Date of Hearing: April 6, 2021
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
Jim Wood, Chair
AB 638 ( Quirk- Silva) – As Amended March 26, 2021
SUBJECT: Mental Health Services Act: early intervention and prevention programs.
SUMMARY: Revises the Mental Health Services Act ( MHSA) by authorizing the use of Prevention and Early Intervention ( PEI) funds for prevention and early intervention strategies that address mental health needs, substance misuse or substance use disorders, or needs relating to co- occurring mental health substance use. Specifically, this bill:
1) Revises MHSA by authorizing the use of PEI funds for prevention and early intervention strategies that address mental health needs, substance misuse or substance use disorders, or needs relating to co- occurring mental health substance use. 2) Finds and declares that this bill is consistent with and furthers the intent of the MHSA.
EXISTING LAW:
1) Establishes the MHSA, enacted by voters in 2004 as Proposition 63, to provide funds to counties to expand services, develop innovative programs, and integrated service plans for mentally ill children, adults, and seniors through a 1% income tax on personal income above 1 million.
2) Establishes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission MHSOAC) to oversee the implementation of MHSA, made up of 16 members appointed by the Governor, and the Legislature, as specified.
3) Specifies that the MHSA can only be amended by a two -thirds vote of both houses of the Legislature and only as long as the amendment is consistent with and furthers the intent of the MHSA. Permits provisions clarifying the procedures and terms of the MHSA to be amended by majority vote.
4) Authorizes the provision of services through the PEI component of the MHSA, to mental health clients in order to help prevent mental illness from becoming severe and disabling. 5) Authorizes the services for adults, older adults, and children, as well as innovative programs and PEI programs that are provided by counties as part of the MHSA to include substance use disorder ( SUD) treatment for children, adults, and older adults with co-occurring mental health and SUD who are eligible to receive mental health services under these programs. 6) Authorizes the use of MHSA funds to perform an assessment of whether a person has co - occurring mental health and SUDs and to treat a person who is initially assessed to have cooccurring mental health and SUDs, even when the person is later determined not to be eligible for services provided with MHSA funds.
AB 638
7) Requires that a person being treated for co -occurring mental health and SUDs who is determined to not need the mental health services eligible under this act, be referred to SUD treatment services in a timely manner.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This bill has not been heard by a fiscal committee.
COMMENTS:
1) PURPOSE OF THIS BILL. According to the author, some people living with serious mental illness ( SMI) simultaneously experience alcohol and drug use disorders, thus complicating diagnosis and treatment. A third of adults who receive county mental health services for SMI, have a co-occurring SUD. The stakes for these individuals is especially high. People with drug or alcohol use disorders are almost six times more likely to attempt suicide than those without a drug or alcohol use disorder. Removing programmatic barriers in serving these individuals with mental health and co- occurring SUDs was an important first step with the adoption of AB 2265 (Quirk-Silva), Chapter 144, Statutes of 2020; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need to do more. Unfortunately, this pandemic has affected children and adults in unprecedented ways. Anxiety, depression, isolation, and feelings of despair as well as suicide attempts have increased dramatically among adults, school-aged children and young adults. In concluding, the author states that many who had underlying or diagnosed mental health and SUDs are now dealing with an increased need for services and treatment.
2) BACKGROUND.
a) MHSA. Proposition 63, the MHSA was approved by voters in November 2004. The MHSA imposes a 1% income tax on personal income in excess of $1 million. It created the 16 member MHSOAC charged with overseeing the implementation of MHSA. The MHSA addresses a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention and service needs as well as providing funding for infrastructure, technology, and training needs for the community mental health system. During the of strong economic growth in the state, the measure raises about $2 billion annually for services such as preventing mental illness from progressing, reducing stigma, and improving treatment. Altogether, counties have received upwards of $16.5 billion.
The funds are distributed to County mental health agencies. Counties receive monthly distributions of MHSA funds from the State Controller’ s Office, based on the amount of revenues generated by the tax. These County funds are earmarked by law into three primary funding components. Eighty percent of the funds are attributed to Community Services and Supports ( CSS) and 20% to PEI. The counties then are required to use 5% of the CSS and PEI amounts exclusively to fund Innovative Projects (leaving 76 % of the original allocation in CSS and 19% in PEI). Counties may then elect to transfer a portion of CSS funds received in any year to one or more of three further categories: Wor kforce Education and Training; Capital Facilities and Technological Needs; and, a “Prudent Reserve” fund.
Target populations under MHSA include children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance and transition- aged youth who are unserved, underserved, or inappropriately served ( e.g., homeless, frequent hospital users, individuals with criminal justice history).
AB 638
The PEI component is to prevent mental illness from becoming severe and disabling. In 2020, AB 2265 clarified counties can treat patients with mental health and co -occurring SUDs under MHSA. This was an important first step to remove programmatic barriers in serving these individuals with mental health and co -occurring SUDS.
The MHSA contains a provision that specifies the MHSA can only be amended by a twothirds vote of both houses of the Legislature and only as long as the amendment is consistent with and furthers the intent of the MHSA. Provisions that clarify the procedures and terms of the MHSA can be amended by a majority vote of both houses of the Legislature. Any other proposed use of MHSA funds or change in terms of usage would require the MHSA be amended by voter approval.
