HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 24-8273 - Support of Prop 26, Homelessness, Drug Addiction, & Theft Reduction ActA RESOLUTION OF THE 'CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY IN
SUPPORT OF PROPOSITION 36, THE HOMELESSNESS, DRUG ADDICTION,
AND THEFT REDUCTION ACT
WHEREAS, the safety and security of the residents of Downey are of utmost importance
to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 47, approved by voters in 2014, changed some theft and drug
crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, thereby reducing the punishments for such crimes; and
WHEREAS, while Proposition 47 achieved notable success in making California's criminal
justice system more equitable; Proposition 47 has also led to unintended consequences over the
past decade; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 47 has contributed to increases in repeat and often organized
retail theft; the shuttering of local businesses, and difficulty convincing people to seek drug and
mental health treatment; and
WHEREAS, these unintended consequences can only be corrected by the voters at the
ballot box with modest amendments to Proposition 47; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 36, an Initiative Measure appearing on the November 5, 2024
ballot, proposes to allow felony charges and increased penalties for certain drug and theft crimes;
and
WHEREAS, Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,
is a bi-partisan measure that provides common sense, targeted reforms to Proposition 47 that,
with the recently adopted legislative Retail Theft Package, provide more tools to increase safety
in our communities; and
WHEREAS, spikes in retail theft, violent smash-and-grab robberies, fentanyl deaths, and
illicit drug use, as well as strained social services; are creating challenges beyond the capacity of
local governments; and
WHEREAS, cities are partnering with the state to advance solutions that help reduce
crime and provide more support to residents struggling with substance abuse, while avoiding a
return to the days of mass incarceration; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 36 will define fentanyl as a hard drug, hold individuals convicted
of trafficking fentanyl accountable, and grant judges greater discretion in sentencing drug
traffickers; and
WHEREAS, breaking the cycle of repeat offenders means addressing the many root
causes of retail theft; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 36 allows critical behavioral health services, drug treatment, and
job training within our ;justice system for people who are homeless and suffering from mental
illness or struggling with substance abuse; and
WHEREAS, supporting Proposition 36 reflects the City of Downey's commitment to
enhancing public safety by advocating for meaningful and tailored reforms to our justice system
to ensure the safety of our communities.
RESOLUTION NO. 24-8273
PAGE 2
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City of Downey formally expresses support for Proposition 36, the
Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, and the benefit that it provides for the
community's safety.
SECTION 2. The City of Downey recognizes Proposition 36 as a necessary measure to
protect the public from serious drug and theft crimes, while also providing pathways to
rehabilitation for offenders.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 8` day of October, 2024:
MARIO TRUJILLO, Mayor
ATTEST:
AAA ALICIA DUARTE,
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Q,rrz, ft�A
JO FUNK
City t. torney
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of the
City of Downey at a Regular meeting held on the 8th day of October, 2024, by the following vote,
to wit:
AYES: Council Members: Frometa, Ortiz, Pemberton, Sosa, Mayor Trujillo
NOES: Council Members: None.
ABSENT: Council Members: None.
ABSTAIN: Council Members: None.
A MLIC`IADUARTE�,MC��
City Clerk