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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/25/1993 BAKERSFIELD Patricia M. Smith, Chair Patricia J. DeMond Lynn Edwards Staff: Trudy Slater Judy Skousen AGENDA LEGISLATIVE AND" LITIGATION COMMITTEE Monday, October 25, 1993 12:00 noon City Manager's Conference Room 1. Loitering Ordinance for Purposes of Drug-Related Activities 2. Loitering Ordinance for Purposes .of Prostitution 3. Legislative Platform 4. Request for English as an Official Language 5. Legislative Update 6. Set Next Meeting ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTE~ 9.19 OF THE BAKERSFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE. RELATING TO LOITERING FOR PURPOSES OF DRUG-RELATED ACTIVITIES. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Bakersfield as follows: SECTION 1 Chapter 9.19 is hereby added to the Bakersfield Municipal Code to read as follows: CHAPTER 9.19 LOITERING FOR DRUG ACTIVITIES Sections: 9.19.010 Purpose. 9.19.020 Definitions. 9.19.030 Acts prohibited. 9.19.040 Circumstances. 9.19.050 Enforcement. 9.19.060 Penalty. 9.19.010 Purpose. Like many other communities, across this nation, the City of Bakersfield is experiencing an increase in the street sales.of marijuana, PCP, rock cocaine and other controlled substances as defined in the Health and Safety Code of this state. It is the intent of this ordinance to assist law enforcement personnel of this city in abating the scourge of sales of controlled substances. The City Council finds and determines that the sale of controlled substances constitutes a continuing public nuisance which adversely affects the public health, safety and welfare, fuels fear among the c~m.unity and is a factor which not only deprecSates the value of property upon which su=h activity occurs, but also depreciates the value of adjacent and surrounding properties, and adversely affects the city's image, business, development and housing costs. The purpose of this ordinance is, therefore, to further assist'law enforcement to minimize the impact which drug sales have on the city's quality of life, overall sense of feeling of safety and security of its citizens, and economic stability. The sale of controlled narcotic substances breeds criminal and gang- related activities and breeds c~,,.unity discontent. This ordinance will serve to mitigate these adverse effects by further limiting the means by whichdrug sales can occur. 9.19.020 Definitions. As used in this subdivision, "loiter" means to delay or linger without a. lawful purpose for being on the property.and for the purpose of committing a crime as opportunity may be .discovered. 9.19.030 Acts prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to loiter in, on or near any thoroughfare or place open to the public or near any public or private place in a manner and under circumstances manifesting the purpose of engagingin drug-related activity defined as offenses in chapters 6 and 6.5 of division 10 of the California Health and Safety Code. 9.19.040 CircUmstances. Among circumstances that may be considered in determining whether such purpose is manifested are that the person: A. Is a knownunlawful drug user, Possessor, or seller. For purposes of this chapter, a "known unlawful drug user, possessor or seller" is a person who has, within the knowledge of the arresting officer, been convicted in any court within this · state of any violation involving the use, possession or sale of any of the substances referred to in chapters 6 and 6.5 of division 10 of the California Health and Safety Code; or such person has been convicted of any violation of any of the provisions of said sections or substantially similar laws of any political subdivision of this state or of any other state; or a person who displays physical characteristics of drug intoxication or usage, such as"needle tracks"; or a Derson who possesses narcotic and/or drug paraphernalia. For PUXlOoses of this chapter, "narcotic and/or drug paraphernalia" is defined as any device, contrivance, instrument or apparatus designed or marketed for the use for smoking or injecting, ingesting or consuming marijuana, hashish, PCP or any controlled substance,, as defined in section 11364 and related provisions of the Health and Safety Code of this state, including roach clips and cigarette papers and rollers designed or marketed for the use for the smoking of the foregoing; B. ' Is currently subjec~ to an order prohibiting his or her presence in an high drug activity geographic area; C. Behaves in such a manner as to raise a