HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-27 - AGENDA REPORTS - DAVE'S MARCH FOR JUSTICE (2)CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT:
Agenda Item:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by:
April 27, 2004
Mayor Bob Kellar
ay
"DAVE'S MARCH FOR JUSTICE" EVENT - MAY 8, 2004
Parks, Recreation & Community Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. City Council approve staff participation in the production of "Dave's March for Justice" event
on Saturday, May 8, 2004.
2. Approve transfer of $6,000 from City Council Contingency Fund account number 2250-7401
to account number 7491-7312.
3. Approve transfer of $9,000 from City Council Contingency Fund account number 2250-7401
to account number 7491-8110.
BACKGROUND
On March 29, 2004, Deputy David March would have celebrated his 35th birthday. Sadly,
Deputy March was gunned down by an illegal Mexican national and convicted drug dealer who
was also wanted on two counts of attempted murder. The suspect then fled to Mexico to escape
American justice. It was a routine traffic stop that turned out to be David March's last. Deputy
March left behind a family who continues to mourn his death and fight for his justice.
The City of Santa Clarita is joined by the March family, Los Angeles District Attorney Steve
Cooley, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, Assemblyman Keith Richman, Los Angeles
County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, Congressman Howard "Buck" McKeon, and 33 House of
Representative members who are very concerned with the 1980 Mexican extradition policy and
2001 Mexican Supreme Court decision, which prohibits the extradition of Mexican nationals to
the U.S. unless U.S. prosecutors agree to waive the death penalty as well as life sentences.
AFFROUED
In Southern California, more than 300 violent criminals have fled to Mexico in recent years.
Authorities have identified more than a dozen cases in which illegal aliens were accused of
injuring or killing a U.S. law enforcement officer but are believed to have fled to Mexico. David
March's case is not an isolated incident. In an effort to draw national attention and support for
change to this ill-conceived policy, and to help bring justice for David March and other victims
suffering from lack of closure, "Dave's March for Justice" event is scheduled to be held on
Saturday, May 8, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. at the College of the Canyons in Santa Cladta.
The production of this event will require staff time for planning and coordination and $15,000 in
Council contingency funds for marketing and logistical elements of the event. While the
extradition of Deputy March's killer cannot bring back this wonderful man, we can remember
David March through his simple words about his life and his work: "My goals are simple. I will
always be painfully honest, work as hard as I can, learn as much as I can, and make a difference
in people's lives."
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Other action as determined by Council.
FISCAL
Current City Council contingency balance is $615,740. Approval of this item would result in a
new balance of $600,740.