The Program - Dustin Contreras with Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking
With time a wastin’ Mr. Pete Leveroni from the comfy confines of his Starship introduced our Program Speaker Dustin Contreras. Dustin visited with us from Kern Coalition A
gainst Human Trafficking, otherwise known as KCAHT. Dustin, a Kern County Sheriff’s Deputy has taken on a personal involvement as chairman of KCAHT. A former U.S. Marine with a knack for judo, Dustin has committed himself to KCAHT to become recognized by Federal Homeland Security as a subject matter expert on the topic of human trafficking. You might ask yourself with all the different things a person can take on as community causes why human trafficking…well tell us why not? We were going to learn from Dustin what human trafficking is, and why he has dedicated a large part of his life to addressing it in Kern.
gainst Human Trafficking, otherwise known as KCAHT. Dustin, a Kern County Sheriff’s Deputy has taken on a personal involvement as chairman of KCAHT. A former U.S. Marine with a knack for judo, Dustin has committed himself to KCAHT to become recognized by Federal Homeland Security as a subject matter expert on the topic of human trafficking. You might ask yourself with all the different things a person can take on as community causes why human trafficking…well tell us why not? We were going to learn from Dustin what human trafficking is, and why he has dedicated a large part of his life to addressing it in Kern.Dustin told us it was through research by a contingent of Federal Human Trafficking experts it was documented that Kern County is a prime location for serious issues related to human trafficking. As it pertains to prostitution, our proximity to Las Vegas makes Kern County a “training ground” for persons to be indoctrinated into the chaotic world of trafficking. Dustin broke it down to us like this, there are two types of trafficking: in no particular order, labor trafficking and sex trafficking. What are the two types of trafficking? Dustin said both Labor and Sex just in case you are taking notes.
Most visible is the service industry, such as street vendors, restaurant and even carnival workers. Labor trafficking is a form of abuse in which the victims are coerced or forced to engage in work at the direction of the trafficker to repay a debt. The debt often relates to what is owed a trafficker for their victim’s secure departure from another country into America. Sometimes such debt can reach $10,000 or more per person.
Equally as acrimonious is the lucrative sex trafficking market. Dustin said traffickers slowly lure potential victims into the sex trade. Unlike the theory of “Stranger Danger” tales, traffickers seek children and adult victims who are, by no fault of their own, exposed through dysfunctional familial situations, such as drugs, violence, and poverty. Most victims are exploited by a trafficker who is known to them, such as a relative. As disgusting and unbelievable as this may sound, I can attest to the accuracy of Dustin’s observations. It is what we don’t read about or turn a blind eye to that can teach us. It is for that reason Dustin and KCAHT acts on behalf of those who are unable to remove themselves on their own from these terrible situations. What further makes the existence of KCAHT in Kern County a necessity is that California leads all the states in this sad statistic because of its leading economy, AKA there is a lot of money here.
Penal Code section 236.1 defines the human trafficking law, and the sen
tences violators would be faced with following a successful conviction. These sentences include fines and prison sentences, as the crime is most definitely a felony. Dustin tells us that an enhanced sentence includes a life sentence for those traffickers who involve a minor (person under the age of 18 years) in commission of these crimes.
tences violators would be faced with following a successful conviction. These sentences include fines and prison sentences, as the crime is most definitely a felony. Dustin tells us that an enhanced sentence includes a life sentence for those traffickers who involve a minor (person under the age of 18 years) in commission of these crimes.Besides just identifying situations where trafficking is occurring, Dustin told us KCAHT with its band of skillfully trained volunteers provides solutions to victim’s, and coordinates care to victims which includes safe placement. Needless to say, KCAHT provides intelligence information to local law enforcement agencies and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office to enable these agencies to aggressively arrest and prosecute criminal traffickers. Dustin shared everyone has a role in protecting those without the means to remove themselves from being victims. One way he states is to become trained in the detection and personal reporting of suspected behavior to KCAHT or local law enforcement.
To learn more Dustin urges each person to take responsibility to know how to reach KCAHT by either contacting him directly with questions at dustincontreras@gmail.com, or WWW.KCAHT.org. He said the toll-free number (888) 373-7888 can also be reached. This phone number is the National Reporting line and they can be of assistance when reporting local trafficking. We want to thank Dustin for his sacrifice towards making our community safe, and his passion in perhaps saving another human being from having to endure the inhumanity of being a victim of human trafficking. We salute you sir!
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Never did I ever think I would be so encouraged to have my color changed. To be honest, I remember having to change my color a lot on the board as a school-aged boy when I misbehaved in class. But this meetings color change is great news because President David Spalinger announced that Kern County has been upgraded from Purple to Red meaning that many of the California state COVID distancing restrictions have been eased just a little bit. What that means for our Breakfast Rotary Club is that we are a step closer towards fully engaging in our Rotary festivities!
Speaking of festivities, Past President Jackie Maxwell is so happy about celebrating Red Day that she was not present to give the invocation. Marilee Reagor stepped up to the plate as a quick fill-in. Also filling in for absent Shaun Kelly was none other than Dan Johnson who led us in America’s Flag Salute. On a day of duty substitutes, Past President Denise Haynes served us a classic song, The Battle Hymn of the Republic which all, including Zoomers, joined in singing.
