Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment Correspondence submitted for 09-28-21 City Council MeetingF-11 yww From: The Rivera Family NOW Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 4:11 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Cc: The Rivera Family Subject: Commissioner for district 3 under Catherine Alvarez, Kevin Ezeh [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I liggl IIIIIII lillillpilil I iIll Ill! Jill I lilil MGM= Based on his own statements and ignorance of what the Taliban has done to hundreds of Afghanistan children and women both young and old, I cannot understand how Kevin Ezeh (commissioner of district 3, under Catherine Alvarez) could sympathize with such a regime. Furthermore, ©2 proves that ©s unfit to represent women in district 3 based on his own bias. As a woman, mother, and a wife of a veteran, I am appalled by his statement. I am asking for the city council to look further into this discrepancy towards our community and women at large. His statements are a disgrace to our city! I MMflMMMGMJ=;1 Maria • • •i Viera Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 8:56 AM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment • Adorable housing [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. • trabajo •. yo y mi esposo •• famila grande de 6 i• a mi, vivo en una apartanento de 1 recamara no puedo exonomica Mente rentar orto apartamento mas grande por que El Costo de Los apatamentos son muy altos y tampoco ay vivienda accecible disponibles para familiar de vajos recursos en la is• •. • From: DANIEL DUBLAN Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 11:59 AM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: AFFORDABLE HOUSING [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe, AFFORDABLE HOUSING Good evening council members of city of Downey. I'm •- living in this city for about 6 years and I love are community, • unfortunately since covid start the rents are getting • high and make a '• • • to have a good and healthy environment for are child's and older people , that's why as resident of this city, I urge to the council members to have affordable • programs and rent control , also to visit personally and see • the covid and a lot of landlords are killing the • life we deserve, I'm truly grateful for the current programs to help the residents thru covid but Unfortunately only helps as temporary band • dishonest landlords and manage companies will keep continue choking us and are child's. I use the word choking •. purpose because is really how we feel when have to deal whit the pandernic and antithetical busine man. • pandernic we vaccine. • the suffer and pain • thousands in this city you are the vaccin I •' THE COUNCIL MEMBERS FOCUS • THIS SITUATION AS T Maria Quinonez VA From: Jessamyn Garner NNOWNW06. Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 903 AM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good morning. I am wrng to urge you to support The Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan, Item 1 on today's city council agenda. This plan will bring much needed affordable housing to Downey where there is currently unused land and vacant buildings. The plan will also create more open space, make roads safer for pedestrians an4l cyclists, and improve access to transit and opportunity. LA County needs more affordable housing, especially with high -quality facilities and supportive services. I support Item 1 and the Veteran Commons housing project. I I mm am gfz_WTWII� .� I Isabel Prieto From: Sent: Monday, September 27,20Z1 6:43PM To: Downey City Clerk Public Comment Subject: Item 1 and general comment; Please support more PSH in Downey for our unhoused veterans and other residents in ned -�AUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the ,ntent is safe. We need more supportive affordable housing in LA County that offers wraparound services for residents that need it. I support item 1 on the agenda that would allow Path Partners to create new permanent supportive affordable housing for veterans in LA All residents deserve safe, clean, and affordable housing! We must commit to building such housing in all of LA County. Affordable housing is both rent and homeownership for the working class, seniors, students, those with low or no income, and many others in Best. Maria Quinonez From: Karla Amaya Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 2:04 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: RE: Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. RanchoI am writing this e-mail to provide my feedback as I support the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan that will support our homeless veterans. I feel that this will help the city very much to help house homeless that have served our County in the past and deserve to be housed. It would be wonderful if the city of Downey would be able to pass such a plan. I feel that Los Amigos would be the perfect place as well. It would help house homelessout on streets that are on our - and this way we can all be in agreementbusinesses as well as our • - -ss would feel safe. Please pass this plan. Very much appreciated, Karla Amaya Maria Quinonez Audrey Hahn 60009000mano Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 2:01 PM From: To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: proposedRanchoLosAmigosSouth[annpusSpechicP|an-LetterofSupport [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. This is Audrey Hahn from Abode Communities, writing in support of Agenda Item 1 for today's Regular Meeting concerning the adoption of the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan. We are excited to have our Veteran Commons affordable and supportive housing site be part of the proposed Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Specific Plan, housing 100 veterans and their families in this vibrant and historic community. Our Veteran Commons site will be located on 11269 Garfield Ave, on the western edge of the