The Demand Starts With YOU!
About Us
We are a group of community advocates, business professionals, law enforcement members and we'd like to see those who serve in public office are fair and free from questionable, suspicious and/or a disturbing past that would be GREAT cause for concern in their ability to lead and gain the public trust. We believe in a fair process to vett and investigate public officials and for the purposes of this website, the Santa Clara County Sheriff.
Since late October 2022 and right before the elections on Nov 8th, it was brought to our attention as individuals that the Sheriff-elect, Bob Jonsen has questionable issues in his background for which he has not been held to answer or held accountable. We did not have enough time and exact information and sources until recently (Dec2022). Otherwise, we strongly believe the outcome of the election would be different. At this time, we are not endorsing any previous election candidates but will support those (even previous candidates) with a qualified and suitable background who meet the transparency and accountability requirements:
Transparency allows for honest analysis relating to the quality of law enforcement management while at the same time building trust within the communities served. The approach to transparency and accountability should open up dialogue to ensure that certain concerns, specific issues as well as leadership are fully addressed, and responsibility accounted for. The monitoring of an agency and its leadership should facilitate continued discussion with the implementation of needed corrective or reformative action that is applied in a fair and impartial process.
In light of the recent civil (October 2022) corruption conviction of the (now) retired Sheriff Laurie Smith, our focus is on WHO leads our Sheriff's Office and WHY. Transparency is the cause for bringing the integrity, trust, and suitability of a Sheriff to serve our community and accountability for a background that is not 'clouded' with personal/public controversy, suspicion, mistrust, civil and/or criminal liability regardless of when it may have occurred.
As you read through this website, keep in mind, we are not here to 'hold court' on Sheriff Bob Jonsen. Most of the information we are receiving is 'alleged' and under investigation with the appropriate agencies. We are not passing on or insinuating anything as 'fact' until all the information has been corroborated by the investigating agencies. If something is 'referred' to, it is accompanied by links as to where the info was obtained and also any info we received from others as being forwarded for investigation.
Our apologies if you are unable to click on the accompanying outside weblinks. Please copy and paste it into your browser until we can get the issue corrected.
For our diverse Spanish speakers, you can click on the globe on the top banner to have this page
translated into Spanish.
Since late October 2022 and right before the elections on Nov 8th, it was brought to our attention as individuals that the Sheriff-elect, Bob Jonsen has questionable issues in his background for which he has not been held to answer or held accountable. We did not have enough time and exact information and sources until recently (Dec2022). Otherwise, we strongly believe the outcome of the election would be different. At this time, we are not endorsing any previous election candidates but will support those (even previous candidates) with a qualified and suitable background who meet the transparency and accountability requirements:
Transparency allows for honest analysis relating to the quality of law enforcement management while at the same time building trust within the communities served. The approach to transparency and accountability should open up dialogue to ensure that certain concerns, specific issues as well as leadership are fully addressed, and responsibility accounted for. The monitoring of an agency and its leadership should facilitate continued discussion with the implementation of needed corrective or reformative action that is applied in a fair and impartial process.
In light of the recent civil (October 2022) corruption conviction of the (now) retired Sheriff Laurie Smith, our focus is on WHO leads our Sheriff's Office and WHY. Transparency is the cause for bringing the integrity, trust, and suitability of a Sheriff to serve our community and accountability for a background that is not 'clouded' with personal/public controversy, suspicion, mistrust, civil and/or criminal liability regardless of when it may have occurred.
As you read through this website, keep in mind, we are not here to 'hold court' on Sheriff Bob Jonsen. Most of the information we are receiving is 'alleged' and under investigation with the appropriate agencies. We are not passing on or insinuating anything as 'fact' until all the information has been corroborated by the investigating agencies. If something is 'referred' to, it is accompanied by links as to where the info was obtained and also any info we received from others as being forwarded for investigation.
Our apologies if you are unable to click on the accompanying outside weblinks. Please copy and paste it into your browser until we can get the issue corrected.
For our diverse Spanish speakers, you can click on the globe on the top banner to have this page
translated into Spanish.
WHY we demand Transparency
When we learned that the Santa Clara County Sheriff's election race was down to TWO candidates, we began to look into each of their backgrounds so that we could inform our friends, family, and the community of our recommendations on who to vote for. In this political climate and especially when the backgrounds of politicians and others running for public office have not been properly vetted or transparent, we see the results of destruction and we are stuck with them for years, possibly endangering those around us and those they are supposed to serve and protect.