b) MHSOAC Report on Co-Occurring Disorder: In November 2007, the MHSOAC authorized a 19-member Workgroup on Co-occurring Disorders ( COD) to develop comprehensive recommendations to address the needs of individuals with co -occurring mental illness and substance abuse. The COD Workgroup, which met from November 2007 through June 2008, heard briefings by state leaders and experts on the status of the treatment of CODs in California. A report entitled, “ Transforming the Mental Health System Through Integration” was issued and the key findings and recommendation to improve the capacity of state and county policy makers and program administrators to address the needs of individuals with CODs follows :
i) The central finding of the COD workgroup is that CODs are pervasive and disabling, yet individuals with co- occurring mental illness and substance abuse are among California’s most underserved;
ii) Individuals with CODs touch every part of our health system. They have more medical problems, poorer treatment outcomes, more negative social consequences , and lower quality of life. They are disproportionately represented among arrestees, foster care placements, veterans, hospitalizations and the homeless. The enormous social consequences of untreated COD prompted the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to identify the treatment CODS as our nation’s highest priority;
iii) Individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse are among California’s most underserved . Numerous studies demonstrate that integrated care is necessary for successful treatment of CODs. To meet the needs of individuals with COD, there can be “no wrong door” to access treatment. Availability of comprehensively integrated treatment for mental health and substance abuse problems is currently the exception rather than the rule. The unmet need for integrated mental health, alcohol and drug abuse treatment in underserved racial and ethnic communities is even greater;
iv) Approximately one- half of the people who have one of these conditions - a mental illness or a substance abuse disorder - also have the other condition. The proportion of co- occurrence may be even higher in adolescent populations. The onset of a diagnosable mental disorder often precedes the onset of a SUD, with SUDs developing typically 5-10 years later in late adolescence or early adulthood. CODs are the norm, not the exception;
v) CODs are disabling. Individuals with COD have more medical problems, poorer treatment outcomes, greater social consequences , and lower quality of life. They have more relapses, re- hospitalization, depression and suicidality, interpersonal violence, AB 638
housing instability and homelessness, incarceration, treatment non- compliance, HIV, family burden, and service utilization; and,
vi) Insufficient support for integrated COD programs leads to a paucity of treatment facilities and properly trained clinicians. Both are essential to provide the full spectrum of necessary care. The lack of such facilities and expertise restricts access to service not just for outpatient care, but also for inpatient mental health units with COD capability.
c) Trends in California Drug Overdose Deaths. California Health Policy Strategies, a Sacramento- based consulting firm with a deep commitment to policies that will improve California’s health care system, issued a policy brief in January of 2021, entitled “ Trends in California Drug Overdose Deaths.” The brief reported that drug-related overdose fatalities have risen 50% since 2017. Overdose fatalities are rising faster in California than in the United States in general where overdose deaths are up 15% over the last three years. Other key findings are:
i) Drug-related overdose is now a top 10 leading cause of death. In the 12 months between June 2019 and June 2020 there were at least 7,254 overdose deaths, which equals approximately 17 overdose fatalities per 100,000 state residents. Accidental drug overdoses kill twice as many people as car accidents; ii) The rate of overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids ( e.g. Fentanyl) has risen by 541% over the last three years. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of opioid -related overdose deaths and 37% of all drug-related overdose fatalities involve fentanyl; iii) The raw number of drug- related overdose deaths are rising in both California and the United States. Preliminary mortality records indicate that in the 12 -month period June 2019 and June 2020 there were at least 7,254 drug overdose deaths in California and over 81,003 in the United States. The number of overdose fatalities is rising faster in California than it is in the United States. In California, overdose deaths are up 50% and in the United States overdose deaths are up 15% since the 12 -month period June 2016 to June 2017. The age- adjusted rate of drug overdose death has also risen dramatically over the last three years and is at an all-time high; there are approximately 17 overdose deaths per 100,000 state residents; and, iv) Overdose death rates are highly variable across counties in California. In 2019, the average rate of all drug-related overdose deaths across the state was 19.6 deaths per 100, 000 state residents and the median was 17.3 deaths per 100, 000 state residents. 3) SUPPORT. The Racial and Ethnic Mental Health Disparities Coalition ( REMHDCO) in support of this bill states that mental health disorders are among the most common health conditions faced by Californians. Nearly one in six California adults experience a mental illness of some kind, and one in 24 have a serious mental illness that makes it difficult to carry out major life activities. Additionally, one in 13 children have an emotional disturbance that limits participation in daily activities. Left untreated, these illnesses impact qualify of life and survival. REMHDCO concludes by stating that unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected children and adults in unprecedented ways. Many who had underlying or diagnosed mental health and SUDs are now dealing with an increased need for services and treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need to do more. 4) OPPOSITION. The California Right to Life Committee ( CRLC), in opposition, states concerns about the apparent lack if any significant improvement in the quality of life for AB 638
those suffering from mental illness and questions how more funding will now ensure the quality of life for those living with mental illness. CRLC concludes by asking, specifically what new programs are envisioned?
5) RELATED LEGISLATION.
a) AB 686 (Arambula) requires the California Health and Human Services Agency ( HHS) to establish the California Community- Based Behavioral Health Outcomes and Accountability Review to facilitate a local accountability system that fosters continuous quality improvement in county behavioral health programs and in the collection and dissemination by the agency of best practices in service delive ry. AB 686 is pending in the Assembly Health Committee.
b) AB 573 (Carrillo) establishes the California Youth Mental Health Board within HHS to advise the Governor and Legislature on the challenges facing youth with mental health needs and determine opportunities for improvement. Requires each community mental health service to have a local youth mental health board to advise the county mental health programs, school districts, and other entities on issues relating to youth mental health. AB 573 is pending in the Assembly Appropriations Committee c) SB 749 (Glazer and Eggman), requires the MHSOAC, in consultation with state and local mental health authorities, to create a comprehensive tracking program for county spending on mental and behavioral health programs and services, as specified, including funding sources, funding utilization, and outcome data at the program, service, and statewide levels. SB 749 is pending in the Senate Appropriations Committee. 6) PREVIOUS LEGISLATION.
a) AB 2265 authorizes the services for adults, older adults, and children, as well as innovative programs and prevention and early intervention programs that are provided by counties as part of the MHSA to include substance use disorder treatment for children, adults, and older adults with co -occurring mental health and SUD who are eligible to receive mental health services pursuant to those programs. b) AB 2266 ( Quirk- Silva) of 2020, would have required the Department of Health Care Services ( DHCS) to establish a pilot program in up to 10 counties and would have authorized funding to be used by participating counties to treat a person with co - occurring mental health and SUDs when the person would be eligible for treatment of the mental health disorder pursuant to the MHSA. AB 2266 was not heard in the Assembly Health Committee due to the shortened Legislative calendar brought on by the COVID - 19 pandemic.
c) SB 10 (Beall) of 2019, would have required DHCS to establish, a statewide peer support specialist certification program, as a part of the state’ s comprehensive mental health and SUD delivery system and the Medi- Cal program. Would have required the certification program’s components to include, among others, defining responsibilities, practice guidelines, and supervision standards, determining curriculum and core competencies, specifying training and continuing education requirements, establishing a code of ethics, and determining a certification revocation process. SB 10 was vetoed by the Governor with the following message:
AB 638
This bill would require DHCS to establish a new state certification program for mental health and SUD peer support specialists. Peer support services can play an important role in meeting individuals' behavioral health care needs by pairing those individuals with trained " peers" who offer assistance with navigating local community behavioral health systems and provide needed support. Currently, counties may opt to use peer support services for the delivery of Medicaid specialty mental health services. As the Administration, in partnership with the Legislature and counties, works to transform the state's behavioral health care delivery system, we have an opportunity to more comprehensively include peer support services in these transformation plans.” d) SB 1004 (Wiener), Chapter 843, Statutes of 2018, requires the MHSOAC, on or before January 1, 2020, to establish priorities for the use of PEI funds and to develop a statewide strategy for monitoring implementation of PEI services, including enhancing public understanding of PEI and creating metrics for assessing the effectiveness of how PEI funds are used and the outcomes that are achieved.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
California Behavioral Health Directors Association
Racial and Ethnic Mental Health Disparities Coalition
Opposition
California Right to Life Committee, Inc.