proposed Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Specific Plan. The project is a 100% affordable mixed -use new construction residential community featuring 100 units of service -enhanced affordable and supportive housing for veterans and their families, as well as a the building will utilize cutting -edge technology to run entirely on clean electricity, exemplifying our state's goal to clecarbonize new housing stock to fight the climate crisis. We're honored by the support this project has garnered so far, including from Supervisor Janice Hahn and community organizations, and pledge to remain engaged with Downey and South Gate residents even after the site opens. As the Thank you for taking the time toread this email ofsupport ofthe adoption ofthe Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Specific Plan. Audrey Hahn Abode Communities Abode Communities remains committed to the health and safety of itsstaff and residents. in an effort to better serve our residents and communities, we have resumed onsitevroperty overations. Our corporate headguarters will continue to work remotely untilfurther notice. Maria Quinonez • Alexandria Contreras Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 11:48 AM To: • City Clerk - Public • Subject: Veteran's housing project I [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am writing in my support for the Veteran's housing project coming to Downey. For decades, Downey has not allowed enough housing to be built pushing people into homelessness or overcrowded housing conditions. Th4 city council should not only support this project, but should encourage this development to house even more veterans and their families seeing as this city is responsible for displacement • low • renters and homeowners. The City Council has the tools to support for housing this nation's veteran community and I encourage them to do so. H Maria Quinonez From: Martha Ca macho- Rodriguez Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 11:57 AM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Veterans housing project [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am writing in support of the Veterans Housing project that is set to break ground. We must as a community continue to support our veteran's who are impacted by housing insecurity and or are currently unhoused. This [irqject will greatly impact our Vets and we must support them. Thank you! 11,wifU Q11Q'*1 Al Maria, "Quin-onez From: Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 12:25 PM To: Downey[kxOerk-Pub|icCbmmert Subject: Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. only homeless people, but also homeless families, we do not have the luxury to pass on the opportunity to create responsible thing to do is to take advantage of the opportunity presented to us. I urge you to join me in taking this housing crisis with the sense of urgency it merits and vote to support the housing Aroposal because everybody deserves a place to call, home. Thank you, K8ia Martinez Downey Resident District Sent from my iPhone Maria Quinonez From: mber 28, 2021 12:35 PM Sent: To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Rancho Los Amigos South campus [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi. I support the Ranch Los amigos South campus plan The Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan will bring hundreds of affordable housing units, including permanent supportive housing for unhoused veterans, to what is now unused land and vacant buildings. The plan will also create more open space, make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and improve access to transit and opportunity. PATH is the developer and service provider and trusted partner of the Everyone In campaign. Sent from Yahoo Mail on A-ndroid Maria Quinonez From: Zeke Sandoval Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1:06 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Supporting Item 1 for 9/28 Regular Meeting [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. of Agenda Item I for today's Regular Meeting concerning the adoption of the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan. We're thrilled to have our Veteran Commons affordable and supportive housing site be part of the Rancho Los Amigos plan, housing 100 veterans and their families in this vibrant and historic community. Our Veteran Commons site will be located on 11269 Garfield Ave, on the western edge of the proposed Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan. The project is a 100% affordable mixed -use new construction residential community featuring 100 units of service -enhanced affordable and supportive housing for veterans and their families, as well as a Workforce Development Center to support veterans living at Veteran Commons and the community at large. In addition, the building will utilize cutting -edge technology to run entirely on clean electricity, exemplifying ourstate's goal to decarbonize new housing stock tofight the climate crisis. We're honored by the support this project has garnered so far, including from Supervisor Janice Hahn and community organizations, and pledge to remain engaged with Downey and South Gate residents even after the site opens. As the Rancho Los Amigos plan creates new opportunities for Downey residents from all backgrounds, we're excited to join our neighbors to make sure all vulnerable community members share in the benefits that growth brings. Thank you. Zeke SmodnvuK(be/hinm) Public Policy i'vianager 77 oathore SUPPORT PATH's COVID-19 FUND TODAY! This email and any files transmitted with it may contain confidential information that is legally privile.ged and is intended solely for the use of the individual orentity to which they are addressed, If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering ittothe intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, dissemination, distribution, or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by reply email and destroy the original transmission and its attachment without reading or saving them in any manner. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, Maria • From: Hava Buchanan -- -- Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1:59 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Housing for veterans [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I fully support housing for our homeless veterans. They are profoundly undeserved and providing them with truly affordable housing is a step in the right direction. Maria Quinonez From: Rob Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1:59 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Plan [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. ousing projeci is LICHIMUly Lt SLUPI III Mr, Elgin, UIMCQ94PII. I NJ,,VP1(WIL well. Maria Quinonez From: Thomas Irwin Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1:18 PIVI To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. LA County needs more affordable housing, especially with high quality facilities and supportive services. As a resident, I have seen the impacts that the housing crisis has had on southeast region of LA. We cannot solve the crisis until all cities do their part to build the housing we need. W, wage M-E=* Thomas Irwin Maria Quinonez From: Jes McBride Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1:38 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Support for Item 1 - Specific Plan & Veteran Commons [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. LA County in general and Downey in particular needs more affordable housing, especially with high quality facilities and supportive services. Downey is a growing town and if more housing is not constructed, existing renters will be priced out. Therefore I support Item I and the Veteran Commons housing project. KMRI= UWARENW11 Los Angeles, CA 420NOW Isabel Prieto From: Alexandria Yellowhair Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1:53 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Affordable Housing [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. mm, I am a citizen of Downey and I support the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Plan. Our residents deserve affordable housing. Thank you, Yellowhair IT77MI. Will IIIJ I Get Outlook for Android Maria Quinonez From: Anthony Bahamoncles Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1:45 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Plan [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe, My name is Anthony Bahamoncles from PATH Ventures, writing in support of Agenda Item 1 for today's Regular Meeting concerning the adoption of the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan. We're thrilled to have our Veteran Commons affordable and supportive housing site be part of the Rancho Los Amigos plan, housing 100 veterans and their families in this vibrant and historic community. Our Veteran Commons site will be located on 11269 Garfield Ave, on the western edge of the proposed Rancho Los Amigos South Campus plan. The project is a 100% affordable mixed -use new construction residential community featuring 100 units of service -enhanced affordable and supportive housing for veterans and their families, as well as a A _z7qj�_ In addition.. - the building will utilize cutting -edge technology to run entirely on clean electricity, exemplifying our state's goal to clecarbonize new housing stock to fight the climate crisis. We're honored by the support this project has garnered so far, including from Supervisor Janice Hahn and community organizations, and pledge to remain engaged with Downey and South Gate residents even after the site opens. As the Rancho Los Amigos plan creates new opportunities for Downey residents from all backgrounds, we're excited to join our neighbors to make sure all vulnerable community members share in the benefits that growth brings. Thank you! I Alicia Duarte GuiUemnoArneo|a Alicia Duarte Yolanda Chavez FUI: Rancho Los Amivrc�� -Ml I received this email correspondence in regards to the public hearing for the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Specific Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 20219:31 AM To: Guillermo Arreola Subject: Rancho Los Amigos South Campus [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links orattachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. It is very apparent that LA County and the City of Downey has already made plans without much input from those residents who will be impacted by these projects. As a resident of the Hollydale area of South Gate living across from Gardendale, how does the county and Downey intend to resolve the traffic congestion and public safety of this area Mfeavy we don't have much of a say, please consider permanent housing rather than transitional housing or shelters for this area. There will already be several facilities offering this type of housing around this site, there is no need to add more. Since the reopening of schools (since Covid) this area already has an enormous amount of visitors to the area due to the games St. Pius/Matthias High school hosts. Many come into our South Gate residential areas to park since there is a lack of parking there, lack of proper street lighting on Downey's side also make it dangerous for driving here because people constantly jaywalk at night during these games. DPD NEVER comes through this particular area to even provide some sign of visible patrol to their area. Why?! Lastly, I have noticed that perhaps a cross walk might be implemented connecting Downey to South Gate by the Spo r1a parking issues so why be un neighborly and invite more of this issue to your neighbors in South Gate?! Perhaps this time I will receive an acknowledgment to my email since the first one went unanswered. Respectfully I -e L I -114M --7:::4- 13 GEORGEGASCON LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HALLOFJUSTICE 211 WEST TEMPLE STREET LOS ANGELES, CA90012 (213)974-3500 Mayor Claudia M. Frometa Downey City Hall I I I I I Brookshire Ave. Downey, CA 90241 I Thank you for your service on behalf of the City of Downey and its residents. Community members recently brought to my attention an item on the September 28, 2021 Council agenda related to the Council's concerns about my office's policies. I lead a community -first have arisen surrounding my Special Directives. We have seen a significant amount of misinformation surrounding these directives over the last few months. To address the concerns that I've been made aware of, I have included some brief responses below. 