When we found that one of the candidate's (Bob Jonsen) background was potentially ethically and morally marginal, and as more information poured in, we were surprised by the gravity of issues that were not only concerning but egregious.
Up until the week of December 1st, the votes were still being counted until it was determined that Bob Jonsen had less than a 1.2% lead over his opponent, Kevin Jensen. At the same time, we continued to receive information that was not only concerning but cause for an investigation into the claims, allegations, and even a factual Department of Justice (DOJ) Report, issued by the Civil Rights Division while Bob Jonsen was in command in the Antelope Valley, Los Angeles County.
We informed the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors as our goal was to request for them to consider the information presented in the written and spoken comments for a review and an internal follow-up investigation from their law enforcement oversight committee. That opportunity was rejected and the County BOS unanimously voted to appoint the Sheriff elect a month early with no consideration to allow for a review of the allegations and a committee to monitor any ongoing investigations with outside agencies.
We were provided information, effective January 1, 2022, that the California Legislature enacted Senate Bill 2 AND Assembly Bill 958 (AB958) expanding laws on transparency, accountability and serious misconduct. Under the new laws, law enforcement who are found to be part of a law enforcement gang can have their peace officer certification revoked and disqualify them from future employment as a peace officer. This includes being Chief, Sheriff, Directors, etc. of any public agency. There are also civil and criminal liability for actions that occurred at any time during a law enforcement officer's career.
Transparency and Accountability. One is not effective without the other. It is our hope and on behalf of the community that the standards and laws set forth by the State of California are adhered to. Or we must consider being our own changemakers if the politicians we entrust do not follow the process to ensure the safety of our communities.
When we found that one of the candidate's (Bob Jonsen) background was potentially ethically and morally marginal, and as more information poured in, we were surprised by the gravity of issues that were not only concerning but egregious.
Up until the week of December 1st, the votes were still being counted until it was determined that Bob Jonsen had less than a 1.2% lead over his opponent, Kevin Jensen. At the same time, we continued to receive information that was not only concerning but cause for an investigation into the claims, allegations, and even a factual Department of Justice (DOJ) Report, issued by the Civil Rights Division while Bob Jonsen was in command in the Antelope Valley, Los Angeles County.
We informed the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors as our goal was to request for them to consider the information presented in the written and spoken comments for a review and an internal follow-up investigation from their law enforcement oversight committee. That opportunity was rejected and the County BOS unanimously voted to appoint the Sheriff elect a month early with no consideration to allow for a review of the allegations and a committee to monitor any ongoing investigations with outside agencies.
We were provided information, effective January 1, 2022, that the California Legislature enacted Senate Bill 2 AND Assembly Bill 958 (AB958) expanding laws on transparency, accountability and serious misconduct. Under the new laws, law enforcement who are found to be part of a law enforcement gang can have their peace officer certification revoked and disqualify them from future employment as a peace officer. This includes being Chief, Sheriff, Directors, etc. of any public agency. There are also civil and criminal liability for actions that occurred at any time during a law enforcement officer's career.
Transparency and Accountability. One is not effective without the other. It is our hope and on behalf of the community that the standards and laws set forth by the State of California are adhered to. Or we must consider being our own changemakers if the politicians we entrust do not follow the process to ensure the safety of our communities.
PHOTO GALLERY=Click on the cover photos, especially the one in the middle to view disturbing details
The Bob Jonsen podcast! (start at 34:00)
WHO is Bob Jonsen?
How the Officials in Menlo Park missed or even ignored the issues in Los Angeles, crucial to our diverse community here, is a mystery for another story. After 5yrs, Bob Jonsen was able to gain enough local friends and colleagues (and those with money), to be a 'shoo-in' for the appointment of the Chief's position at the Palo Alto PD.
What, if any (?), type of vetting and background check occurred, which should have included serious and hard inquiries for and about Bob Jonsen's time at the LASD, the DOJ Civil Rights Division report, the deputy gang allegations, the retired commanders' he worked with and other references, in regard to the issues surrounding accusations and complaints under his command/leadership.
The community should have been made fully aware of his background report and what it contained if they did not find out on their own. The question is who should have been transparent? The Cities of Menlo Park, Palo Alto, or perhaps Bob Jonsen himself? And why wasn't the Department of Justice (DOJ) report addressed, reviewed and discussed?
Was it because Bob Jonsen left before he could be held accountable or perhaps perform the required reforms? or is there more to why he left all of sudden to come to Northern California? Please reference the investigative report by DOJ and the accompanying media articles surrounding the issues.
