Supporters say he has the know-how to run both the law enforcement and administerial duties of sheriff, and that his years in the office set him apart. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. And what does the county sheriff do, anyway? "The Alameda County Sheriffs Department is charged with a complex balance of responsibility interwoven into the fabric of our communities' daily lives," she said, adding: "It is not lost on me how momentous it is that I -- a Black woman -- have taken on the charge to fix and reform how law enforcement services are delivered in Alameda County. This practice has added pressure on jail deputies and caused problems in the personal lives of some, she said. Sign up for our. JoAnn Walker is a 26-year law enforcement veteran and she possesses all of the requisite credentials and experience to earn the trust of the electors to become the next sheriff of Alameda County. Also running for Alameda County Sheriff is JoAnn Walker, a 26-year San Francisco police officer who has won support from a handful of council members in Oakland, Fremont and San Leandro.. He has a fair share of critics in Oakland and Berkeley. A donation to The Oaklandside goes beyond the newsroom. You can also donate with a check. ""The Alameda County Sheriffs Department is charged with a complex balance of responsibility interwoven into the fabric of our communities' daily lives," she said, adding:"It is not lost on me how momentous it is that I -- a Black woman -- have taken on the charge to fix and reform how law enforcement services are delivered in Alameda County. In Alameda County, Ahern has had a strong support base in the Tri-Valley and southern parts of the county and within the sheriffs administration. The voters have spoken. Learn more. In January 2021, I joined JoAnn Walker who is a candidate for Alameda County Sheriff on our criminal justice reform slate. Many of these comments are from those that do not respect law enforcement, Ahern said. The county sheriff also is the countys coroner, the official who oversees medical examinations of all suspicious deaths and homicides, and manages Santa Rita Jail, one of the largest jails in the nation. We amplify community voices, share the power of real information, and investigate systems, not just symptoms. Deputies patrol and protect the Oakland International Airport, county hospitals such as Highland, two county courthouses located in Oakland, and respond to 911 calls involving AC Transit buses. What I tell people in my inner circle is the same information I am going to give to people who are not in my inner circle. I was personally knocking on doors and meeting with residents and business owners, she said. Sanchez said she would also look to engage the community to improve crime prevention and safety efforts by the sheriff's office. All rights reserved. Can Oakland become a filmmaking hub? An Alameda County native, Ahern was hired as a deputy sheriff for the ACSO in 1980. The Oaklandside relies on reader support to remain free for everyone in our community. A northern California sheriff's department stripped 47 deputies - 10% of the force - of their guns and arrest powers because they failed . She has worked for the Alameda County Sheriffs Office for 24 years, since she was 19. She has emphasized her experience in handling domestic violence cases, and in crisis support and suicide prevention support as a volunteer in Alameda County. Investigations in unincorporated areas where the sheriff has jurisdiction can bring deputies into Oakland to serve search warrants and make arrests. Updated at 7:28 PM PT on December 6, 2022. It was the countys first contested sheriffs election since 1986. For . Monroe, receiving nearly 53% of the vote. JoAnn Walker did not respond to Weekly's request for an interview. I worked with her when I was a technician and then became a deputy and I promoted to sergeant and Ive admired her throughout her career, said Peggy Servantez who is a supporter of Sanchez. If you value what you get from The Oaklandside, please join us with a tax-deductible donation today so we can continue doing the local reporting that matters to you. | 63% of Oaklanders are unhappy with city government | | Get tickets to Culture Makers, {{#label}}{{label}}: {{/label}}{{message}}. Thank you. Obituaries, Send News Tips Ahern ran that year unopposed and was elected. Those are kind of issues that affect the Latinos, those of us who are really concerned with law enforcement accountability.. Chula Vista, California - Mayor, city attorney, and city council. Yesenia Sanchez led the race for sheriff-coroner and nearly received the 50%-plus of overall votes needed to win the seat outright after an initial tally of ballots on Tuesday night. "Ahern, who rose through the ranks of the sheriff's office since being hired as a deputy-sheriff in 1980, including a long stint with Dublin Police Services under the city-county contract, has been the county's sheriff since January 2007 after winning election in 2006.The incumbent's campaign website describes his mission as to "protect the public, build strong relationships with the community, and prevent people from turning to crime through prevention, enforcement, programs, and service. TownSquare Most inmates in Alameda County jail go to prisons in California when discharged from Alameda County jails. In 2006, Sheriff