Crime

Marin: Health staff urges addition of marijuana to list of prohibited substances

Published

7 years ago

June 12, 2017

The County of Marin first adopted a social host accountability ordinance in 2006 to help deter underage drinking, and now staff is proposing to add marijuana to the ordinance language plus further measures to reduce drug and alcohol use by minors.

If the ordinance amendment is adopted, party hosts would be liable and subject to fines even if the party location is a bus or limousine. Also, graduation from a restorative justice program would be mandated for all offenders under the age of 21.

The amendment received a first reading before the Marin County Board of Supervisors on June 6, and a merit hearing and subsequent Board vote is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 13.

The social host accountability ordinance holds adults responsible for underage use of alcohol and other controlled substances in their households whether or not the adults are present. The ordinance is designed to confront and mitigate the prevalent problem of underage drinking, drug use and loud or unruly gatherings at private residences or rented facilities.

Supported by more than a dozen local groups, the County strengthened its original social host accountability ordinance in February 2016 by adding controlled substances to the list of prohibitions. It also prohibited loud and unruly parties where controlled substances are served to, possessed by or ingested by people under the age of 21.

Marin has a national reputation as being one of the healthiest counties in the country, but also is known for as having an incredibly high rate of underage drinking and drug use.

“Parents want to know their kids are safe when they’re out with friends,” said Dr. Matt Willis, the County’s Public Health Officer. “Strengthening our social host ordinance sends an important signal that we all share responsibility for the safety of our kids. That’s especially important here in Marin, where our teen substance abuse and DUI rates are high. We’re fortunate our elected leaders and partners in law enforcement are taking a proactive approach to this public health problem.”

Law enforcement officials are allowed to issue citations for civil fines and fees against people responsible for such gatherings. Adults face a civil fine of $750, six hours of observation at a restorative justice hearing, and imposition of all of the costs of law enforcement’s response to the incident, and potential litigation from the families of people injured in the incident. Fines increase with additional violations.

“A restorative justice program helps the underage violator learn from the experience as opposed to their parents simply paying a fine,” Govi said. “I think it’s a good idea that adults are now going to face the required attendance at restorative justice program hearings. That makes this ordinance more effective.”

To date, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office has issued nearly 80 citations for violations in unincorporated Marin since the ordinance was adopted 11 years ago. Violators have paid fines, completed community service hours and participated in alcohol-related education.

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Alameda County

DA Pamela Price Stands by Mom Who Lost Son to Gun Violence in Oakland

Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018.

Published

2 days ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones

Publisher’s note: Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018. The photo was too small for readers to see where the women were and what they were doing. Here we show Price and Jones as they complete a walk in memory of Scott. For more information and to contribute, please contact Carol Jones at 510-978-5517 at morefoundation.help@gmail.com. Courtesy photo.

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California Black Media

Anti-Theft Bill with Jail-Time Requirement Gets Wide Ranging Support

Fed up with the alarming frequency of retail theft across California, including smash and grabs, a diverse group of business leaders, law enforcement officials, policymakers and public safety advocates joined their efforts in Sacramento on Jan. 24. Their purpose: to increase public support for Assembly Bill (AB) 1772, a bill that would make jail time mandatory for repeat theft offenders.

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2024

Oakland Post

San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman speaks as Asm. James Ramos (D-San Bernardino), left, stands beside him at a news conference in Sacramento concerning retail theft across the state.

By California Black Media

Fed up with the alarming frequency of retail theft across California, including smash and grabs, a diverse group of business leaders, law enforcement officials, policymakers and public safety advocates joined their efforts in Sacramento on Jan. 24.

Their purpose: to increase public support for Assembly Bill (AB) 1772, a bill that would make jail time mandatory for repeat theft offenders.

Co-authored by Assemblymembers James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino), Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) and Devon Mathis (R-Tulare), AB 1772 would require jail time “of one to three years for theft crimes depending upon the circumstances.

“Offenses would include grand theft, theft from an elder or dependent adult, theft or unauthorized use of a vehicle, burglary, carjacking, robbery, receiving stolen property, shoplifting or mail theft,” the bill language reads.

Ramos said the need to act is urgent.

“It’s time for us to reverse the spikes in theft crimes since the pandemic. Our law enforcement members and district attorneys need additional tools such as AB 1772. We must reverse the trend before the problem grows worse. Last year I requested a state audit of the impact of Prop 47 on Riverside and San Bernardino counties,” said Ramos.

Prop 47 is the California initiative, approved by voters in 2014, that reclassified some felonies to misdemeanors and raised the minimum amount for most misdemeanor thefts from $400 to $950.

According to a Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) report, the rate of occurrence of petty crimes like shoplifting and commercial burglaries have increased by double digits over the last four years.

In Orange County alone, commercial burglaries have spiked by 54%.

“Our communities are experiencing an increase in retail crime and deserve appropriate action from their legislators,” Valencia said.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus thanked Ramos.

“This bill, designed to impose stricter penalties on serial retail theft suspects, responds urgently to the escalating consequences of shoplifting and related crimes on our communities,” he said.

AB 1772 supporters who spoke at the gathering included Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper and San Bernardino Chief of Police Darren Goodman. Listed as supporters are the California State Sheriff’s Association, City of Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez and Redlands Chamber of Commerce.