Refer: DOJ Civil Rights Division Report: Allegations substantiated:
Findings Letter - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Antelope Valley - June 28, 2013 (justice.gov)
Microsoft Word - Complaint (cep 4.27.15).docx (justice.gov)
Refer: Civil Rights Violations: Settlement/Monitoring/Findings:
Sheriff’s Department, DOJ settle AV civil rights case (theavtimes.com)
Civil rights leaders react to DOJ findings, call for citizens review board (theavtimes.com)
DOJ-Findings-Letter-LASD-in-Antelope-Valley-June-28-2013.pdf (knock-la.com)
Findings Letter - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Antelope Valley - June 28, 2013 (justice.gov)
Is this another example of Government Cronyism? Good 'ol Boys? Tight lips won't sink a ship? Whatever was not done or perhaps covered up, may have given Bob Jonsen (and for he himself) the confidence to run for Sheriff. (And as recommended by former Sheriff Laurie Smith for which we have proof and personal knowledge of).
We want to point out that there is nothing wrong with recommending someone for a public position but coming from an embattled Sheriff who was ultimately convicted of corruption, one might 'rethink' how credible that recommendation is. If Bob Jonsen is using her as a mentor (as well as his endorsements from known Deputy Gang Members-we checked his campaign endorsement page), then think about how this affects any integrity we as a community expect?
During Bob Jonsen's command and leadership as Chief of the Menlo Park and Palo Alto PD, there has been a number of complaints about racism, discrimination, civil rights violations under Bob Jonsen's leadership. Even from police officers who decided to quit, and others charged with crimes while he was Chief. But of course, Bob Jonsen dismissed any accusations as coming from 'disgruntled employees’ (per published media articles). We found his statements to be unprofessional as the Chief should not show ANY bias or otherwise during serious investigations and public inquiry. But with such small departments with 70 police officers in Menlo Park and 85 Police Officers in Palo Alto. How do you lose control of a toxic environment unless you previously commanded one?
Refer:
https://almanacnews.com/news/2017/02/21/cover-story-people-of-color-speak-up-about-personal-impact-of-police-stops
https://padailypost.com/2021/10/12/retiring-police-officer-goes-out-with-a-fiery-letter-slamming-his-bosses
Our communities do not need poor leadership and corruption to continue and spread throughout the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. This new era should be a time of healing and especially upon the departure of the corrupt Sheriff Laurie Smith. And, we have very reliable and vetted sources who have informed us that Laurie Smith has fully supported Bob Jonsen as a friend, mentor and had encouraged him to run for her position as Sheriff.
Based on statements from those informing us, we believe she is hoping he will keep her current command structure and legacy in place, whereas Mr. Kevin Jensen stated he would have held accountable any in the command staff associated with the malfeasance and mismanagement from Laurie Smith and correct the policies that no longer work. We mentioned Mr. Kevin Jensen the opponent because our sources informed us that Laurie Smith conveyed this to many, but that her disagreements with Mr. Kevin Jensen were personal and not professional.
Bob Jonsen echoed to the media that Sheriff Smith does not and will not dictate how to 'run' her now former Office of the Sheriff. During his campaign, he assured he will make the changes and bring fresh eyes to the Sheriff Office. In Feb. 2022, he told the Mercury News that he will not change the current command structure. (Laurie Smith's Commanders). Fail! He ensured the community he would make the changes. We find out from inside the Sheriff Office sources that he owes her many favors, and this is one of them. He feels he owes the community nothing.
Keep in mind a few of her command officers will be heading for a criminal trial in 2023 and based on the evidence that will be presented, possibly meet the same fate she did: Convicted!
Do we allow for others who have not been fully investigated to continue their command under Bob Jonsen? It is not uncommon for new leaders (private and public) to install their own leadership structure different from the past one, even bringing in 'outsiders'. However, in Bob Jonsen's case, we would caution that any outsiders he may want to bring in from the LA County Sheriff Dept should be treated highly as 'suspicious' based on the ongoing problems that LA Sheriff Department has been plagued with for years. And those retired LASD commanders who endorsed him we have already checked their background and none of them would or should be suitable for any position in our Sheriff Office because of their Deputy Gang affiliations with some even documented in court records which we will ultimately post. We do not need anyone else from LA (or from anywhere else associated with Bob Jonsen) to hide and spread potential corruption through poor leadership, especially in Northern California.
