FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Jana Saastad
Friday, February 22, 2008	Phone: (916) 337-7098

RUNNERS, LOCAL OFFICIALS KICK OFF SIGNATURE DRIVE FOR GANG AND STREET CRIME INITIATIVE

(VICTORVILLE) – Sen. George Runner (R-Antelope Valley) and Assemblywoman Sharon Runner (R-Lancaster) and San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt launched a drive today to gather signatures for a gang initiative slated for the November 2008 ballot. In addition, Mitzelfelt presented a check to the Runners as a contribution to the initiative.

“We are excited to begin gathering signatures for this important initiative that addresses California’s need to fight gangs and their crimes,” Senator Runner said. “And we are privileged to have the support of Brad Mitzelfelt, a proven champion of upholding public safety in San Bernardino County.”

The Safe Neighborhoods Act: Stop Gang, Gun, and Street Crime, is a comprehensive measure that not only increases punishment for gang and street criminals but also establishes sustainable funding for California law enforcement; provides for 21st century tools like GPS monitoring; prevents youths from heading down the wrong path and rehabilitates those who are involved in gangs; and protects victims and their families.

“FBI statistics show that California had experienced a measurable increase in street crime in the past decade – activities like robbery, auto theft, and methamphetamine use and distribution – and most of it is gang related,” Assemblywoman Runner said. “This measure will turn this disturbing trend downward and restore peace and safety in California neighborhoods.”

The Act has many provisions, including the following:

• Provides a 10-year penalty for gang members who commit violent felonies;
• Denies bail to illegal aliens who are arrested for violent felonies;
• Provides greater accountability regarding the taxpayer dollars spent on crime prevention programs;
• Redirects funding for police, sheriff and other law enforcement agencies to increase public safety;
• Creates a parolee mentor program, which provides workforce preparation and helps felons reenter society;
• Protects children from gang predators by increasing penalties for gang recruitment of juveniles;
• Rewrites “hearsay” laws by allowing admission of sworn statements by people who have witnessed gang crimes, even if those witnesses are unable to testify in court due to intimidation;
• Penalizes methamphetamine users and dealers on the same level that cocaine users and dealers are penalized;
• Adds 10-year penalty to dangerous felons who carry loaded or concealed firearms in public.

“I can tell you as a local government official, we can only clean up our streets if the community and law enforcement are given the necessary tools and resources,” Mitzelfelt said. “The Safe Neighborhoods Act will provide these tools and I am honored to give it my support.”

To qualify for the November 2008 ballot, 433,971 signatures are necessary by April 21, 2008.

For more information, please visit www.SafeNeighborhoodsAct.com.

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