SV De-Bug

We spoke at the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors budget hearing encouraging the continued funding of the Public Defenders Office, especially the post-conviction unit that helps bring home our loved ones through new laws and resentencing. We remember the 90s and 2000s where racist laws and system paved the way for mass incarceration the way we know it today. Many families at De-Bug come for their loved ones who have been incarcerated for decades. The countless community members lost to the system are still there and their families continue to advocate for their freedom.

A new ruling from the CA Supreme Court (In re Kowalczyk) says that people can no longer be held in jail due to unattainable bail. This could mean alot less people held in Santa Clara County jails from here on out. And at a time of an unprecedented county budget - where services, housing, programs, are being cut - this ruling that will dramatically reduce incarceration rates could be an opportunity to rethink how the county over invests in jails. All of the department budgets associated to the jail (sheriff, probation, DA’s) are based on jail population projections that are no longer relevant. The idea of building a new jail is based on numbers that are also outdated. And as the County faces a contempt motion for being out of compliance on a federal consent decree that says it is failing to provide adequate medical care to the detained - this decarceral ruling may be a solution to even it’s legal problems. And most importantly, it could mean thousands are home instead of locked up.

Honoring Demetrius “Meech” Stanley today ❤️ 5/14/1990-5/31/2021

Five years have passed, but the love, memories, and impact of Meech remain deeply rooted in the hearts of those who knew him. He was 31 years old, a loving son, a protective family man, a cherished friend by many. He had a generous heart, a bright spirit, and a way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and strength to so many, and that absence is still felt every single day.

We stand with his family, especially his mother Mimi, whose love and dedication continue to keep his memory alive, through their strength and perseverance, Meech’s story continues to be told.

Today is a reminder that remembrance is an act of love. We honor Meech through our commitment to never forget him, to speak his name, and to continue seeking accountability and justice.🕊️💜

Remembering Hugo Ernesto Cachua
August 22, 1986 – May 30, 2024

Today, family, friends and other impacted families gathered in front of LAPD on Hugo’s 2nd Angelversary.

Hugo was a devoted father, son, brother, cousin, and friend. He was the kind of person who brought people together—always ready to celebrate life, share a laugh, offer advice, or lend a helping hand. Known for his contagious smile and larger-than-life presence, Hugo was respected for his kindness, loyalty, and strong values. He loved learning, spending time in nature, and most of all, being with his family.

His passing has left an unimaginable void. His family believes his death was preventable and continues to seek accountability and justice for what happened. By sharing Hugo’s story, his loved ones hope to honor his memory, raise awareness, and inspire meaningful change.

Every year, the Santa Clara County Sheriff puts out a “Use of Force” report that chronicles the number of times and different ways (chemical weapons, Tasers, body weapon strikes) sheriff’s have used force in the jail and in the streets. Though a public document, it rarely gets much public attention. We reviewed the data, and the findings are disturbing. As you will see in these slides, im 2025, sheriffs used force at an alarmingly disproportionate rate on Black, brown, and disabled community members.

Registration is open for the 5th Annual Healing Invisible Wounds Retreat - a space for families to connect, create memories together and do healing activities. Open to California families impacted by police violence. Registration is open until June 15th - use this link in the flyer https://forms.gle/vDy6pQfWMph3bzfs9 or the QR code.

Today was a very emotional day supporting the Yang family as they shared their announcement of a civil lawsuit against LAPD. Families gathered in a circle in prayer, listened to a song Yong recorded, and heard a pastor speak words that Yong himself once said. It was incredibly moving and showed how self-aware he was, how much he was actively working on himself and reflecting on his life.

It’s devastating to think that one mental health crisis took everything from him and his family in just 6 seconds after police arrived. Six seconds to take a life and forever change a family.

Moments like this make it so clear how imperative it is that we have accessible, non-police mental health crisis support available to everyone. When someone is in crisis, they deserve care, understanding, and trained professionals who can de-escalate and support, not a response that can turn fatal in seconds.