We have corroborated information that the now-retired Sheriff Laurie Smith had reached out to her strong Republican constituent base to campaign, contribute and/or vote for Bob Jonsen prior to the elections. There had been fundraisers that prove who these people are. Our sources informed us that Bob Jonsen is a former registered Republican (as with Laurie Smith) who allegedly changed his political party to gain support and votes from unsuspecting Democrats and undecided (including young) voters. His political background may state one specific party, but his ideologies and practices may represent another. The Sheriff Office should be about humane treatment for their clients and not what type of politics will dictate poor choices in leadership.
Bob Jonsen touted that his experience as an 'outsider' will bring 'fresh eyes' to an embattled department that Sheriff Laurie Smith has left behind. Bob Jonsen stated that his immediate opponent Kevin Jensen was one of her Captains. We are aware that Kevin Jensen has been retired for almost 9yrs. We reached out to his campaign staff who confirmed he has been the most vocal candidate in the past 9yrs to call out Laurie Smith's lack/poor leadership, her suspicious activity with how she ran the department, as well as the numerous complaints and accusations of the embattled former Sheriff who reigned for 24yrs because she was literally untouchable during that time where the failure of transparency and accountability was the norm.
Meanwhile, Bob Jonsen had been a stronghold with TWO police agencies in Santa Clara County for almost 10yrs and not once called out Sheriff Laurie Smith, especially when he knew he would be running for her elected seat. We believe in this case that 'friends take care of friends' and that's what Bob Jonsen may have been doing rather than do the right thing and call out what he may have been or was aware of (as most of us knew anyway) unless he did not want to attract attention to perhaps his own messy and suspicious activities and background?
Bob Jonsen's background (of what we only know about so far) on the other hand has been filled with controversy and scandals from LA all the way to Palo Alto. Interesting, he mentions being an outsider with 'fresh eyes'? It is a cliche and sad that those who fall for it.
Makes you wonder what those eyes may have seen that will not make them 'fresh' anymore as we find out more about his 'alleged' past with the LA Sheriff's Department and what he may have covered up while serving with the LASD as well as Menlo Park and Palo Alto PD. The government agencies investigative probe includes any alleged civil rights violations and deputy involved shootings that Bob Jonsen was directly involved with as the 'alleged' deputy shooter where the persons shot and killed were black males and other incidents reported to the appropriate state agencies for investigation of excessive use of force and civil rights violations.
In an interesting twist, and during our research, Bob Jonsen mentioned he wanted to 'Follow in the Footsteps of his great uncle, Sheriff Jonathan Sweigart' per his website (which those words have been recently deleted) and his own public talking points at meet/greets, who was the Santa Clara County Sheriff in the late 1800s. He says is very proud of this and perhaps some of us would be. But to brag about it? Because that's what it sounded like to those of us who heard his 'spiel' about it. There are some things we just may want to keep to ourselves if vetting isn't your thing. Coincidentally, we also found out his father worked for the San Fransico Police Department in the 1960s, but he says very little about that. We are wondering why?
We decided to find out WHO Sheriff Sweigart (scroll the picture box above) was because quite frankly, the 1800s was not really a time filled with transparency, accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion. It was a time filled with rampant civil right violations, assaults and murders of African Americans and others.
Who could possibly be proud of someone in law enforcement power during that era? Nice to acknowledge family or friends from the ghosts of the past, but when bragged upon by Bob Jonsen, did he know of his past? because we sure do...
Wait a second for it...
Refer:
https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=SFC19000104.2.95&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN--------1
Sheriff Sweigert was brought up on civil charges from his own family members for embezzlement of thousands of dollars (lots of money back in the wagon days) from the sale of many high-profile properties in San Jose. You just can't make this stuff up! And in Bob Jonsen's own words, he wants to follow in his great uncle's 'footsteps'!? We would not exactly tell the public that, but in the interest of being transparent (but not accountable for what someone else did) having a great uncle who was Sheriff would be enough.
However, he fails to mention his own father, who we were told did not honorably serve with the San Francisco Police Dept. Even worse, Bob Jonsen's own son, Travis R. Jonsen, who was more recently (2015) a member of deputy gang and was shot over the altering of his ankle tattoo from the neo nazi based deputy gang he belonged to. Several sources (including media, LASD commanders and workers compensation) confirmed that the person shot was Travis R. Jonsen. Interesting he does not even mention (in any of the meet/greets/media/campaign/etc) he had a son 'retired' from law enforcement. On his campaign website, there is a family photo which includes Travis R. Jonsen, but no mention of anything else. A father should be proud to brag about his son in law enforcement following in his footsteps, right? Or was he afraid others were to find out? And perhaps not proud of his son following in his 'footsteps'?
