Drug court graduates begin life again

But then again, last night’s drug court graduation wasn’t quite the traditional commencement. The ceremony certainly included the traditional trimmings — a cake emblazoned with sugary well wishes; presents in colorful gift bags; roses and plaques. But some details were not quite as orthodox for the class of eight. For one thing, each graduate was identified only by a first name and last initial to protect their privacy.

Like any graduation, Wednesday marked a step forward for the six men and two women honored. However, it also represented a move away from the drug problems that initially brought them into the county’s criminal justice system.

Without intervention, "there was no way I could have gone on,” Anthony B. said to a chamber packed with prosecutors and probation officers sprinkled among the friends and family.

Drug court began in 1995 as an alternative to incarceration for non-sophisticated substance abusers who land before a judge. The court is different than other options such as Proposition 36 treatment or the county’s all-day Bridges rehabilitation program, said Richard Hori, probation services manager.

To qualify, a defendant must be charged with non-violent felony violations that do not include drug manufacturing or sales. Treatment is augmented with intensive probation supervision and frequent monitoring. Two judges, Susan Greenberg and Richard Livermore, monitor the clients throughout the process up until graduation roughly one year later.

Wednesday night’s graduation is the last of three held in 2006. The next will be in January, depending upon how many people complete the program.

The drug court system is not for everybody, said Michael Leon of the Probation Department.

Participants often need to inform employers about the situation to schedule screen tests several times a week. They also need to have the internal desire to change. The most successful candidates, Leon said, are either those who’ve hit rock bottom or those just entering the system afraid of becoming caught in the cycle of substance abuse.

Al Haysbert, a recovered alcoholic and treatment counselor for Project 90, echoed the sentiment that users won’t change until there is a reason.

"It has to hurt bad enough,” he said, adding that he is proof recovery can work.

The eight graduates seem to agree that without drug court, the future held incarceration, hospitalization or even death. The judges and officers who once may have been adversaries were lauded for helping provide an alternative.

Mitchell P. used to come to graduations and never imagine he would be before the crowd, clutching a plaque and newfound sense of happiness. He thanked the court for its sternness "so I could change because I couldn’t do it myself.”

While graduates used the ceremony as an open door to a new beginning, the group also took time to honor the prosecutor who recently closed the final chapter of his life.

Paul Wendler finished his 32-year career handling drug court cases before succumbing to pancreatic cancer Aug. 27 at age 63. Even during his illness, Wendler continued working the drug court assignment and returned to emcee the graduation.

In honor, the court established the Paul Wendler Abuse Treatment Fund to help pay for unexpected necessities such as a Department of Motor Vehicles printout. Wendler often dug into his own pocket to help participants with those costs rather than let them become a stumbling block to recovery, said private defender Paula Canny who emceed the event in his absence.

"Paul found his niche here,” said his widow, Joy-Ann, before wishing the graduates luck.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.<