FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Jana Saastad
Thursday, May 15, 2008	Phone: (916) 337-7098

RUNNER, BACA AND COMMUNITY LEADERS REACT TO LA CITY COUNCILMEN CARDENAS AND PARKS

SACRAMENTO – In response to a press conference held today by Los Angeles City Council members Tony Cardenas and Bernard Parks asking for the LA City Council to oppose the Safe Neighborhoods Act (a November ballot initiative), law enforcement and local victim rights activist released the following statements:

“After reading the statements made by Tony Cardenas and Bernard Parks, I’m not sure they have actually read the language of the measure. The fact is, when the Safe Neighborhoods Act is passed by the voters in November it will ensure more than $93 million annually in state support for Los Angeles County programs, including the juvenile and adult probation and Juvenile Justice Prevention and Intervention program. Additionally, cities within Los Angeles County would receive money for police protection and gang enforcement.

“Furthermore, the opponents falsely paint the Safe Neighborhood Act as a draconian measure that would set civil rights back 40 years. In fact, the measure has provisions that are both forward thinking and practical in our efforts to make our communities and neighborhoods safer.

“If Cardenas and Parks had read the measure they probably wouldn’t oppose a provision that denies bail to illegal aliens who have been arrested for gang-related crimes. They might not oppose the idea that dangerous youths who have been arrested for murder and other violent acts ought to stand trial in adult court rather than mingling in juvenile correctional facilities with minors accused of lesser offenses. They might even support our idea that Section 8 housing should be reserved for the truly needy and not for criminals.”  – Sen. George Runner, R-Antelope Valley, co-author of the Safe Neighborhoods Act.

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“I unequivocally support the Safe Neighborhoods Act.  It provides needed resources to local counties that face serious gang problems.  To not support this legislation in tough or good fiscal times is irresponsible.  Our community safety in view of rampant gang violence requires bold changes, especially in Los Angeles County.” – Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca

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“Shame on Councilman Parks and Cardenas. Their attempt to deceive the citizens of Los Angeles and the rest of California about the true intent of the Safe Neighborhood ACT is disgraceful. The Safe Neighborhood Act will help protect our kids from violent gangsters and illegal alien criminals. It has provisions to support law enforcement. It will also provide real intervention programs to help steer young impressionable youth away from gangs and crime. 

“By misleading the public about this initiative Parks and Cardenas are maintaining the status quo and feeding our children to illegal alien gang members. Black youth are in a state of Emergency. They’re being gunned down by illegal alien gang members in Los Angeles and Parks and Cardenas refuse to do anything to stop it! This initiative would help protect kids from violent crime and make our communities safer. Parks and Cardenas know this, but they're playing politics with the lives of our youths and families.” – Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, founder of Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny.

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“This is another smack in the face to families who have lost a loved one to homicide in the city of Los Angeles.” – Lawanda Hawkins, Crime Victims United of California.

For more information about the Safe Neighborhoods Act, please visit: www.SafeNeighborhoodsAct.com

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