FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Jana Saastad
Monday, October 22, 2007	Phone: (916) 337-7098

SENATOR AND ASSEMBLYWOMAN RUNNER INTRODUCE BALLOT INITIATIVE TO RESTORE ORDER IN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES

Measure is expected to go before voters during November 2008 Election

SACRAMENTO – Standing with law enforcement officials from throughout the state, Sen. George Runner (R-Antelope Valley) and Assemblywoman Sharon Runner (R-Lancaster), Mike Reynolds, author of Three Strikes, and San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt today introduced a ballot initiative that will create intervention and rehabilitation programs that are held publicly accountable; enhance penalties for gang members, felons with guns, methamphetamine dealers and other street thugs; guarantee tools and resources for law enforcement; and protect victims and their families.

"Law abiding citizens have had it with rampant gang violence in their communities," Senator Runner said. "It's time to restore peace and take back our neighborhoods, and this measure has the ingredients to do just that."

The initiative, known as the Safe Neighborhoods Act: Protect Victims, Stop Gangs & Thugs, would elevate public safety as a statewide priority, and limit the volatility of funding for law enforcement. It will create complementary programs for crime deterrence and offender rehabilitation.

The provisions do the following:

• Stiffer penalties for accomplices.  Amends 10-20 Life to penalize not only offenders who use firearms in the commission of certain felonies, but their accomplices as well.
• Witness testimony.  Authorizes admission or sworn statements by gang crime witnesses who have died or who are unavailable to testify at the time of prosecution because of intimidation.
• Section 8 Housing protection.  Enforces Section 8 Housing rules regarding guns, gangs and drugs, creating more public housing for truly needy Californians.
• Punishes smugglers of prison contraband.  Enhances penalties for individuals who provide contraband to gang members in prison.
• Creates a statewide gang registry.  Requires convicted gang offenders to register with local law enforcement each year for five years following conviction or their release from custody.
• Toughens laws for Meth.  Increases the penalties for those who use and sell methamphetamine to the same level as those for cocaine.
• Use a gun and lose a car.  When a gun is in a car and the registered owner is involved in a crime, the owner loses the car.
• Prohibits bail for illegal aliens charged with violent or gang crimes.
• The creation of the Early Intervention & Rehabilitation Commission. The commission will include nine members charged with evaluating, recommending and monitoring programs with emphasis on public accountability, disclosure and dispassionate assessments.
• Authorizes $250 million in targeted funding for police, sheriffs, district attorneys and probation officers. Assists local authorities with GPS tracking equipment to monitor gang members and high-risk felons. Prioritizes programs designed to reduce firearm violence and other street crimes.
• Stabilizes funding for existing critical programs. Programs such as COPS will be made permanent dependable so that law enforcement efforts can be maintained.

Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness, who was in attendance, said gangs have “compromised our entire criminal justice system, routinely assaulting victims, witnesses, and sometimes even judges. 

“It is essential that state laws and resources target these offenders.”

Following the press conference this morning, the measure was submitted to Attorney General Jerry Brown’s office to be given a “title and summary” before the signature gathering begins.

To qualify for the November 2008 ballot, 433,971signatures are necessary by April, 2008.

“I am confident that voters are enthusiastic about passing laws that protect our families and our neighborhoods from crime,” Sharon Runner said.

The Runners jointly authored Jessica’s Law, which gained overwhelmingly approval from the voters on the November 2006 ballot.

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