Analysis Prepared by: Judith Babcock / HEALTH / ( 916) 319-2097 SusanaBarrios
From: CraigADurfey <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June
To: COB_Response; Garden GroveChamber ofCommerce; LisaKim; MariaStipe; Pam Haddad; PublicComment; REPLOUCORREA@mail. house.gov; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject:\[ Angeles Times: L.A. needs90,000trees
Willresidents stepuptoplantthem?
Warning: Thisemail originated fromoutside theCityofAnaheim. Donotclicklinksoropen attachments unless yourecognize thesender andareexpecting themessage.
Forwarded message ---------
From: Craig Durfey <
Date: Mon, Jun19, 2023at12:39AM
Subject: LosAngeles Times: L.A. needs 90,000trees tobattle extreme heat. Willresidents stepuptoplant them?
To: communityrelations < communityrelations@ggcity. org>, Joyce Rivero <[email protected]>, Craig Durfey <
L.A. needs 90,000trees tobattle extreme heat. Willresidents step uptoplantthem? https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2022-06-21/l-a-wants-to-plant-90-000-trees-but-it-needs-your-help SentfrommyiPhone
1 SusanaBarrios
From: CraigADurfey <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, June
To: [email protected]; CraigADurfey; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Public Comment; [email protected]
Subject:\[ EXTERNAL\] Fwd: Inspire aloveofgardening inyoungsters bymaking itfun/Greening schools andsurrounding neighborhoods alsohasthepotential toboost academic achievement byimproving students' abilitytoconcentrate.
Attachments: FunPlants forKids __ Melinda Myers.html; Who'sLivinginYourBackyard and Neighborhood.pdf; Inspire aloveofgardening inyoungsters bymaking itfun - St George News.html; AB638 (Quirk-Silva) - AsAmended March 26, 2021202120220AB638_Assembly Health.pdf
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Subject: Inspire aloveofgardening inyoungsters bymaking itfun/Greening schools andsurrounding neighborhoods alsohasthepotential toboost academic achievement byimproving students' ability to concentrate.
To: < [email protected]>, <[email protected]>,
[email protected]>, Teresa Pomeroy <[email protected]>, Public Records Request [email protected]>, Maria Stipe <[email protected]>, PamHaddad <[email protected]grove.ca.us>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, NickDibs [email protected]>, <[email protected]>, LisaKim [email protected]>, BillMurray <[email protected]>, BillMock <[email protected]>, [email protected]>, <[email protected]>, KimNguyen <[email protected]>, kim.vandermeulen@mail. house.gov>, <REPLOUCORREA@mail. house.gov>, <response@ocgov. com>, publiccomment@anaheim. net>, <[email protected]>, stevej <[email protected]>, stephaniek stephaniek@garden- grove.org>, < Gabriela Mafi <[email protected]>, George Brietigam <[email protected]>, Garden Grove Chamber ofCommerce staff@gardengrovechamber. com>, GGEA President <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, communityrelations < communityrelations@ggcity. org>, Walter Muneton <[email protected]>, Dina Nguyen <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <assemblymember. quirk[email protected]>, <Assemblymember. Davies@assembly. ca.gov>, LanNguyen [email protected]>, BobHarden <[email protected]>, PIODepartment <pio_department@ggusd. us> 06-17-2023
1 P.R.D.D.C.)
PARENTSFORTHERIGHTSOFDEVELOPMENTALLYDISABLEDCHILDREN
CRAIGA. DURFEYFOUNDEROFP.R.D.D.C.
U.S. HOUSEOFCONGRESSH2404 - HONORINGCRAIGDURFEYFORHISFIGHTAGAINSTAUTISM Ms. LORETTASANCHEZofCalifornia.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf newwebsite socialemotionalpaws. org
Towhom itmayconcern.
Withadolescent growing impact withsocial media screentime, isolation fromthe addictions, braininjuryhavingways toaddress thiswithrealbenefits fromEcho Therapy Ecotherapy, alsoknown asnature therapy orgreen therapy socialemotionalpaws. com) natures greenNature therapy, alsoreferred toas ecotherapy, isanumbrella termfortherapy programs andguided nature-based activities intended toimprove mental health. Typesofnature therapy include forest bathing, horticultural therapy, wilderness therapy, andanimal-assisted therapy. Adults canalsowithmental health canalsobenefit fromurban forest withdog ,horse, watertherapy sufferPTSD.
2 Request aletterofsupport toaddress thelackofawareness EchoTherapy witha mental health crisesbelow storyabout oneofmanynews stories withlinksought toinspire ourelected leaders, schools, toharness thetruepowerofnatures provides usthatseems tomis-understood leaving communities without the opportunities toenrich theholistic benefits enhance wellness.
FEATURE — Gardening isgoodforthemind, bodyandspirit. Itisalsogood for theyoungsters inourlives. Research shows gardening helpsrelieve stress, improve focus, positively impacts mood andpsychological well-being, buildsa sense ofconfidence, andmore.
Lookforcreative ways togetchildren involved ingardening. Tapintoother interests orskillslikeart, reading, writing, insects, math, andcomputers ifyou needtopersuade reluctant participants intogrowing plants.
Include lotsofcolors andunique plants thatkidswilllove. Crested celosia resembles brains, making itagood choice forthezombie fansinthegroup.
