District Attorney Forces Trial in a Stand Against Syringe Exchange: Volunteers Back in the News

An update to the Mono Park syringe exchange case printed in today's Modesto Bee Local section. We appreciate the Bee's continued interest in the case. We also really hope they will take their inquiry to the next level at some point in the future and do some really comprehensive pieces about SEPs in the valley. As you will read in the article, part of the DA's new "deal" involves the volunteers agreeing to stay away from Mono Park. Ironically, this was just one day after a ridiculous number of syringes (65+) and other drug parapernalia were cleaned up in the area by Off the Streets volunteers. Seven volunteers spent but an hour and a half over only two blocks to yield these finds. It makes us all wonder how many more we left behind still to be found. The Modesto Bee article also did not mention another key part to the clean up in the Mono Park area which was the community outreach and education component. A volunteer went door to door and spoke to people on the street about the laws, educating their kids, and knowing what to do and who to call if one finds a used syringe. An informational handout was also provided to those living in the area. The Mono Park volunteers were very upset by the District Attorney's offer, turned it down without question, and still remain confused by the whole turn of events. Stay away from Mono Park? It was insulting and sad. Tears from Tribuzio were of disbelief. Off the Streets members are also perplexed. According to one volunteer, "How can you tell people not to help when the need is so great and no one else is doing anything?"

Volunteers who attended the clean-up on Sunday took part in no questionable behavior whatsoever to encourage such a reaction from the DAs office. Neighbors welcomed the volunteers and actually pointed them to specific areas that needed syringes picked up. For the DA to send this message to a group of people who actually care and are doing something positive for the community is disturbing. And for the record, since the Modesto Needle Exchange was shut down by the Sheriff's Department in April no needle exchanging has taken place. Disease continues to spread and will until authorization is realized.