DRAFT

California Victim Compensation Board

Open Meeting Minutes

May 15, 2025, Board Meeting

The California Victim Compensation Board (Board) convened its meeting in open session upon the call of the Chair, Gabriel Ravel, General Counsel of the Government Operations Agency, acting for, and in the absence of Amy Tong, Secretary of the Government Operations Agency, at 400 R Street, Room 330, Sacramento, California, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Also, present was Member Evan Johnson, acting for, and in the absence of, Malia Cohen, Controller. Appearing via Zoom was Member Diana Becton, District Attorney.

Executive Officer Lynda Gledhill, and Chief Counsel Kim Gauthier attended in person at 400 R Street, Sacramento, California. Board Liaison, Andrea Burrell, was also present and recorded the meeting.

Item 1. Approval of the Minutes of the March 20, 2025, Board Meeting

Member Becton moved approval of the Minutes for the March 20, 2025, Board Meeting. The motion was seconded by Member Johnson. By a unanimous vote of the Board, the motion passed.

Item 2. Public Comment

The Board opened the meeting for public comment and Ms. Burrell reminded everyone that, consistent with the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, items not on the agenda may not be discussed at this time but may be put on a future agenda (Gov. Code § 11125.7.)

She further reminded those in attendance that if they wished to offer public comment regarding items 7 through 12, there would be a separate call for public comment when the item was heard by the board.

Margaret Petros appeared via Zoom and addressed and thanked the members of the Board. Ms. Petros explained that she is the Executive Director of the non-profit Mothers Against Murder. She continued describing how she has spent the last four decades advocating for crime victims across California and, despite years of raising the same red flags and even a resounding judicial win in Mothers Against Murder v. CalVCB, the agency continues to systematically fail the very victims it was created to help. She continued, adding that nothing is changing and it is very disappointing. Ms. Petros outlined that eight months ago she assisted the mother of a 19-year-old murder victim who was shot and killed while driving. The mother was initially told by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office of Victim Services that she did not apply for an emergency CalVCB funeral claim. Five months later, the mother came to Mothers Against Murder, and they helped her file the application directly with CalVCB. The application was accepted last year in December, but the cost of the funeral claim remains unresolved.

In February, Mothers Against Murder responded to a request from CalVCB regarding an alternate reimbursement source and relayed that there was no source of reimbursement by auto insurance. Ms. Petros expressed that what is troublesome to her is the request to submit a DMV SR1 accident form, which is something completely irrelevant to a homicide case. This form is required only in traffic accidents, not violent crimes, and must be filed by the driver who, in this case, is deceased. The mother who applied for funeral reimbursement benefits is not the owner of the vehicle and the DMV is not a reimbursement source.

Ms. Petros asked where in the law and/or regulations or policy is this required? She explained that she had read the statutes and regulations and had not found anything in them on this issue. She stated that she does not know much about policy changes but if this has been added into the policy, Ms. Petros said that the person who added the requirement into the policy should be fired. She continued asking why CalVCB is making it difficult for victims and manufacturing barriers that delay and discourage victims. She alleged that it is a scandal how difficult CalVCB makes it for victims to access basic assistance, and it is exhausting for advocates like herself who try to help them. Ms. Petros feels that the Board has a duty to act and to stop burdening victims and start fixing the system. Ms. Petros again thanked the board.

Chair Ravel thanked Ms. Petros and asked if there was any other public comment that was not on the agenda.

With no additional public comment, the Board moved on to Item 3.

Item 3. Executive Officer Statement

Executive Officer Gledhill updated the Board on a few items:

To start, Ms. Gledhill made a note of the federal climate and how it impacts victims’ services. Ms. Gledhill explained that while CalVCB has not been directly impacted, CalVCB knows that many of its partners have been impacted and have already received grants that have been canceled and are increasingly under threat of additional cancellations. Ms. Gledhill explained that CalVCB is hopeful that the grant awarded to CalVCB will not be affected as it is an appropriation that Congress approves. The formula guarantees a portion of funding for compensation grants and those compensation grants are funded first. Ms. Gledhill continued, explaining that historically there has been enough funding to cover all those compensation grants. Ms. Gledhill explained that CalVCB has not received any updates from the federal government since the beginning of the new administration and that CalVCB does not know what kind of conditions might be put on that funding. Traditionally, CalVCB has received that information over the summer and she will continue to keep the Board updated on any information received. Ms. Gledhill continued explaining that partners are reducing services or preparing to reduce services and that victims are fearful of engaging in the process due to immigration issues. CalVCB has seen an overall decrease in applications, especially those represented by advocates. Whether that is because victims do not feel comfortable coming forward or the advocates are perhaps no longer there because of funding cuts is something that is continuing to be discussed, but most in the field believe it is mainly because people do not feel safe.

Ms. Gledhill stated that CalVCB has seen an increase in self-representation or people filing their own applications, which she explained will be discussed further in the Civilian presentation. CalVCB is hopeful that the marketing efforts that CalVCB is continuing will offset some of those challenges and that we will continue to see applications be filed. Ms. Gledhill recognized that it is a challenging time for victims in the state of California and that CalVCB is here to help as much as possible.

Ms. Gledhill next discussed the Governor’s recently released May Revise of the state budget. Proposition 47 savings increased by just over $300,000 and CalVCB will be notifying the TRCs of the increase to their grants. The grants will be effective July 1, 2025. She explained further that the Governor stated that Proposition 47 will result in significant decreases in the outyears. While this year it was $91.5 million, the estimate for fiscal year 2027-2028 is $27.1 million. Ms. Gledhill stated that CalVCB is aware of the significant changes coming to the TRC funding and the impact it will have on what is allocated to the TRC program.

Ms. Gledhill continued noting that CalVCB has scheduled a TRC informational hearing for July 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CalVCB has invited the founders of the TRC model from the University of California, San Francisco and representatives from long-standing TRCs to present at the meeting, as well as new and existing TRCs. CalVCB will present a funding outlook and will also share information about the grant process.

Ms. Gledhill moved on, explaining that at the January meeting, the Board authorized regulations regarding victim compensation appeals and income loss. The public comment for those regulations has closed and a public hearing that was requested is scheduled for June 16, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. here in Sacramento and via Zoom.

Ms. Gledhill also noted that at the March board meeting the Board adopted regulations regarding the claims of erroneously convicted individuals and has received notice from the Office of Administrative Law that they have been approved and will be effective July 1, 2025.

