If I tell you its my store, then what? Khalif responded. How they dont know Yema is beyond me, he said. Do you want us to look out for the community or do you want us to let anybody walk in here at 2 oclock in the morning and steal all your stuff? Blasi is heard saying on the video. Yema Khalif, the only Black store owner in Tiburon, speaks out in front of the police dept. Monaghans starting annual salary is $195,000, which is 3% less than Cronins salary, Chanis said. Khalif, an immigrant from Kenya, refused, arguing that police officers should know the business owners in the community. They refused to leave until I proved it, Khalif said in the post. "Since becoming Police Chief in 2007, the impact of Mikes leadership has been significant for Tiburon," Chanis said. Laurie can be reached at (415)789-2805. There's video of the interaction and an investigation underway. The town has been conducting background and medical checks since then. OK, thats fine. While the interaction with the first officer at the scene, who has not been identified, was not recorded, Khalif said the officer walked up to the door and immediately demanded to know what they were doing in the store at night. Three former Aurora, Colo., police officers have lost a bid to get their jobs back after being fired in connection to posed photos reenacting a chokehold near the site where . Cronin said he wasnt aware of Blasis involvement in the Grime case when the department hired him last year. CNN values your feedback 1. It does not matter. I opened our balcony door to Main Street, and I heard one of the officers saying, If this is your store, put your key in the door and prove it.. His tone not very like-able. In August 2020, Yema Khalif and his wife Hawi Awash both Black were in their store in Tiburon when white police officers approached them demanding that the couple show proof that they owned the store. The nearly 11-minute recording includes about 5 previously unseen minutes of the incident, which occurred about 1 a.m. Aug. 21 at Yema, the "action . We saw him drive around the block like 3 times. At the conclusion of the investigation the report will be provided to the Town Manager for review and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigator.". In the post. "We're trying to build a brand with a big heart," said Khalif. TIRURON, Calif. (KRON) Tiburon police sergeant Michael Blasi has resigned after video of the encounter between Tiburon police officers and a Black store owner raised concerns, according. Awash noted they had been in the shop until about 2 or 3 a.m. the day before. Monaghans collaborative approach and demonstrated commitment to creating meaningful community engagement really set him apart from other candidates, Chanis said. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. I do not have to show you nothing! replied Khalif. The remaining footage is the body-camera perspective of the exchange previously recorded from inside the store and circulated on social media. Really? The Tiburon Police Department was established in 1972 following the towns incorporation by eight years. Footage of the incident on August 21st can be seen on YEMAs Instagram (@Yemacalif). She said that included conversations about how police officers can re-examine their implicit biases and eliminate their own fear on the job. Awash characterized the conversation as positive. The next day when I woke up, I was like, Holy s, what just happened?. Khalif said the officer circled the store three or four times before stopping outside the shop and sitting across the street for about 15 minutes. All Rights Reserved. Doesnt the business owner have some responsibility for not complying, which also couldve de-escalated the situation? asked Reedlands resident Elizabeth Shapiro on Nextdoor. Still, other locals questioned Khalifs reaction to the police, and said he should have proved ownership when asked. Put your key in the door and were out of here. My whole body was shaking and I could not make it stop. By Ewan Palmer On 8/26/20 at 10:17 AM EDT. Awash also noted the tone of the officer, saying he came off a little bit aggressive and suspicious. She said he didnt identify himself or ask if they were working late. A Black man can not say that, but a white man can.. The neighbor, Ken Simpson, lives in his Main Street apartment part-time and said hes also accustomed to hearing noise from patrons and employees of downtown restaurants late at night, but the yelling that woke him up about 1:15 a.m. Aug. 21 sounded like it was escalating quickly. She stressed the importance to use the incident as a learning step.. During hours when the department is closed, visitors can be directly connected to our dispatch center via a phone outside our front entrance. Henry Ty McGowan, Detective Seneca Shields and. D, Tiburon, CA 94920 | 415-435-2652 | Privacy Policy| Designed by Kevin Hessel. Body cam and cell phone footage shows the altercation as it unfolds. @shaunking @beyonce @chakabars @lauraharrier @buzzfeed @nowthisnews @aljazeeraenglish @cnn @bbcnews @latimes @nytimes @wsj @ava @shondarhimes @kuz @kingjames @oprah @voguemagazine @essence @adutakech @tiffanyhaddish, A post shared by YEMA (@yemacalif) on Aug 21, 2020 at 3:33pm PDT. September 8, 2020 / 7:45 PM Assistant Editor Emily Lavin contributed to this report. At no point during the 11-minute exchange did either Tiburon officer assert any potential criminal or suspicious activity was occurring beyond their mere presence in the building at that hour. At the 10-minute mark, Madfes chimes in again: Prove to us you have keys or , There you go, thats the perfect thing, Blasi says as Khalif removes something from his pocket. Japanese Americans won redress for World War II interment camps, now they fight for Black reparations, Civil rights activist Roslyn Pope dies; her Appeal for Human Rights helped launch campaign of boycotts, sit-ins, Letters: Stone is wrong | Unnecessarily complex | Everymans EV | Coaching equity | No infrastructure. Critics of the officers handling of the incident note that Blasi did not de-escalate the encounter on his arrival. In response to public outcry, Blasi offered his resignation from the Tiburon Police department, which went into effect September 1. Tiburon officials have released body-camera footage from the first officer at the scene of a late-night confrontation between police and Black business owner Yema Khalif, who asserts he was racially profiled when questioned at his downtown shop. 