RESOLUTION NO. 22-0045
A RESOLUTION OF THE MANHATTAN BEACH CITY
COUNCIL EXPRESSING AN OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT
FOR THE RECALL OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT
ATTORNEY GEORGE GASCÓN
WHEREAS, the City of Manhattan Beach places the utmost priority on public safety and protecting its community;
WHEREAS, the City of Manhattan Beach has a history of supporting legislation and ballot initiatives that increase public safety and protect the community;
WHEREAS, the City of Manhattan Beach emphasizes supporting public safety policies to prevent and reduce criminal activities; WHEREAS, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón unilaterally issued a series of Special Directives in December 2020 including Special Directives 20-06, 20-07, and 20-08;
WHEREAS, Speci al Directive 20 -06: Pretrial Release Policy, eliminated cash bail for any misdemeanor, non-serious felony, or non-violent felony offense; WHEREAS, Special Directive 20 -07: Misdemeanor Case Management, lists numerous misdemeanor charges that will be declin ed or dismissed before arraignment and without conditions unless “exceptions” or “factors for consideration” exist. These misdemeanor charges include trespassing, disturbing the peace, criminal threats, drinking in public, drug and paraphernalia possession, under the influence of controlled substance in public, public intoxication, resisting arrest, driving without a valid license or with a suspended license, minor in possession of alcohol, loitering, and loiter ing to commit prostitution;
WHEREAS, Special Directive 20 -08: Sentencing
Enhancements/Allegations eliminates several sentence enhancements, including the Three Strikes Law, gang enhancements, and violations of bail; WHEREAS, some of the Special Directives issued by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón contradict state laws that were enacted through the state legislature as well as the legislative ballot initiative process to prevent and prosecute crime and protect the general public;
WHEREAS, policies that aim to restructure or amend p rosecutorial directives need to be consistent with state law and issued with reasonable intent and priority to enhance public safety and protect the general public and victims’ rights; and
WHEREAS, the Manhattan Beach City Council adopted Resolution No. 21-0042 ex pressing a vote of no c onfidence In Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.
NOW THEREFORE, THE MANHATTAN BEACH CITY COUNCIL
HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council expresses an official endorsement for the recall of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.
SECTION 2. The City Council respectfully requests that District Attorney George Gascón rescind Special Directive 20-06, 20-07, and 20 -08 issued since he assumed office on December 7, 2020.
SECTION 3. The City Council respectfully requests that District Attorney George Gascón uphold the laws of the state, whether they were established by the state legislature or the voters of this state, and requests that no further Special Directives be issued which are inc onsistent with the letter, spirit and intent of state law.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution.
ADOPTED on April 5, 2022.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
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HILDY STERN
Mayor
ATTEST:
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LIZA TAMURA
City Clerk