Ms. Gledhill next discussed the advocate portal that CalVCB has been working on and which supports 800 advocates and their access to claim information. Via the portal, CalVCB has expanded access to community-based organizations (CBOs), onboarded 21 new organizations, hosted two webinars on the portal’s functionality, and continues to make improvements. Ms. Gledhill explained that the improvements that have been made to the advocate portal have allowed advocates to see additional application information, increasing access to CalVCB resources and additional training is being added as well. Ms. Gledhill said that CalVCB hopes that this is a useful tool for advocates who are seeking to help victims process applications.

Ms. Gledhill noted that April included National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and was also Sexual Assault Awareness Month, CalVCB participated in many activities related to those two events. CalVCB has taken a leading role over the past two years in assisting the First Partner’s working group on support for survivors for sexual assault. Ms. Gledhill stated that not only was she a member of the work group, but CalVCB was the administrative partner for that effort. CalVCB did a lot of behind the scenes work to support this effort. The report was released in mid-April and includes recommendations on how government organizations can better help sexual assault victims. Ms. Gledhill further said she was happy to have that work completed but also very proud of the effort and that CalVCB was able to collaborate with the First Partner’s office.

Ms. Gledhill noted that during the annual denim drive in April, CalVCB collected more than 200 pairs of jeans, which was a record, and just this week CalVCB went to Empower YOLO, an organization that supports victims of sexual assault and dropped those off in Woodland. They have a closet there for not only sexual assault survivors and families, but anyone in the community who might need some additional resources. Ms. Gledhill expressed that while CalVCB was there, they saw several people coming in to utilize the resource and obtain additional clothing, including a woman with an infant. It is very gratifying that the organization and CalVCB employees contribute to that work and help the people that we support. Ms. Gledhill expressed that she is very grateful to all CalVCB staff for participating and is happy to answer any questions regarding her report.

Chair Ravel thanked Executive Officer Gledhill.

Chair Ravel noted that Ms. Gledhill’s topics of discussion are a complex mix of things. Chair Ravel addressed the issue about the federal funds. He stated he does not believe he knows anybody who has not been affected, either personally or professionally, by the changes and the tumult of the federal government. He continued, explaining it is unfortunate that this is trickling down to the organizations that CalVCB is working with.

Chair Ravel also said that he was very happy to hear that there is  additional funding for the TRC’s in the upcoming budget year, but noted it does not come close to meeting the need that The Board heard about at the last meeting and in previous meeting as well; however, at least it is going in the right direction and there were not more funds taken away from the fund. Chair Ravel thanked Ms. Gledhill for sharing about the community outreach and thanked CalVCB and Ms. Gledhill for working directly with victim services organizations. He continued, expressing that it was really heartening to hear and expressed his appreciation to staff for participating in the denim drive. He finished by stating that it is incredibly important to see the impact of what CalVCB is doing in the community.

Chair Ravel asked if there were any questions or comments from the other board members.

Member Johnson expressed his gratitude to the Board for getting the TRC meeting agendized. He said he is looking forward to that conversation. As Ms. Gledhill pointed out, there is a slight increase in funding this year. However, as Chair Ravel pointed out, that is not going to be enough to meet the needs of the communities and grant recipients and there is a decrease in funding in the upcoming years. Member Johnson expressed his appreciation that the Board is going to start planning for the decreased funding.

Member Becton added that she was excited to hear about the increase in Proposition 47 savings, which will now go to the TRCs and will hopefully be helpful. She also said that she is looking forward to the opportunity to engage in the TRC discussion and to hear from those that are most affected by the decisions that are made. Member Becton stated that she believes this is something that the TRCs have been asking for and is looking forward to that continued discussion.

Chair Ravel thanked Members Johnson and Becton for their comments.

Item 4. Legislative Update

The Legislative Update was presented by Deputy Executive Officer Katie Cardenas.

Ms. Cardenas explained that as the Legislature nears the deadline for bills to pass out of the Appropriations Committees on May 23, she would be highlighting the status of a few key bills.

AB 1100 by Assembly Member Sharp-Collins would make significant changes to victim compensation statutes. The bill was placed on the Suspense File in the Assembly Appropriations Committee where it will be heard at the end of next week.

AB 379 by Assemblymember Schultz would require CalVCB to award grants to community-based organizations that provide direct services in areas with a high concentration of sex trafficking.

• This bill has recently been amended twice to make changes to criminal penalties and fines related to prostitution and human trafficking.
• However, the amendments have not changed CalVCB’s role in the bill of awarding grants. The bill is currently on the Assembly Floor.

SB 490 by Senator Umberg would have made changes to the process for considering the claims for compensation of erroneously convicted individuals. The bill was held in the Senate Public Safety Committee and will not move forward this year.

Finally, SB 470 by Senator Laird has been amended. Originally, the bill would have indefinitely extended the current provisions governing the use of teleconferencing for public meetings by a state body. The bill has been amended and now proposes to extend those provisions until January 1, 2030. The bill is currently on the Senate Floor.

Ms. Cardenas finished by stating she would be happy to answer any questions.

Chair Ravel expressed his opinion that the Bagley Keene changes were interesting to hear about and wondered how they chose the year 2030.

Board Liaison Andrea Burrell asked if there was any public comment either in Sacramento or via Zoom.

Joseph Trigilio, the executive officer of Loyola Law School’s Project for the Innocent appeared in person in Sacramento.

Mr. Trigilio stated that he is joined by exonerees as well as leaders in the innocence community and that they were there to express their concerns around Senate Bill 490 – not just the substance but their concerns about how this legislation came to be. Mr. Trigilio expressed concerns about the Board’s involvement in the drafting and proposal of this legislation and that it potentially impacts fairness and neutrality, or at least the appearance of fairness and neutrality in the Board’s important decision making in resolving compensation claims for erroneously convicted people.

Mr. Trigilio continued to explain that while this bill will not be introduced in this session, it has been converted into a two-year bill by its author, Senator Umberg. However, the Senator plans to bring the bill back next session, and so the concerns about the substance and the way it was proposed are still very much alive. Mr. Trigilio said he and his colleagues are grateful that the bill is not going to be moved forward but that they do view this opportunity as a moment to reflect and ask the Board to take this moment to renew its commitment to being neutral and unbiased decision makers. Mr. Trigilio asked the Board to look honestly at its role in advocating for legislation that affects one side, the parties opposing and objecting to compensation claims. Mr. Trigilio explained the Board should already be familiar with the substance of Senate Bill 490 as his organization provided a letter to the Board dated March 27 on this bill, which was signed by many of his colleagues and individuals sitting behind him.