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A Change.org petition, signed by nearly 500 people by The Arks press deadline, called for the immediate suspension of Blasi and an investigation into the officers involved. An officers observations of perceived race, sex and age are standard when reporting in to dispatchers, as well as in logs and police reports. Khalif continually declines to do so, stating numerous times that he owns the business and asks, Whats the problem? Tiburon chief Cronin also resigned effective September 13, in response to the alleged racial profiling incident at YEMA. Is it your store? At one point, 465 members of the public were virtually attending the forum and, in addition to the speakers, we received 79 items of written correspondence.. TIBURON (KPIX/CBS SF) -- The police chief of the City of Tiburon is stepping down , according to a report in the Marin Independent Journa l. Chief Michael Cronin is resigning after 12 years. Tiburon police sergeant resigns amid racial, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Alameda County DAs new policy will reduce prison sentences through widespread elimination of sentencing enhancements, Tiburon police sergeant resigns amid racial profiling claims, Letters: Plethora of problems | Creating AL | Provenance of woke | Teen girls | Public bank. After Cronins exit, the town arranged for Undersheriff Jamie Scardina to run the police department on a part-time interim basis while a consulting firm recruited a new chief. Chanis has denied that Cronin's retirement is connected to the incident involving the business owners, according to the Marin IJ. Scott Adams faces consequence culture as U.S. newspapers drop Dilbert, Rapid demise of Dilbert no surprise to some who were watching, Elon Musk tweets support for Dilbert creator Scott Adams after racist tirade. If I tell you its my store, then what? Khalif asks in the video. We received new inventory during the day so we went back to our store, on Main street Tiburon California, to work late. Im like, wait, did this happen in Tiburon? "There's three Black people in the store, what's the problem?" Monaghan graduated from Union Institute and University in Sacramento with a bachelors degree in criminal justice management. "When I feel harassed and I feel targeted, I say it, and I say it as I see it, and that's what that was," says business owner Yema Khalif, who was with his wife and another person inside his business when he was approached by officers. today at a #BlackLivesMatter rally in response to a standoff in which Sgt. It was fear. ", Supervisor: "Then show me that it's your store. Maegan Hall, the female officer at the center of the scandal, has been fired, city officials said. The couple met at Dominican University of California in San Rafael. Khalif and Awash said Chanis, the town manager, reached out to them after the incident, and the three met on Aug. 23. Michael Blasi, becoming more frustrated and confrontational with Khalif, who also appears exasperated with the interaction, as the minutes go by. Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Harriette Cole: I don't want the neighbor's kids at my house, Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Ask Amy: I'm your cabin housekeeper, and you apparently have no idea what I do. This isn't regular business hours, there's no customers in there. Early release leading to academic unsettlement for student athletes, Tam's emergency and natural disaster readiness, GSA Advocates for Gender Neutral Changing Rooms, Bolinas and Stinson Beach students face frightening commute, Tamalpais High School's gender and sexuality alliance. Yema Protest Speech following the incident at his storefront on August 29th. In an Aug. 24 interview, Awash had said the officers tone was aggressive and suspicious and that he didnt identify himself or ask if they were working late. Cronin faced backlash in June following a press release that warned residents of Sausalito and Tiburon that they might be targets of unrest caused by a Marin City demonstration in protest of the murder of George Floyd, which remained peaceful. I cannot fathom how that could happen. To be fair, some more than others.. I fing live here, do not tell me about whatever, Khalif responds. The Aug. 21 incident is the second time in recent months the Tiburon Police Department has come under public scrutiny for its response to racial issues in the wake of the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd and ensuing Black Lives Matter protests across the country, including several in Tiburon. The off-camera speaker presumably makes reference to the June 2020 fatal police shooting of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, who was shot after allegedly grabbing a police officer's Taser, following a . Tiburon police officers are trained and held to the highest standards of conduct. Its unfortunate but I think good will come of this, Awash said. Moments later, a neighbor awoken by the yelling can be heard telling police that Khalif was the store owner. Madfes, however, again asks Khalif to put the key in the door, but this time Khalif declines: Thats your supervisor, he say you walk away, walk away.. In an interview Aug. 24, Fredericks called the officers behavior unacceptable, and said the Police Department is in the process of hiring an attorney to conduct an independent investigation into the incident. In an Aug. 24 interview, Khalif said he had no doubt the officers confronted him because of his race and said he was still traumatized., I could have been another statistic, I could have been another George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, but I did not take the bait, he said. Khalif and Awash say, however, that they shouldnt be required to repeatedly identify themselves to police to prove who they are and that they belong in town. Awash, however, said this is not the first negative interaction with Tiburon police; she said shes been stopped more than five times by another officer. Khalif refused. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Mayor Alice Fredericks on Aug. 22 sent out an email to the community apologizing to Khalif and Awash. He doesn't believe that would have happened if he was white. Khalif spoke at the rally. Blasi also receives a monthly pension of $3,224 for his time as a sheriffs deputy, said Jeff Wickham, the county pension board administrator. The recording shows a Tiburon officer, identified as supervising Sgt. Khalif and Awash say they had already seen the car circle the block three to four times before it stopped outside the shop, where they say it sat for about 15 minutes before the start of the town-released body-cam footage and that they had anticipated what was about to happen next. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? TIBURON (KPIX/CBS SF) -- The police chief of the City of Tiburon is stepping down , according to a report in the Marin Independent Journal. Despite resigning, Blasi will cooperate with an independent investigation led by a lawyer the town retained, Chanis said. Ryan Monaghan, who has worked at the San Mateo department for 27 years, will start the new job on April 5. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, FL Gov. As the town of Tiburon deals with a controversy involving the Police Department and a Black-owned business, Police Chief Michael Cronin announced on Tuesday that he will retire, according to. Ste. Awash said both she and Khalif have been heartened by the support from the Tiburon community, with both reiterating they feel lucky to live in town. About 6 minutes of cellphone footage of the encounter with the supervisor, Tiburon police Sgt. He went on to say that both he and Awash have been stopped numerous times by Tiburon police, both in their cars and walking down the street. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Michael Blasi, was, 2022 The Ark, AMMI Publishing Co. Inc. | 1550 Tiburon Blvd. Khalif said despite previous negative encounters with police in town, he andAwash said they love Tiburon and the outpouring from the community, town manager and council members has given them hope. Tiburon police sergeant shoots self in police station Amy Larson 12/14/2022 TIBURON, Calif. (KRON) A Tiburon Police Department sergeant fatally shot himself inside the police. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The town announced Blasis resignation on Tuesday. Michael Blasi, was posted by Khalif to social media later Aug. 21. Critics also note the officers finally left without the proof they said was required for 11 minutes only when a white Main Street resident who overheard the confrontation shouted, Thats his store.. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. videotaped confronting a Black business owner, Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. ", Others responded with different views, saying that officers were just doing their job. Cronin quickly apologized, saying he stood in support of peaceful protests in Marin City and condemned racism, social injustice and police brutality. Khalif posted the video to Instagram. The video circulating on social media was recorded on Khalifs friends cellphone from inside the store and was posted to Yemas Instagram account, where it has been viewed nearly 45,000 times, and to its Facebook page, where it has been shared nearly 1,000 times, each garnering hundreds of comments. Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? The store was well-lighted, and police reports show no alarm had sounded and no one had otherwise reported suspicious activity. Tiburons Hank Easom was locally renowned sailor, After earthquakes, Tiburon resident seeks aid for native Turkey, Six vying for interim seat on Tiburon Town Council, Former mayor and longtime volunteer named Belvedere Citizen of the Year, Study details threat of water from below in combatting sea rise, Residents sound off, urge action at Belvedere coyote forum, Angel Island ferry to be states first all-electric short-run ferry, Angel Island honored for effort to turn historic hospital into museum, 2022 The Ark, AMMI Publishing Co. Inc. | 1550 Tiburon Blvd. Sept. 10, 2020 1:17 AM PT. You know, this is not something that is good for the community when this happens, so when everybody has a voice, everybody gets involved, when everybody speaks up when they see any kind of an injustice happening not being bystanders makes the community better, Khalif said. As a community, we need to demand change in our public servants when it becomes clear their own unrecognized prejudices can no longer allow them to protect and serve all residents.. Then show me that its your store, said the officer. It came from knowing that in one split second they could end someones life.. ", The business owner tells ABC7 News, "I did feel racially profiled. Video shows the interaction between the store owner and the police supervisor, who demanded, "I want to know what you're doing in the store at 1'oclock in the morning.". You know what, put the key in the door and were outta here., Khalif is seen picking through his keys as he tells Blasi to stand back and not raise his voice at him: Just chill and Ill put my key in the door., Before he can, neighbor Ken Simpson, a part-time resident of a Main Street apartment, yells down twice, Thats his store.. Khalif replies, No, just doing our thing and asks if theres a problem. Your email address will not be published. I dont have to show anything to you, Khalif can be heard saying. At one point he stopped across our store for a good minute. The Los Angeles Times broke the story about former officers charged with conspiracy and vandalism in connection to a swastika spray-painting on a citizen's car. Offensive text messages exchanged between police officers in the Los Angeles suburb of Torrance, California, have hit the news and brought a spotlight on systemic discriminatory practices within the department.. Live here, do not tell me about whatever, Khalif responds body-camera perspective of the encounter his... For not complying, which went into effect September 1 what just happened? and cell phone footage the... I think good will come of this, awash said, on Main street Tiburon California to! Cooperate with an independent investigation led by a lawyer the town has been significant for Tiburon ''. 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