EUNICE M. ULLOA KAREN C. COMSTOCK
Mayor CHRISTOPHER FLORES
MARC LUCIO
Council Members
CURTIS BURTON DR. LINDA REICH
Mayor Pro Tem City Manager
CITY of CHINO
April 2, 2026
Senator Shannon Grove
1021 O Street, Suite 7150
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Support for SB 1373: Mental Health Diversion
Dear Senator Grove,
I am writing to you as the Chief of Police for the City of Chino to express my strong support for Senate Bill 1373, authored by you. This legislation aims to restore balance and accountability within California's Mental Health Diversion Statute.
Mental Health Diversion was originally designed to provide treatment for individuals whose diagnosed mental disorders significantly contributed to lower-level offenses.
However, subsequent statutory expansions have greatly broadened eligibility. The program now allows individuals charged with serious and violent crimes, including attempted murder and other grave offenses, to seek diversion, even in cases where substantial public safety concerns exist.
SB 1373 addresses these gaps by clarifying that the most serious and violent offenses are ineligible for diversion and by limiting the ability of repeat offenders to repeatedly access the program. It restores meaningful judicial discretion to deny diversion when public safety is at risk and provides prosecutors with the necessary tools to thoroughly evaluate eligibility.
The bill reinforces that diversion is not a substitute for accountability in serious cases. It strengthens statutory safeguards, prioritizes community safety, and refocuses resources on individuals for whom diversion was originally intended Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to the positive impact that SB 1373 will have on the safety and well-being of our communities. Should you require any further information or wish to discuss this matter in greater detail, 13220 Central Avenue. Chino, California 91710
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 667, Chino, California 91708-0667 (909) 334-3250 • (909) 334-3720 Fax
Web Site: www.cityofchino.org
please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (909) 334-3093 or via email at [email protected].
incerely
Kevin Mensen, Chief of Police
Chino Police Department