Mr. Trigilio continued, noting that Senate Bill 490 introduces several changes to the framework for compensation for erroneously convicted men and women. For example, it extends the time and allows the Attorney General’s Office or the District Attorney’s Office to object to claims. It limits the consideration of new evidence by the Board, allowing objections to compensation to be limited simply to the trial record, and ignoring new evidence of innocence or of wrongful conviction. It bars currently exonerated or currently incarcerated people from receiving compensation and it allows restitution claims to be deducted from the compensation amounts. Each of these provisions further disadvantages and make it more difficult for individuals who have been found erroneously convicted and have already suffered harm in the system to receive compensation. Mr. Trigilio next addressed his concerns regarding the way the bill was proposed. Senate Bill 490 appears to be an idea that came straight from the Board’s attempt at advocacy. Mr. Trigilio outlined that it is his understanding that the Board proposed the substance of this legislation.

Mr. Trigilio expressed that when any board, particularly CalVCB, proposes legislation like SB 490, it makes it harder for innocent people to understand that they have a neutral arbiter resolving their claims. It crosses a line, and it violates the neutral role that CalVCB is supposed to play. Mr. Trigilio reminded the Board that it holds the power to compensate individuals who have been gravely wronged. People who have endured years, sometimes decades, of incarceration for crimes they did not commit. These individuals have already been failed by one part of the system. Mr. Trigilio urged the Board to recognize their important role in attempting to right those wrongs.

Mr. Trigilio further explained that he and those with him want to center the voices of those who have already lost so much and urged the Board to act with transparency, without bias, and with neutrality. That starts with avoiding advocacy efforts on behalf of only one side of the parties that are before the Board when it is asked to resolve these compensation claims. Mr. Trigilio asked the Board to look at what happened in the past and not repeat this in the next legislative session. Justice is not simply served when an innocent or erroneously convicted person is released from prison. Mr. Trigilio explained the Board plays a crucial role in that commitment to ensure that those wrongs are righted. Mr. Trigilio asked the Board to revisit its role in Senate Bill 490 and thanked the Board for their time.

Karyn Sinunu-Towery appeared in person in Sacramento.

Ms. Sinunu-Towery explained she retired from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office after 30 years and after her retirement she became a volunteer attorney at the Northern California Innocence Project. There she worked on the investigation and ultimate exoneration of Jeremy Pucket who was awarded compensation from the state for his wrongful conviction. As a prosecutor, she served as a trial attorney, a supervisor, and ultimately Chief Assistant. When she headed the homicide division, she supported the investigation and exoneration of Rick Walker, who also won compensation from the state.

Ms. Sinunu-Towery explained that at that time, there had been a Senate bill introduced, and Mr. Walker had to continue to fight his case through the Senate. Fortunately, that law has changed. Ms. Sinunu-Towery served on the board of CDAA and co-authored the victim’s rights manual, which was distributed to California attorneys, judges and advocates. She expressed her strong belief in justice for all and the protection of victim rights and that it includes those who have been exonerated. She expressed her deep concern about the language in Senate Bill 490, in particular the position it places on exonerees as well as what it would allow prosecutors to do.

Currently, Penal Code section 4900 allows the prosecutor to object and present clear and convincing evidence of a claimant’s guilt without relying solely on the trial record. The current law makes absolute sense. An exoneration or reversal typically comes due to new evidence, insufficient evidence, incompetence, changes in the law, misconduct, etc. Shockingly, expressed Ms. Sinunu-Towery, SB 490 eliminates that vital portion of the compensation statute and it would allow prosecutors to base objections and fight against a claim based solely on the trial record, which was defective, thereby ignoring exculpatory evidence. If the prosecution can ignore post-conviction evidence, the same evidence that led to reversal, this would effectively nullify the legal significance of the post-trial outcome and the newly discovered evidence. In turn, SB 490 would victimize exonerees who have lost freedom, years, and time of course with their families.

Ms. Sinunu-Towery asked if exonerees must continually fight against a faulty trial. She explained she can think of nothing more unjust. And finally, Ms. Sinunu-Towery explained SB 490 is contrary to a prosecutor’s ethical duty and obligation to respect a court’s ruling and the Constitution. Penal Code section 4900, the current law, is effective. It serves justice for exonerees. It respects the court’s exoneration rulings and the ethical obligations of prosecutors. Ms. Sinunu-Towery thanked the Board.

Kimberly Long, an exoneree, appeared in person in Sacramento.

Ms. Long explained that she spent over seven years in prison for a crime she did not commit. Ms. Long was finally exonerated in 2021, but if the state had been allowed to rely solely on the trial record to decide whether Ms. Long deserved compensation, she expressed her belief that she never would have had a chance. Ms. Long explained that the trial record was not on her side as it was filled with incomplete information, flawed testimony, and assumptions that were later proven wrong. Ms. Long’s conviction was overturned because of evidence and facts that came to light after trial, which showed she was innocent.

However, Ms. Long stated that if the system had been allowed to ignore everything outside of the trial record, she would still be branded guilty and never would have received the compensation that helped her rebuild her life and helped her back into the medical field. Ms. Long stated she is now a nurse. Senate Bill 490 would shut the door on people like her, she explained. It would give the state permission to look away from the full story to stop at the version of events that sent them to prison in the first place.

Ms. Long explained that she was lucky, but so many others are still fighting. They deserve a process that looks at the whole truth, not just the pieces that were used to convict them. Because wrongful convictions don’t happen in a vacuum. They happen in courtrooms, in trial records, and in official documents that do not always tell the full story or truth. Ms. Long stated we cannot allow the state to rely solely on the same record that got it wrong. If we do, she expressed, we risk denying justice to the very people it was meant to protect. Ms. Long asked the Board not to close the door to future exonerees and not to make it harder for them to be heard. Ms. Long thanked the Board.

Stephan Patterson, an exoneree, appeared in person in Sacramento.

Mr. Patterson stated he was exonerated on March 13, 2024, and was also a recipient of compensation that was given to him in October of last year. Mr. Patterson thanked the Board for everything they did for him and are continuing to do for others. Though, he expressed that there was a time when he didn’t have any help or any resources. There was a time when he did not have anybody to come and lend a helping hand. Mr. Patterson explained because of that, along with not having the credentials to go get a job or having the know how to do so, it caused him to fall short. It caused him to fall into things that could have gotten him back in trouble for things that he did not do. Mr. Patterson continued, stating that his stance and reason for coming before the Board was to hopefully give a better understanding of what exonerated people go through and that what they have been through is already harsh. Mr. Patterson thanked the Board for their time.

