[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6239396,"mediaKeyId","3337887-d7bb969afd107269deca1bbf3fc8f5a9","parentId",3337887,"title","Exonerees, innocence groups urge CalVCB to remain neutral after staff role cited in proposed SB 490","audioSeconds",2377,"startMs",127000,"endMs",2504000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3337887-d7bb969afd107269deca1bbf3fc8f5a9&start=127&end=2504","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3337887-d7bb969afd107269deca1bbf3fc8f5a9/thumbnail_127000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6239396/California/Exonerees-innocence-groups-urge-CalVCB-to-remain-neutral-after-staff-role-cited-in-proposed-SB-490","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239396-634970dde6392c13ec836cdcb4fdcdcf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810915&Signature=EbheKbCOiAqKPJ7cua5FwGqcpMwXIr4PYrgTqu7wdI8sqvd~qh7XTcETG7CLhqyhkP4zZDImXXgkZTAnSBHIjYdAdnBgJAW8WGGhxotFyAWB9ICRuvtWa3k~Y6qjVu8z~3ku6TVdjqxXK122y5ki-ClcpD9b-NWT-Mz~WAu9lKZDpEBmS81I0RU~33zYOduU6hx7TngSopSM88LICCSRyWNTXHiO4i68FdDECXLns2ceeKz9NemvysW7y6BjERMJiGNGUpUWfJBKSWRQZ~E2XAQKB5XSUT8L-Ya0juYmrbplHNjItMLZ75v~s5znDi0zsmXlnURLUJAuFEZkL3GzOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","California Victim Compensation Board","date","2025-05-16T08:53:52.347Z","article","Exonerees, innocence advocates and a retired prosecutor told the California Victim Compensation Board on Wednesday that the board’s perceived involvement in drafting Senate Bill 490 undercuts its ability to act as a neutral adjudicator in compensation claims for the wrongfully convicted.

At public comment, Joseph Trujillo, executive director of Loyola Law School’s Project for the Innocent, said SB 490 would “extend the time and allow the attorney general’s office or the district attorney’s office objecting to claims to delay compensation and extend their time to oppose,” and would “limit the consideration of new evidence by this board.” He and other speakers said drafts and amendments to the bill appeared to have come from CalVCB or its staff and urged the board to recommit to neutral decision‑making.

The concerns were echoed by retired Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Karen Sinoontowery, exonerees Kimberly Long, Stephan Patterson and Jeremy Puckett, and representatives from the Northern California Innocence Project and the California Innocence Coalition. Long described being exonerated in 2021 and said, “If the state had been allowed to rely solely on the trial record to decide whether I deserve compensation, I never would have had a chance.”

Speakers listed several specific objections to SB 490 as introduced: allowing objections to be limited to the original trial record (excluding post‑conviction evidence), permitting restitution claims to be deducted from compensation, and extending timelines that could delay awards. Commenters warned that those changes would make it harder for exonerees to obtain compensation after courts have reversed convictions.

Board Chair Ravel told speakers and the room that the board’s role is to apply the law “neutrally, not to have a thumb on the scale,” and said, to his knowledge, “the board has not taken a position on this legislation” and “was not the sponsor of this bill.” Members Becton and Johnson likewise said they had not advocated for the bill and described the board’s role as non‑advocative. Staff later told the board that CalVCB had provided technical assistance that was publicly available, but several public commenters said the level of involvement around SB 490 felt greater than ordinary technical assistance.

Advocates asked CalVCB to clarify the agency’s process and criteria for engaging in legislative advocacy, to explain what technical assistance was provided and to review past compensation denials in light of the agency’s interactions around the bill. Jasmine Harris of the Innocence Center requested “clarification, 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.”

No board action on legislation was taken at the meeting. The board did not vote to sponsor or oppose SB 490 during this session; comments from the public were taken during the general public comment period. Board members and staff repeatedly characterized their roles as limited to providing information or technical assistance when asked by legislators, and members said they were not engaged in advocacy as board members during the hearing.

The public commenters and several board members called for transparency about the board’s contacts with bill sponsors and staff participation in drafting or meetings. Commenters also urged the board to avoid any advocacy that could create the appearance of bias when the board later adjudicates penal code section 4,900 claims.

The public comment segment concluded with the board acknowledging the concerns and saying staff would respond as appropriate in future meetings or communications.