'Ntisdemeanor Cases ( ecial Directive 20-0: Misdemeanors have accounted for approximately 70% of all cases filed every year by our office. They consume vast resources that could be used on the prevention and prosecution of violent offenses. Prosecuting non-violent, non -serious misdemeanors are not a proper expenditure of our resources. The over -reliance and overuse of misdemeanors has exacerbated social ills and in us less safe. In fact, a recent,,r-eport out of Sufffilk, County shows that the overuse of misdemeanors has run contrary to public safety, by increasing recidivism rates. The consequences of a misdemeanor conviction are life-long and grave, even for those who avoid incarceration. Misdemeanor convictions create difficulties with employment, housing, education, government benefits, and immigration for non -citizens and citizens alike. Deportation, denial of citizenship, and inadmissibility affect not only individuals, but also children, families, and immigrant communities. And no matter one's immigration status, the resultant costs and fees of misdemeanor convictions force many to choose between necessities such as rent, transportation, and medical care versus financial obligations to the justice system. In addition, prosecuting first-time non-violent misdemeanors actually increases the likelihood of re -offense. However, a recent Lt�d from the National Bureau of Economic Research shows people who were arrested but not prosecuted for low level non-violent misdemeanors (such as drug and paraphernalia possession, being under the influence of controlled substance, etc.), were Mayor Claudia M. Fro eta September 27, 2021 Page Two 58% less likely to commit another crime in the following two years, than those who were prosecuted for that same minor crime. Non -prosecution also reduced the rate at which non- violent misdemeanor defendants were charged with subsequent violent offenses within two years by 64%, relative to comparably prosecuted defendants. Agencies equipped with the social -service tools necessary to address the underlying causes of offenses such as drug possess -ion and public intoxication are best positioned to prevent recidivism and will thus be empowered to provide help to those in need. However, it is important to note that offenses that track more closely to more volatile misdemeanors such as criminal threats have approximately the same charge rates as previous years, meanwhile misdemeanors such as simple possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia have gone down substantially (approximately 90 percent charge rate to 5% charge rate). My mandate is to protect public safety. To do so as effectively as possible, we direct those in need of services to treatment providers, divert those undeserving of criminal records to appropriate fora, and reorient our focus towards combating violent and serious criminal offenses. Please note, my office's policies were crafted with numerous exceptions in order to preserve public safety. If such cases are not being pursued accordingly in the City of Downey, please advise your local law enforcement to track the names and dates of the arrest for the declined offenses in order to document a repetitive behavior that needs our attention. As your elected District Attorney, I am committed to enhancing public safety. One of the any reasons I sought this office was to improve the health and safety of our communities --for my I 1 11 1 Attu family, and yours. Public safety is paramount to the work of District A omey's office, and to my life's work. As a former police chief, assistant police chief, and District Attorney in three major cities, I've been able to reduce violent crime in every position I have held. Reducing violent crime throughout Los Angeles County continues to be my priority goal. My office is taking proactive steps and using innovative approaches towards this effort, in tandem with the work to unwind ineffective, outdated, expensive, and racist approaches that have been proven to only counteract this goal. I hope this response addresses your concerns. I remain deeply committed to public safety, and to our communities. I look forward to working with you in the future. In partnership, rGJE0XRi1`i'_E Gzk0_C%f1)1N_ District Attomey cc: Cit-y (__'ouncil, City ok'-Downcy Not Pro,,lacuting Low -Level Crimea Leads To Less Crime In Suffolk County, Research Finds I WBUR News Vjfflffim�M Not Prosecu * LowwLevel Crimes Leads lb Less U09 Crime Itt Suffift Count� Research Finds looking at Suffolk County criminal cases Researchers from three universities analyzed 67,553 misdemeanor cases in Boston, Winthrop, Revere and Chelsea from 2004 to 2018, which didn't include the tenure of current District Attorney Rachael Rollins. She took office in 2019. People arrested but not prosecuted on low-level, nonviolent misdemeanors — like shoplifting, drug possession or motor vehicle offenses — were 58% less likely to commit another crime in Suffolk County in the following two years, according to the study. pqIqlllllll1gq� llllgq� 1 111 Ill https:/;',,vww,wbur.org/ne,Ns/2021/03/29/non-prosecution-Ioov-Ievel-crime-roIIins-suffoIk-coLinty Page 1 of 4 Nuf Prosaca@ing Low -Level Crrnes Lead,; To Less Crime In S,,fto,'k County, Research Finds 1 WBUR News 9/26/21, 3:Z0 DINA with a nonviolent misdeme-3-Mor significantly reduces their probability of future criminal legal contact," Rutgers University professor Amanda an, one of the researchers, said. "Or put the other direction: prosecuting these