Jeremy Pucket, an exoneree appeared in person in Sacramento.

Mr. Pucket expressed his concern about CalVCB’s role as a neutral decision maker. This neutrality has come into question as of late when CalVCB actively lobbied for SB 490 and legislation that will make it harder for people such as himself to receive compensation after being wrongfully convicted. Mr. Pucket continued, expressing his opinion that when the very same Board that is responsible for applying these rules is made up of the very same people who are working behind the scenes to change these rules in ways that make claims harder to win, it is hard to see how these wrongfully convicted claims are being processed fairly.

Mr. Pucket stated that he was exonerated in January of 2020 and spent close to 19 years of his life in prison for a crime he did not commit and thankfully was able to get compensated. Mr. Pucket continued, stating he knows exonerees who are still waiting on compensation. Men and women who have lost just as much as he has or even more, who unfortunately may never receive compensation after being wrongfully convicted or even a formal acknowledgement of the harm done to them.

Mr. Pucket expressed that after 19 years of wrongful incarceration, he carries a deep sense of responsibility to speak up for those who are coming behind him. He expressed the hurt he feels when he thinks that their path of healing will be made harder because of SB 490. Though monetary compensation is only a small part of healing, it does make things easier, said Mr. Pucket. Mr. Pucket further said that he and people like him deserve a system that sees them, values them, and stands by them, not one that quietly moves a goalpost. Mr. Pucket thanked the Board for their time.

Todd Fries, the executive director at the Northern California Innocence Project, appeared in person in Sacramento.

Mr. Fries explained that one of the most troubling strategies used for SB 490 was CalVCB’s decision to cite past claims; individuals who had already been exonerated and compensated as reasons for changing the law. Mr. Fries expressed that these are people whose convictions were reversed by courts of law. Their innocence has been legally acknowledged and, in many cases, hard fought through years of litigation, reinvestigation, and personal struggle. To suggest that their compensation was somehow mistaken, it undermines not only their individual dignity, but the integrity of the entire exoneration process, Mr. Fries expressed.

Mr. Fries noted that rather than honoring those decisions as examples of justice done right, CalVCB used them as cautionary tales, suggesting that perhaps these individuals were truly undeserving. Mr. Fries explained that isn’t just unfair, it’s unjust, and it’s dangerous.

Mr. Fries asked the Board what message this sends. He responded explaining that it tells exonerees and the public that no matter how much you have endured, no matter how thoroughly your innocence is proven, the state may still second guess you and worse, use your name and your story as a tool to deny future claimants access to justice. Mr. Fries stated this retraumatizes people who have already been profoundly harmed by the legal system. It turns their hard-won victories into liabilities. It signals that their past suffering is not only minimized but weaponized against others still seeking redress. It also distorts the mission of the California Victim Compensation Board.

Mr. Fries said that the Board is meant to serve those who have endured the worst failures of our legal system. Its role is not to sow doubt about its previous decisions or to politicize the pain of those it exists to help. To use past claimants as justification to narrow eligibility is not sound public policy, it is retaliation masquerading as reform. Mr. Fries explained the Board must reaffirm its commitment to the principles of fairness, compassion, and accountability. It must stand by its own findings made after rigorous review under the law and by the exonerees those findings vindicate. To do anything less is to betray the very foundation of justice.

Mr. Fries thanked the Board.

Jasmine Harris, director of policy at the Innocence Center and policy representative for the California Innocence Coalition appeared in person in Sacramento.

Ms. Harris has worked on erroneous conviction claims for nearly 10 years, helping craft and pass the legislation that governs them and directly advocating for her clients for compensation before the Board. Over that time, Ms. Harris explained, one thing became increasingly clear. There seems to be a consistent gap in how exonerated people are acknowledged by this institution. Ms. Harris expressed that she wants to believe this is an oversight, not an intentional exclusion, but the pattern is hard to ignore. For example, in CalVCB’s own e-learning overview video, there is no mention of these claims. In the 60-year anniversary video, they are referenced for just three seconds of an almost three-minute piece.

Ms. Harris continued, stating there are no social media posts acknowledging erroneous conviction claims or the people impacted, no dedicated e-learning resources to help exonerated people fill out their applications, unlike the robust tools available for victims of crime. Even in the 2025 to 2028 strategic plan, these claims were entirely absent. Ms. Harris said that this lack of visibility may not be deliberate, but it has real consequences. When people who have been wrongfully convicted are left out of CalVCB’s messaging, resources, and strategic planning, it sends an unintentional but painful message that they are not seen. Ms. Harris outlined that she is especially concerned now with Senate Bill 490. The Board has already heard how the line may have been crossed from neutrality into advocacy and heard how the experiences of past claimants were used in ways that could have unintended consequences and how these patterns may shape perceptions of fairness.

Ms. Harris explained that she and her colleagues know the Board takes its responsibility seriously and that this work is not easy, which is why they are asking not just for reflection, but for action. This is not just about a single piece of legislation, Ms. Harris explained, it is about rebuilding trust and ensuring that exonerated people, their families, and the public see CalVCB as a partner in justice. Those who have been wrongfully convicted have already paid the highest price. Ms. Harris said they should not also have to fight to be recognized and supported by the very agency entrusted with helping them heal.

Ms. Harris respectfully requested that CalVCB clarify either at the next Board meeting or in writing the process and criteria the Board uses to determine when and how to engage in legislative advocacy, including what guidelines are in place to ensure neutrality and avoid conflicts of interest. Ms. Harris said that she also hopes that the Board will reflect on past compensation decisions considering the bias revealed through CalVCB’s legislative advocacy. Ms. Harris outlined that when CalVCB advocates for laws that would restrict access to compensation, it raises serious concerns about whether similar biases may have influenced claim decisions, consciously or unconsciously.

Ms. Harris opined that a review of past denials is necessary to ensure that every decision has been made fairly without internal pressures that favored one side. Ms. Harris expressed her hope that the Board can truly recognize the profound honor they have in helping make an exonerated person whole again. For many, explained Ms. Harris, the Board is their first experience with the state trying to repair the harm it caused. That responsibility is not just legal, it is moral, and it must be carried out with integrity, neutrality, and care.

Ms. Harris thanked the Board.

Chair Ravel thanked all of those who spoke and addressed Mr. Pucket and Ms. Sinunu-Towery, expressing that Mr. Pucket’s case still sits with him even several years later.

