Local advocate urges Kings County to adopt ordinance criminalizing possession of catalytic converters

During the public comment period on Tuesday, Daryl Terrell, a resident of Moreno Valley and planning commissioner in his town, urged the Kings County Board of Supervisors to adopt an ordinance criminalizing mere possession of catalytic converters stolen in thefts.

Terrell said state laws can leave gaps when prosecution requires tying a catalytic converter to a specific known victim. He urged the board to adopt a “one-and-done” local ordinance similar to ordinances adopted by Riverside County and its 28 cities, saying local rules would help hold thieves accountable. He noted recent state legislation he described as insufficient and said he has been advocating for the ordinance in multiple Central and Southern California counties.

Sheriff Dave Robinson later addressed Terrell’s comment during his remarks, saying the sheriff’s office recorded 55 catalytic-converter thefts from 2021 through February 2025 valued at about $94,000, and said local ordinances that restrict purchase or possession could assist law enforcement.

Why it matters: Counties and cities have used local ordinances to address theft and resale of specific property types when state law makes prosecution difficult; the county’s sheriffs and local police departments also track related thefts and work with cities on enforcement.

What’s next: Terrell said he had emailed draft ordinance language to board members. The board did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting; Sheriff Robinson encouraged local governments to consider ordinances and legislative changes.