An ideal ‘shining example’

Deepa Bharath

Melissa Doss had a big smile on her face.

Dressed in a black suit, long blond hair cascading down her shoulders,

Doss accepted flowers and congratulatory hugs from friends and family.

She was the first graduate to successfully complete her rehabilitation

program from the Drug Court system at the Harbor Justice Center.

The program that began in Harbor Court last July offers an alternative

to jail time for selected drug offenders. Participants go through a

rigorous physical, psychological and social rehabilitation program that,

officials say, aims to return them to the community as good and able

citizens.

Doss, a 25-year-old psychology major at Orange Coast College, has

reached that goal after one year. She was recognized at a special

presentation in courtroom H14, where Judge Geoffrey Glass awarded her a

certificate of merit and dismissed all charges against her.

The courtroom looked unusually festive Monday afternoon with colorful

balloons tied on the chair normally occupied by grim witnesses. Replacing

jurors in the jury box were dignitaries, court officials and counselors

-- all of whom clapped and cheered for Doss.

The judge traded his black robe for a blazer, slung a guitar on his

shoulder and accompanied therapist Andrew Perry in a special song for the

graduate.

Doss, who had been addicted to cocaine and heroin for five years when

she was arrested in January 2000, said she took it one day at a time.

“I never thought this day would come,” she said. “It all seemed

impossible at first. I needed this structure to help me get my act

together.”

Doss is a “shining example” to other recovering addicts, said Patricia

Bintliff, program director at Positive Directions Recovery Homes in Costa

Mesa, where Doss lived since March 2000.

“She was tearful, remorseful and determined to turn a new leaf,” she

said. “It’s a tremendous challenge living with 11 other women, having to

do chores, face curfews and even restrictions to use the phone.”

The program achieved something Frank Doss could not do for his

daughter.

“They struck a chord I didn’t,” he said. “I thought I had that power

as her father. But I was wrong.”

Right after her graduation speech, Ross gave a yellow rose to Newport

Beach Police Officer Bob Rivers, who arrested her more than a year ago.

“If it were not for him, I would never be here today,” said Doss,

hugging Rivers.

Rivers said he was overwhelmed by the ceremony and by Doss’ success.

“I never get to see what happens to the people I arrest,” he said.

“This is great. This feels good.”