defendants actually decreases public safety." Most nonviolent misdemeanor cases, even if they are prosecuted, don't end in a conviction. Three out of four end without a conviction, but will show up on a person's criminal record, affecting their job prospects and ability to secure housing. Rollins, speaking to WBUR's Radio Boston Monday, said this confirms what she and many others have believed about how to handle low-level crimes. e 0 011 1_11 their _v__ _ ,/x.The.n. V1.7 nri-compassinnnti-nnd allow them to o- onwiththeirli Z� they often don't come back into contact with the criminal legal system and IT we are safer as a result of that, she sai4l When she took office, Rollins drew criticism from state -,_-,over--,: and assistant district attorneys to decline prosecution for certain nonviolent misdemeanor crimes, like disorderly conduct, rdriving with a suspended Oprise or trespassing. A more limited analysis of cases since Rollins took office finds significantly fewer nonviolent misdemeanor crimes were prosecuted, according to researchers. There's been no change in prosecutions of A And t-he researchers' review of Boston crime data from Fanuary 2017 to J_ -low- lewfl-cr me-r Ains- SUffOlk-GOU'llty Page 2 of 4 Not Pro-gecuting Low -Level Crimes Leads To Less Grime In Suffolk County, Research Finds I WSUR News 9/26/21, 3:20 PM February 2020 found significant reductions in reports of property damage, theft and fraud after Rollins took -office, and no increase in disorder or drug crime reports. "We see no evidence that her inauguration and this expansion of presumptive non prosecution decreases public safety," Agan said. "if anything, it increases it." Agan said the researchers weren't able to look deeply at the effect of race, ethnicity or gender on whether cases are prosecuted or not, because often that information was missing from the data. (In the Massachusetts court system, information is written on paper forms and then entered into a database by hand.) But from what they could glean, the effect of nonprosecution on reoffense rates were not statistically different by gender or race. cases in 2019, up from 42% under previous DA Dan Conley. She said that frees her office up to pursue more serious cases. "What I choose to do is work on the over 1,300 unsolved homicides in rtoston," she said. "That's where I want my time and attention. Not on a trespass in a park in a neighborhood in Roxbury that's been gentrified." She said she plans to keep looking at the case data in real time and adjust the office's policies as needed. NMMMJ=0a /� https://www,wbur.org/news/202l/O3/29/non-prosecution-low-level-crime-rollins-suffolk-county Page 3 of 4 Maria Quinonez 11 11 'Ili i ............ . From: Karen Roseb Sent: Tuesday, Septem To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Public Comment - Agenda Item 13 Resolution of No Confidence in DA Gascon Attachments: Letter to Downey City Council.docx [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. RM Please find below and attached the submitted public comment for agenda item # 13 the Resolution of No Confidence in DA Gascon. I a LW lorsqr,J� $1713740 "11 ME= Thank you so much for taking up for Council consideration, the agenda item 13 a vote of No -Confidence in Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gasc6n. While this is largely a symbolic vote being considered, the symbol that it represents is a step of protection for a system of government that holds elected officials accountable. Much talk is often given about Gasc6n having been elected. In that discussion it is imperative to identify that for which he was elected. He was elected to the office of District Attorney to prosecute offenders of crime. While he does have discretion over which cases will face prosecution, that is supposed to be based upon the evidence brought forth in each particular case. His discretion does not extend to a refusal of blanket unwillingness to prosecute any number of crimes found in the penal code — including resisting arrest, prostitution, and trespassing. These laws have been passed to protect law-abiding citizens and ensure a quality of life that all Angelenos should be able to enjoy. Nor does his authority give him the right to disregard the will of the voters. Particularly concerning is the fact that in the very same election in which he was elected, Californians and Angelenos voted to reinstate cash bail in proposition 25. In Los Angeles this vote was nearly 2% points higher than Gasc6n's own election, yet this vote expressing the will of the voters has also been ignored by Gasc6n. The directives issued by Gasc6n unilaterally and summarily dismiss prosecution of any number of crimes that the legislature and the voters have enacted, and such is a grave abuse of power. As such, it is essential that other elected officials serve as check and a balance upon this abuse. Gasc6n was elected to office to enforce the law, not to change the law and selectively determine which laws are to be enforced. If he believes the law needs to be changed then he needs to become legislator, but as a District Attorney his job is to ensure equitable enforcement of the law as written. As city council members you have been elected, and are committed to the Mission Statement of the City of Downey, "to continuously improving, the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, a, ethical, and responsible manner." The policies of George Gasc6n undermine these objectives and warrant a vote of "No - Confidence." Gasc6n's directives on sentencing to consistently seek the most minimum of sentences, particularly in refusing to oppose I parole in any cases, or even send DCPLltv District Attorneys to the parole hearings, do not reflect an understanding of justice that the special circumstances of certain heinous and egregious offenses warrant sentences appropriate to that crime. Furthennore, these actions embolden a criminal element that do not preserve, nor protect residents and visitors in the City of Downey, and in no way enhance the quality