Chair Ravel addressed the concerns of the Board’s neutrality and explained that, to his knowledge, the Board has not taken a position on this legislation or any legislation in the past, nor has the Board been the sponsor of any bill. Chair Ravel said that the Board was not the sponsor of SB 490. Chair Ravel asked the Board to correct him if he was wrong with this statement.

Member Becton appeared via Zoom. She apologized for not being able to hear all the comments earlier in the meeting; however, she asked for clarification about the perception that there is some advocacy on behalf of the Board. She explained that she can only speak for herself and that she has not been involved with advocating for or against any legislation that is pending, particularly something that would affect the very process that the Board must consider here as Board members. Member Becton expressed that while there are times in her role as a District Attorney that she may adopt a position, she certainly has not taken a position on anything that would affect her role on the Victim Compensation Board.

Member Becton clarified that Board members get an informational packet that is pending but do not as Board members participate or give any opinions about the legislation. She said that she understands that as members of the Board, they must stay neutral in their positions. She also expressed that she imagines CalVCB staff may be called on to provide technical assistance on certain legislation but is unaware if that occurred.

Member Johnson echoed Member Becton’s statements and expressed it is his understanding that there are times when staff are called upon for technical assistance in areas in which they are technical experts. However, Member Johnson expressed he has not engaged in any conversations around this bill or any other bills.

Ms. Harris again addressed the Board to provide clarification on the Board’s alleged involvement in the bill. Ms. Harris explained that there was a difference in how CalVCB provided technical assistance in the past and with SB 490. Ms. Harris continued, stating staffers referred to CalVCB as the sponsors of the bill and that when she would attend Zoom meetings about the bill, CalVCB staff were in those meetings. She also alleged that when attending these Zoom meetings, CalVCB staff told her that if the AG or the DA has more time to decide these claims, more claims would be denied. Ms. Harris finished stating that the involvement on this bill verses others is much more robust. Ms. Harris thanked the Board.

Chair Ravel thanked Ms. Harris and expressed that her claim that CalVCB staff said if the AG had more time more claims would be denied never came up in any Board discussion.

Item 5. Contract Update

The Contract Update was presented by Deputy Executive Officer Shawn Ramirez.

Ms. Ramirez stated that the Contract Report was informational only and offered to answer any questions the Board had regarding the items listed in the report.

Item 6. Update on Marketing Campaign with Civilian, Inc

The Update on the Marketing Campaign with Civilian, Inc. was presented by Deputy Executive Officer Katie Cardenas.

Ms. Cardenas stated that the Board will hear an update from CalVCB’s marketing vendor, Civilian Inc, on the progress of its $3 million awareness campaign. CalVCB received funding in the Budget Act of 2022 to conduct a statewide marketing campaign with a focus on reaching underserved populations.

CalVCB has been working with Civilian since August 2023 on planning and implementing the statewide awareness campaign. The advertisements started a little over a year ago in April 2024.

Ms. Cardenas introduced CalVCB’s partners from Civilian: Karli, Lisa, and Camellia.

Ms. Mortezazadeh addressed the Board via Zoom and expressed the objective that everyone be mindful that the campaign is an awareness campaign and is designed to help increase awareness of what CalVCB is and that survey results would be shared that show that there is not enough awareness about what CalVCB is and the services it provides. Ms. Mortezazadeh expressed that while there are limits to what a campaign can accomplish, the hope is that there will be an increase in the number of people that know what CalVCB is and what benefits are available following the campaign that there will also be an increase in victims’ trust of CalVCB.

Ms. Mortezazadeh further explained that the campaign is reaching individuals of violent crime who may be eligible but do not otherwise know of the program, as well as their support networks such as family, friends and peers. The campaign is also meant to reach secondary supports such as victim advocacy centers, TRCs, and other places that are helping victims. When the survey on awareness was conducted in December 2023 on approximately 600 respondents, 23% of whom self-identified as a victim of violent crime, 25% of the Californians surveyed had heard about CalVCB, and 56% were unsure or had an inaccurate understanding of what CalVCB offers. Ms. Mortezazadeh stated that the numbers show, as she previously stated, the community needs more knowledge of CalVCB, and trust needs to be created as 25% of those surveyed felt they were not sure CalVCB could help them. The good news, she noted, is that a lot of people were interested in learning more about CalVCB. This is how Civilian built the campaign approach.

Ms. Mortezazadeh explained that the campaign is focused on raising awareness, fostering clarity or understanding, building trust through examples, and inspiring engagement and applications.

Lisa Welborn addressed the Board via Zoom and explained that the data that Civilian is sharing with the Board covers performance from the campaign’s launch in April of 2024 through March of 2025. Ms. Welborn expressed that after being in the market for one full year it can confidently be said that the campaign has delivered strong and stable performance, even in the face of some challenges that have come within this campaign window, like the Los Angeles (LA) fires. Ms. Welborn expressed that consistency and performance can be attributed to the effective media optimizations that we constantly implemented with the campaign and that they are already seeing great results.

Ms. Welborn outlined that through the end of March 2025, the campaign delivered over 72 million impressions, which includes 20 million in Spanish language, driving awareness among priority communities and generating 650,000 clicks to the website to date. She said the campaign continues to be a key driver of both website traffic and applications. Across the campaign time frame there have been just over 46,000 website visits that have been driven by this paid media campaign. There also was a 156% increase in average monthly users compared to what was seen in the prior year.

Ms. Welborn added that most importantly, there was a 13% increase in self-represented applications, which indicates that individuals seeing the messages trust them, and then they act on their own. Ms. Welborn gave a nod to the campaign’s reach and frequency, which is another media indicator that Civilian looks at to evaluate overall success. It tells them the number of people that are seeing the ad and how often they see it. Since implementing some of the optimizations in the beginning of 2025, both the reach of the campaign and the frequency have gone up, which indicates Civilian’s efforts are working.

Ms. Welborn explained that the campaign is currently reaching an estimated 41% of CalVCB’s target audience, with an average frequency of each of them seeing it about 5.5 times. That is a steady increase from Civilian’s last reporting period and it is right where Civilian wants the campaign to be. There are nine more months on the campaign, Ms. Welborn explained, with a lot of media that is going to be in the market ahead within those nine months. Ms. Welborn expressed the Civilian team’s belief that they are likely to have an even greater impact moving forward.

