Resolution No. 2024-XXX
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSITION 36: THE
HOMELESSNESS, DRUG ADDICTION , AND THEFT
REDUCTION ACT INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, the safety and security of the residents of Santa Ana is of utmost importance to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 36, an Initiative Statute qualified for the November 5, 2024, ballot, proposes to increase penalties for certain theft and drug-related crimes; and
WHEREAS, under current law, Proposition 47 ( approved by voters in 2014) reduced the punishments for some theft and drug crimes, changing certain felonies into misdemeanors; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 36 will address this issue by turning some misdemeanors back into felonies, specifically targeting repeat offenders who have two or more past convictions for theft crimes such as shoplifting, burglary, or carjacking, thereby enhancing public safety by deterring habitual criminal behavior; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 36 includes provisions to increase penalties for property crimes involving multiple offenders and provides that certain sentences for drug offenses, such as the sale of dangerous substances like fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, be served in state prison, rather than county jail, to ensure that these serious crimes are met with appropriate consequences; and
WHEREAS, Prop osition 36 also introduces a new court process for individuals charged with a “treatment-mandated felony ” focused on treatment for individuals convicted of drug possession crimes who have a history of drug offenses, offering them rehabilitation and treatment options as an alternative to incarceration, thus balanci ng enforcement with opportunities for recovery; and
WHEREAS, the Santa Ana City Council recognizes the need to give the courts tools to address the rising concerns about illegal drug distribution, including a provision within Proposition 36 that mandates a warning to individuals convicted of drug distribution that they may face murder charges if their actions lead to a fatality in the future; and
WHEREAS, supporting Proposition 36 reflects the City’s commitment to both enhancing public safety and addressing the root causes of drug-related crimes through a combination of enforcement and treatment.
Resolution No. 2024-XXX
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana as follows:
Section 1. The City of Santa Ana formally declares its support for Proposition 36 entitled The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act.
Section 2. The City of Santa Ana recognizes Prop 36 as a necessary measure to protect the public from serious drug and theft related crimes, while also providing pathways to rehabilitation for offenders.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution.
ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________, 2024.
________________________________
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
By:
Laura Rossini
Chief Assistant City Attorney
AYES: Councilmembers
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers _
Resolution No. 2024-XXX
CERTIFICATION OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, Jennifer L. Hall, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2024-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on _______________.
Date: ______________________ ________________________________ City Clerk
City of Santa Ana