Left Coast Crime 2010 - Part II

The convention organizers graciously agreed to work with the Crime Lab Project and the California Institute of Forensic Science to sponsor a special event on Wednesday, March 10.

The Left Coast Crime 2010 Forensic Science Day. They also very generously agreed to donate all proceeds from the day to the Crime Lab Project Foundation, to be given to the CSFI. Rose Ochi tells us that these funds will be used to help graduate students purchase materials to carry out their research.

So not only were we offering something unique to attendees, they were supporting a great cause!

The day took lots of planning and preparation, and we're all indebted to the CFSI's Rose Ochi for her early support of the event, to Harley Sagara for his many efforts, and to Howard Ho for his additional help.

This was a full-day event at the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center at California State University, Los Angeles. The HSFSC is a new facility that houses forensic science services for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Police Department. It is the largest "full service" crime lab in the country. It also includes training and research facilities as well as classrooms.

Attendance was limited to 75 and the event sold out weeks ago.

Here's a quick look at our day.

8:30-8:45 Welcome

We were honored to be welcomed by Cheryl L. Ney, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies at CSULA.

Rose Ochi, the Executive Director, California Forensic Science Institute and I, in my role as head of The Crime Lab Project, made additional opening statements. Harley Sagara served as our ringmaster throughout the day.

A series of excellent presentations followed:

8:45-9:45 The Crime Scene

Don Johnson, CSULA School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics

9:45-10:45 Questioned Documents

Mel Cavanaugh, Questioned Documents Examiner, Sgt (Ret.) LASD Scientific Service Bureau

11:00-12:00 Forensic Science and the Courts

Myrna Raeder, Professor of Law, Southwestern University School of Law

After lunch, we split into smaller groups for a tour of the HDFSC. The tour was followed by three more excellent presentations:

2:00-3:00 Firearms

Allison Manfreda, Criminalist II, LAPD Scientific Investigations Division-

Firearm Analysis Unit

3:15-4:15 Trace Evidence

Lynne Herold, Senior Criminalist LASD Scientific Service Bureau/Trace Section

4:15-5:15 Biology-DNA

Katherine Roberts, CSULA School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics

I did an informal follow up session for writers on using what we had learned. Each attendee also received a handout with lots of additional information.

The feedback from our attendees has been incredibly positive and their reviews of the day have been stellar. I'm sure we'll do another event at the HDFSC for CFSI, and I've been talking to other convention organizers about doing a similar program at a future Left Coast Crime. When I know more about that, I'll let you know.

I was especially glad that my husband, Tim Burke, was able to join us for this day. He hears me talk about this stuff all the time, and we've donated to CFSI, but this was his first chance to actually look around inside the building!

Tomorrow: LCC 2010 - Part III

CSULB Library

This post is a test -- I've had a really odd message from Google on my blog's dashboard, so I'm not sure the blog is working.

Had a wonderful day today at the CSULB Library. Saw ORCA, its automated system for retrieving books and journals not kept in the usual stacks -- amazing, something almost out of science fiction. And the high-tech Spidell Center within the library is a great way for students to be able to use computers and search online for information. In a hundred other ways, the space has been opened up, made airier and brighter. There were lots of students there, making use of its resources.

There are many other plans, all of which will benefit the students, and I hope funding comes through for them. So if you're also a 49er -- one of CSULB's alumni -- consider a gift to the University Library. Visit it and you'll see they're making good use of the funds.

Invest Your Forensic Science Reality Check

Two years ago, the U.S. Congress mandated a study of forensic science by the National Academy of Sciences. Founded by a law passed during the Civil War, the NAS provides expert studies of scientific matters for the government.

So many have eagerly (or with trepidation) awaited their report on the state of forensic science in the U.S., and its recommendations on how it might be improved. That report was made public last week. You can read about here:
http://www.tinyurl.com/NASforensic

The report should serve as a reality check to those who believe in the fantasy world version of forensic science. The NAS called for "major reforms and new research," said that forensic science in the U.S. is "badly fragmented," that it is lacking in "rigorous certification programs," that "many forensic science labs are underfunded, understaffed, and have no effective oversight."

And that's just part of the first paragraph of their press briefing.