of life for those in the commupity. These actions that Gasc6n is undertaking have nothing to do with the reforms his supporters claim was the platform, on which he ran and was elected. Nor is this a partisan issue. For any reform of the justice system to be successfW it must be firmly grounded in a respect and regard for the rule of law. It cannot simultaneously erode that system of order and governance that keeps us from falling into lawlessness and anarchy or oppressive overreach of power by out -control officials. Residents of the City of Downey and the County of Los Angeles are counting on you to uphold these most cherished values and to stand up for the protection of rule of law, for the protection of justice, and especially for the protection of victims whose cases have been dismissed and tossed aside in favor of the protection criminals. Please help us to send a powerful message that this is not what a District Attorney is supposed to do and please vote "No -Confidence" in George Gasc6n and his perilous policies. Respectfully submitted, Karen Roseberry Concerned Citizen of Los Angeles County Isabel Prieto From: Claudia M. Frome-F Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 4:41 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Fwd: No Confidence vote George Gascon Stay Safe, Healthy and Be Well! Claudia M. Frometa. Mayor City of Downey 1111 Brookshire Ave. [Wowney, CA 90241 562-904-7274 A by appointmentfor those unable to visit City Hall. For specific information regarding other City operations and questions regarding CO J/7D-1 9, residents can visit the City's website at or call the City's COVID-19 hotline atggLg2jZZL [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize t.Ve sex der �-.v olif ftl e co MEM After being a Downey resident for over '35 years I never would imagine the current environme where criminals are treated as victims and rewarded for bad behavior and victims are again victimized by the very office that should be protecting and defending them, George Gascon is wolf in sheep's clothing, Public Defender that took the office of District Attorney. I I am asking for "YES" vote of "NO Confidence, on the dangerous directives of DA George Gascon. We all want safety, support & justice for crime victims and a reversal to all of DA George Gascon's dangerous directives. The directives of DA George Gascon are destroying our cities. We all see crime continue to spike throughout L.A. county, due to DA George Gascon directives. This is a non -partisan issue, we are ALL being affected by the dangerous directives of DA 1� Cieorge Gfasccml Please do the right thing, Maria Quinonez From: Claudia M. Frometa Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 4:40 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Fwd: VOTE NO CONFIDENCE in George Gascon! Claudia M. Frometa Mayor City of Downey Downey, CA 90241 562-904-7274 Downey City Hall is open to the public. Services to the public will continue to be provided by phone, email or by appointment for those unable to visit City Hall. For specific information regarding other City operations and questions wxxAn C-1 COVID-19 hotline at 2994nl. mmmx�•. / M MUNTWI. Date: September 27, 2021 at 4:35-32 PM TD7 To: "Claudia M. Frometa" <cft§#1000dowoen�> Subject: VOTE NO CONFIDENCE in George Gascon! [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Or I ETIMIN I'm one of many very concerned citizens who strongly disagree with the detrimental policies George Gascon has instituted since becoming LA County District Attorney. I am a life-long citizen of Los Angeles County, and I've never been in fear of crime affecting my family until George Gascon took office. I'm asking you to place a "NO CONFIDENCE" vote on Mr. Gascon. Within minutes of being sworn in, Mr. Gascon made drastic changes that he did not disclose when campaigning that are letting violent and dangerous criminals back out onto our streets! In addition, Gascon filed briefs in appellate court supporting 0 violent criminal defendants. His policies are reducing the ability of his prosecutors throughoult OC , A 'ngeles C'ounty to keep oUr Si-nn--l-S Safa for its ritizens, George Gascon fooled the voters of LA County and must be removed from office. There are rallies being held throughout the Southland of the families who have lost loved ones to violent crime. Not only those who are those awaiting trial or sentencing for violent crime face now much reduced sentences, those convicted felons who are currently in prison are being released and are returning to the streets. Please stand with those of us of all different races, genders, ages and political part�es--w-ho, just want to -keep Lk County safe-.-Pllease stand vvtth therviarious law enforcement officers who work so hard to protect its citizens. Please stand with those who are the victims of violent crime and their families by placing a VOTE of NO CONFIDENCE in GEORGE GASCON. Maria Quinonez .... ... .. From: Claudia M. FromeT Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 4:41 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Fwd: Vote of No Confidence Stay Safe, Healthy and Be Well? Claudia M. Frometa Mayor City of Downey I I I I Brookshire Ave, Downey, CA 90241 562-904-7274 "-`,r a TKUP7T, r t it r r r r. . "I'llr rI "Ir by appointmentfor those unable to visit City Hall. For specific information regarding other City operations and questions regarding COVID-19, residents can visit the City's website aor call the City's COVID-19 hotline at fj�Q 2994711. From Date: ScF�27, 2021 at 12:2 1:00 PM PDT To: "Claudia M. Frometa" ��orheta(@dovrne- >, Blanca Pacheco <h��do2qLeyca.or >, Sean Ashton 5sghtonAdo)��� Subject: Vote of No Confidence [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am writing to you to ask that you vote YES on the "vote of no confidence" regarding current Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon. Simply put, he is not doing his job of protecting the public and holding criminals accountable for their ,viminal actions. I have been a