Eyeball plant (Acmella oleracea), balloon plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) with itshairyinflated seedpods, snake plant, andkangaroo paws (Anigozanthos favidus) areafewtoconsider. Gardeners ofallageswillappreciate thepopcorn plant (Senna didymobotrya) withitsbuttered popcorn-scented leavesorbat-faced cuphea andthehummingbirds itwillattract.
Consider adding features thatmake thegarden afunspace tovisit. There isa reason bean teepees, sunflower houses, andtunnels inthegarden haveremained popular withkidsofallagesfordecades. Orgrowagarden shaped likeasliceof pizzaplanted withallthekeyingredients orasalsagarden. Everyone willbenefit whenusing freshly harvested ingredients tocreate these dishes. 3 Including ateepee orusingitasatrellis for
polebeans isafunaddition toanykid’sgarden, location anddateunspecified | Photo courtesy ofMelindaMyers.com, St. George News
Apotorflatofgrass makes anicefieldforsuperheroes andalawnfordolls. A barepatchofsoilisperfect fordigging, driving carsandtrucks, orsculpting hills andvalleys. Allthesebuildskillsthatcanbeapplied tofuture gardening efforts.
Plant somesaladradishes thatareready toharvest in25to30days. Thiswill helpkeepthekidsinterested inthegarden when waiting forthetomatoes, beans andother vegetables toripen. Callitharvesting whenyouarethinning theradish planting. Usethesegreens asasnackorinasalad. Harvesting andeating is morefunforallofusthanjustthinning theexcess plants.
Userainydaystocreate plantlabels frompaintsticksorstones. Paintindividual words onsomeofthestones andplace theminthegarden. Letchildren leave messages foreachotherorwritepoetry. Orrepurpose pickle jarsintogarden treasure jars. Havechildren decorate thejars. Thenyoufillthejarswith messages ortreasures before hidingthem inthegarden.
Explore ways toreuseandrecycle landscape trimmings. Puttwigs touse creating small-scalewattle fences forafairy, gnome orzombie garden. Thisis greatpractice forbuilding alarger-scalewattle fenceforthegarden. 4 Goonabughunttoseewhoislivinginyourgarden, yardorneighborhood. Look forgood bugslikeladybeetles thateatplant-damaging aphids andbeesthat pollinate ourflowers. Then logwhatyoufindinabackyard journal.
Gentle guidance, realistic expectations, andage-appropriate activities willhelp getkidsexcited about gardening. Thegardens theycreate andtheplants they growareoftenamazing butmoreimportantly, itistheexperience ofgrowing together thatmakes itworthwhile.
Copyright Melinda Myers, LLC, allrights reserved.
ABOUT THEAUTHOR
Melinda Myers haswritten morethan20gardening books, including TheMidwest Gardener’sHandbook andSmallSpace Gardening. ShehostsTheGreat Courses “HowtoGrowAnything” DVDseries andthenationallysyndicated Melinda’sGarden Moment TV & radioprogram. Myers isacolumnist andcontributing editorforBirds & Blooms magazine. Herwebsite iswww.melindamyers.com.
2) Inspire aloveofgardening inyoungsters bymaking itfun – StGeorge News stgeorgeutah.com)
CAEDUCATION CODEFORGARDENS § 51795 WASTE MANAEGMENT
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LivingSchoolyard Month Designates themonth ofMay2014
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GreenSchoolyards America (socialemotionalpaws. com)
https://socialemotionalpaws. com/blog-post-1/f/green-schoolyards-america 5 Greening foracademic achievement: Prioritizing whattoplantand socialemotionalpaws. com)
Ecotherapy, alsoknown asnature therapy orgreen therapy
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TheImpact ofSchoolyard Greening onChildren’sPhysical Activity socialemotionalpaws. com)
https://socialemotionalpaws. com/blog-post-1/f/greening-for-academicachievement-prioritizing-what-to-plant-and https://socialemotionalpaws. com/blog-post-1/f/trust-for-public-land S.1538 - LivingSchoolyards Actof2023 (socialemotionalpaws. com) Trees inSchoolyards – SanDiego Regional UrbanForests Council (sdrufc.com) Whytrees inschoolyards? (socialemotionalpaws. com)
https://socialemotionalpaws. com/blog-post-1/f/trust-for-public-land https://socialemotionalpaws. com/blog-post-1/f/california-lawmakers-advance-billto-cool-down-outside-areas-at-s 6 https://socialemotionalpaws. com/blog-post-1/f/heinrich-introduces-livingschoolyards-act-to-create-unique-heal https://socialemotionalpaws. com/blog-post-1/f/learning-about-trees-in-schools Green space isvitaltothehealth toallhaving afullcanopy oftrees recommended , parks ratios tomatch population density, gardens, education can havetangible benefits increasing awareness toencourage more training how EchoTherapy licenses would allbenefits
ThankYou
CraigADurfey
7 AB 638
Date of Hearing: April 6, 2021
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
Jim Wood, Chair
AB 638 ( Quirk- Silva) – As Amended March 26, 2021
SUBJECT: Mental Health Services Act: early intervention and prevention programs.
SUMMARY: Revises the Mental Health Services Act ( MHSA) by authorizing the use of Prevention and Early Intervention ( PEI) funds for prevention and early intervention strategies that address mental health needs, substance misuse or substance use disorders, or needs relating to co- occurring mental health substance use. Specifically, this bill:
1) Revises MHSA by authorizing the use of PEI funds for prevention and early intervention strategies that address mental health needs, substance misuse or substance use disorders, or needs relating to co- occurring mental health substance use. 2) Finds and declares that this bill is consistent with and furthers the intent of the MHSA.
EXISTING LAW:
1) Establishes the MHSA, enacted by voters in 2004 as Proposition 63, to provide funds to counties to expand services, develop innovative programs, and integrated service plans for mentally ill children, adults, and seniors through a 1% income tax on personal income above 1 million.
2) Establishes the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission MHSOAC) to oversee the implementation of MHSA, made up of 16 members appointed by the Governor, and the Legislature, as specified.
3) Specifies that the MHSA can only be amended by a two -thirds vote of both houses of the Legislature and only as long as the amendment is consistent with and furthers the intent of the MHSA. Permits provisions clarifying the procedures and terms of the MHSA to be amended by majority vote.