You may notice that much of this fits in with what the Crime Lab Project has been saying for some time.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be reading the full report from the NAS (you can read it free online, pay for a full-report pdf, buy chapters, or order a hardcover on the NAS Web site). I'll post my thoughts about it here, but I encourage you to read it for yourself. The more people who are informed about the challenges facing forensic science, the better our chances of seeing real change.

We interrupt this blog for an important message

VOTE!  

If you are eligible to vote in the United States, please take time to go to the polls.  Vote early if you live in a place where that's an option, or plan time to vote on November 4.  Don't kind of sort of think about maybe doing it at some point on Tuesday -- make the plan now!   Click on this Google map link to find your polling place.

I will return to give you all sorts of news and information about The Messenger, the upcoming tour, and other items of interest about my books and stories, but right now, this is message #1:

VOTE!

Help find Jeddah

My friend Maria Lima says she loves working at Matrix Group International in those hours when she's not writing her great vampire series, and this story in the Washington Post gives one example why that's understandable.

Matrix is sponsoring the Help Find Jeddah Web site:

http://www.helpfindjeddah.com

Jeddah, pictured above, went missing from her airline-issued kennel at Dulles Airport.  Her owner, John Weisner, is a U.S. Army soldier on his way to a year-long assignment in Saudi Arabia.   Weisner and his wife, Ronia, need your help to find their beloved dog.  Spread the word, and if you live in the Dulles area, please help in the search.

Return to Me

Those of you who have read my books know that missing persons cases are of particular interest to me. They've been a part of the series from Goodnight, Irene to Kidnapped. I've known people whose family members have been missing. Some still wait. It's a particular kind of hell.

One of the best stories I've seen on this subject is "Return to Me," by Stacey Chase, which ran in yesterday's Boston Globe Sunday magazine. Like most articles about the missing, most of its focus is on missing children. (I am all for making every effort to find missing children, who are so vulnerable. I just wish missing adult cases mattered more to us — the National Center for Missing Adults also needs your help.) Chase's article is well worth reading, and I hope you'll take the time to do so.

Event Cancelled

Unfortunately, the air quality and other wildfire-related problems in San Diego County have led to the cancellation of this year's Step Out event to benefit the ADA, so we won't be in San Diego this weekend after all. I hope you'll still show your support for the organization, though. Most of all, I hope you'll become educated about diabetes and pre-diabetes, and get your blood glucose tested!

Again, to all affected by the fires, our thoughts are with you and yours.

Wildfires may affect event

Just after posting the announcement below about Step Out in San Diego, I received word that the event may be affected by the wildfires in San Diego. I'm sure there are concerns about air quality and other effects of the fires. (For those who may have wondered, although some of our family members are in evacuation areas -- and occasionally sheltering here -- Tim and I are safe, and so far, so are our loved ones. Any of you who are fire-affected areas of So Cal are in our thoughts.)

Updates and further information about the San Diego Step Out Event will be posted on the ADA Step Out Web site page for the event. I'll also try to keep you updated here.

Step Out to Fight Diabetes

I'll be walking in the Step Out to Fight Diabetes event in San Diego at 9:00 AM on Sunday, October 28 at Ingram Plaza - Liberty Station, which is located at 2750 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA 92106.


View Larger Map

This event raises money to support the important work of the American Diabetes Association.

Some quick facts about diabetes:

• There is currently no cure for diabetes.
  
• 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, have diabetes.
• About 6 million of these people are unaware they have the disease.
  
• 240 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. Within 20 years, this number is expected to grow to 380 million.
  
• Many doctors consider diabetes to be the #1 health crisis in the U.S..
• Diabetes disables and kills. Uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, amputation, inability to fight infection and more.
• Diabetes can strike anyone of any age, weight, or ethnicity.
• In addition to the 20.8 million with diabetes, 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, which must be treated as soon as possible to prevent this condition from leading to diabetes. Over time, the elevated blood glucose levels of pre-diabetes can also cause damage to the body, especially to the heart and circulatory system. Almost all people who develop Type 2 diabetes first have pre-diabetes.
  

The information above is from the ADA and the International Diabetes Federation.

If you haven't had your fasting blood glucose tested within the past year, please call your doctor today to make an appointment to do so.

And please generously support the work of the ADA -- look for a Step Out event in your area.