The transcript shows the exchange occurred during the public comment and legislative update portions of the meeting and included multiple victims’ advocates and exonerees presenting statements to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","California Victim Compensation Board Meeting - May 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Exonerees, innocence advocates and a retired prosecutor told the California Victim Compensation Board on Wednesday that the board’s perceived involvement in drafting Senate Bill 490 undercuts its ability to act as a neutral adjudicator in compensation claims for the wrongfully convicted.","taxTitle","California Victim Compensation Board, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California","taxId",16203,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6239387,"CalVCB adopts proposed decisions on multiple Penal Code §4,900 claims, approving several large exoneree awards and denying one claim",0,4484000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3337887-d7bb969afd107269deca1bbf3fc8f5a9&start=4484&end=4484","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3337887-d7bb969afd107269deca1bbf3fc8f5a9/thumbnail_4484000.jpg","/articles/6239387/California/CalVCB-adopts-proposed-decisions-on-multiple-Penal-Code-4900-claims-approving-several-large-exoneree-awards-and-denying-one-claim","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239387-7f17cd44cd3e7fb6b6f2698e0e1151c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810915&Signature=jLgZwnJkVcF83N4tTD2GN6aHLDpbQybv1tzNzrCYyod-b0~srQgzCXmaCRFoIW1qRW2QpM8z~QeZ8K9hd3QMVbkPjwtE2E6eDfAgNGwPK8maWSIBXjF1dkSBtEgWkuqOU1fSgrzTdMdcf1nY1KCGvATd3jiAlNQhA8TaNvMH2~7AwhkosSyYgQQVQQF2gbwsC1aN8HGnxy5-TLwn8-Yactyk8wQwRe1p66fOVhVHUajpJFveaJwd~0WLh0oguGxnwnxyTtBVtv5jXM0hTTdCqjphBnACaJeRcU1jFC75~Z6XiosT8nCd437VIDhm8n2Pr-eGzXeizfjA15ptaXQzHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The California Victim Compensation Board on Wednesday adopted hearing officer proposed decisions in multiple penal code section 4,900 matters, approving several awards for people the courts found to be wrongfully convicted and denying one claim.

Chief Counsel Kim Gautier presented each proposed decision and the board voted on the recommendations after brief remarks from claimants or their counsel and appearances by deputy attorneys general representing the state.

Key outcomes recorded by the board:

- Adrian Gentry (PC §4,900 matter): The proposed decision recommended denial. The board adopted the hearing officer’s recommendation. The record states the claim was denied because Gentry failed to show by a preponderance of evidence that he is innocent as required by Penal Code §4,900(a). The Attorney General’s Office objected to the claim. Roll call: Member Becton — Aye; Member Johnson — Aye; Chair Ravel — Aye. Motion passed.

- William Woods (PC §4,900): The board adopted the proposed decision recommending compensation in the amount of $80,640, representing $140 per day for 576 days of wrongful imprisonment. Woods was represented by Lauren Young (Kecker, Van Ness & Peters). The Attorney General’s Office did not oppose the proposed decision on the record; Deputy Attorney General Jessica Leal asked the board to adopt the decision. Motion passed by roll call.

- Michael Anderson (PC §4,900): The board adopted a proposed decision recommending compensation of $1,150,380, representing $140 per day for 8,217 days of wrongful imprisonment. Anderson was represented by Ian Graham (Kravis, Graham & Zucker). The Attorney General’s Office supported adoption. Motion passed by roll call.

- Lombardo Palacios (PC §4,900): The proposed decision recommended compensation of $898,100 (6415 days at $140 per day). Nicholas Thomas represented Palacios, who addressed the board; Deputy Attorney General Catherine Altheizer indicated the AG’s office agreed with the recommendation. Motion passed by roll call.

- Charlotte Platas (PC §4,900): The proposed decision recommended $898,100 (same days/amount as Palacios, arising from the same criminal matter). Platas addressed the board orally and described long‑term personal and family impacts from incarceration. Nicholas Thomas represented Platas; the Attorney General’s Office supported adoption. Motion passed by roll call.

- Maria Arias (PC §4,900): The board adopted a proposed decision recommending compensation of $85,960 following a court finding of factual innocence. Arias represented herself in the CalVCB proceedings; the AG’s office asked the board to adopt the recommendation. Motion passed by roll call.

At the end of the meeting the board reconvened from closed session and unanimously approved items 1–95 of the victim compensation program by roll call vote.

Each of the awards tied to a factual‑innocence determination referenced Penal Code §1485.55 and the automatic compensation provisions of Penal Code §4,900(b) when the court has granted relief. The board’s approvals were recorded with roll call votes (Member Becton — Aye; Member Johnson — Aye; Chair Ravel — Aye) for the matters presented.

