In re G.B. ( 2018 )


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  • Filed 6/13/18 (unmodified opn. attached)
    CERTIFIED FOR PARTIAL PUBLICATION*
    IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
    FIRST APPELLATE DISTRICT
    DIVISION ONE
    In re G.B., a Person Coming Under the
    Juvenile Court Law.                                  A152105
    THE PEOPLE,                                         (Contra Costa County
    Super. Ct. No. J17-00553)
    Plaintiff and Respondent,
    v.                                                  ORDER MODIFYING PARTIAL
    PUBLICATION ORDER
    G.B.,
    Defendant and Appellant.                NO CHANGE IN JUDGMENT
    THE COURT:
    It is ordered that the partial publication order filed today be modified as follows:
    1. The second sentence, “After the court’s review of a request under California
    Rules of Court, rule 8.1120, and good cause established under rule 8.1105, it is hereby
    ordered that the opinion should be published, with the exception of parts I. and II.A., in
    the Official Reports,” is modified as follows:
    After the court’s review of a request under California Rules of Court, rule 8.1120,
    and good cause established under rule 8.1105, it is hereby ordered that the opinion
    should be published, with the exception of part II.A., in the Official Reports.
    There is no change in the judgment.
    Dated:
    ___________________________
    Margulies, Acting P.J.
    *
    Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rules 8.1105(b) and 8.1110, this opinion is
    certified for publication with the exception of part II.A.
    Filed 5/31/18; Certified for Partial Publication 6/13/18 (order attached) (unmodified version)
    IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
    FIRST APPELLATE DISTRICT
    DIVISION ONE
    In re G.B., a Person Coming Under the
    Juvenile Court Law.
    THE PEOPLE,                                                     A152105
    Plaintiff and Respondent,                             (Contra Costa County
    v.                                                              Super. Ct. No. J17-00553)
    G.B.,
    Defendant and Appellant.
    Appellant G.B. was declared a ward of the court and placed on juvenile probation
    after the juvenile court sustained allegations he possessed a concealable firearm in
    violation of Penal Code section 29610. Appellant appeals from the jurisdictional and
    dispositional orders, arguing the jurisdictional finding must be reversed because the
    eyewitness identification was unreliable, and four of the probation conditions imposed
    are unconstitutionally vague or overbroad.
    We conclude a probation condition requiring that appellant “have peaceful contact
    only with all law enforcement” is unconstitutionally vague and strike that condition. We
    narrow the condition appellant stay away from any school campus unless enrolled
    consistent with state law that prohibits persons from visiting school grounds without
    notifying school authorities. We otherwise affirm the jurisdictional and dispositional
    orders.
    I. BACKGROUND
    On May 8, 2017, the Contra Costa County District Attorney filed a wardship
    petition pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 602, alleging appellant, a
    minor, committed a felony by possessing a concealable firearm in violation of Penal
    Code section 29610.
    On the afternoon of May 4, 2017, V.D., a maintenance supervisor at the Pittsburg
    Marina, saw appellant with some other young men in an area near the Pittsburg Marina
    maintenance yard. V.D. first saw appellant and the others through a cyclone fence, but
    backed away when he realized he would be seen. He then moved to a location inside a
    building where he could see them through an open door approximately 30 feet away.
    V.D. saw appellant was standing up, while the others were sitting down.
    Appellant was dancing and waving a silver gun in the air. Appellant waved the gun in his
    right hand for more than 30 seconds, then set it down carefully on the ground. Appellant
    was wearing a white T-shirt. It was a “[v]ery bright day,” and V.D. said he saw appellant
    and the gun “[v]ery clearly” from about 30 feet away.
    V.D. contacted the police. About five minutes later, police officers arrived on the
    scene. They detained a group of four individuals, one of whom was appellant. One of
    the officers also discovered a shotgun and a silver revolver in the area where the young
    men had been. When officers asked V.D. to describe the person who had been holding a
    gun, he was only able to remember the person was wearing a white T-shirt, not a tank
    top.1 At the scene, V.D. told officers he could not tell whether the individual with the
    gun had a ponytail, but later V.D. testified he saw someone with a ponytail that day but it
    was not the person waving the gun. At the jurisdictional hearing, V.D. again identified
    appellant as the person who had been holding the gun.
