COLLABORATIVE COURTS TO HOLD GRADUATION CEREMONY 8/26/21 – 4 p.m.
STOCKTON — Over 500 participants of the Collaborative Courts have successfully completed one of the Court’s rehabilitation programs at the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, over the past two years. On Thursday, August 26, 2021, this achievement will be celebrated with a commencement ceremony at 4:00 p.m. at the Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, CA.
Collaborative Courts is a division of the Superior Court that combines judicial supervision with monitoring and rehabilitation to reduce recidivism by addressing issues that contribute to criminal behavior. With the goal of improving public safety and client outcomes, these courts are also known as problem-solving courts. Collaborative Courts utilizes data-driven, evidence-based practices and comprehensive evaluation and assessment plans to improve the quality of life for the individuals it serves.
“Collaborative Courts and Programs would like to congratulate our graduating clients. This graduation is not only a time to celebrate, but also to reflect on the strength, perseverance, and determination required to succeed,” said Kelly Placeres, Director of Collaborative Courts and Programs. “This graduation would not have taken place without the support of clients, staff members, outside agencies, and community service providers. Despite the challenges associated with the pandemic, Collaborative Courts enhanced support for clients and the community. These challenges were met with innovation and adaptability. Continuing to provide critical services and support remains paramount to the success of our clients and the community.”
The graduation program will feature:
Keynote Speaker – Kevin J. Lincoln II, Mayor of Stockton. Mayor Lincoln was elected in November 2020. Born in Stockton and raised in an Army family, he was inspired to serve others at an early age. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 2001 and trained at the military police academy. He was later recruited by the White House Military Office and assigned to Marine One, where he served President George W. Bush. Following his military service, he worked for one of the nation’s top private security companies for eight years in Silicon Valley.
In 2013, Mayor Lincoln resigned from his corporate position to serve the Stockton community through full-time ministry at a local church. His decision to run for mayor stemmed from his commitment to serving others and strengthening the community. He focuses on fundamental community needs and building trust to address issues including homelessness, public safety, civic engagement, and economic development. Mayor Lincoln holds an Associate of Arts in Business, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, and a Master’s degree in Executive Leadership. He and his wife, Bonnie, have been married for 19 years and have two children.
Graduate Speaker – Mark Castaneda. Mr. Castaneda entered Drug Court while in custody and experiencing homelessness. Since graduating in August 2020, he enrolled at Delta College majoring in Mathematics, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning placement on the Dean’s List. He volunteers with SJDC Rising Scholars (supporting housing-insecure students), the Phoenix Project (supporting formerly incarcerated students), and MESA (supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students). He also serves as Treasurer of SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) and was recently accepted into the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program. He is scheduled to transfer to the University of the Pacific in Spring 2022 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics.
Collaborative Courts, fully supported by grants, includes Drug Court (Tracks 1 and 2); Dependency Drug Court (PROP 1 and 2); DUI Court (Tracks 1 and 2); Parole Reentry Court; Veterans Court; three AB109 reentry courts (Compliance Court, Monitoring Court, and Mandatory Supervision Court); and the “Choices and Consequences” prevention program, which provides school presentations aimed at deterring middle and high school students from using drugs and alcohol.
For more information, please contact Kelly Placeres at (209) 992-5225.