From the City of Whittier
The Whittier City Council has directed staff to draft language for a potential ballot measure that would allow Whittier voters to decide whether the City should prosecute its own misdemeanor offenses. The decision to consider authorizing an amendment to the Charter that would modify the powers and duties of the City Attorney to include prosecution of local misdemeanors comes after members of the Council expressed concerns over Special Directives issued by the Los Angeles County District Attorney that appear to contradict voter-approved ballot initiatives.
During a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, the City Council cited numerous interactions with the office of Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascón, to facilitate discussion in support of legislation that furthers Whittier’s Strategic Plan goal of enhancing public safety and protecting the community. On April 24, 2021, the Council adopted a resolution expressing a vote of no confidence in District Attorney Gascón and, in March 2022, directed staff to send a letter to the District Attorney’s office requesting that Whittier be allowed to prosecute its own misdemeanor violations like neighboring charter cities including Long Beach, Pasadena, and Torrance.
“We have a responsibility to our residents to ensure that the laws to protect and enhance the quality of life in Whittier are upheld and enforced,” said Mayor Joe Vinatieri. “While we will continue working with the District Attorney, we ultimately believe our community members directly impacted by these policies should have the opportunity to make the decision at the ballot box in November.”
Although the City has not yet been granted permission from the District Attorney’s office to proceed with prosecution, a ballot measure could be added to the November Statewide Election absent an agreement. Approval of such an amendment would not obligate the City to prosecute its own misdemeanors but provides flexibility should the City Council wish to do so.
A resolution to add the charter amendment to the Statewide ballot will return to the City Council for review at their next regular meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. The special election would be consolidated with Los Angeles County on November 8, 2022. For more information regarding the potential Charter amendment and timeline, please contact the City Clerk at (562) 567-9850.
During a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, the City Council cited numerous interactions with the office of Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascón, to facilitate discussion in support of legislation that furthers Whittier’s Strategic Plan goal of enhancing public safety and protecting the community. On April 24, 2021, the Council adopted a resolution expressing a vote of no confidence in District Attorney Gascón and, in March 2022, directed staff to send a letter to the District Attorney’s office requesting that Whittier be allowed to prosecute its own misdemeanor violations like neighboring charter cities including Long Beach, Pasadena, and Torrance.
“We have a responsibility to our residents to ensure that the laws to protect and enhance the quality of life in Whittier are upheld and enforced,” said Mayor Joe Vinatieri. “While we will continue working with the District Attorney, we ultimately believe our community members directly impacted by these policies should have the opportunity to make the decision at the ballot box in November.”
Although the City has not yet been granted permission from the District Attorney’s office to proceed with prosecution, a ballot measure could be added to the November Statewide Election absent an agreement. Approval of such an amendment would not obligate the City to prosecute its own misdemeanors but provides flexibility should the City Council wish to do so.
A resolution to add the charter amendment to the Statewide ballot will return to the City Council for review at their next regular meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. The special election would be consolidated with Los Angeles County on November 8, 2022. For more information regarding the potential Charter amendment and timeline, please contact the City Clerk at (562) 567-9850.
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