Stand Down! Helping Our Veterans
On Saturday, September 22, 2018, Contra Costa Superior Court once again participated in the annual East Bay Stand Down at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Stand Down is an event coordinated by a consortium of public agencies and community organizations for homeless and at-risk military veterans living in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Among the myriad of services available, participants were able to receive:
- Court hearings on specific case types;
- Medical and dental care;
- Mental health services;
- Referrals for emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing;
- Help resolving issues with California identification cards and driver’s licenses;
- Access to legal aide attorneys; and
- Personal services including free meals, clothing, showers and haircuts.
Dominique Yancey from the Contra Costa County’s District Attorney’s Office coordinated the courtroom aspect where judges and staff from three counties – Alameda, Contra Costa and San Francisco – were present to conduct hearings in criminal and traffic cases for qualified defendants. For Contra Costa, Manager Shelly Hasson prepped the calendars as well as attended the event and Courtroom Clerk Manager, Diana Ghirardo assisted the Honorable Laurel Brady as she presided over criminal and traffic matters for qualified defendants.
Contra Costa Superior Court has participated in this event for a number of years and is proud to continue supporting a very rewarding day helping our community and our well deserving veterans.