4) Authorizes the provision of services through the PEI component of the MHSA, to mental health clients in order to help prevent mental illness from becoming severe and disabling. 5) Authorizes the services for adults, older adults, and children, as well as innovative programs and PEI programs that are provided by counties as part of the MHSA to include substance use disorder ( SUD) treatment for children, adults, and older adults with co-occurring mental health and SUD who are eligible to receive mental health services under these programs. 6) Authorizes the use of MHSA funds to perform an assessment of whether a person has co - occurring mental health and SUDs and to treat a person who is initially assessed to have cooccurring mental health and SUDs, even when the person is later determined not to be eligible for services provided with MHSA funds.
AB 638
7) Requires that a person being treated for co -occurring mental health and SUDs who is determined to not need the mental health services eligible under this act, be referred to SUD treatment services in a timely manner.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This bill has not been heard by a fiscal committee.
COMMENTS:
1) PURPOSE OF THIS BILL. According to the author, some people living with serious mental illness ( SMI) simultaneously experience alcohol and drug use disorders, thus complicating diagnosis and treatment. A third of adults who receive county mental health services for SMI, have a co-occurring SUD. The stakes for these individuals is especially high. People with drug or alcohol use disorders are almost six times more likely to attempt suicide than those without a drug or alcohol use disorder. Removing programmatic barriers in serving these individuals with mental health and co- occurring SUDs was an important first step with the adoption of AB 2265 (Quirk-Silva), Chapter 144, Statutes of 2020; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need to do more. Unfortunately, this pandemic has affected children and adults in unprecedented ways. Anxiety, depression, isolation, and feelings of despair as well as suicide attempts have increased dramatically among adults, school-aged children and young adults. In concluding, the author states that many who had underlying or diagnosed mental health and SUDs are now dealing with an increased need for services and treatment.
2) BACKGROUND.
a) MHSA. Proposition 63, the MHSA was approved by voters in November 2004. The MHSA imposes a 1% income tax on personal income in excess of $1 million. It created the 16 member MHSOAC charged with overseeing the implementation of MHSA. The MHSA addresses a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention and service needs as well as providing funding for infrastructure, technology, and training needs for the community mental health system. During the of strong economic growth in the state, the measure raises about $2 billion annually for services such as preventing mental illness from progressing, reducing stigma, and improving treatment. Altogether, counties have received upwards of $16.5 billion.
The funds are distributed to County mental health agencies. Counties receive monthly distributions of MHSA funds from the State Controller’ s Office, based on the amount of revenues generated by the tax. These County funds are earmarked by law into three primary funding components. Eighty percent of the funds are attributed to Community Services and Supports ( CSS) and 20% to PEI. The counties then are required to use 5% of the CSS and PEI amounts exclusively to fund Innovative Projects (leaving 76 % of the original allocation in CSS and 19% in PEI). Counties may then elect to transfer a portion of CSS funds received in any year to one or more of three further categories: Wor kforce Education and Training; Capital Facilities and Technological Needs; and, a “Prudent Reserve” fund.
Target populations under MHSA include children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance and transition- aged youth who are unserved, underserved, or inappropriately served ( e.g., homeless, frequent hospital users, individuals with criminal justice history).
AB 638
The PEI component is to prevent mental illness from becoming severe and disabling. In 2020, AB 2265 clarified counties can treat patients with mental health and co -occurring SUDs under MHSA. This was an important first step to remove programmatic barriers in serving these individuals with mental health and co -occurring SUDS.
The MHSA contains a provision that specifies the MHSA can only be amended by a twothirds vote of both houses of the Legislature and only as long as the amendment is consistent with and furthers the intent of the MHSA. Provisions that clarify the procedures and terms of the MHSA can be amended by a majority vote of both houses of the Legislature. Any other proposed use of MHSA funds or change in terms of usage would require the MHSA be amended by voter approval.
b) MHSOAC Report on Co-Occurring Disorder: In November 2007, the MHSOAC authorized a 19-member Workgroup on Co-occurring Disorders ( COD) to develop comprehensive recommendations to address the needs of individuals with co -occurring mental illness and substance abuse. The COD Workgroup, which met from November 2007 through June 2008, heard briefings by state leaders and experts on the status of the treatment of CODs in California. A report entitled, “ Transforming the Mental Health System Through Integration” was issued and the key findings and recommendation to improve the capacity of state and county policy makers and program administrators to address the needs of individuals with CODs follows :
i) The central finding of the COD workgroup is that CODs are pervasive and disabling, yet individuals with co- occurring mental illness and substance abuse are among California’s most underserved;
ii) Individuals with CODs touch every part of our health system. They have more medical problems, poorer treatment outcomes, more negative social consequences , and lower quality of life. They are disproportionately represented among arrestees, foster care placements, veterans, hospitalizations and the homeless. The enormous social consequences of untreated COD prompted the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to identify the treatment CODS as our nation’s highest priority;
iii) Individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse are among California’s most underserved . Numerous studies demonstrate that integrated care is necessary for successful treatment of CODs. To meet the needs of individuals with COD, there can be “no wrong door” to access treatment. Availability of comprehensively integrated treatment for mental health and substance abuse problems is currently the exception rather than the rule. The unmet need for integrated mental health, alcohol and drug abuse treatment in underserved racial and ethnic communities is even greater;
iv) Approximately one- half of the people who have one of these conditions - a mental illness or a substance abuse disorder - also have the other condition. The proportion of co- occurrence may be even higher in adolescent populations. The onset of a diagnosable mental disorder often precedes the onset of a SUD, with SUDs developing typically 5-10 years later in late adolescence or early adulthood. CODs are the norm, not the exception;
v) CODs are disabling. Individuals with COD have more medical problems, poorer treatment outcomes, greater social consequences , and lower quality of life. They have more relapses, re- hospitalization, depression and suicidality, interpersonal violence, AB 638
housing instability and homelessness, incarceration, treatment non- compliance, HIV, family burden, and service utilization; and,
vi) Insufficient support for integrated COD programs leads to a paucity of treatment facilities and properly trained clinicians. Both are essential to provide the full spectrum of necessary care. The lack of such facilities and expertise restricts access to service not just for outpatient care, but also for inpatient mental health units with COD capability.