    Officer Erica Baker also testified at the jurisdictional hearing. Baker said the first
    responding officers had relocated the four detained young men and had them sit on the
    ground about 15 feet away from where she and V.D. were standing. When Baker asked
    1
    One of the individuals detained was wearing a white tank top.
    2
    V.D. to identify the person who had been waving the gun, he identified appellant. Baker
    testified she believed appellant wore a white T-shirt that day, and a heavier person with a
    ponytail wore a white tank top.
    Photographs of the four individuals detained by police were also admitted into
    evidence at the hearing. The photo of appellant shows him wearing a black T-shirt.
    The juvenile court sustained the allegations of the petition. The judge remarked,
    “[A]lthough it does come down to a question of identification—and I cannot explain why
    or understand why the photo of [appellant] has him wearing something that looks like a
    black shirt or t-shirt. Both [V.D.] and Officer Baker testified they observed [appellant] as
    one of the individuals wearing a white t-shirt when she came on scene. So the fact that
    Officer Baker observed [appellant] wearing a white t-shirt corroborates [V.D.] testifying
    in terms of his identification. He was pretty adamant, I thought, in court and apparently
    he seemed to be pretty sure of himself when he reported it to the police.”
    At the dispositional hearing, appellant was adjudged a ward of the court with no
    termination date. The court reduced his offense to a misdemeanor, and placed him on
    probation subject to various conditions.
    II. DISCUSSION
    A. Substantial Evidence
    Appellant maintains the evidence was insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable
    doubt that he was the person holding the gun. Appellant contends the eyewitness
    identification is not reliable because the witness observed the person waving the gun
    from many feet away, and his testimony is inherently improbable because he said
    appellant was wearing a white T-shirt, but the photographs taken shortly thereafter
    showed appellant in a black T-shirt.
    We review a substantial evidence claim in a juvenile case under the same standard
    of review applicable in adult criminal cases. (In re V.V. (2011) 
    51 Cal. 4th 1020
    , 1026.)
    The relevant inquiry is “whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to
    the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the
    crime . . . beyond a reasonable doubt. We review the entire record in the light most
    3
    favorable to the judgment below to determine whether it discloses sufficient evidence—
    that is, evidence that is reasonable, credible, and of solid value—supporting the decision,
    and not whether the evidence proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. [Citation.] We
    neither reweigh the evidence nor reevaluate the credibility of witnesses. [Citation.] We
    presume in support of the judgment the existence of every fact the jury reasonably could
    deduce from the evidence. [Citation.] If the circumstances reasonably justify the
    findings made by the trier of fact, reversal of the judgment is not warranted simply
    because the circumstances might also reasonably be reconciled with a contrary finding.”
    (People v. Jennings (2010) 
    50 Cal. 4th 616
    , 638–639.)
    In this case, there was ample evidence appellant was the individual waving the
    gun. V.D. observed appellant from 30 feet away on a “[v]ery bright day.” He watched
    him for about 30 seconds, dancing and waving the gun in the air, then carefully placing
    the gun on the ground. He saw appellant and the gun in his hand “[v]ery clearly.” V.D.
    testified appellant was wearing a white T-shirt, testimony corroborated by Officer
    Baker’s testimony. V.D. positively identified appellant at the scene from only 15 feet
    away, and again in open court.
    Appellant’s argument V.D.’s identification is inherently unreliable because the
    police photograph shows him in a black shirt is not persuasive. There is no evidence in
    the record about when the police photographs were taken. Moreover, testimony which
    merely discloses unusual or suspicious circumstances does not justify reversal. (See In re
    Daniel G. (2004) 
    120 Cal. App. 4th 824
    , 830 [appellate court cannot reject trier of fact’s
    credibility determination unless testimony is physically impossible or falsity is apparent
    without resorting to inferences or deductions]; People v. Thornton (1974) 
    11 Cal. 3d 738
    ,
    754 [“ ‘Conflicts and even testimony which is subject to justifiable suspicion do not
    justify the reversal of a judgment, for it is the exclusive province of the trial judge or jury
    to determine the credibility of a witness and the truth or falsity of the facts upon which a
    determination depends.’ ”].) Further, the fact appellant was photographed wearing a
    black T-shirt was explored at the hearing, and the juvenile court’s comments reflect the
    court considered that evidence. When “the circumstances surrounding the identification
    4
    and its weight are explored at length at trial, where eyewitness identification is believed
    by the trier of fact, that determination is binding on the reviewing court.” (In re Gustavo
    M. (1989) 
    214 Cal. App. 3d 1485
    , 1497.) So it is here. We find substantial evidence
    supports the juvenile court’s finding appellant was the individual holding the gun.
