Chief McMinn reports April crime statistics and Prop 36 impacts in city meeting

The Taft City Council convened on May 20, 2025, to address various agenda items, including departmental reports and routine consent calendar items. The meeting began with a brief acknowledgment that there was no planning commission report available, as no commissioner was present.

Chief Damon McMinn provided the police department's report for April, highlighting a total of 387 calls for service and 727 officer-initiated incidents. After accounting for extra patrols, the adjusted total incidents stood at 235. The chief noted the department's proactive approach, with officers conducting security checks in various areas, including downtown and local parks. The report detailed 106 officer cases, with 22 classified as felonies, and a total of 52 arrests, comprising 33 misdemeanors and 19 felonies.

A discussion ensued regarding the implications of Proposition 36, which was recently approved by voters despite opposition from state leadership. Chief McMinn confirmed that the department is actively making arrests related to the proposition, although challenges remain in housing individuals affected by the new law.

Following the police report, the city attorney provided a brief statement, and the city manager had no additional comments. The council then moved to future agenda requests, where no new items were proposed.

The meeting proceeded to the consent calendar, which included routine items such as the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and the payment of bills totaling approximately $290,000. The council agreed to enact items 9 through 16 in one roll call vote, while item 17 was pulled for further discussion.

Overall, the meeting reflected the council's ongoing commitment to public safety and community engagement, with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by recent legislative changes. The council will continue to monitor the implementation of Proposition 36 and its impact on the community in future sessions.