resident of Downey for over 20 years, I chose this city because I found it to be a safe, clean city with a good quality of life, but slowly our safe, clean city is changing, and it's only going to get worse. I am talking to you about this because I have 28 years experience in state law enforcement and know the criminal justice system, therefore, when you don't hold criminals accountable they come back and commit more crimes. Um= Wf�- I �-,A Maria Quinonez From: glenn robinson It Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2021 8:33 AM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: "No Confidence" vote on George Gascon [CAJIT101 rXTERNAL EIVIAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I would like to urge the city council of Downey in the strongest terms possible to place a vote of "No Confidence" in Los Angles District Attorney George Gascon. This is an extremely critical action that will directly impact the personal and pubic safety of every resident of the city of Downey. / � Under George Bascon's rule the rate of violent crime of all types has skyrocketed in Los Angeles county in just a few short months. The city council of Downey can help to reverse this trend and keep our residents safe. Please join 3Oother cities inLos Angeles county and place avote of"No Confidence" inLos Angles District Attorney George Gascon. Maria Quinonez From: Thea Eskey V&INNWMNmft Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 12:57 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Public comment for 9/28 Downey city council meeting on agenda item 13 Attachments: city council speech downey.pdf [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recce gnize the sender and know the content is safe. Please find attached my prepared comments for agenda item #13, the vote of no confidence • attorney George • i Mayor, city council members, thank you for having me. My name is Thea Eskey and I am an investigative reporter currently working on a series of articles about child abuse in Los Angeles. As a journalist, I have an ethical obligation to pursue the truth. It is that duty that compels me to make a I don't live here in Downey, I live in Hollywood, which is 20 miles away, but I firmly believe that what affects one of us affects all of us. Indeed, the vote of no confidence that you have before you really asks a simple question of all of us: what kind of county do we want to live in? As I mentioned, I have an ethical responsibility to report the truth. The fact is that Los Angeles is in the midst of a child abuse crisis. An audit of the Los Angeles County DCFS showed that from 2013 to 2018, 257 children died from abuse, 69 of whom had type of DCFS supervision in their homes. Also, as a state we spend 12.5 billion annually to combat child abuse. While it may seem like a tangent to bring this up, it is vitally important to understand because while CPS and the social safety net continues to fail vulnerable and abused children it falls more and more on the criminal justice system to pick up the slack. Now, it seems that not even that system can withstand the attacks .itby groups of individuals who seek to undermine public safety, justice and accountability for their own ends. From: Faraz Aqi I 40MMINNOM Sent: Monday, September 27, 2021 10:35 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: Downey City Council Meeting (September 28 2021), Public Comment: Agenda Item #13 [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAILI DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. eS �V .,vly name is Faraz Aqil, and I'm a resident of Downey. I'm opposed to the "Vote of No Confidence" towards George Gascon. And I ask the City Council to please support our LA County District Attorney. '00M =01 Gascon wants to treat drugs and narcotics as a public health issue rather than a crime/go to jail issue. George Gascon has seen the War on Drugs policies doing more harm than good in our cities, and is working to dismiss convictions and expunge records in order to make it easier for disenfranchised people to seek jobs, housing, and getting help from health officials (without fear of police officers). 2) Police Accountability is a very important issue to many people in this city and this country (which is one of the reasons why Mr. Gascon won). I greatly trust our Downey Police Department over the other Police Departments in LA. But I want there to be a checks and balance, in case one of our own police officer decides to break the law. Think of George Gascon as a separate branch of government, keeping our officers on their best behavior. 3) According to the LA County Registrar -Recorder public election results: A majority of Downey voters voted in favor of George Gascon (with 22,042 votes) over incumbent Jackie Lacey (with 21,149 votes). Therefore, please don't go against the will of the majority of Downey voters. In all, please support the LA County District Attorney, and Vote No on the "Vote of No Confidence vote" Thank you, Isabel Prieto From: Claudia M. Frometa Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 4:51 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: FW: Letter of Opposition, Agenda Item 13 Attachments: Oppose Agenda Item 13 Sept 28.pdf Mayor City of Downey 11111 Brookshire Ave Downey, CA 90241 562.904.7274 whenindoors. Services to the public will continue to be provided by phone and email for those unable to visit City Hall. For specific information regarding other City operations and questions regarding COVID-19, residents can visit the City's website at ;"t Wwv�Lx or call the City's COVID-19 hotline at (562) 299-6711. From: Oberly, Chad Sent: Friday, September 24, 2021 To: Claudia M. Frometa Cc, Blanca Pacheco; Catherine Alvarez; Sean Ashton; Mario Trujillo; Gilbert A. Livas; Vaniah De Roj&-! Subject: Letter of Opposition, Agenda Item 13 [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please see the attached letter from Assemblymember Garcia in regards to September 28 th,S city council agenda item 13 Chad Oberly, MPA Field