Editor’s note: This is the first in a three-part series exploring some of the provisions in the Safe Neighborhoods Act. Part two will appear in Monday’s Daily Press.

SACRAMENTO — A new initiative likely to be on California’s November ballot will create intervention and rehabilitation programs, enhance penalties for gang members and guarantee tools and resources for law enforcement.

Proposed and authored by Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster, and Assemblywoman Sharon Runner, R-Lancaster, the Safe Neighborhoods Act is an all inclusive initiative with several provisions aimed at improving public safety in California.

“We think it’s a number one priority,” George Runner said of public safety.

The Safe Neighborhoods Act addresses several statutory changes rejected by the Legislature this year or in prior years, according to a summary of the initiative.

Proposing an initiative is a way to circumvent the Legislature and bring an issue directly to the voters.

The Safe Neighborhoods Act is expected to be approved by Attorney Gen. Edmund “Jerry” Brown in late January at which time signatures need to be gathered.

To get it on the ballot in November, 433,971 signatures must be collected by April.

“We’re going to be fine doing that,” said George Runner, who is no stranger to the initiative process.

In 2006, he and Sharon Runner spearheaded the Jessica’s Law initiative, which strengthened punishment and tracking of sex offenders, and passed with 77 percent of the vote.

Sharon Runner said she is confident that once they gather the signatures, Californians will be supportive of the Safe Neighborhoods Act.

“No matter where you are in the state, you don’t feel safe because of the gang issue,” Sharon Runner said.

The Safe Neighborhoods Act will increase penalties for gang recruitment and accessories to gang crimes; streamline the civil gang injunction process; prohibit bail for violent felonies if the defendant is in the U.S. illegally, and institute a number of other provisions to strengthen penalties and deter kids from entering gangs.

Sen. George Runner said that there is currently $600 million dollars in the budget each year set aside for local law enforcement. If the initiative passes, it would take another $350 million to enforce some of the new provisions.

Opponents of the initiative say that more money for public safety shouldn’t be requested in the midst of the state’s growing deficit, which is now estimated at $14 billion.

“There is a deficit,” said George Runner. “We recognize that, but the first rule of government is public safety.”

George Runner said he is very concerned that the liberals in Sacramento will try cut public safety funds and continue funding programs that benefit illegal aliens and expand welfare programs.

“In a $104 billion budget, this is really a small portion,” said Sharon Runner. “It’s important to me to give law enforcement the resources they need to put the bad guys away.”

The Runners have created a Web site — www.safeneighbor hoodsact.com — to detail what is set forth in the Safe Neighborhoods Act that should be up and running within the next 10 days.

Ryan Orr may be reached at 951-6277 or rorr@vvdailypress.com.

Link to Article