The record shows claimants were represented by counsel in several matters, the Attorney General’s Office participated in most hearings and, where claimants spoke, several described lasting trauma and family impacts. No motions to alter award amounts were recorded in the meeting transcript; the board adopted the hearing officers’ recommended awards as presented.","At its meeting the California Victim Compensation Board adopted hearing officer recommendations on multiple Penal Code §4,900 (erroneously convicted) claims, approving awards for several claimants — including awards of $1,150,380 and two awards of $898,100 — and denying one claim (Adrian Gentry). Motions passed unanimously by recorded roll call.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6239391,"CalVCB’s $3 million public‑awareness campaign reports millions of impressions, rise in self‑filed applications",1429,2776000,4205000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3337887-d7bb969afd107269deca1bbf3fc8f5a9&start=2776&end=4205","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3337887-d7bb969afd107269deca1bbf3fc8f5a9/thumbnail_2776000.jpg","/articles/6239391/California/CalVCBs-3-million-publicawareness-campaign-reports-millions-of-impressions-rise-in-selffiled-applications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239391-12d0893c0d614cbc6a1cec37a254ddd3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810915&Signature=YZyp9bmzhocff3y3wTPfjvOqNO5DTeDyfWwxYG1~Fm3l78z6pfDZCS8MlmKhAPR8hHaZejzZT76wMlRUmJrh50ePqlhCJGDQ0ySKqr2nfXtN4fO-OZ2fovE1HMN8VaON1q-L~ZKxw6EmMG8lQU7wMAvR~RONZeG4Z0SdgxlajwCqfvWVfJVssXY9baFqaEOpYfjOjLLpXzEJ0M3xHKNTGD3C~MEj~PYsKvVPLnak6qHZaFhITyOF0yAc9sfLXd-s~HBOxabV9QI4q-po9BBW1F92ABEE9nYaLp6vGlFU0Hm2SIRM5YSJxNW6NbwkSKvIKHKfbE-4FxW-eXbskbN8Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CalVCB staff and their marketing vendor, Civilian, told the board the statewide $3 million awareness campaign launched in April 2024 has delivered large reach and measurable website engagement and that preliminary results show a modest increase in self‑filed compensation applications.

Deputy Executive Officer Katie Gardenas said the campaign is funded by one‑time money appropriated in the 2022 budget act and is intended to reach underserved communities statewide. Civilian presenters — Carly Wagner (senior project manager), Lisa Welborn (director of media services) and Camilla (Camellia) Moreno Zolzadeh (director of strategy and insights) — described the campaign’s goals and performance metrics.

Civilian reported that between the campaign launch in April 2024 and March 2025 the program delivered more than 72 million impressions (including about 20 million in Spanish), about 650,000 clicks to CalVCB’s website and roughly 406,000 website visits attributed to paid media. The vendor said average monthly users rose 56% year‑over‑year, and CalVCB staff noted a 13% increase in self‑represented applications during the campaign period.

The vendor described a targeted approach: priority counties were selected using crime‑to‑application data, and a mix of streaming audio, radio, billboards and ethnic media will be used. A pilot influencer component reached several thousand accounts (two California‑based micro‑influencers produced content), with a reported estimated media value of roughly $16,700 on $8,000 in fees.

Civilian described steps taken after the Los Angeles fires to avoid insensitive messaging: pausing certain flights and removing creative with the word “rebuild” in affected markets. The vendor detailed upcoming flights from August through October 2025, including San Diego, Los Angeles and a second Kern County push, and an ethnic media plan to add languages including Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Tagalog and Russian.

Several board members praised the campaign’s metrics and asked about “durability” — how awareness can persist after the one‑time funding ends. Civilian said providing customizable, evergreen outreach tools for community partners and translated assets could help preserve gains.

During the public comment period, Margaret Petros of Mothers Against Murder — who had earlier criticized CalVCB’s policies — said the campaign was the wrong priority: “What good is a $3,000,000 campaign when so many crime victims who reach CalVCB… are further traumatized?” She urged the agency to focus on removing barriers in its processes rather than on public relations.

CalVCB staff and board members said the campaign is one part of a broader strategy to increase awareness and that programmatic improvements at the agency remain necessary to convert awareness into equitable access.

The presentation was informational; no board vote or contract approval was requested at the meeting.

CalVCB staff said a post‑campaign survey is planned for spring 2026 to measure changes in awareness, trust and knowledge among target communities.","CalVCB staff and vendor Civilian reported the statewide $3 million awareness campaign has delivered tens of millions of impressions and coincided with a measurable increase in traffic and self‑represented applications; critics at the meeting said outreach cannot substitute for fixing systemic obstacles to compensation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Exonerees, innocence groups urge CalVCB to remain neutral after staff role cited in proposed SB 490

CalVCB adopts proposed decisions on multiple Penal Code §4,900 claims, approving several large exoneree awards and denying one claim

CalVCB’s $3 million public‑awareness campaign reports millions of impressions, rise in self‑filed applications