    B. Probation Conditions
    Appellant next challenges four of the probation conditions imposed by the juvenile
    court on the basis they are either unconstitutionally vague, overbroad, or both.
    The juvenile court imposed the following conditions in its written order: (1) “Do
    not change residence without prior approval of [Deputy Probation Officer]”; (2) “Minor
    not to be on school campus unless enrolled”; (3) “Stay out of Riverview Park in
    Pittsburg, CA”; and (4) “Minor to have peaceful contact only with all law enforcement.” 2
    At the dispositional hearing, the court further explained the conditions as follows:
    “[Y]ou cannot change your address without the prior approval of the deputy probation
    officer. And you must notify the deputy probation officer of any change in residential
    address or telephone number within five days of any such change. [¶] . . . [¶] And you
    shall not be on a school campus unless you are enrolled. [¶] . . . [¶] And you must stay
    out of the Riverview Park in Pittsburg . . . . [¶] . . . [¶] And you must have peaceful
    contact with law enforcement. So what that means is you may be interacting with law
    enforcement, and you just cannot act aggressively toward law enforcement specifically.
    Not abridging your First Amendment rights. I just do not want you to act aggressively.”
    1. Residence Change Approval
    As to the first condition regarding not changing his residence without prior
    approval from his probation officer, appellant argues the condition is facially overbroad,
    unconstitutionally restricts his right to travel and associate with his family, and grants
    arbitrary decisionmaking power to the probation officer to veto his future choice of
    residence “for any reason or no reason at all.” We are not convinced.
    2
    Though we have numbered the conditions (1) through (4) for convenience, they
    were paragraphs Nos. 8, 15, 20, and 23 in the trial court’s order.
    5
    First, we conclude appellant forfeited his right to challenge the residency change
    approval condition by failing to object below. We do not agree with his contention that
    his appeal raises a facial challenge or presents a pure question of law. When the state
    takes jurisdiction over a minor, it takes legal custody of the child and “ ‘stands in the
    shoes of the parents.’ ” (In re R.V. (2009) 
    171 Cal. App. 4th 239
    , 248.) “ ‘[T]he juvenile
    court may impose probation conditions that infringe on constitutional rights if the
    conditions are tailored to meet the needs of the minor.’ ” (Ibid.) Thus, whether
    appellant’s probation condition is permissible depends on whether it is tailored to meet
    his specific needs, an inquiry which requires us to review his particular circumstances
    and the underlying factual record. As our Supreme Court has observed,
    “characteristically, the trial court is in a considerably better position than the Court of
    Appeal to review and modify a . . . probation condition that is premised upon the facts
    and circumstances of the individual case.” (In re Sheena K. (2007) 
    40 Cal. 4th 875
    , 885
    (Sheena K.) [facial challenge that the language of a probation condition is
    unconstitutionally vague and overbroad does not require scrutiny of individual facts and
    circumstances but review of abstract and generalized legal concepts].)
    In any event, even if we considered appellant’s overbreadth claim on the merits,
    we would reject it. Courts often permissibly impose limitations on a probationer’s
    movements as a condition of probation to facilitate supervision, rehabilitation, and
    compliance with the terms of their conditional release. (People v. Moran (2016)
    1 Cal.5th 398, 406 (Moran); see Sheena 
    K., supra
    , 40 Cal.4th at p. 889 [juvenile court
    has wide discretion to impose probation conditions that further ends of justice and that
    reform and rehabilitate ward].) A probation condition may reasonably restrict the
    constitutional rights to travel and freedom of association, so long as it reasonably relates
    to reformation and rehabilitation. (People v. Stapleton (2017) 9 Cal.App.5th 989, 995
    (Stapleton).)