Representative Office of Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, 581h District District Office: (562) 861-5803 PLEASE BE ADVISED OUR OFFICE 15 WELCOMING TELECONFERENCES IN PLACE OF IN PERSON -MEETINGS AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE TO C0VID-19. STATE CAPITOL P.O, BOX 942849 SACRAMENTO, CA 94249-0058 (916) 319-2058 FAX 916-319-2158 DISTRICT OFFICE 8255 FIRESTONE BLVD, SUITE 203 DOWNEY, CA 90241 (562) 861-5803 FAX (562) 861-5158 zslms- � 1 C�Ssrmhf� CIUSTINA GARcIA ASSEMBLYMEMBER, FIFTY-EIGHTH DISTRICT CHAIR, LEGISLATIVE WOMEN'S CAUCUS Honorable Mayor Frometa and Councilmembers City of Downey I I I I I Brookshire Ave Downey, CA 90241 Ili !I III ��illil�lillill iiilip�i IILI UL WSMIN=lMi'111111 111,111111 ik'',;:1:11 dill'i MWINIMMAN11"Mm Thereto. i ��rl I nol COMMITTEES BANKING AND FINANCE BUDGET ENVIRONMENT SAFETY AND TOXIC MATERIALS NATURAL RESOURCES UTILITIES AND ENERGY WATER, PARKS AND WILDLIFE CHAIR, BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE# 5 ON PUBLIC SAFETY I am writing to express my strong opposition to Agenda Item 13. 1 stand in support of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascii for taking the steps to implement policies .?imed at reforming a criminal justice system that for too long has disproportionately affected marginalized communities like the one that I grew up and live in today. Last year, the death of George Floyd led to a collective social consciousness and discussion about race and our criminal justice system. This conversation and awakening are long overdue and for far too many like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Andres Guardado, Pedro Villanueva, Anthony Nafiez, and Daniel Herndndez, the conversation did not come soon enough. As we honor them and their families, we must commit to ensuring that the conversations and reforms continue. George Gasci is a leader in those discussions and the reforms we need to create a system that just and equitable for all. A resolution like this not only sends a message to Gasi but sends message that the City of Downey and its leaders aim to protect and keep in place a system that disproportionately affects people of color and marginalized communities. I We cannot say we are anti -racist or inclusive and then vote in favor of this resolution. The focw on Gasc6n is just a proxy for defending the status quo and in doing so, we are complicit with a system that unjustly targets people based on their skin color and socio-economic status. In my 9 years of representing the 581h district, it is my experience that Downey residents are not only welcoming and kind, but are true allies who choose to stand on the right side of history. STATE CAPITOL P,O, BOX 9jl�42849 SACRAMENTO CA 94249-0058 (916) 319-2058 FAX 916-319-2158 DISTRICT OFFICE • 9LV#, DOWNEY, CA 902IU 41 (562) 861-5803 FAX (562) 861-5158 C�Ssrmhlv 61ifornia 'ITurgislafurr UIUSUNA GARcIA ASSEMBLYMEMBER, FIFTY-EIGHTH DISTRICT CHAIR, LEGISLATIVE WOMEN'S CAUCUS COMMIT7EES BANKING AND FINANCE BUDGET ENVIRONMENT SAFETY AND TOXIC MATERIALS NATURAL RESOURCES UTILITIES AND ENERGY WATER, PARKS AND WILDLIFE CHAIR, BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE# 5 ON PUBLIC SAFETY The actions that Gasc6n has taken allow us to re -imagine what public safety looks like in our communities. A step towards improving the safety of all while working to dismantle the harmful i:� t Z I ulon ts-ri I aiiiiiis Wili i W "A "M "WA"6", 111111TAM I INIM4 a I I 0i KIAE I WIWI; III RK1114 I KIN I lJOA&MA-3 --- 111. 1 a I W uaxyj 1 re I a unwWol I I I I M twa to U'd III I implore the City and Council to reconsider the decision to express a "Vote of No Confidence" for LA County's District Attorney George Gasc6n who was elected during an election with historic voter turnout. As such, we should respect the voters by continuing to engage in discussions that help us create a more just system that works and protects everyone. f hope that the City of Downey chooses to be an ally for their most vulnerable residents and neighboring cities and votes No against Agenda Item 13. CRISTINA GARCIA Assemblymember, 58th District Chair, California Legislative Women's Caucus Isabel Prieto From: Claudia M. Frometa Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 4:46 PM To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment Subject: FW: City of Downey - Vote No Confidence for LA District Attorney George Gascon • VIII-fevi- Mayor City of Downey ,ujiLRmnks_k*En,. Downey, CA 90241 562.904.7274 cftometa@downgyg�om Downie City Hall is open to the public. Per LA County Health Order all members of the public are required to wear aface y covering when indoors. Services to the public will continue to be provided by phone and emailfor those unable to visit City Hall. For specific information regarding other City operations and questions regarding COVID-19, residents can visil the City's wehishe at or call the City's COVID-19 hotline at (562) 299-6711. [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I believe Tuesday's City Council Meeting agenda includes a discussion of directives related to LA District Attorney George Gascon. Although I am saddened that I can not be there in person for the Council Meeting, I want my vote to be clear. I vote "NO CONFIDENCE" for George Gascon, I could cite dozens of specific reasons; however, his collective actions have put more criminals "back on the street", increased the crime rate and endangered good citizens. Between he and Sherriff Villanueva, they seem to be the dynamic duo in support of criminals by kicking ICE out of jails, removing 3 -strikes, eliminating the death penalty, allowing former "life sentence prisoners" out of jail due to good behavior, ensured many past crimes are no longer being prosecuted or considered crimes in the future, etc., etc., In summary, Mr. Gascon and his "Duo" partner are putting criminals back on the street, which harms the public, Hence, I vote "NO CONFIDENCE" for LA District Attorney George Gascon. Allen Everett 'Allen' Greer