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San Gabriel council adopts resolution supporting Proposition 36 after debate, 5–0
Summary
After a public comment and extended council discussion, San Gabriel City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 24‑54 expressing support for Proposition 36 (homelessness, drug addiction and theft reduction act); council amended the resolution to remove the phrase 'unintended consequences' from the whereas language before the vote.
City Manager Mark Lazaretto and Mayor Wu introduced a council item requesting a formal resolution in support of Proposition 36, a statewide initiative that would adjust penalties created by Proposition 47 and create treatment‑mandated felony options for repeat drug offenders. Mayor Wu said he consulted with a prosecutor and had received calls from residents and businesses expressing public‑safety concerns, referencing retail theft and incidents affecting local businesses and an on‑duty officer.
During public comment Chastity Jennings Nunez criticized the agenda choice and disputed the evidence linking Proposition 47 to increases in organized retail theft and overdose deaths. "There is no information or objective evidence that this proposition will change the crime rate," she said, and warned the resolution could increase incarceration of Black and Latino people and increase local criminal‑justice costs.
Council discussion covered public‑safety concerns, interpretation of crime statistics and the balance between treatment and accountability. Councilmember Harrington urged the council to take a measured approach, describing Proposition 36 as providing both rehabilitation options and additional deterrence for repeat offenders. Councilmember Chen, Harrington and others said they have seen increased retail theft and other crimes in recent years and supported a city endorsement. The city attorney advised the council it may adopt a resolution expressing its viewpoint provided no city funds are used to advance an active election cause.
Councilmember Chen moved to adopt Resolution No. 24‑54 with an amendment suggested by Councilmember Harrington to remove a reference to "unintended consequences" from the first whereas clause; Harrington seconded. The council adopted the amended resolution unanimously, 5–0. The council agreed to post the resolution online; individual councilmembers may undertake independent outreach.
