HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-26 - RESOLUTIONS - DIST ATTNY GASCON RECALLRESOLUTION NO. 22-14
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, TO SUPPORT THE RECALL OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DISTRICT ATTORNEY GEORGE GASCON
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita, California, values and places the highest priority
on public safety and protecting its community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita, California, emphasizes supporting public safety
policies to prevent and reduce criminal activity in its adopted 2022 Executive and Legislative
Platform; and
WHEREAS, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon unilaterally issued a
series of Special Directives in December 2020, including Special Directives 20-06, 20-07, and
20-08; and
WHEREAS, Special Directive 20-06 eliminates cash bail for any misdemeanor, non -
serious felony, or non-violent felony offense; and
._ WHEREAS, Special Directive 20-07 declines or dismisses several misdemeanor charges,
including trespassing, disturbing the peace, criminal threats, drug and paraphernalia possession,
under the influence of a controlled substance, public intoxication, and resisting arrest; and
WHEREAS, Special Directive 20-08 eliminates several sentence enhancements,
including the Three Strikes Law, gang enhancements, and violations of bail; and
WHEREAS, some of the Special Directives issued by Los Angeles County District
Attorney George Gascon, violate state law, which were enacted through the legislative or ballot
initiative process to prevent and prosecute crime and protect the general public; and
WHEREAS, the Special Directives listed in this resolution undermine the legislative and
ballot initiative process and risk safety of the general public; and
WHEREAS, it is of the utmost importance for the City of Santa Clarita, California, that
policies that aim to restructure or amend prosecutorial directives are consistent with state law and
issued with reasonable intent and priority to enhance public safety and protect the general public
and victims' rights; and
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2021, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita adopted
Resolution No. 21-7, becoming the first City to adopt a vote of no confidence in Los Angeles
County District Attorney George Gascon; and
WHEREAS, local and regional crime has increased in the last year, including serial and
organized crimes related to assault, burglary, grand theft auto, and arson; and
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WHEREAS, the leadership and directives of Los Angeles County District George Gascon
have exacerbated serial crime rates, as many individuals are not prosecuted for the crimes they
commit and never receive any needed treatment or rehabilitation, further perpetuating an
environment of lawlessness and injustice.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California, does
hereby resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. The Santa Clarita City Council affirms support for the recall of Los Angeles
County District Attorney George Gascon and hereby directs staff transmit said resolution to
applicable and interested offices and organizations.
SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 26th day of April 2022.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
DATE: 57I b�
MAYOR
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Mary Cusick, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Resolution No. 22-14 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa
Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 26th day of April 2022, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: McLean, Smyth, Gibbs, Miranda, Weste
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
CITY CLERK
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