Ms. Welborn switched gears and declared that when the LA fires hit, the Civilian team knew they needed to be thoughtful and responsive with their media strategy. They took a three-step approach to pivot effectively and respectfully. First in January, they decided to delay the LA market flight that had originally been scheduled to launch in March of this year. That flight. Ms. Welborn said, had been set and moved to August. In February, any creative that the Civilian team had running in the LA market was paused and any creative that had the word “rebuild” in it was also paused due to confusion among fire-impacted communities where the term carried an unintended meaning.

In March the Civilian team initiated a creative refresh and took a close look at the messaging to ensure that it was clear, direct, and as sensitive as possible. The goal was to remove any ambiguity and keep focus on support and accessibility. Ms. Welborn further explained CalVCB is reaching those underrepresented and hard-to-reach communities through a deliberate and data-driven approach. From a geography standpoint, Civilian has identified priority counties using crime to application data from the Office of Data and Innovation. Ms. Welborn outlined the campaign is currently running in both English and Spanish but in August of this year, there will be an additional push that is going to go into market that will launch the additional languages.

Ms. Welborn noted that from culturally relevant media partners to hyper-targeted zip code strategies and demographic and behavioral data, every element of this plan is intentionally designed to connect with CalVCB or to connect CalVCB with the communities that need them the most.

Ms. Welborn asked the Board to take a closer look at one county where Civilian had a focused investment last year in 2024, Kern County. From August to October of 2024, Civilian delivered 9.66 million impressions in this county across streaming audio, radio, and billboards, with billboards leading the way. These billboards were focused on Spanish speaking and equity priority zip codes. Overall, this awareness flight in Kern County helped Civilian to connect with hard-to-reach communities and over the course of the next nine months, there are three more of these flights planned. In August through October, they are going to be in San Diego, Los Angeles, and an additional flight in Kern County.

Karli Wagner appeared via Zoom and explained that to meet CalVCB’s primary goal of increasing awareness of its victim compensation services among underserved and hard-to-reach communities in California, Civilian integrated two California based micro influencers, Alyssa Macau and Zachary Collie, who are trusted mental health professionals and advocates. She described how these influencers shared information with potential eligible victims through their social media channels, leveraging their credibility and reach to amplify CalVCB’s message. The pilot influencer campaign videos got more than 10,000 views and reached more than 7,000 individual accounts and had an estimated media value of approximately $16,724 with an investment of $8,000.

Ms. Wagner stated Alyssa is a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist and emotional resilience educator whose audience aligns closely with our target demographics. With a following of 170,000 accounts, Alyssa delivered two video reels and two video story posts on Instagram. The investment in her campaign was $6,000. Additionally, Alyssa posted a bonus video on LinkedIn, which was not part of her contract originally. This post had 189 impressions and reached 109 members, further extending the campaign’s reach.

Ms. Wagner continued explaining that Zachary reaches men and women aged 25 through 44 in California, particularly in Los Angeles and San Diego, by authentically discussing trauma and resilience. Zachary has a following of 180,000 accounts. He delivered two videos on YouTube with an investment of $2,000.

Ms. Mortezazadeh re-addressed the Board and explained the ways in which Civilian is reaching people, such as awareness, education, engagement through the billboards, and digital ads with the end goal of increasing applications 

Ms. Mortezazadeh addressed the ethnic media plan that is set to roll out in August of 2025. From August through October, Civilian plans to launch the ethnic media plan to reach non-English speaking Californians in high need areas. The plan was guided by data that showed a gap between crime rates and CalVCB application rates. Civilian designed the plan around culturally relevant outreach across 15 key counties. Civilian is aiming to reach 65% of each of the audiences at five times each. In addition to English and Spanish, this ethnic media plan includes targeting a variety of different languages which include Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian and many more.

Ms. Mortezazadeh explained Civilian will also have a dedicated push to reach the African American community as well. She noted Civilian is updating all assets as part of this campaign and translating materials to really help make that application process more accessible for these groups.

Ms. Mortezazadeh explained the status and next steps for the campaign. The last quarter was quiet, but Q3 will be significant, she explained. Media activity will spike with baseline ads running through January 2026 and several key campaigns between August and October 2025 targeting priority and underrepresented audiences. The campaign is on track and performing well and Ms. Mortezazadeh explained that Civilian is confident that with continued optimizations and strategic adjustments, we will achieve the stated goals and make a significant impact.

Ms. Mortezazadeh thanked the Board.

Chair Ravel expressed his gratitude for the information and asked if there were any questions or comments from the Board.

Margaret Petros appeared via Zoom and expressed her concern with the expense of the campaign and asserted that CalVCB is a broken establishment that is unable to help the victims that are currently applying. Ms. Petros also expressed her dissatisfaction with the campaign’s objective as she believes it should be centered on helping victims. Ms. Petros explained that a First Amendment auditor visited the CalVCB headquarters and was unable to enter the building past the lobby level. Ms. Petros continued, stating the statistics on the YouTube video that was posted by the First Amendment auditor, which had 131,000 views, 12,000 likes, and nearly 50,000 comments, most of which were expressing outrage about the content of the video. Ms. Petros continued stating that if CalVCB did their job, they would have no need for a campaign for outreach.

Chair Ravel thanked Ms. Petros.

Member Johnson thanked Ms. Cardenas and Civilian staff for the presentation that was given and the impressive amount of data that was collected for the presentation and campaign. Member Johnson expressed the importance of the campaign for outreach. He asked Ms. Cardenas and/or Civilian staff if there is anything that can be done to keep the awareness of CalVCB out there for years to come once the campaign concludes.

Ms. Mortezazadeh addressed Member Johnson’s question and explained that Civilian has worked on a number of campaigns that address tough topics and the one thing that has worked long term is trying to create customizable tools for partners and victim advocacy programs, and challenging them to think about how they are going to take the message and use it in their community and their context because Civilian’s campaigns have broad messaging. Ms. Mortezazadeh stressed that a lot of the campaign is focused on awareness as their research showed many people still do not know about CalVCB.

Member Johnson thanked Ms. Mortezazadeh for her answer to his question.

Executive Officer Lynda Gledhill addressed the Board and acknowledged that it is an interesting time. CalVCB is conducting this media campaign during a time when non-English-speaking individuals may be hesitant to engage with government entities. The aim is to build trust and ensure accessibility through multilingual materials and consistent community engagement.

Chair Ravel thanked everyone for their comments.

Item 7. Adrian Gentry

The Penal Code section 4900 claim of Adrian Gentry was presented by Chief Counsel, Kim Gauthier.