    Two recent cases have rejected arguments a residency approval condition is
    unconstitutional. In Stapleton, the defendant was required to live in a residence approved
    by his probation officer, give written notice 24 hours before changing his residence, and
    6
    was not allowed to move without approval from his probation officer. 
    (Stapleton, supra
    ,
    9 Cal.App.5th at p. 992.) Recognizing the right to travel and freedom of association are
    “ ‘constitutional entitlements,’ ” the court nonetheless concluded the residency approval
    condition was reasonably related to reformation and rehabilitation because a probation
    officer must know where a probationer resides and with whom he is associating in
    deterring future criminality. (Id. at pp. 995–996.) Further, the residency conditions were
    appropriate in light of the defendant’s crime and criminal history, which suggested a need
    for oversight. (Id. at p. 996.) In People v. Arevalo (2018) 19 Cal.App.5th 652 (Arevalo),
    the court likewise concluded a condition requiring the defendant to maintain a residence
    approved by her probation officer was constitutionally valid. Following Stapleton, the
    court observed there was nothing in the record to suggest the approval condition was
    designed to interfere with the defendant’s right to live where she chooses, and the
    condition appropriately allowed the probation officer to supervise her residence because
    the nature of her crime made oversight necessary. (Arevalo, at pp. 657–658.)
    Appellant’s reliance on People v. Bauer (1989) 
    211 Cal. App. 3d 937
    , 944 (Bauer),
    is unavailing. In that case, the court struck a probation condition similar to the one here,
    concluding any requirement the defendant obtain his probation officer’s approval of a
    residency change was an “extremely broad” restriction, and was not “narrowly tailored to
    interfere as little as possible” with his constitutional rights. (Ibid.) Bauer is
    distinguishable, however, because it involved an adult probationer, not a juvenile. A
    court has broader power to fashion probation conditions for a juvenile ward than for an
    adult. (In re Victor L. (2010) 
    182 Cal. App. 4th 902
    , 910.) “This is because juveniles are
    deemed to be ‘more in need of guidance and supervision than adults, and because a
    minor’s constitutional rights are more circumscribed.’ ” (Ibid.) In addition, the Bauer
    court concluded the condition imposed in that case was unconstitutional because it was
    apparently designed to prevent the defendant from living with his overprotective parents
    and essentially “banish” him from his parents’ home. 
    (Bauer, supra
    , 211 Cal.App.3d at
    p. 944.) Such circumstances are not present here, where appellant lives with his mother
    and the probation department’s approval applies only to a change of residence.
    7
    Appellant’s expressed concern the condition will prevent him from moving or
    associating with his family is entirely speculative. He points to nothing in the record that
    suggests a probation officer would disapprove a change of residence if appellant sought
    to move with his mother. We interpret the residence change condition in light of our
    Supreme Court’s instruction that probation conditions “should be given ‘the meaning that
    would appear to a reasonable, objective reader.’ ” (People v. Olguin (2008) 
    45 Cal. 4th 375
    , 382.) We presume probation officers will not withhold approval of a residence
    change for arbitrary or capricious reasons.3 
    (Stapleton, supra
    , 9 Cal.App.5th at pp. 996–
    997, citing Olguin, at p. 383; 
    Arevalo, supra
    , 19 Cal.App.5th at p. 658.) In sum, we
    conclude appellant has not shown the residence change condition is unconstitutionally
    overbroad.
    2. No Presence on School Campus Unless Enrolled
    Appellant next challenges the condition he not be present on any school campus
    unless enrolled in the school. He asserts this probation condition is overbroad because he
    has a right to travel, and the condition unreasonably restricts his ability to visit other
    school campuses for a variety of legitimate purposes, such as touring college campuses,
    competing in a science fair, attending a sporting event, or picking up his siblings from
    their schools.
    The Attorney General relies on an earlier case from this division, In re D.G.