Past President Mike O’Doherty brought a guest which he swore he would tell us more about as the meeting progressed. I’ll hold you to that Mike. Mike’s guest was Alex Gallardo. Classy Michele McClure introduced the “not so-visiting Rotarian” Craig Holland. Craig with wife Carol have been missed as we haven’t seen them both for a spell. We were glad to have them join us for breakfast.
**Announcements Announcements**
Enter Past President Big Mike O’Doherty and his guest Alex Gallardo to tell us all about an exciting new community service project that involves us at Kern Bridges. Well, you know anything Mike has his hands on is colorful and this project has Mike’s color all over it. So, Mike and guest Alex told us Saturday, April 24th at Kern Bridges 1321 Stine Road a massive, themed art project will take place upon a canvas of stucco on an outside wall. The fun part is that Mike and Alex, who is an accomplished professional mural artist, are making the event fool-proof because it is a “paint-by-numbers” art project. Hey, how easy can that be! Once again proving that Bakersfield is a big, smal
l city, former Breakfast Rotarian Jan Lemucchi’s husband Jeff is the Arts Council of Kern Office Manager AND the Arts Council is funding the project.
l city, former Breakfast Rotarian Jan Lemucchi’s husband Jeff is the Arts Council of Kern Office Manager AND the Arts Council is funding the project.Regarding group painting of the mural, you may ask, why, if Alex is helping Mike don’t the two of them just paint the mural. No, now that would be no fun, besides, I think once we are done having fun painting by numbers, Alex will circle back to finish the artwork anyhow. High school Interact students will be on hand to join in the day’s event. Stay tuned for more on this project to come. Beacon Clue is where will the April 24th community service project be held. I did this because I feel bad for Mike and figured he would at least get this one right!
The Happy Birthday singing Breakfast Rotarians couldn’t hesitate sparing me on my upcoming birthday celebration next week. Thanks gang! Ah, leave it to Rotarians as they are a thoughtful bunch. Oops, President Dave the program would not be complete without including all birthday celebrants, enter Marilee Reagor who The Prez did not have on his birthday list. She reminded him of the oversight; he honorably assumed the penalt
y of a $10 fine. Saving the best for last, Happy Birthday Marilee!
y of a $10 fine. Saving the best for last, Happy Birthday Marilee!Michele “Luck of the Irish” McClure told us Fremont Elementary School students will be receiving beautiful dictionaries this week. Thank you to all Rotarians who participated in the annual book donation program. You are all making a difference in the lives of children that would not have had the chance of a new dictionary if it were not for your unselfish donation of love.
Michele also wanted to give us a heads-up of an April 8th BBRC Social at our favorite watering hole Dionysus Brewery. Fun starts at 6:30 pm so mark your calendars! Thank You Sandra Purcell.
You all know it’s comin’, Yep, President Dave and his Beacon Clue. Well, the clue for March 17 was what appears on the head of a perfectly poured glass of Guinness bee
r…a shamrock. Now how could you not get this answer right, even guess! Well, Mary Jo Pasek read The Beacon, but not enough of it to read down to the clue. That will be $10 please MJ. Athena Collup thought she had the cat in the bag when she gave an answer stating, “The Scots”. Nice, Athena, but wrong answer…$5 for your confidence. Next up was Karen Bonanno who saved herself a fine answering the clue correctly.
r…a shamrock. Now how could you not get this answer right, even guess! Well, Mary Jo Pasek read The Beacon, but not enough of it to read down to the clue. That will be $10 please MJ. Athena Collup thought she had the cat in the bag when she gave an answer stating, “The Scots”. Nice, Athena, but wrong answer…$5 for your confidence. Next up was Karen Bonanno who saved herself a fine answering the clue correctly.The Prez had to go out and buy more wine because you folks keep wearing super cool masks for which he is awarding a bottle of wine each week. This week Craig Holland was super cool with his mask and won the President’s wine.
**Happy Spots**
I am still confused why Past President Ron Nelms is boot-strapping Karen Bonanno with him to share in a $10 fine because March is National Surveyors’ Month. When someone figures this out please let me know.
Teresa Ramos and Michele McClure have received their COVID shots and they both want us to know how important it is that all of us take COVID very seriously. Both have been affected closely by the virus and suggest we take necessary precautions. Seek out your nearest medical provider, or just ask them how they got their vaccinations. Wow, if I did not know any better, I think Teresa and Michele like all of us. Pay your Happy Spot fines at the door with a smile ladies.
Bringing up the “rear”, Dr. Tom Burke tells us that he is happy because he has received both of his COVID vaccinations, and he has a clean bill of health after having a “clean colonoscopy exam”. Really, Tom! We gladly fine you $25 bucks, now knock it off!
Lucky McClure won the drawing again, bagging $30 dollars. Congratulations Michele!
WE ARE DARK NEXT WEEK March 31st.
See all of you April 7th at our next meeting!
Frank Wooldridge
Beacon Writer