On April 24, 2023, Adrian Gentry submitted an application to the California Victim Compensation as an erroneously convicted person. The application was supplemented on June 19, 2023, and is based on Mr. Gentry’s 2018 convictions for manslaughter and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, with a firearm enhancement. The claim seeks $310,520 for 2,218 days imprisonment. The Attorney General objected to the claim, arguing the evidence fails to prove Mr. Gentry’s innocence by a preponderance. As explained in detail in the Proposed Decision, the claim is recommended for denial as Gentry has failed to meet his burden of showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that he is innocent of the challenged convictions as required by Penal Code section 4900 (a). Throughout the proceedings, Mr. Gentry represented himself. The office of the Attorney General was represented by Deputy Attorney General Tami Hennick.

Ms. Leal stated the Attorney General’s Office recommended the Board adopt the Proposed Decision.

Chair Ravel moved to approve Item 7. Member Becton seconded the motion.

Chair Ravel called for public comment on this item and no public comment was offered.

The motion to adopt the Proposed Decision regarding the Penal Code section 4900 claim of Adrian Gentry was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Item 8. William Woods

The Penal Code section 4900 claim of William Woods was presented by Chief Counsel, Kim Gauthier.

On September 16, 2024, William Woods submitted an application to the California Victim Compensation as an erroneously convicted person. The application was supplemented multiple times before filing on February 18, 2025, and is based on Mr. Woods’ 2021 convictions for identity theft and false impersonation, which were vacated and dismissed in April 2024. Also in April 2024, the court found Mr. Woods factually innocent of these crimes within the meaning of Penal Code section 1485.55. As mandated by the court order and pursuant to Penal Code section 1485.55, the Proposed Decision recommends compensation in the amount of $80,640, which represents $140 per day for 576 days Mr. Woods was wrongfully imprisoned. Throughout the proceedings, Mr. Woods was represented by Lauren Jung of Keker, Van Nest & Peters. The Office of the Attorney General was represented by Deputy Attorney General Jessica Leal.

Mr. Woods’ representatives, Lauren Jung and Kari Tillery of Keker, Van Nest & Peters appeared via Zoom. Ms. Jung explained that Mr. Woods was appearing via conference call as he was having some difficulty connecting to Zoom. Ms. Jung stated that on August 20, 2019, Mr. Woods was arrested for the commission of two impossible crimes, the false impersonation of himself and the identity theft of his own identity. Mr. Woods had walked into a bank that day to close accounts that he had discovered had been fraudulently opened under his name. After Mr. Woods was unable to answer the security questions that had been created with that account, he was reported by a bank employee and was subsequently arrested later that day. During all proceedings, Mr. Woods maintained, rightly, that he was the real Mr. Woods and that his identity had been stolen. Because of this, he was declared mentally incompetent and he subsequently spent months in a state hospital. Mr. Woods pled no contest to these charges in 2021 and was sentenced to time served, while the real perpetrator of Mr. Woods’ identity theft continued to live as Mr. Woods. When Mr. Woods was released, he did not give up on what he knew all along, which was that he was telling the truth. He launched his own investigation and eventually found an investigator who was willing to investigate his case.

Ms. Jung added that with the help of this investigator and DNA testing, Mr. Woods was finally able to prove the truth, which led to the arrest and conviction of the real perpetrator; a man who had stolen his identity years prior. Mr. Woods’ conviction was vacated, and he was found factually innocent in April 2024. Ms. Jung commended Mr. Woods for his incredible display of resilience and persistence. Ms. Jung added that no amount of time or money compensates Mr. Woods for what he has been through and what he has lost, but acknowledged they were very grateful for the proposed decision granting compensation for the time that he lost because of this erroneous conviction. She concluded by respectfully requesting the Board adopt the proposed decision.

Chair Ravel thanked Ms. Jung and asked if Mr. Woods wished to address the Board.

Mr. Woods appeared via conference call and explained he had filed his report with the California Department of Justice and followed the procedures he was told to follow.

Ms. Leal stated the Attorney General’s Office recommended the Board adopt the Proposed Decision.

Member Becton moved to approve Item 8. Member Johnson seconded the motion.

Board Liaison Andrea Burrell called for public comment on this item and no public comment was offered.

The motion to adopt the Proposed Decision in the Penal Code section 4900 claim of William Woods was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Item 9. Michael Anderson

The Penal Code section 4900 claim of Michael Anderson was presented by Chief Counsel, Kim Gauthier.

On March 7, 2025, Michael Anderson filed an application with the California Victim Compensation Board as an erroneously convicted person. The application was supplemented on March 17, 2025, and is based on his 2003 conviction for murder, which was reversed and vacated by a writ of habeas corpus in June 2023. In February 2025, the superior court granted Mr. Anderson’s motion for relief pursuant to subdivision (d) of Penal Code section 1485.55. Accordingly, compensation is automatic under Penal Code section 4900 (b). The Proposed Decision recommends compensation in the amount of $1,150,380, which represents $140 per day for 8,217 days Mr. Anderson was wrongfully imprisoned. Mr. Anderson is represented by attorney, Ian Graham of Kravis, Graham & Zucker. The Office of the Attorney General is represented by Deputy Attorney General Jessica Leal.

Ian Graham appeared via Zoom and requested the Board adopt the Hearing Officer’s recommendation in the Proposed Decision.

Jessica Leal from the Attorney General’s Office appeared via Zoom. Ms. Leal asked that the Board adopt the Proposed Decision and had no further comment.

Member Becton moved to approve Item 9. Member Johnson seconded the motion.

Board Liaison Andrea Burrell called for public comment on this item and no public comment was offered.

The motion to adopt the Proposed Decision in the Penal Code section 4900 claim of Michael Anderson was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Item 10. Lombardo Palacios

The Penal Code section 4900 claim of Lombardo Palacios was presented by Chief Counsel, Kim Gauthier. On February 25, 2025, Lombardo Palacios filed an application with the California Victim Compensation Board as an erroneously convicted person. The application is based on his 2009 conviction for murder, which was vacated and dismissed in December 2024. In February 2025, the court found Mr. Palacios factually innocent of the crime within the meaning of Penal Code section 1485.55. As mandated by the court order and pursuant to Penal Code section 1485.55, the Proposed Decision recommends compensation in the amount of $898,100, which represents $140 per day for 6,415 days Mr. Palacios was wrongfully imprisoned. Mr. Palacios is represented by attorney, Nicolas Tomas. The Office of the Attorney General is represented by Deputy Attorney General Kathryn Althizer.