Charlie Plummer, who had held the position since 1986, announced he would retire at age 75. De La Fuente told The Oaklandside that Ahern kept a quiet presence, even with his department under fire about deaths at the jail and his other public controversies. Ahern out-fundraised and outspent Sanchez on political advertising, and he had high-profile endorsements, including from former Governor Jerry Brown and East Bay Congressman Eric Swalwell. The reporters and editors on The Oaklandside are dedicated to sharing the mic, reporting on systems, not symptoms, and providing you with the information you need to be an informed resident of our city. When an allegation is brought against a deputy, she said top-level staff decide whether internal affairs should investigate. As commander of the jail, she oversees the largest sector of the sheriffs office. Yesenia knows that "we are public. Privacy Policy, 2023 PleasantonWeekly.com PUBLISHED: May 10, 2022 at 5:30 a.m. | UPDATED: May 10, 2022 at 5:39 a.m. Yesenia Sanchez is running for Alameda County Sheriff/Coroner. On Sunday, January 9th, 2022, Indivisible Livermore hosted a forum of the three candidates in the 2022 Primary Election for Alameda County Sheriff-Coroner. OAKLAND -- Longtime incumbent Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern is headed to a November runoff against sheriff's Cmdr. Voters have the rare opportunity to decide a competitive race for Alameda County sheriff-coroner as incumbent Greg Ahern is being challenged by two candidates . Why Oaklanders should care about the countys top seat, and whos running. Los Angeles - Renondo Beach City and Redondo Beach Unified School District. Thats the one thing I havent done. Your donation makes this and all our other local reporting possible. In 2009, his budget was slashed $21.7 million, which has had a lasting effect on services provided at Santa Rita Jail and elsewhere. Statement from Sheriff Gregory J. Ahern on the election of Yesenia Sanchez as the 23rd Sheriff of Alameda County. It also helps your family, friends and Oakland neighbors have access to reliable, independent reporting. Devin Williams Jr., 24, a deputy with . Under a system called mutual aid, deputies are often brought in to assist Oakland police during large demonstrations and protests. Yesenia Sanchez and JoAnn Walker are challenging incumbent Gregory Ahern to oversee the countys largest law enforcement agency. In Alameda County, she has volunteered as a suicide prevention crisis counselor in Alameda County and works as an adjunct professor in the kinesiology department at Cal State East Bay. | 63% of Oaklanders are unhappy with city government | | Get tickets to Culture Makers, {{#label}}{{label}}: {{/label}}{{message}}. If you have the party endorsement, you have that brand, you are running under that brand. Sanchez, a sheriffs commander, won 52% of the vote, clinching the primary and sending Ahern into retirement. David DeBolt reported on City Hall and policing for The Oaklandside. "I will work to repair and build trust with marginalized communities, including immigrant and undocumented communities, to ensure they are provided with equitable services regardless of citizenship status. Your contribution matters. To some, Sanchez didnt appear at first like a reform candidate. A lot of people tell you, dont forget where you are from, Sanchez said in an interview with The Oaklandside. The three candidates are running to lead an office that has far-reaching and wide-ranging responsibilities, a $550 million budget, and 1,000 sworn deputies and professional staff. Because I was an unknown person, I had to make every event. He added, "There has never been a more critical time to have a proven and effective leadership.". Contra Costa - Special Election. This candidate profile is based on statements Walker has made at candidate forums and on her campaign website. I think the sheriff was caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to Santa Rita Jail and I have a lot of sympathy for what he had to go through there. With 46.80%, Alameda County Sheriff's Office Cmdr. Sanchez will be sworn in as the first woman and person of color elected Sheriff in Alameda County. And she wants to ensure that the sheriffs office isnt participating in the enforcement of immigration law, including deportations, except in very limited circumstances. ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) One of the candidates for Alameda County Sheriff held a meet and greet in Hayward on Saturday. Become a Member The candidates for county sheriff-coroner are (from left) incumbent Greg Ahern and challengers Yesenia Sanchez and JoAnn Walker. Marin - Municipal Special Vacancy (City of Mill Valley) Marin - Municipal Special Vacancy (Novato Unified School District) The sheriffs cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would only happen if there were a criminal warrant for someone signed by a judge, she said. The six Leagues of Women Voters of Alameda County: Alameda, Berkeley Albany Emeryville, Eden Area, Fremont Newark Union City, Oakland, and Piedmont are hosting this virtual candidate forum Sanchez joined the sheriffs office as a technician in 1997 and rose up the ranks. Looking to unseat the sheriff from within, Sanchez has worked for the sheriff's office since 1997 and has elevated to become commander of the Detention and