Please do this now -- you'll help crime labs

As many of you know, I'm concerned about the many problems created by the lack of funding for public forensic science in the United States.

I've just received this message from Beth Lavach, lobbyist for the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations, about pending legislation that would help fund forensic science in the U.S. -- please lend your immediate support! Responding only takes a few minutes, and you can do a great deal of good by helping out.



As a result of the strong support and efforts of Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), the forensics community has an opportunity to expand and improve its technology, training and facilities. Senator Mikulski is the Chair of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Shelby is the Ranking Member.

Because both Senators recognize the importance and value of forensic sciences in the advancement of justice for all citizens, they have approved appropriations of $40 million for Coverdell grants and $151 million for DNA testing and backlog in the Senate Appropriations Bill. The proposed Coverdell funds are more than twice as much as has ever been included in the nation's budget. The DNA figure represents an increase as well.

It is even more encouraging to learn that Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE), a longtime supporter of forensics has joined with Senators Mikulski and Shelby to include additional funding in the authorization bill and, just as important, make the grant application and management process easier for state and local agencies.

While we in the forensics community have much to be pleased about, the real effort has just begun. It's time now to develop a grassroots effort to insure these welcomed beginning steps are made into law and will be just the first steps in an ongoing program.

Forensics needs your help. Each and every one of you!

Step One - contact these Senators and express your appreciation for their support.

Step Two - we need to get these bills through the House of Representatives before they become part of the final spending package. Contact Rep. Alan, Mollohan (D-WV) the Chairman of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. His support and vote are absolutely essential and you can play a major role in making him aware of the need for backing this funding proposal. Time is critical. This legislation is making its way through Congress as we speak. Get on the phone and or e-mail these legislators. Do all three and urge your colleagues to do the same. Do it now. It's up to the members of the community to make this happen. Thank the Senators for the work they have done and ask Congressman Mollohan to fund at the same level or above!

Sen. Barbara Mikulski
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Ph: 202-224-4654
Fax: 202-224-8858
Mikulski.senate.gov


Sen. Richard Shelby
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Ph: 202-224-5744
Fax: 202-224-3416
Shelby.senate.gov


Sen. Joseph Biden
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Ph: 202-224-5042
Fax: 202-224-0139
Biden.senate.gov


The Honorable Alan B. Mollohan
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Ph: 202-225-4172
Fax: 202-225-7564
www.house.gov/mollohan

Sisters in Crime LA/Downey Library

Had a wonderful time this weekend, speaking at the Downey Library's Friends of the Library event and at the "No Crime Unpublished" conference sponsored by the LA Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Both groups generously contributed to the CLP Foundation. I especially appreciate all the LA Sisters in Crime folks did for their raffle.

Those of you who are interested in forensic science should definitely sign up for Sisters in Crime's Forensic University -- after June 15th the cost of registration increases.

Living Wild in Los Angeles County

You've all been patient while I've been working on the Elaine Viets "Tour by Proxy" Project, and I appreciate that. If you are in the San Diego area, I also hope you'll join me, Randy Hicks, and other authors as we do our part to support Elaine on Saturday, May 12, at 10:30 AM at Mysterious Galaxy Books 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 302 San Diego, CA. And if you can't show up, consider ordering a copy of Murder With Reservations from your own favorite bookstores.

So I am still putting in a lot of time for the project for Elaine and writing and getting ready for the grand opening of the new Los Angeles Regional Crime Lab and all kinds of other stuff. Today I also found time to walk the dogs in our local park. (They usually get night walks.) It was a beautiful day to be outdoors.

For those of you who think the LA area is nothing but concrete and cars -- well, mostly, you're right. But we have our enclaves of wildlife here, too -- both local and imported. And we make celebrities of our wildlife. Yesterday both Reggie the Alligator and the Three Bears of Bradbury made the local evening news.

Reggie isn't a native, but we are an area that enjoys a population with roots from just about any place you could name. Reggie's living in Lake Machado, a place you'll hardly recognize as LA County if you click on that last link. There are those who want us to believe Reggie is blogging and selling his own "official" (puh-leeze!) gear. But the blog is a nice way to keep up with the news on this LA-based gator.