    (2010) 
    187 Cal. App. 4th 47
    (D.G.), to argue the school probation condition in this case
    was not overbroad. In D.G., we concluded a probation condition prohibiting the minor
    from coming within 150 feet of any school campus other than the school he was
    attending was unreasonable because it was not reasonably related to the minor’s offenses,
    3
    We also reject appellant’s argument the residency condition impinges on his
    mother’s constitutional right to care for her child. As a ward of the court, appellant is
    subject to the juvenile court’s authority notwithstanding his mother’s wishes. Appellant
    is also not without a remedy, because he may seek modification of the condition in
    juvenile court. (Welf. & Inst. Code, §§ 775, 778; In re Shaun R. (2010) 
    188 Cal. App. 4th 1129
    , 1141.)
    8
    nor would it serve a rehabilitative purpose by preventing future criminality.4 (D.G., at
    pp. 50, 53.) Rather than strike the condition, however, we modified it to comply with
    Penal Code section 627.2. (D.G., at p. 57.) The modified condition stated: “ ‘Do not
    enter on the campus or grounds of any school unless enrolled, accompanied by a parent
    or guardian or responsible adult, or authorized by the permission of school authorities.’ ”
    (Id. at p. 57.) In his reply brief, appellant contends we should modify the school campus
    condition so that it is consistent with the modified condition in D.G. Because both
    parties agree the condition should be modified to conform to the condition in D.G., we
    will do so. The probation condition is modified as follows: “Minor is not to be on a
    school campus unless enrolled, accompanied by a parent or guardian or responsible adult,
    or authorized by the permission of school authorities.”
    3. Stay Out of Riverside Park
    The third probation condition provides appellant is to “Stay out of Riverview Park
    in Pittsburg, CA.” Appellant argues the condition is unconstitutionally overbroad
    because it has no correlation to his criminality and thus banishes him from an area of the
    park where he might legitimately be without any appreciable increase in criminality. He
    also asserts it is vague because it does not define with sufficient clarity which areas are
    off limits.
    To the extent appellant argues the probation condition is unconstitutionally
    overbroad because he was never in Riverside Park, his claim is dependent on the
    particular facts of his case and was forfeited by his failure to object in the trial court. 5
    (See, e.g., Sheena 
    K. supra
    , 40 Cal.4th at pp. 885, 889.) Appellant also argues, however,
    that the condition is unconstitutionally overbroad because it impinges on his right to
    4
    Unlike here, the juvenile appellant in D.G. had objected to the probation
    condition in the court below, so we considered whether the condition was reasonable
    under People v. Lent (1975) 
    15 Cal. 3d 481
    , and did not reach his constitutional
    arguments. 
    (D.G., supra
    , 187 Cal.App.4th at p. 56, fn. 5.)
    5
    Appellant’s procedurally improper request in a footnote of his opening brief that
    this court “take judicial notice of the location and satellite image of the Pittsburg Marina
    maintenance yard as represented by Google maps” is denied.
    9
    travel and unconstitutionally vague because it does not reasonably inform him where
    Riverside Park begins and ends. These challenges we consider—and reject—on their
    merits. (See, e.g., Sheena K., at p. 887 [challenge to probation condition on ground of
    unconstitutional vagueness or overbreadth that is capable of correction without reference
    to sentencing record presents a pure question of law reviewable on appeal].)
    Several of our courts, including the California Supreme Court, have rejected
    claims that similar probation conditions are unconstitutionally broad restrictions on the
    right to travel. In 
    Moran, supra
    , 1 Cal.5th 398, the defendant had stolen $128 worth of
    merchandise from a Home Depot store in San Jose. The defendant argued the trial
    court’s probation condition requiring him to stay away from all Home Depot stores and
    adjacent parking lots in California violated his constitutional right to travel. (Id. at
    pp. 401, 405.) The Supreme Court, however, concluded the condition “simply [did] not
    implicate his constitutional travel right.” (Id. at p. 407.) The court noted “one struggles
    to perceive how the condition curtails his right to free movement in any meaningful
    way,” as the defendant remained able to move freely about his community. (Ibid.) Here,
    the restriction on visiting a single park is even more limited than the probation condition
    the court found “too de minimis to implicate the constitutional travel right” in Moran.
    (Id. at p. 407; 
    Stapleton, supra
    , 9 Cal.App.4th at pp. 997–998 [probation condition
    requiring defendant to stay away from Target stores and parking lots did not infringe his
    constitutional right to travel].)