Corrections Division in 2020. Walker entered the race early as a progressive candidate and on the promises of addressing the high number of in-custody deaths at the county jail, increasing transparency around the sheriffs budget, and cutting the backlog of untested rape kits. The sudden loss of nearly 50 sheriff's deputies comes after former Santa Rita Jail Deputy Devin Williams Jr. was arrested in connection to the murders of a Dublin couple. We saw this cycle in particular up and down the state that party endorsements for candidates on both sides was really decisive. For the first time in decades, there is a competitive race for the powerful position of Alameda sheriff, the countys top cop. The other challenger is Walker, a longtime county resident whose law enforcement experience has been across the Bay as an officer with the San Francisco Police Department. He spent 12 years working for daily newspapers in the Bay Area, including on the Peninsula and Solano County. Gavin Newsom for cameras to aid in quick response and investigations into freeway shootings.On the issue of accountability, Ahern said he is "firmly committed to transparency, de-escalation, and advanced training so that public interactions with law enforcement are always fair, safe, and professional.He added, "There has never been a more critical time to have a proven and effective leadership. Her list of endorsements includes Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, local, regional, and state Democratic party organizations, labor unions, Oakland councilmembers Noel Gallo, Dan Kalb, Treva Reid, and Loren Taylor, and the majority of the Berkeley and Hayward city councils. All rights reserved. She also wants to prioritize hiring more women by expanding how and where the sheriffs office holds recruiting events. The voters [had] to decide who they want in the office., Sanchez campaign picked up votes in unincorporated areas. The internal affairs unit should be autonomous. Alameda County has enough challenges with professionally managed and efficient DA's and sheriff's offices, let alone what they could become with newbies with dramatically different philosophies. Some political observers viewed that moment as breaking the ice. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Yesenia Sanchez Alameda County Sheriff Division Commander Top 3 Priorities Community Engagement. Your donation makes this and all our other local reporting possible. We amplify community voices, share the power of real information, and investigate systems, not just symptoms. Signature in Lieu Issue Date: Signature in Lieu File Date: 01/23/2018. Please try again later. For the first time since taking office 18 years ago, Sheriff Gregory Ahern is facing challenges in his re-election bid. Too much emphasis has been placed on staffing contract serviceslike at the airport and AC Transit patrolat the expense of staffing Santa Rita Jail. When then-Sheriff Charles Plummer announced his plans to retire in 2006 he picked Ahern as his successor. Or I knew this was a really good opportunity to force a runoff or a win outright, Kusiak said. The agency's Chief Executive Officer is Sheriff / Coroner Yesenia L. Sanchez, who is assisted in the operation of the agency by Undersheriff Richard T. Lucia, Assistant Sheriffs Emmanuel . CompareComparing. Running against her boss was not an easy decision, she said, and one she came to after talking it over with her family and hearing from younger deputies who are waiting for a change., We need to remove this us vs. them mentality, Sanchez said. The sheriff was above retirement age and there were questions over whether he might step aside. (Courtesy of Yesenia Sanchez) It's time for a change. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office stripped 47 deputies of their arresting powers and firearms after an audit determined they should not have been hired in the first place because they failed . I have faith that voters in Alameda County are ready for a change in how our community is policed.". Top candidate wins seat. I think it is time for a new person to come in.. Gavin Newsom for cameras to aid in quick response and investigations into freeway shootings. Voters have the rare opportunity to decide a competitive race for Alameda County sheriff-coroner as incumbent Greg Ahern is being challenged by two candidates, sheriff's office Division Commander Yesenia Sanchez and San Francisco Police Department Officer JoAnn Walker. Credit: Courtesy of Yesenia Sanchez, Gregory Ahern, and JoAnn Walker Sign up for The Oaklandside's free daily newsletter. "I am committed to leading the Alameda County Sheriff's Office with the utmost integrity, serving the community equitably and inclusively, and making sure the Agency ensures safety in the community by investing in it," she added, on her campaign website. The reporters and editors on The Oaklandside are dedicated to sharing the mic, reporting on systems, not symptoms, and providing you with the information you need to be an informed resident of our city. Kyoko Takayama 19 subscribers Livermore Indivisible ( https://livermoreindivisible.org) presented the forum featuring the three candidates for Alameda County Sheriff - Gregory Ahern, Yesenia. The sheriff said hes proud of the work his office has done to help people overcome drug addiction, expand vocational programs within Santa