Multi-Cultural Community Council of Monterey County
About Us
The Multi-Cultural Community Council is comprised of a diverse group of
individuals from throughout Monterey County who volunteer their time and
expertise to educate, promote and engage in these tough conversations to
increase intercultural relationship and understanding.
Mission
Our mission is to seek fair and equal justice, ensure open communications, inclusive community participation, and to offer education on the criminal justice system. In the process, we hope to engender trust and provide transparency that strengthens intercultural connections and relationships within our county.
Objectives
- Function as a neutral and diverse body able to offer advice and guidance to DA Pacioni and members of the community.
- Elevate the presence, credibility, and efficacy of the MCCC within the community and among law enforcement agencies.
- Organize and conduct public information sharing forums.
- Maintain a list of MCCC’s events and achievements.
- Support and promote cultural awareness programs and best practices.
- Create community communication channels such as an online newsletter or informational handouts related to cultural awareness, the criminal justice system and public safety.
RESPONSIBILITIES
MCCC as a Whole:
Serve as a bridge between the DA, different cultural/faith groups, law enforcement and the community at large
- Function as a collaborative advisory
- Provide leadership within the community
- Assist the DA with community outreach
- Assess sensitive cultural situations and recommend appropriate responses
- Set MCCC agendas
- Form and develop MCCC subcommittees as needed
- Work collaboratively without judgment or assumption
The District Attorney:
Be accessible to the MCCC and keep the MCCC well informed
- Provide meeting facilities and administrative services
- Offer information and educational opportunities related to MCCC mission
- Establish MCCC communication protocol
- Facilitate and develop materials for MCCC community outreach
MCCC Members:
- Be active and respected in your community
- Represent the values and concerns of your culture or faith
- Clarify misperceptions related to your culture
- Educate MCCC members and the DA on cultural differences and perspectives
- Show concern for cultural issues other than your own
- Assist the community in differentiating between law enforcement and the DA
- Inform the community about laws which they may not know or understand
- Be aware and inform the DA of culturally sensitive or potentially dangerous situations in your community
- Participate in District Attorney sponsored community events
Meeting Schedule
Date: Monthly
Location: District Attorney’s Office – 142 West Alisal
Street, Ste. A, Salinas CA 93901
- Special meetings as needed
Become a Council Member
Everyone in our council has a role that is equally important and of value.
- Commit to MCCC mission and regular attendance
- Communicate with condor and respect
- Cultivate relationships that support the MCCC
- Participate in learning about all cultures
- Exercise discretion concerning confidential matters
- Prepare Annual Plan of MCCC activities at the beginning of the year and an Annual Report of MCCC activities at the end of the year
Membership Criteria and Process
- MCCC members are appointed by DA in consultation with MCCC Co-chairs
- Candidates either independently apply or are nominated by the DA or MCCC members
- Staggered two-year terms
- Individual term can be extended by one year at the discretion of the District Attorney and Council Chairs
- Community Education/Forums
- Membership
- Gang
- Annual Report
Members
Jeannine M. Pacioni
District Attorney
Dr. Carissa Purnell, Co-Chair
Alisal Family Resource Center
Yvonne Thomas, Co-Chair
NAACP
Amir Attia
California State University, Monterey Bay
Chris Barrera
LULAC Council #2055
Berk Brannon
Chief Assistant DA
Pastor Anthony Dunham
Friendship Baptist Church- Seaside
Patsy Gasca
American Red Cross - Central Coast
Sam Gomez
The Epicenter
Deacon Warren Hoy
Diocese of Monterey
Brandi Jones
Diversity and Inclusion Consultant
Barbara Mitchell
Interim, Inc.