    We also disagree with appellant’s contention the probation condition is too vague.
    “Probation conditions, like statutes, are unconstitutional if they are not sufficiently
    precise for the probationer to know what is required of him or her.” (People v. Holzmann
    (2018) 18 Cal.App.5th 1241, 1244 (Holzmann).) Though a probation condition must be
    sufficiently clear and understandable to give the probationer “fair warning” of what is
    prohibited or required, the Constitution “demands ‘ “no more than a reasonable degree of
    certainty.” ’ ” (People v. Hall (2017) 2 Cal.5th 494, 500, 503.) “[T]he relevant question
    is whether a person who wants to comply with the law can reasonably understand how to
    do so—not whether a person seeking to break the law can find some ambiguity in it.”
    10
    (Holzmann, at p. 1245.) Here, the condition that appellant stay out of Riverside Park in
    Pittsburg, California is stated in ordinary language and is sufficiently clear and
    understandable that appellant can comply with its requirements.
    Appellant’s argument that the condition is vague because it does not require that
    appellant know where the park begins and where it ends is not persuasive. A violation of
    a probation condition must be willful. (People v. 
    Hall, supra
    , 2 Cal.5th at pp. 501–503
    [probation conditions prohibiting possession of firearms and narcotics did not have to
    expressly articulate a knowledge requirement to provide defendant with fair warning that
    knowing possession was prohibited]; 
    Holzmann, supra
    , 18 Cal.App.5th at pp. 1245–1246
    [probation condition requiring defendant to stay away from “Apple campus” was not
    unconstitutionally vague because “campus” was understandable enough]; In re
    Edward B. (2017) 10 Cal.App.5th 1228, 1237 [probation condition prohibiting juvenile
    from being on a school campus unless enrolled did not need modification to add
    knowledge requirement].) To the extent appellant were to find himself in Riverside Park
    without knowing it, he would not be in violation of his probation. (See Holzmann, at
    p. 1246; In re Edward B., at p. 1237.) In short, appellant’s claim the probation condition
    requiring him to stay out of Riverside Park is unconstitutional fails on the merits.
    4. Peaceful Contact with Law Enforcement
    Finally, appellant asserts the condition he must have “peaceful” contact with and
    not act “aggressively” toward law enforcement is unconstitutionally vague. We agree.
    “ ‘A probation condition “must be sufficiently precise for the probationer to know
    what is required of him, and for the court to determine whether the condition has been
    violated.” ’ ” (People v. Barajas (2011) 
    198 Cal. App. 4th 748
    , 753.) “[T]he
    underpinning of a vagueness challenge is the due process concept of ‘fair warning.’ ”
    (Sheena 
    K., supra
    , 40 Cal.4th at p. 890.) Fair warning requires that a probation
    condition’s mandates be described in a manner so that “ ‘ “ ‘ordinary people can
    understand what conduct is prohibited.’ ” ’ ” (In re Angel J. (1992) 
    9 Cal. App. 4th 1096
    ,
    1101; Sheena K., at p. 890.) “[T]o the extent the goal of precise expression permits,
    11
    probation conditions—particularly in juvenile cases—should be as comprehensible as
    possible.” (In re E.O. (2010) 
    188 Cal. App. 4th 1149
    , 1157.)
    The condition requiring appellant to have only “peaceful” contact with law
    enforcement does not give fair warning what conduct is required or prohibited, nor does
    it provide guidance as to what would constitute a violation. (See, e.g., People v. Relkin
    (2016) 6 Cal.App.5th 1188, 1196–1198 [probation condition requiring defendant to
    report “ ‘any contacts with . . . any peace officer’ ” was vague and overbroad because the
    language “leave[s] one to guess what sorts of events and interactions qualify as
    reportable”].) The court’s comments at the disposition hearing that appellant should not
    “act aggressively” do little to help clarify. The Attorney General does not identify any
    applicable legal definition of either “peaceful” or “aggressive,”6 and as their dictionary
    definitions reflect, the words have a variety of ordinary meanings and connotations.
