HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2021-C25RESOLUTION NO.2021-C25
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA
EXPRESSING CONCERNS REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S SPECIAL DIRECTIVES
AND THEIR IMPACT ON CRIMINAL FILING PRACTICES AND
PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE CITY OF AZUSA
WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Azusa values and places the highest priority
on public safety and protecting its community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that all of the criminal laws and penalties contained
in the California Penal Code serve to deter crime and criminal elements in the state and the City
of Azusa; and
WHEREAS, on December 7, 2020, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon
issued a series of Special Directives to be effective on December 8, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Special Directives include the following:
1. Special Directive 20-06 eliminates cash bail for any misdemeanor, non -
serious felony, or non-violent felony offense.
2. 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.
3. Special Directive 20-08 eliminates several sentence enhancements,
including the Three Strikes Law, gang enhancements, and violations of bail.
WHEREAS, the Special Directives undermine the deterrent effects of various criminal
laws and penalties that were meant to protect the public, including the residents of the City of
Azusa; and
WHEREAS, it is of the utmost importance for the City of Azusa that policies 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The facts set forth in the Recitals, above, are true and correct and are hereby
adopted in support of this Resolution
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Azusa expresses its concerns regarding the
adoption of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon's Special Directives, their
impact on public safety in the City of Azusa and affirms a vote of no confidence in Los Angeles
County District Attorney George Gascon and his Special Directives.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution. Staff is
directed to transmit this Resolution to any interested offices and organizations.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 171" day of May, 2021.
Robert Gonzales
Mayor
ATTEST:
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF AZUSA )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 2021-C25 was duly adopted
by the City Council of the City of Azusa, at a meeting thereof held on the 17`h day of May 2021,
by the following vote of the Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, MACIAS, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
J fr a ce Cornej o, J
ity Cler
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
0--
Marco M inez
City Attorney
Best Best & Krieger LLP
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