c) Trends in California Drug Overdose Deaths. California Health Policy Strategies, a Sacramento- based consulting firm with a deep commitment to policies that will improve California’s health care system, issued a policy brief in January of 2021, entitled “ Trends in California Drug Overdose Deaths.” The brief reported that drug-related overdose fatalities have risen 50% since 2017. Overdose fatalities are rising faster in California than in the United States in general where overdose deaths are up 15% over the last three years. Other key findings are:
i) Drug-related overdose is now a top 10 leading cause of death. In the 12 months between June 2019 and June 2020 there were at least 7,254 overdose deaths, which equals approximately 17 overdose fatalities per 100,000 state residents. Accidental drug overdoses kill twice as many people as car accidents; ii) The rate of overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids ( e.g. Fentanyl) has risen by 541% over the last three years. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of opioid -related overdose deaths and 37% of all drug-related overdose fatalities involve fentanyl; iii) The raw number of drug- related overdose deaths are rising in both California and the United States. Preliminary mortality records indicate that in the 12 -month period June 2019 and June 2020 there were at least 7,254 drug overdose deaths in California and over 81,003 in the United States. The number of overdose fatalities is rising faster in California than it is in the United States. In California, overdose deaths are up 50% and in the United States overdose deaths are up 15% since the 12 -month period June 2016 to June 2017. The age- adjusted rate of drug overdose death has also risen dramatically over the last three years and is at an all-time high; there are approximately 17 overdose deaths per 100,000 state residents; and, iv) Overdose death rates are highly variable across counties in California. In 2019, the average rate of all drug-related overdose deaths across the state was 19.6 deaths per 100, 000 state residents and the median was 17.3 deaths per 100, 000 state residents. 3) SUPPORT. The Racial and Ethnic Mental Health Disparities Coalition ( REMHDCO) in support of this bill states that mental health disorders are among the most common health conditions faced by Californians. Nearly one in six California adults experience a mental illness of some kind, and one in 24 have a serious mental illness that makes it difficult to carry out major life activities. Additionally, one in 13 children have an emotional disturbance that limits participation in daily activities. Left untreated, these illnesses impact qualify of life and survival. REMHDCO concludes by stating that unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected children and adults in unprecedented ways. Many who had underlying or diagnosed mental health and SUDs are now dealing with an increased need for services and treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need to do more. 4) OPPOSITION. The California Right to Life Committee ( CRLC), in opposition, states concerns about the apparent lack if any significant improvement in the quality of life for AB 638
those suffering from mental illness and questions how more funding will now ensure the quality of life for those living with mental illness. CRLC concludes by asking, specifically what new programs are envisioned?
5) RELATED LEGISLATION.
a) AB 686 (Arambula) requires the California Health and Human Services Agency ( HHS) to establish the California Community- Based Behavioral Health Outcomes and Accountability Review to facilitate a local accountability system that fosters continuous quality improvement in county behavioral health programs and in the collection and dissemination by the agency of best practices in service delive ry. AB 686 is pending in the Assembly Health Committee.
b) AB 573 (Carrillo) establishes the California Youth Mental Health Board within HHS to advise the Governor and Legislature on the challenges facing youth with mental health needs and determine opportunities for improvement. Requires each community mental health service to have a local youth mental health board to advise the county mental health programs, school districts, and other entities on issues relating to youth mental health. AB 573 is pending in the Assembly Appropriations Committee c) SB 749 (Glazer and Eggman), requires the MHSOAC, in consultation with state and local mental health authorities, to create a comprehensive tracking program for county spending on mental and behavioral health programs and services, as specified, including funding sources, funding utilization, and outcome data at the program, service, and statewide levels. SB 749 is pending in the Senate Appropriations Committee. 6) PREVIOUS LEGISLATION.
a) AB 2265 authorizes the services for adults, older adults, and children, as well as innovative programs and prevention and early intervention programs that are provided by counties as part of the MHSA to include substance use disorder treatment for children, adults, and older adults with co -occurring mental health and SUD who are eligible to receive mental health services pursuant to those programs. b) AB 2266 ( Quirk- Silva) of 2020, would have required the Department of Health Care Services ( DHCS) to establish a pilot program in up to 10 counties and would have authorized funding to be used by participating counties to treat a person with co - occurring mental health and SUDs when the person would be eligible for treatment of the mental health disorder pursuant to the MHSA. AB 2266 was not heard in the Assembly Health Committee due to the shortened Legislative calendar brought on by the COVID - 19 pandemic.
c) SB 10 (Beall) of 2019, would have required DHCS to establish, a statewide peer support specialist certification program, as a part of the state’ s comprehensive mental health and SUD delivery system and the Medi- Cal program. Would have required the certification program’s components to include, among others, defining responsibilities, practice guidelines, and supervision standards, determining curriculum and core competencies, specifying training and continuing education requirements, establishing a code of ethics, and determining a certification revocation process. SB 10 was vetoed by the Governor with the following message:
AB 638
This bill would require DHCS to establish a new state certification program for mental health and SUD peer support specialists. Peer support services can play an important role in meeting individuals' behavioral health care needs by pairing those individuals with trained " peers" who offer assistance with navigating local community behavioral health systems and provide needed support. Currently, counties may opt to use peer support services for the delivery of Medicaid specialty mental health services. As the Administration, in partnership with the Legislature and counties, works to transform the state's behavioral health care delivery system, we have an opportunity to more comprehensively include peer support services in these transformation plans.” d) SB 1004 (Wiener), Chapter 843, Statutes of 2018, requires the MHSOAC, on or before January 1, 2020, to establish priorities for the use of PEI funds and to develop a statewide strategy for monitoring implementation of PEI services, including enhancing public understanding of PEI and creating metrics for assessing the effectiveness of how PEI funds are used and the outcomes that are achieved.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
California Behavioral Health Directors Association
Racial and Ethnic Mental Health Disparities Coalition
Opposition
California Right to Life Committee, Inc.
Analysis Prepared by: Judith Babcock / HEALTH / ( 916) 319-2097 SusanaBarrios
From: durfeycraig778@gmail. com
Sent: Tuesday, June
To: [email protected]; DonBarnes; 'TeresaPomeroy'; 'PublicRecords Request'; 'Maria [email protected]; [email protected];
NickDibs'; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; 'Gabriela Mafi'; 'PIO Department'; 'Walter Muneton'; 'TeriRocco'; 'DinaNguyen'; 'LanNguyen'; 'Bob Harden'; REPLOUCORREA@MAIL. HOUSE.GOV; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected]; assemblymember.friedman@assembly. ca.gov; [email protected]; [email protected]; PublicComment; TheresaBass; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject:\[ EXTERNAL\] Digital dilemma: Here'showtohelpcombat socialmedia'sadverse impacts
Warning: Thisemail originated fromoutside theCityofAnaheim. Donotclicklinksoropen attachments unless yourecognize thesender andareexpecting themessage. 06-20-2023
P.R.D.D.C.)