    “Peaceful” means “untroubled by conflict, agitation, or commotion: quiet, tranquil,” or
    “devoid of violence or force.” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dict. (11th ed. 2003)
    p. 911.) Does the condition that appellant remain peaceful when interacting with law
    enforcement require him to remain quiet and tranquil? Or does it merely require he
    refrain from exhibiting force? Likewise, “aggressive” has several meanings, including
    being “marked by” (a) “combative readiness,” (b) “obtrusive energy,” or (c) “driving
    forceful energy or initiative.” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate 
    Dict., supra
    , at pp. 24–25.)
    These definitions cover a wide range of potential behaviors.
    The variety of different meanings in turn affects our common understanding of the
    terms. People of ordinary intelligence disagree as to what constitutes “peaceful” or
    “aggressive” behavior, and law enforcement and probation officers likely have divergent
    6
    We note restraining orders and probation conditions mandating “peaceful
    contact” with witnesses or victims are common, and have been referenced in several
    published decisions. (See, e.g., People v. Valdivia (2017) 16 Cal.App.5th 1130, 1156,
    review granted Feb. 14, 2018, S245893; People v. Seymour (2015) 
    239 Cal. App. 4th 1418
    , 1424.) We have not encountered in our case law, however, any example of a
    probation condition requiring “peaceful contact” with law enforcement, nor have the
    parties cited to one.
    12
    views on the subject. One person might find a particular tone of voice, sarcastic
    comment, or body language “aggressive” or “not peaceful,” while another would
    conclude the same conduct was innocuous. The juvenile court’s statement that it was
    “[n]ot abridging [appellant’s] First Amendment rights” reflects the difficulty of
    determining what is expected. One can readily foresee, for example, a circumstance in
    which one person views a probationer’s vociferous objections to police treatment as
    peaceably exercising constitutional rights, while another sees the same behavior as acting
    “aggressively.”
    Appellant suggests we either strike the condition or modify it to allow appellant to
    have lawful interactions with law enforcement. We fail to see how that mandate is not
    already fulfilled by the probation condition that appellant “obey all laws.” Because no
    party proposes a modification of the condition that would remedy its ambiguity or add
    anything not already covered by the other probation conditions imposed by the juvenile
    court, we will strike this condition.
    III. DISPOSITION
    We strike the probation condition requiring peaceful contact with law
    enforcement. We modify the condition regarding appellant’s presence on school
    campuses as stated above, and otherwise affirm the judgment.
    13
    ____________________________
    Margulies, J.
    We concur:
    _____________________________
    Humes, P.J.
    _____________________________
    Dondero, J.
    A152105
    In re G.B.
    14
    Filed 6/13/18
    CERTIFIED FOR PARTIAL PUBLICATION*
    IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
    FIRST APPELLATE DISTRICT
    DIVISION ONE
    In re G.B., a Person Coming Under the
    Juvenile Court Law.                                A152105
    THE PEOPLE,                                       (Contra Costa County
    Super. Ct. No. J17-00553)
    Plaintiff and Respondent,
    v.                                                ORDER CERTIFYING OPINION
    FOR PARTIAL PUBLICATION
    G.B.,
    Defendant and Appellant.              NO CHANGE IN JUDGMENT
    THE COURT:
    The opinion in the above-entitled matter filed on May 31, 2018, was not certified
    for publication in the Official Reports. After the court’s review of a request under
    California Rules of Court, rule 8.1120, and good cause established under rule 8.1105, it is
    hereby ordered that the opinion should be published, with the exception of parts I. and
    II.A., in the Official Reports.
    Dated:
    ___________________________
    Margulies, Acting P.J.
    *
    Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rules 8.1105(b) and 8.1110, this opinion is
    certified for publication with the exception of parts I. and II.A.
    Trial Court: Contra Costa County Superior Court
    Trial Judge: Hon. Susanne M. Fenstermacher
    Counsel:
    Nathan Siedman, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and
    Appellant.
    Xavier Becerra, Attorney General, Gerald A. Engler, Chief Assistant Attorney General,
    Jeffrey M. Laurence, Assistant Attorney General, Donna M. Provenzano and Violet M.
    Lee, Deputy Attorneys General for Plaintiff and Respondent.
    2
    

Document Info

Docket Number: A152105M

Filed Date: 6/13/2018

Precedential Status: Precedential

Modified Date: 4/17/2021