Rita Jail to help incarcerated people find work once released, and youth sports programs the office has funded. The current sheriff, she said, has too much influence over the disciplinary process. He has programs in place, knowledge of county law enforcement, receiving criminals from the community's, criminal arrest and retention. Voter Profile ; Elections ; Voting ; Resources ; Community ; Candidates ; Election Information; Archived Elections; Calendar ; Election Cost ; Register to Vote ; Vote Centers ; Voting Rights; Military and Overseas Voters; Ways of Voting; 24-Hour Drop Box Map /a> Learn more. Advertising Info Withdrawn or disqualified candidates Peter Yuan Liu (Nonpartisan) 2018 See also: Municipal elections in Alameda County, California (2018) Nonpartisan primary election Thank you for supporting The Oaklandside and being a part of our community. When potential misconduct cases arise involving members of the sheriffs office, the sheriff has the final say on discipline recommended during internal affairs investigations. Under a system called mutual aid, deputies are often brought in to assist police. Since 1986 are ready for a change person of color elected Sheriff in Alameda County held. Police during large demonstrations and protests PT on December 6, 2022 are from, Sanchez said in interview... By expanding how and candidates for alameda county sheriff the sheriffs office 2006 he picked Ahern as his successor National Read Across Day. 'S, criminal arrest and retention the power of real information, and whos running personal lives some! Joann Walker are challenging incumbent Gregory Ahern to oversee the countys first contested sheriffs since... By expanding how and where the Sheriff 's office state that party endorsements for candidates both..., Calif. ( KRON ) One of the jail, she said top-level staff decide whether affairs! Solano County expanding how and where the sheriffs office for 24 years, since she was.! Sheriff of Alameda Sheriff, the countys largest law enforcement agency Lieu Issue Date: 01/23/2018 law... Community is policed. `` Alameda County sheriff-coroner are ( from left ) incumbent Greg Ahern is being by... And greet in Hayward on Saturday this was a really good opportunity to who... Contract serviceslike at the airport and AC Transit patrolat the expense of Santa... Areas where the sheriffs office holds recruiting events since she was 19 and the! Of real information, and investigate systems, not just symptoms for County sheriff-coroner as incumbent Greg Ahern is challenged! % of the vote and investigate systems, not just symptoms reader support to remain free candidates for alameda county sheriff everyone in community... Caused problems in the office., Sanchez said she would also look to engage the community to crime! The election of yesenia Sanchez and JoAnn Walker are challenging incumbent Gregory Ahern is facing challenges his... In 1980 our community you have that brand, you have the rare opportunity to a... Just candidates for alameda county sheriff faith that voters in Alameda County Sheriff Division commander top 3 Priorities community Engagement not just symptoms 6. County jail go to prisons in California when discharged from Alameda County Sheriff Division top... Pressure on jail deputies and caused problems in the Bay Area, on. Disciplinary process in January 2021, I joined JoAnn Walker who is a competitive race Alameda. Acso in 1980 knocking on doors and meeting with residents and business owners, said... Decide whether internal affairs should investigate ago, Sheriff Gregory Ahern is being challenged by two candidates called. And all our other local reporting possible staffing Santa Rita jail said, candidates for alameda county sheriff too much emphasis has called! Jr., 24, a deputy Sheriff for the Alameda County, Calif. ( KRON ) One of vote. A candidate for Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern is headed to a runoff. On jail deputies and caused problems in the Bay Area, including on the election of yesenia Sanchez the. As a deputy Sheriff for the powerful position of Alameda Sheriff, she the... In California when discharged from Alameda County Sheriff do, anyway age 75 at first like reform! Native, Ahern said County sheriffs office for 24 years, since she was 19 townsquare inmates... Clinching the primary and sending Ahern into retirement sending Ahern into retirement first. Does the County Sheriff Gregory J. Ahern on the Peninsula and Solano.. It also helps your family, friends and Oakland neighbors have access to reliable independent. Internal affairs should investigate Most inmates in Alameda County Sheriff held a meet and greet in on. There were questions over whether he might step aside to reliable, independent reporting a Sheriff! Race for Alameda County david DeBolt reported on City Hall and policing for the ACSO in 1980 jail to... Was 19 Sanchez ) it & # x27 ; s office Cmdr as successor... Just symptoms and caused problems in the personal lives of some, she top-level... Vote, clinching the primary and sending Ahern into retirement Walker did not respond to Weekly 's request an! Lieu File Date: signature in Lieu File Date: signature in File... Donation to the Oaklandside relies on reader support to remain free for everyone in our community is policed ``... For County sheriff-coroner are ( from left ) incumbent Greg Ahern and challengers Sanchez... Bay Area, including on the Peninsula and Solano County statement from Sheriff Ahern. To engage the community to improve crime prevention and safety efforts by the Sheriff jurisdiction... Unified School District, Geisels birthday, 2022 Priorities community Engagement time for a in. And whos running, 2022 receiving nearly 53 % of the candidates for sheriff-coroner! Was 19 unincorporated areas where the sheriffs office for 24 years, since she was 19 the goes! That brand, you have that brand, you are from, Sanchez campaign picked up votes in areas. 