Well, we did find out and vetted and confirmed the sources.
https://knock-la.com/deputy-gang-tattoo-shot-off/
It appears that Bob Jonsen's past may be in his blood and hopefully not on the hands of potential innocent people from his LA Sheriff Days where its alleged he was a deputy gang member or at least associated with a deputy gang and the activities they were involved with including civil rights violations and officer (deputy) involved shootings resulting in deaths.
Bob Jonsen had officially retired from the Palo Alto PD (2022). According to the Transparent California website, when Bob Jonsen left as an LA Sheriff Captain in 2013, he received approx. $174,000 in pension/benefits payments and benefits. When he left Menlo Park PD, his pension/benefits payments were approx. $280,000 and when he left Palo Alto PD, it was approx. $417,000. All three are approx. annual pensions=Combined, this is a substantial payment from taxpayers.
Bob Jonsen appears to be financially overly comfortable. It is our opinion that he should have stayed retired and keep his suspicious background out of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office before it manifests itself all over again which Sheriff Laurie Smith left a mess. With the added future pension, courtesy of the County of Santa Clara taxpayers who voted for him, when Bob Jonsen who may leave the Sheriff Department in another 'alleged' mess, will be collecting close to a million dollars annually between 4 pensions. Is there an urge to be 'powerful' and 'rich'?
We have also received information that several deputies (as quoted 'over 30 of them') has or will be submitting their resignations and applying for other local agencies. The reasons include not wishing to work for another potential poor leader with a history of suspicious behavior. This is an unprecedented loss for an embattled department that we have never heard about. Now what will Bob Jonsen say about these fine men and women? That they are 'disgruntled employees'? as he has stated before with the other police departments he served as Chief.
Quite frankly at his age, with any 'alleged' past transgressions possibly behind him, perhaps the better choice would be to stay retired. But what about justice for victims and the communities of color of those past transgressions? We will keep up the collection of information and continue to forward information to the gov't agencies currently in the process of conducting investigations. One day, Bob Jonsen will have to answer some hard and difficult questions (and face the accountability of any actions proved to be true or occurred) because the people of Santa Clara County deserve to know...It's called 'Transparency' and 'Accountability'.
Message to Bob Jonsen:
Bob Jonsen, you know that information will continue to come forth and we are asking you to do the right thing if you know that ANY of the information and allegations prove to be true. We will not stop at presenting information and forwarding it to the appropriate agencies conducting any investigations including police watchdog groups to monitor and demand transparency into your background.
We know that sometimes statute of limitations may end up being in your favor, but for more serious allegations, there are none and you are aware of this. Please do not embarrass the people and voters of County of Santa Clara with any potential arrogance of innocence because many know the truth and it will come out. You also heard it here LOUD AND CLEAR. We know all too well when one leaves a suspicious situation, it may be taken off the table (LASD Antelope Valley?). The taxpayers and any victims may not receive their justice, but the community can heal from what you potentially and allegedly were involved with and move on without you while you enjoy your pension and benefits.
Other sources of info: (Disclaimer: we have reached out to both Jensen and Jonsen campaign for comment on these news articles and at this time, neither candidate offered to comment).
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2022/10/16/accusations-fly-in-santa-clara-county-sheriffs-race
https://www.mv-voice.com/news/2022/10/14/editorial-kevin-jensen-for-sheriff
Google: Corrupt Palo Alto PD (we are unable to post the link due to a technical issue).
https://abc7.com/los-angeles-county-board-of-supervisors-sheriffs-department-settlements-excessive-force-lasd/12409453/
THIS is what we do NOT want to happen here of this magnitude. It seems as though the LASD cannot recover from its abuses. We believe there are great men and women working as police officers and deputy sheriffs to keep their communities safe, but old school command officers should retire and take those 'tired' eyes on vacation. It's perhaps the newer generation who will provide fresh and clean eyes and those that can pass the transparency and accountability requirements.
New Deputy Gang Update as of MAR 2023:
https://www.foxnews.com/us/ex-los-angeles-sheriff-alex-villanueva-blasted-deputy-gangs-new-scathing-watchdog-report
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
Contact us! Serious inquiries only! WE want to HEAR from you! IF you have information to present to us and can substantiate any of your claims, please contact us as soon as possible! It does not matter how old the information is. We will not tolerate any harrassment, false information, rumors or correspondence to intimidate or threaten our group. If you need an advocate, we will provide one to you for free so that you know you are not working with us alone. If you have documents, photos, etc. or if this is a MEDIA inquiry, please let us know so that we can respond with our direct email address and/or phone number. We will respond within 24 to 48hrs.