Tiburon police chief convenes first meeting of advisory panel

The Tiburon Police Department has rolled out its new Citizens Advisory Panel, which has been tasked with providing feedback on public safety and policing policies while also working on community outreach.

The eight-member panel held its inaugural meeting Oct. 24, with Police Chief Michelle Jean presenting a broad overview of what the Police Department does and initial discussions on what the panel should address, with suggestions ranging from addressing racial bias, racial diversity and understanding of data collected as part of the state’s Racial and Identity Profiling Act.

“We picked an eclectic, diverse group that seems serious about making changes to policies and procedures,” Jean said after the meeting. “I think it’ll be a really good working group.”

The three Tiburon residents who sit on the panel are Mike Abrahams, a retired economist and college professor; Hawi Awash, co-owner of the Yema clothing store in downtown Tiburon; and Colin Murray, a former deputy district attorney in San Diego County who now works at multinational law firm Baker McKenzie as chief executive officer for its North American practice.

Laura Belluomini, founder of Marin Home Care, and real-estate agent Lorraine Gemigniani will represent the business community, while Mayor Jack Ryan, Reed Union School District Superintendent Kimberly McGrath and Karen Carrera respectively represent the Town Council, local education community and Diversity Inclusion Task Force.

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