Black bears (even ones that look brown) are native to California. And bears in Bradbury shouldn't be such a big surprise. It's been hot, the people in Bradbury have ponds and pools, and put their trash out today, all of which makes it really attractive if you are foraging in a fur coat. Which should not be unexpected in Bradbury, because it's in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Which could get me talking about how much wilderness is actually part of the big county of Los Angeles, and that could lead me to talk about why I decided to set Nine there and make the protagonist a member of the LASD.

I won't do that just now, but I feel so much better actually bringing all of this around to talking about books again....


Photo above is clearly neither an alligator nor a California Black Bear. But global warming going unchecked, I fully expect to hear any day now that someone in LA has found a polar bear in his backyard pool. This photo is used courtesy of Monica Mueller, from morguefile.com.

What's all this I hear about Elaine Viets?

As many of you know, Elaine Viets suffered a stroke just before the release of the newest entry in her "Dead End Job Series" -- Murder With Reservations. Happily, she is on the road to recovery, but she won't be able to tour for the new book. So her friends are "touring" for her— we're asking you to buy her book, either by ordering it from your favorite bookseller, or attending one of the many events her "stand-ins" are hosting for her.

You can find a list of those events here. (Part of the Web site of PJ Nunn, her publicist.)
Check back frequently, as more are being added.

If you wonder why we're troubling to do this, it's because Elaine has given thousands of hours of her time and effort to other writers, both individually and through Sisters in Crime and MWA. She's been generous and kind, and we'd like to return a little of that kindness. And we also think you'll enjoy the book -- it has had great reviews -- and Elaine manages to balance both humor and social consciousness in her books. This time, Helen Hawthorne takes a job as hotel housekeeper -- you'll never feel the same way about staying in a hotel! You can also read a sample chapter on Elaine's Web site.

How to Help Elaine Viets

As the recent outpouring of messages of concern and well-wishes for Elaine Viets have shown, Elaine has a lot of friends in the mystery community. It's no wonder -- she's not only a delightful person and beloved writer, she has given a lot of time and energy to helping others through her service in MWA, Sisters in Crime, and other groups.

She also has a new book coming out in May, MURDER WITH RESERVATIONS, and one of her biggest worries has been that due to the stroke, she won't be able to tour.

So we're offering her friends a chance to actively help her -- we're going to "tour" for her!

Here's what to do

1) Send an e-mail to 4elaineviets@gmail.com

2) Let us know what part of the country (or world) you are in and if you are

a) an author
b) a bookseller
c) a fan

3) Let us would be willing to:

a) place a stack of Elaine's books on your table as you sign on your own tour

b) help set up an "Elaine Viets" party at your store or a store near you
(if you are not a store owner, PLEASE do NOT contact stores directly at this point!)

c) serve as a "stand-in" by hosting a nearby scheduled signing on Elaine's tour.

d) place an image of Murder With Reservations with a note about this effort on your Web site or blog.

PJ Nunn, Elaine's publicist, is offering to reward the kindness of Elaine's author friends with publicity help for their own books.

We will have more details for you soon!

I know this community is one that has many generous people in it, people who are willing to act on their concern for others. I look forward to hearing from you!


Please feel free to forward this message.


Yours,
Jan Burke

The Hurricane Damaged Libraries

...still need your help. But don't send them books.

Really.

Libraries have to build collections carefully, so imagine what happens if they get nothing but truckloads of old bestsellers, worn paperbacks, and outdated science textbooks. (You wouldn't do that, I'm sure, but the rest of the country isn't always as smart as you are.) Besides, they need to repair buildings and replace shelves, and things like that. So how can you help?

You can read about ways to help the recovery efforts of the New Orleans Public Library here.
You can even order a T-Shirt that will help raise money for the library!

The State Library of Louisiana site asks that people please stop sending books, however financial help for Louisiana's other libraries affected by Katrina and Rita is still needed.

Checks may be made out to:
Louisiana Library Foundation
PO Box 2583
Baton Rouge, LA 70821

For libraries in Mississippi, Friends of Mississippi Libraries, working with the Library Commission and MLA, has established a fund for donations to rebuild those MS libraries severely damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Tax-deductible donations can be made by sending your contributions to:

Rebuild Mississippi Libraries Fund
c/o AmSouth Bank
210 E. Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39201

Thanks in advance for your generosity!