- Cultural Scenario
- Cultural Spotlight
Cultural Scenario
A defendant has been placed on Pretrial Supervision for his current felony charge. He is scheduled to report weekly until the final disposition of his case. Since placement, he has failed to maintain his contact schedule as directed and has been informed by his Pretrial Officer that another missed office visit could result in his bond being revoked. The defendant has expressed to his Pretrial Officer that he understands the possible consequences of failing to report for any future office visits. However, a few weeks thereafter, the defendant leaves a voice-mail informing his Pretrial Officer of the Jewish High Holiday of Yom Kippur. He advises that he will be attending a day long service on that day and will not be able to attend his next office visit. In the voice-mail he also emphasizes how important attending the service is to his Jewish tradition. How should the Pretrial Officer proceed with this matter?
**Please submit a response to the Cultural Awareness Committee regarding how you would handle this situation with your client. The best response based on the use of Motivational Interviewing/Effective Communication, will win a $25 gift card!! Please email all responses to Elsa Vasquez by September 23, 2011. Her email address is: evasquez@hampton.gov.
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Cultural Spotlight
The VCCJA Cultural Awareness Committee is Spotlighting Ms. Elaina Lopez from Hanover Community Corrections for the fourth quarter. Ms. Lopez is currently a Pretrial Officer.
1) Question: What is something that's unique about your culture that most people probably don't know?
Answer: We celebrate Las Posadas. It’s a nine day celebration from December 16 through December 24 where families reenact Joseph and Mary seeking shelter for the birth of Jesus.
A neighborhood will select a different host family (representing the innkeepers) every night, as well as the family representing Joseph and Mary. “Joseph” and “Mary” will go from house to house being turned away until they reach the host/innkeeper family. They will then pray together in front of the Nativity. There are some other activities involved, but this is the basic premise. I know this was still celebrated in East Los Angeles when I lived in California as a child.
2) Question: What are some myths/facts about your culture?
Answer: Fact: Siesta or the afternoon break is still a practiced tradition. It is an important time for a family to gather, eat and spend time together.
Myth: Cinco de Mayo is NOT a celebration of Mexico’s independence. It commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French forces in the Battle of Puebla.
3) Question: What are some popular foods/hobbies/rituals from your culture? Some of the most popular foods known here in the states are:
Answer: Music is very important. One of the most recognized musical forms by tourists is the Mariachi band—it also very traditional. The band usually consists of several guitars and a snare drum. There are several variations, however, that include other instruments like a harp and a violin.
Most people in the U.S.A. have had burritos, tacos and enchiladas. My favorite foods to eat are green corn tamales and anything with chorizo (a spicy sausage).
4) Question: Are there any holidays or observances that celebrate or recognize your culture?
Answer: Dia de Los Muertos (November 1-2) is a holiday where families honor and pray for loved ones who have died. They will often build small shrines and visit gravesites making offerings of sugar skulls, favorite foods, etc...
5) Question: What sparked your interest in becoming a member of the Cultural Awareness Committee (CAC)?
6) Question: What country does your family originate from?
Answer: My ancestors came from Spain to California via Mexico long before California was a state. Having grown up in California I identify more with Mexican culture than I do Spanish culture. However, like many Americans, my ancestry is very diverse and includes Mayo Indian, American Indian, French and German bloodlines.
7) Question: What prompted you to work in your current position?
Answer: I was raised with a strong sense of community service. My father was a deputy sheriff in Los Angeles when I was a child and I later followed in his footsteps, becoming a police officer in Virginia. I left police work but still wanted to be a part of the criminal justice system. My current job as Pretrial Officer allows me to continue to serve my community but also allows me to help those I supervise.
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