PARENTSFORTHERIGHTSOFDEVELOPMENTALLYDISABLEDCHILDREN
CRAIGA. DURFEYFOUNDEROFP.R.D.D.C.
U.S. HOUSEOFCONGRESSH2404 - HONORINGCRAIGDURFEYFORHISFIGHTAGAINSTAUTISM Ms. LORETTASANCHEZofCalifornia.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf newwebsite socialemotionalpaws. org
ToWhomitmayconcern.
1 Digitaldilemma: Here’showtohelpcombatsocial
media’sadverseimpacts.
FEATURE — InMarch, UtahGov. Spencer CoxsignedSB152Social Media Regulation Amendments, sponsored bySen. MikeMcKell.
Thebillplaces restrictions onsocialmedia companies andprovides parents with additional toolstoprotect teensfromtheharmful effects ofsocial media. Utahis thefirststatetobeginrestricting howminors canusesocial media apps.
According totheUtahSenate website, since2010, ratesofdepression and mental health crises inAmerican teens have nearly doubled. Before that, the rates remained stagnant. Socialmedia hasbeen linked tothese increased rates.
InUtah, wecaredeeply aboutourteen’smental health,” saidSen. McKell.
Since 2009, depression, anxiety andsuicidal ideation hasdrastically increased among minors inUtahandacross theUnitedStates. Afterreviewing thedataand talking withteensandparents, Idecided torunS.B. 152Social Media Regulation Amendments. Utahisleading thewaytofightbackagainst theharms ofsocial mediaandproviding parents withmoreresources andcontrols.” Advertisement
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Anarticle citedintheCanadian Medical Association Journal shares evidence fromvarious studies thatimplicates social media useintheincrease ofmental distress, self-injurious behavior, andsuicide among youth. Other negative effects include chronic sleep-deprivation, lessened cognitive control, pooracademic performance, cyberbullying, poor self-view, andabreakdown ininterpersonal relationships.
2 Social media mayhave adverse
impacts onyouth, location anddateunspecified | Photo courtesy ofUSU Extension, St. George News
Dr. JackResneck Jr., president oftheAmerican Medical Association, wrote, Withnearuniversal social media usebyAmerica’syoungpeople, theseappsand sitesintroduce profound riskandmental health harms inwaysweareonlynow beginning tofullyunderstand. Asphysicians, weseefirsthand theimpact of social media, particularly during adolescence – acritical periodofbrain development. Wecontinue tobelieve inthepositive benefits ofsocial media, but wealsourgesafeguards andadditional studyofthepositive andnegative biological, psychological, andsocial effects.”
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said, “Ourchildren don’thavetheluxuryof waiting yearsuntilweknowthefullextent ofsocialmedia’simpact. Their childhoods anddevelopment arehappening now.”
Murthy recommends thefollowing ways tohelpfamilies lessen theharms of social media.
Tipsforparents andcaregivers:
1. Create afamily media plan. Haveopendiscussions asafamily about rulesandsetting boundaries forsocial media use. Establish tech-free zones, whichwillhelpfosterin-person relationships andoffline connections. Helpyouthdevelop social skillsandnurture in-person relationships.
2. Modelresponsible online behavior. Showyouthwhatitlooks liketo usesocial mediainahealthy way. Teach byexample howtoexhibit positive behavior onsocial media accounts.
3 3. Teach youthhowtoshare information safely andwhenandhowto protect personal information. Discuss thebenefits andrisksofsocial media andtheimportance ofrespecting privacy. Discuss whotheyare connecting with, whattheironlineexperiences consist of, andhow theyspend theirtimeonline.
Tipsforyouth:
1. Reach outtoatrusted friend oradultforhelpifyouarenegatively affected bysocial media. Visitstopbullying.govfortipsonhowto report cyberbullying. Ifyouhaveexperienced online harassment and abuse byadating partner, contact anexpertatLoveisRespect for support. Ifyourprivate images havebeenshared onlinewithout your permission, visitTakeItDown tohelpgettheimages removed.
2. Limittheuseoftechnology. Toensure yougetenough sleep, turnoff devices atleastonehourbefore bedtime andleavethem offuntil morning. Keepyourphone andotherdevices fromintruding on mealtimes andgatherings byputting themaway. Thiswillhelp promote social connections andconversations withothers. Makeita dailypriority toconnect withpeople in-person.
3. Carefully choose whatyoushare onlineandwithwhom, asitmaybe stored permanently. Whenindoubt, don’tpost!
Additional resources
HowtoHelpTeenswiththeNegative Impacts ofSocial Media
Teens andSocial Media Use: What’stheImpact?
Written byCHRISTINA PAY, UtahStateUniversity Extension assistant professor,
RELATED STORIES
Digitaldilemma: Here’showtohelpcombat socialmedia’sadverse impacts – StGeorge News (stgeorgeutah.com)
4 SusanaBarrios
From: CeciliaFlores <ceciliaflores982@yahoo. com>
Sent: Tuesday, June
To: Public Comment
Subject:\[ EXTERNAL\] ATTENTION: MAYOR AITKEN ANDCOUNCIL MEMBERS Warning: Thisemail originated fromoutside theCityofAnaheim. Donotclicklinksoropen attachments unless yourecognize thesender andareexpecting themessage.
DearMayorAitken, andCouncilMembers
RE: PROJECT DE2021-00218PREPCHARTER SCHOOL 2780E. WAGNER, COVECHURCH Theresidents atthe CoveNeighborhood workhardtomakecertain thattheirneighborhood continues tobea safeplacetobringup theirfamilies.
Asyouareaware, aCharterSchoolwants toopenwhereaChurch resides, at2780E. Wagner. Itproposes to change the landusefromachurch toaTK - 8thgradeCharterSchoolwithanenrollment of480students plusstaff; theyalsointendtoaddatwostorybuilding tothelot.
Iwas informed byresidents thatthistypeofprojectwasproposed tothecityinthepast, soIbrought this question tothePlanning Department.