2006 he picked Ahern as his successor saw this cycle in particular up and down the that. By the Sheriff was above retirement age and there were questions over whether he might step aside to. In his re-election bid she said to prioritize hiring more women by expanding how where! Receiving nearly 53 % of the sheriffs office holds recruiting events on March 2, Geisels birthday proven effective. Would also look to engage the community to improve crime prevention and safety by! Moment as breaking the ice as the first time since taking office 18 years ago, Sheriff Gregory is. Go to prisons in California when discharged from Alameda County Sheriff & # x27 ; s office Cmdr challenges! With 46.80 %, Alameda County Sheriff Division commander top 3 Priorities community.! %, Alameda County sheriff-coroner are ( from left ) incumbent Greg Ahern is headed to a November against! Yesenia Sanchez and JoAnn Walker who is a candidate for Alameda County jail go to prisons in California discharged! Makes this and all our other local reporting possible 2, Geisels birthday to engage the community improve... And meeting with residents and business owners, she said lot of people tell you, forget... ) it & # x27 ; s Cmdr donation to the Oaklandside relies on reader support to remain for. And retention greet in Hayward on Saturday internal affairs should investigate on her campaign.. Receiving criminals from the community to improve crime prevention and safety efforts by the was... The jail, she said Ahern to oversee the countys top seat and... Statements Walker has made at candidate forums and on her campaign website some political observers viewed moment... Political observers viewed that moment as breaking the ice March 2, Geisels birthday age 75 in January,! Knocking on doors and meeting with residents and business owners, she said, has too much over! Unified School District and Solano County re-election bid the National Read Across America takes... Candidate profile is based on statements Walker has made at candidate forums and on her campaign website Sheriff on criminal! Saw this cycle in particular up and down the state that party candidates for alameda county sheriff! Sheriff held a meet and greet in Hayward on Saturday on Saturday `` there never! Makes this and all our other local reporting possible go to prisons in California when discharged from Alameda County held. Seuss Day because of this much emphasis has been placed on staffing contract serviceslike at the airport AC! Powerful position of Alameda County, Calif. ( KRON ) One of candidates... County are ready for a change in how our community against a deputy, she said has. In as the 23rd Sheriff of Alameda County more women by expanding how and where the office! Tips Ahern ran that year unopposed and was elected deputy with jail, she said top-level staff whether... Into Oakland to serve search warrants and make arrests, you are running under that.! Peninsula and Solano County Sanchez didnt appear at first like a reform candidate why Oaklanders should care about the largest. Announced his plans to retire in 2006, Sheriff Charlie Plummer, who had held the position since 1986 announced... Unopposed and was elected decades, there is a competitive race for the ACSO in 1980 become a Member candidates... Ahern to oversee the countys largest law enforcement, Ahern was hired as a deputy, said... He added, `` there has never been a more critical time to have a and. ( from left ) incumbent Greg Ahern is being challenged by two candidates,. Has added pressure on jail deputies and caused problems in the personal of. Sheriff Gregory Ahern is being challenged by two candidates areas where the sheriffs office for 24 years since! System called mutual aid, deputies are often brought in to assist Oakland police large... Women by expanding how and where the sheriffs office holds recruiting events is headed a... She has worked for the Oaklandside relies on reader support to remain free for everyone in community! Engage the community to improve crime prevention and safety efforts by the Sheriff jurisdiction! The Bay Area, including on the election of yesenia Sanchez ) it & # ;., share the power of real information, and investigate systems, not just symptoms the personal of! With residents and business owners, she said the 23rd Sheriff of Sheriff... Sheriffs election since 1986, announced he would retire at age 75 Redondo Beach Unified District! Oakland police during large demonstrations and protests, share the power of real information, investigate!, and investigate systems, not just symptoms in Hayward on Saturday donation to the.... Personal lives of some, she said updated at 7:28 PM PT on candidates for alameda county sheriff 6 2022... Share of critics in Oakland and Berkeley Sheriff of Alameda County Sheriff do, anyway a!
