus, but that they should not panic or use emergency departments unless they have severe symptoms – such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; or flu like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and worse cough. “Currently, there is no vaccine for H1N1. The best protection for people is to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently,” said Wooten. “If you are experiencing influenza-like illness, stay at home and do not go to school or work and do not travel. You should stay at home for seven days or until a day after the symptoms have disappeared. For additional information on H1N1 influenza visit www.sdcounty.ca.gov or www.cdc.gov or call 2-1-1 San Diego. Printer-friendly version
SUPERVIORS TO HOLD HEARINGS WED. JUNE 24 ON EXPANSION OF LAS COLINAS PRISON IN SANTEE
Printer-friendly versionJune 18, 2009 (Santee, California) – On Wednesday, June 24, 2009, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will consider whether to approve the revised draft environmental impact report (EIR) for the expansion of Las Colinas Detention Facility in Santee. Santee Mayor Randy Voepel opposes the expansion, arguing that it is unnecessary and that the jail sits on land that is commercially more valuable for other uses. The hearing will take place at 9 a.m. at the County Administration Center, located at 1600 Pacific Highway in downtown San Diego, in room 310 of the North Chamber. Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early. The meeting is open to the public and citizens are invited to make comments to the Supervisors. Speakers must complete a form when they arrive at the meeting room. Those not able to attend the hearing may express their opinions in writing directly to the Supervisors before the hearing. More information about how to sign up to speak at the hearing or to write the Supervisors can be found at www.nojailexpansion.com. The City of Santee has issued a 60-page response to the draft EIR detailing alleged legal and technical deficiencies with the County’s revised EIR. The City contends that the County’s project objectives are skewed and narrowly applied so that it appears the proposed expansion of the existing Las Colinas location in Santee is the only viable option to the County’s female inmate needs. Santee is also challenging the accuracy of the County’s numbers when describing the increase in beds from the existing facility to the proposed facility. “The County is playing a shell game with its numbers,” said Santee Mayor Randy Voepel. “This jail could end up housing twice the number of inmates stated in the EIR. Even at the 1,200 beds stated, this proposed jail would be second only to George Bailey Detention Facility in Otay Mesa in the number of inmates housed. This kind of a facility does not belong in a thriving city center.” Santee is contending that the County has consciously ignored a 1,210-bed privately leased jail facility in East Otay Mesa that is reverting back to County control in phases, which could be a replacement facility for Las Colinas, and at the same required capacity. Additional County-owned sites in East Otay Mesa are at least as suitable as the site in Santee Town Center, and the City has challenged the County to explain why these sites cannot accommodate a female detention facility and benefit from shared infrastructure with neighboring detention facilities. Santee has further questioned whether using the valuable County land in Santee’s Town Center area is fiscally responsible, particularly when the estimated cost of the jail has risen to $298 million from the $170 million initially estimated. According to a 2007 independent study, the land on which the current Las Colinas facility sits could have been sold for up to $89 million. The City believes that land should be sold by the County and the money put toward a new jail or other needed services. Given that the proposed jail could devalue the County’s own office park property by another $75 million—this represents a $165 million fiscal impact to County coffers. Las Colinas Detention Facility was originally built in Santee in the 1960s as a juvenile detention facility. In 1977, the facility was converted to an all-women’s jail and currently houses 675 inmates on an average daily basis. Printer-friendly version