Iwasinformed byPlanning that thereweretworequest madeinthepast, andboth weredenied asoutlined below:
CupNo. 1661onNovember 8, 1976 - wasdenied bythePlanning Commission topermitaprivate school with amaximum enrollment of140students. Thedecisionwasappealed totheCityCouncil whointurnalsodenied theuse.
CUPNO. 2347onJuly12,1982 - wasdenied byPlanning Commission Toretainandexpand anexisting private dayschool (PreKtoK) andamaximum enrollment of300students grades1-12.Thedecisionwasappealed totheCityCouncil whointurnalsodenied theuse.
Thereasons stemfromthefactthatthelotwastoosmall andnarrowfor theamount ofstudents requesting, development ofstructures, parking, andnotenough landforplayground usetoaccommodate aschool. That theschoolwouldbeintrusive totheneighborhood, community andthecity. Thattheprojectwould be detrimental totheadjacent singlefamily residential properties andthattheprojectwould substantially increase thenoiselevelandtraffic. That theChurch property backed upto9homesandthedevelopment oftheSchool hadnotconsidered thepeace, health, safetyandwelfare ofthepeoplewhoresideinthosehomes.
ThistimeaCharterSchoolwants tochangetheuseandhaveanenrollment of480students andthecapacity toexpand, almost doubling theenrollment oftheprevious projects.
Theareahasgrownsince1982. Development ofhomesandapartments havebeenadded , twotothree schools havebeenbuiltinthearea, awalkingtrailhasbeenaddedandthecityisproposing toexpandthetrail, bringing moretraffic, parking problems, andnoiselevelsup. Eventhetrafficonthefreeway hasgoneup. With noconsideration oftheresidents, especially thosethatbackuptotheproperty.
Withtherecords showing thattheCityagreedtwiceinthepastthat theareaat2780E. Wagner, wasnot a goodlocation foraschool, theCoveResidents hopethismotiontakesprecedence andthat thedecision continues toholdthatthelocation isnotasafeplaceforaschool.
Thank you.
1 CeciliaFlores
Resident
2 SusanaBarrios
From: jodiemosley <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June
To: PublicComment; Council; [email protected]; MikeLyster Subject:\[ EXTERNAL\] 39Commons
Warning: Thisemail originated fromoutside theCityofAnaheim. Donotclicklinksoropen attachments unless yourecognize thesender andareexpecting themessage.
WeinwestAnaheim wouldtoknowwhattheholdupisnowfor39Commons onBeach.
Decades gobywatching Stanton andBuena Park renew Beach blvd., andpeople arestillasking "WHATS WRONG WITH THECITYOFANAHEIM AND THEHOLD UPOF39COMMONS?" Itslikeajoke.
Commit, andlearntobeleaders ofthiswholecommunity ofAnaheim...INCLUDING district 1. Youare embarrassing yourselves.
WEDEMAND CONSTRUCTION!
SentfrommyT-Mobile5GDevice
1 SusanaBarrios
From: jodiemosley <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June
To: Council; PublicComment; [email protected]
Subject:\[ EXTERNAL\] LATimesToday: Orange County lookstoredeem itsfabled ‘Roadto Summer,’ oneseedymotelatatime - LosAngeles Times
Warning: Thisemail originated fromoutside theCityofAnaheim. Donotclicklinksoropen attachments unless yourecognize thesender andareexpecting themessage. https://www.latimes.com/california/oc-road-to-summer-latt-123 SentfrommyT-Mobile5GDevice
1 SusanaBarrios
From: jodiemosley <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June
To: Council; PublicComment; [email protected]; MikeLyster Subject:\[ EXTERNAL\] https://www.latimes.com/california/oc-road-to-summer-latt-123 — Nextdoor
Warning: Thisemail originated fromoutside theCityofAnaheim. Donotclicklinksoropen attachments unless yourecognize thesender andareexpecting themessage.
From myneighborhood:
https://nextdoor.com/p/XQnWDdWZtbCX?utm_source=share&extras=NzMxNjc2Njk%3D Stillwaiting.
SentfrommyT-Mobile5GDevice
1 SusanaBarrios
From: GabyNoriega <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June
To: Public Comment
Cc: JoseDuran
Subject:\[ EXTERNAL\] PublicComments onBehalfoftheAnaheim PoliceAssociation Attachments: PublicComments_LettertoCouncil_06.27.23.pdf Warning: Thisemail originated fromoutside theCityofAnaheim. Donotclicklinksoropen attachments unless yourecognize thesender andareexpecting themessage.
DearCitySta,
PerPresident JoseDuran, pleaseseea?achedle?ertobesubmi?edintopubliccomments.
Respec?ully,
GabrielaNoriega
Execu?veDirector
AnaheimPoliceAssocia?on
www.anaheimpa.com
3156E. LaPalmaAve., Ste. B, Anaheim, CA92806
1 June 27, 2023
Mayor Aitken and City Council
City of Anaheim
200 S. Anaheim Boulevard
7th Floor
Anaheim, CA 92805
Dear Honorable Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Council Members:
On behalf of the Anaheim Police Association, I am reaching out to communicate our deep concern regarding the exclusion of our association from the initial recruitment process for the new chief of police for the City of Anaheim.
Historically, the Anaheim Police Association, representing approximately 400 dedicated individuals across various crucial roles, has been actively involved in the recruitment process. This includes participation during recruitment interviews, as demonstrated prior to Chief Jorge Cisneros' appointment. Therefore, the recent deviation from this convention is not only disconcerting but also prompts questions regarding the transparency and fairness of the recruitment process.
Working directly in the field and serving the community on a day-to-day basis, our members possess an invaluable wealth of experience and expertise, which can immensely inform the important decision of selecting the next chief of police. While we appreciate the provision granted to us to join a newly formed panel alongside other labor groups, we cannot overlook the representation imbalance. Given that we represent roughly 70% of the department personnel, the single seat allocated to us on the panel seems disproportionately insufficient.
In conclusion, we believe that strengthening inclusivity, fostering collaboration, and ensuring transparency should be the cornerstones of our governance approach. We, therefore, respectfully urge you torevisit the decision and continue to involve the Anaheim Police Association in the recruitment process, valuing our broad institutional knowledge and the unique insights and perspectives we bring to the table. Furthermore, we cordially invite you to engage in dialogue with us, as we seek to create a synergistic partnership that best serves our community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
In service,
Jose Duran, President
Anaheim Police Association