Judge Donald J. Ayoob
Patricia Roma introduced Donald J. Ayoob, a resident of Half Moon Bay and a neighbor of hers. He is currently the Criminal Supervising Judge, Drug Court-Proposition 36 Judge, Multiple DUI Court Judge and Trial Judge. He has been a Superior Court Judge in San Mateo County since 2010.
He has a background as a Public Defender, appellate defense and death row appeals. He’s taught about advocacy and the death penalty and has served as a death penalty defense attorney. Despite that pedigree, he was appointed as a Superior Court Judge by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
With respect to courthouse operations, there are changes to civil case assignments. Rather than a master calendar, the system will ensure the same judge throughout the process. Mask and social distancing have been eliminated for now per the County Health Department’s recommendations. Zoom appearances, especially by inmates, will be reduced and in person appearances will increase. Zoom was used especially for inmates as it was feared that the jail could be a vector for COVID due to it being a closed environment. On death row, nine inmates died from COVID. These are prisoners who spend 23 hours in their cells with no direct contact with anyone—still, nine died. During this time, the San Mateo Sheriff was very proactive. There were no fatalities in the jail, 860 inmates are incarcerated there now.
Post COVID inmates are being brought to the courtroom. As the Criminal Supervising Judge, he engages with the Sheriff’s Department, other Justice partners. Trial Court Judge, Drug Court and DUI Court all emphasize treatment rather than incarceration.
Judicially initiated misdemeanors—this diversion program will dismiss charges if assigned tasks are completed. With respect to DUIs, there is a economic underclass that cannot afford the $1,500 minimum fine that comes with driving with a suspended license. Under the new program, they are diverted to Traffic Court and the fine is forgiven. This is done so they can remain licensed and insured. They do public service in lieu of payment.
With drug and multiple DUI court, the goal is to reduce recidivism. They utilize an intensive program which includes closer monitoring and more regular contact. It includes ankle monitors and a patch that will monitor drug and alcohol use. A recent survey indicates that untreated a second offender has a 54% chance of a third offense.
Applicants to the program are screened thoroughly as well as undergoing a risk and need assessment. They take the worst of the worst. Over the last four years, recidivism has been under 5%. It’s been used as an example to other counties and they are applying for additional funding for more probation officers for the program. It has a dual diagnosis mental health component. The program is called Pathways, https://www.sanmateocourt.org/court_divisions/criminal/pathways/.
Q & A
Q. Kevin expressed that he is impressed with the programs mentioned and wondered how they compare with other counties.
A. The program has not been revised in six years. Prop 47 reduced some crimes to misdemeanors. In 2019 he took over the Drug Court and it went from 6 participants to 30. He networks with judges in other counties and keeps up with current practices. He is working on reorganization and doing research.
Q. Joaquin mentioned that he worked 15 years in the Juvenile Probation Department. He wanted to know if they had thought about using the facilities on the Coastside like La Honda.
A. Judge Diaz fought hard to use it, he also has worked hard to utilize them. Buy in by the Sheriff’s Department, Probation and County Maintenance is the key. They do have other programs in jail, based on the Delaney Street model, participation is way down due to COVID. Judge Ayoob agrees with using La Honda, for those who have been sober for a year and have gained employment. A similar program has been successful in Fresno. La Honda and Glenwood are excellent options. There are currently 16 kids in Hillcrest—it could be repurposed. Our speaker likes to look at things as how they could be. There could be private/public partnerships, we just need the political will. Joaquin seemed interested and Judge Ayoob welcomed his support.
The Judge made it clear that he was speaking on his own behalf today. He feels the community needs to make it clear that we want programs like Pathways. Our county’s proximity to San Francisco exacerbates our problems with homelessness and drug problems. The Judge has an open book and open door, he’s open to ideas and help. He is regularly at the Farmers’ Market and is always happy to talk about community needs. His Clerk’s phone number is 650-261-5127.
Q. Warren was curious if the Judge was related to George Ayoob.
A. Maybe on his Lebanese Dad’s side. He has a cousin Dean, his uncle has Ayoob Plumbing and Tom and Bill Ayoob are his Dad’s cousins.
Q. Warren also wanted to know why he got a jury summons to appear in Oakland.
A. That would be for Federal Court. People from as far away as Humboldt County have to appear in Federal Court in Oakland. In San Mateo County, if you report for jury service (even without going to trial) you will not receive another summons for a year. In excess of 95% of trials last five days or less. He encourages people to do their civic duty.
Ginger mentioned the collaboration between ALAS and the Sheriff. A. ALAS is a wonderful program.
The Judge received a Polio Plus certificate from the club as a thank you.
Pledge of Allegiance Warren led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Inspirational Thought - EJ referred to RI’s website and shared the info provided there. He mentioned in this sad time it is important to remember that Rotary is the world’s largest international community. There used to be 52 Rotary clubs in Ukraine with about 1,000 members. Rotary and Shelter Box are bringing aid and support to the region. EJ quoted Jackie Spier, “Change comes when people are fed up”. EJ is waiting.
Announcements
Rose advised that emails have been sent to clubs with info on how to make donations to Ukraine—be generous. She also sent an email asking for gardening volunteers. Watch for an email about Sees Candy and Abundant Grace is looking for drums for a meditation and drumming event.
Liz awarded a Service Above Self Appreciation Certificate to Joe for delivering supplies to a medical clinic in La Paz while he was supposed to be on vacation—1300 pounds of children's vitamins.
Ginger let us know that the Palo Alto Club has twelve new members. Bring potential members to Cameron’s next week for a fun time.
Joe reminded us about our St. Patrick’s lunch at Cameron’s next week—see email for RSVP. Also—starting March 24 we will meet at the library. We need speaker suggestions.
Krystlyn is helping the Pacifica Club with their Bowling fundraiser, it’s $150 for a team of five, let her know if you’re interested. She will take over the April 14 meeting to assess our interests for her presidential year.
Joe announced that there is a blood drive in Redwood City March 19.
Pres. Joe's Weekly 'States of the Union' Quiz - KENTUCKY
Bourbon, bluegrass and blue grass. Bourbon is a 9 billion dollar business, they have 200 oak barrels per citizen. The State Drink? Milk. The capital is Frankfurt. Statehood was granted in 1792, it was originally part of Virginia. Frankfurt fell to the confederates. Mammoth Caverns are the largest in the world, 420 miles.
Stacy’s mom was born in Kentucky.
Mary went to Kentucky for her frequentsly for work when she was in the publishing business.
Dianne used to work in Cincinnati and the airport was in Kentucky. As a young girl, she also visited her aunt in Nerinx, Kentucky which was near Louisville, and on one visit had a tour of Churchill Downs.
Marble Game 
Dianne won the draw, but pulled a greenie. We are down to 38 marbles.
PHOTO GALLERY