Nicolas Tomas appeared via Zoom and stated that he is joined by Mr. Palacios. Mr. Tomas said that Mr. Palacios was only 15 years old when he went to prison and spent more of his life in prison than free. Mr. Tomas expressed his appreciation for the speed with which the Board addressed Mr. Palacios’ claim. He expressed that while it may be impossible to put a dollar amount on time lost, he agrees with the Board’s Proposed Decision and asked that it be adopted.

Chair Ravel thanked Mr. Tomas and asked if Mr. Palacios would like to address the Board; Mr. Palacios declined.

Kathryn Althizer from the Attorney General’s Office appeared via Zoom. Ms. Althizer asked that the Board adopt the Proposed Decision and had no further comment.

Member Becton moved to approve Item 10. Member Johnson seconded the motion.

Board Liaison Andrea Burrell called for public comment on this item and no public comment was offered.

The motion to adopt the Proposed Decision in the Penal Code section 4900 claim of Lombardo Palacios was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Item 11. Charlotte Pleytez

The Penal Code section 4900 claim of Charlotte Pleytez was presented by Chief Counsel, Kim Gauthier.

On February 25, 2025, Charlotte Pleytez filed an application with the California Victim Compensation Board as an erroneously convicted person. The application is based on her 2009 conviction for murder, which was vacated and dismissed in December 2024. In February 2025, the court found Ms. Pleytez factually innocent of the crime within the meaning of Penal Code section 1485.55. As mandated by the court order and pursuant to Penal Code section 1485.55, the Proposed Decision recommends compensation in the amount of $898,100, which represents $140 per day for 6,415 days Ms. Pleytez was wrongfully imprisoned. Ms. Pleytez is represented by attorney Nicolas Tomas. The Office of the Attorney General is represented by Deputy Attorney General Kathryn Althizer.

Nicolas Tomas appeared via Zoom and stated that he is honored to be appearing in from of Board and explained that he met Ms. Pleytez when he was in law school. When looking at Ms. Pleytez’s case, it was apparent to him that Ms. Pleytez was innocent of the crimes she was charged with. Mr. Tomas asked the Board to adopt the Proposed Decision.

Charlotte Pleytez appeared via Zoom. Ms. Pleytez expressed her gratitude for the people who fought for her innocence throughout the years. Ms. Pleytez expressed her dissatisfaction in hearing about SB 490 and how the speakers at the meeting presented CalVCB’s alleged involvement in the bill. Ms. Pleytez stated that CalVCB should want to help victims. She further expressed her gratitude to the Board for her compensation; however, Ms. Pleytez went on to address the victims of the crimes that she was erroneously convicted of committing, explaining that they are still victims. Ms. Pleytez said that she often questions if anyone would trade their freedom for $140 per day, and she believes that no one in their right mind would do such a thing. Ms. Pleytez explained that the money she is being given will likely go to her mental health treatment and her family’s mental health treatment.

Ms. Pleytez continued, explaining that she is estranged from her daughter as she was two months pregnant with her daughter when she went to prison and gave birth to her daughter while in prison. Ms. Pleytez’s mother took her daughter in and because of Ms. Pleytez being unavailable to her daughter most of her life, she now has no relationship with her. Ms. Pleytez asked the Board, regarding SB 490, not to look at the compensation as monetary value but in the value of the moments that people miss, and the trauma that is experienced by being incarcerated. Ms. Pleytez thanked her attorney, Mr. Tomas, and the Board for helping her and for hearing her statement. Ms. Pleytez later thanked her attorney Matt Lombard as well for all the work he had done on her case. 

Chair Ravel thanked Ms. Pleytez and expressed his agreement that no amount of money can make up for the time spent being incarcerated for a crime a person did not commit. Chair Ravel also expressed how sorry he is that Ms. Pleytez is estranged from her daughter and the other things that she has experienced.

Kathryn Althizer from the Attorney General’s Office appeared via Zoom. Ms. Althizer asked that the Board adopt the Proposed Decision and had no further comment.

Member Becton moved to approve Item 11. Member Johnson seconded the motion.

Board Liaison Andrea Burrell called for public comment on this item and no public comment was offered.

The motion to adopt the Proposed Decision in the Penal Code section 4900 claim of Charlotte Pleytez was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Item 12. Mireya Arias

The Penal Code section 4900 claim of Mireya Arias was presented by Chief Counsel, Kim Gauthier.

On January 2, 2024, Mireya Arias filed an application with the California Victim Compensation Board as an erroneously convicted person. The application was supplemented multiple times from January 2024 to May 2024, and is based on her 2018 convictions for extortion, attempted grand theft, and second-degree burglary, each with a hate crime enhancement. The convictions were vacated and dismissed in June 2021.  In April 2024, the court found Ms. Arias factually innocent of the crimes within the meaning of Penal Code section 1485.55. As mandated by the court order and pursuant to Penal Code section 1485.55, the Proposed Decision recommends compensation in the amount of $85,960, which represents $140 per day for 614 days Ms. Arias was wrongfully imprisoned. Throughout the proceedings, Ms. Arias represented herself. The Office of the Attorney General is represented by Deputy Attorney General Tami Hennick.

Mireya Arias appeared via Zoom. Ms. Arias expressed her gratitude for this reimbursement and expressed that while, as others stated, no amount of compensation can make up for being wrongfully incarcerated, she is grateful that the court reviewed her case and that everyone knows she was wrongly convicted.

Tami Hennick from the Attorney General’s Office appeared via Zoom. Ms. Hennick asked that the Board adopt the Proposed Decision and had no further comment.

Member Becton moved to approve Item 12. Member Johnson seconded the motion.

Board Liaison Andrea Burrell called for public comment on this item and no public comment was offered.

The motion to adopt the Proposed Decision in the Penal Code section 4900 claim of Mireya Arias was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Closed Session

The Board adjourned into Closed Session with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Counsel at 11:43 a.m. pursuant to Government Code Section 11126, subdivision (c)(3) to deliberate on proposed decision numbers 1 through 95 of the Victim Compensation Program.

Open Session

The Board reconvened in Open Session pursuant to Government Code section 11126, subdivision (c)(3) at 11:54 a.m.

Member Johnson moved to approve items 1 through 95 of the Victim Compensation Program. Member Becton seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board and the proposed decisions were adopted.

Adjournment

Member Becton moved to adjourn the May Board meeting. Member Johnson seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board and the meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

Next Board Meeting

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2025.