Criminal Justice Commission

The commission's aims are to engage local citizens, community leaders and the organizations they represent in an effort to continue the downward trend in Lancaster’s crime rate.

Contact a member of the Criminal Justice Commission: (661) 723-6020

Criminal Justice Comissioners

David Vierra, Ph.D.
Term Expires: December 2010

Dr. David Vierra, a Lancaster native, is the Superintendent of the Antelope Valley Union High School District. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education/health from California State University at Northridge, a master’s degree in education administration from Azusa Pacific University, and a doctorate in education with an emphasis in administration – urban leadership from Claremont Graduate University.

David has held various positions as both a teacher and administrator for AVUHSD since 1987. Prior to that, he taught at a Department of Defense Dependent School in Germany for three years, in addition to teaching for the Lancaster Elementary School District.

The superintendent is actively involved in the community, serving as a Director for the Antelope Valley Board of Trade and Chairman of the Board’s Education Committee. He is also Chairman of the Antelope Valley Cancer Society and is a member of the Antelope Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Antelope Valley Human Relations Task Force.

David has also participated in local youth organizations as a coach for basketball, baseball, softball and soccer. He and his wife, Joy, have three children.

Sandy Smith 
Term Expires: December 2010

Born in Ventura, California, Sandy Smith has been a California resident all her life. Smith moved to Lancaster in 1978 where she was employed by Lockheed as a structure mechanic on the L1011 project. She went on to become the Volunteer Programs Coordinator and Patient Advocate at the High Desert Hospital for the Los Angeles County. In 1997, Smith served as Executive Director for the American Cancer Society Antelope Valley Office, and in 2002, was promoted to her current position as Director of Operations and Training for the Border Sierra Region, which encompasses the counties of San Diego, Imperial, San Bernardino, Riverside, Kern, Inyo, Mono, and portions of Los Angeles County.

Smith has been active in the Antelope Valley community for many years. She has served on the Antelope Valley College Foundation Board of Directors, the United Way Council of Executives, and has been involved with the Palmdale and Antelope Valley Chambers of Commerce. She is the Past President of the Lancaster West Rotary, as well as the Past Assistant Governor of Rotary District 5260. Additionally, Smith, whose father is the former Councilman and Mayor Els Groves, is honored to carry on the family tradition of serving the City of Lancaster.

Sandy Smith and her husband Lee have been married since 1991, and are proud of their four daughters and granddaughter.

Dr. Mark Brown
Term Expires: December 2010

Dr. Mark Brown graduated from Harvard Law School in 1970 and from Dartmouth Medical School in 1982. He also taught as a law professor for four years. Mark has served as a doctor in the emergency room at Antelope Valley Hospital for 22 years. He is currently the Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine.










Jim Gaupel
Term Expires: December 2010

James “Jim” Gaupel has served as a committee member for the City of Lancaster in three different roles. Gaupel currently is employed with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He has dedicated his entire law enforcement career to the Antelope Valley and especially to the City of Lancaster. He strives to help in aiding any person or public entity to further the protection of the community with his knowledge and resources.

 

Tim Fuller
Term Expires: December 2010

Tim is a graduate of the University of California-Davis with a Bachelor of Science degree. Fuller is President of H.W. Hunter, Inc. He is also a member of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee for Measure R and is involved with numerous local non-profit organizations, in which he has developed an extensive network of personal and professional contacts which he believes will be helpful in the dissemination of information and gaining support for new initiatives.

Fuller is invested in being a part of the City of Lancaster’s Criminal Justice Commission. He believes in reducing the crime rate in Lancaster to ensure that the City is a preferred place to live, work, and shop. Fuller believes that engaging local citizens, business owners and managers will result in a more aware community, which is critical for crime prevention. His service in the Peace Corps earned him a letter of commendation for bravery and outstanding performance in protecting the lives of Peace Corp volunteers during a military overthrow of the government.

Concepción Harris
Term Expires: December 2010

Concepción Harris is on Staff at Central Christian Church as the Local Outreach Minister. One of her responsibilities is managing the activities of Neighborhood Impact in the neighborhood Central has adopted. The Neighborhood Impact program serves the community of Lancaster, focusing on specific areas, and has helped reduce crime by showing God’s love in a practical way. Harris received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Londen Institute of Evangelism in Ministry. Concepción will utilize her experience from Neighborhood Impact in serving the community. She has been married for 34 years and has three children.

Dennis Greer
Term Expires: December 2010

Dennis Greer, a 45-year resident of Lancaster, holds an associate’s degree in administration of justice from Antelope Valley College. Greer has been self-employed at Coldwell Banker Commercial – A Hartwig Company for over 28 years and has served on numerous Greater Antelope Valley Board of Realtors committees, including Government Relations. Greer has also served on the Board of Governors of the College Terrace Gardens Homeowners Association for several years and is currently its president.