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The Seal Beach City Council on Sept. 23 unanimously authorized the mayor to execute a letter supporting Prop. 36.
The vote was 4-0. District Five Councilman Nathan Steele was absent.
This was a Consent Calendar item. Consent items are voted on collectively unless a council member pulls one for further discussion. Nothing was pulled from the calendar. The text of the resolution did not say who the letter would be addressed to.
Background
“Proposition 36 is a response to the challenges posed by Proposition 47, which, while successful in creating a more equitable criminal justice system, has led to increased organized retail theft, the closure of inner-city stores, and difficulties in encouraging individuals to seek necessary drug and mental health treatment,” wrote Capt. Nick Nicholas in his staff report.
According to the report, Prop. 36 proposes these reforms:
“Holds repeat offenders accountable by addressing the root causes of retail theft, ensuring that those who commit these crimes face appropriate consequences,” Nicholas wrote.
“Redefines fentanyl as a hard drug, increases penalties for trafficking, and grants judges greater discretion in sentencing to address the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths,” Nicholas wrote.
“Provides critical mental health, drug treatment services, and job training within the justice system, focusing on individuals who are homeless or struggling with substance abuse and mental illness,” Nicholas wrote.
“Adoption of this resolution will formally express the City’s support for Proposition 36 and highlight the benefits it brings to our community,” Nicholas wrote.