reasonable suspicion that he or she is about to engage in or is then engaged in an unlawful drug activity, including, by way of example only and not limited to, acting as a "look-out"; D. Is physically identified by the officer as a member of' a "gang" or association which has, as its'purpose, illegal drug activity; E. Transfers small objects or packages for currency in a furtive fashion; F. Takes-flight upon the appearance of a'police officer; G. Tries to Conceal himself or herself or any object which reasonably could be involved in an unlawful drug-related activity; H. Is in an area that is known for unlawful drug use and trafficking; I. Is on or in premises that have been reported to law enforcement as a place suspected of unlawful drug activity; J. Is .in or within six feet of any Vehicles registered to a known unlawful drug user, possessor, or seller, or a person for whom there is an outstanding warrant for a.crime involving drug- related activity. 9.19.050 Enforcement. Enforcement of this chapter shall be pursuant to the policy statement dated , 1993, issued by the Chief ~. of Police, as approved by the City Council in Council Resolution No. , adopted on ,. 1993. A copy of said resolution shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk. 9.19.060 Penalty. A Violation of any provision of this chapter is a misdemeanor, punishable as set forth in the Penal Code of this state. SECTION 2 This Ordinance shall be posted in accordance with the Bakersfield Municipal Code and shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after the date of its passage. o0o I'~Y 'CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was Passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on , by the following vote: CITY CLERK and Ex Officio Clerk of the Council of the City of Bakersfield APPROVED BOB PRICE MAYOR of the City of Bakersfield APPROVED as to form: LAWRENCE M. LUNARDINI CITY ATTORNEy of the'City of Bakersfield MGA:gp ORDINANCE\LOITER 4/30/93 CITY OF BAKERSFIELD. DRUG LOITERING. ORDINANCE TRAINING OUTUNE. FOUR HOURS OF INSTRUCTION INTRODUCTION: By ordinance the City Council of the City of Bakersfield has added Chapter 9.19 to the Bakersfield Municipal Code. The chapter relates to Loitering for purpose of drug related activities making it a misdemeanor to loiter under certain circumstances. Only officers who receive a four hour block of instruction relating to Chapter 9.19 will be allowed to enforce its provisions. The four hour block of instruction will cover the following: I. Elements of Bakersfield Municipal Code Sections A. Loitering. 1, To remain in .an area without apparent purpose for a sustained'period of time. A period of surveillance is required to establish that the subject is loitering. 2. Citizen information may alSo be used to establish how long the subject has been loitering at the location. B. Subject's conduct/circumstances establish probable cause that the subject intends to engage in illegal drug activity based on your training, experience, and knowledge.. 1. Subiect is a known druq user, possessor, or seller. This " is established through officer's observations, personal knowledge, and by documents, such as RAP sheets or court dockets. Subiect is currently prohibited by court order from bein~i in hiqh druq activity area. Officer may have personal knowledge of the court' order, but must obtain actual court documentation for filing Of the case. ~ 3. Suspicious behavior. Reasonable for the officer to believe that the subject is about to engage, in unlawful drug activity, to include acting, as a lookout. 4. G-_nq members whO associate for purpose of ille,qal drucl activity. Personal knowledge by the officer' tha~ part of the g,ang's activity .is to engage in illegal drug activity, and the subject in question' is a knOWn gang member. 5. ~. Transfer of. small object or packages' for currency in a furtive fashion. 6.. Fliqht from Police. Subject takes flightupon the appearance of a police officer. ~ 7. Concealment. Subject attempts to conceal himself or any object that could 'reasonably be involved in unlawful drug activity. 8. Location. Subject is in an area. that is known for unlawful drug use and trafficking. 9. Premises. Subject is on or in Premises that have been reported to law enforcement as a place suspected of unlawful drug .activity. 10. Vehicles. Subject is in or within six feet of any ivehicle registered to a known unlawful drug user, possessor, or seller; or a person for which thers is an outstanding warrant for a crime involving drug-related activity. I1. Legal Backgroundl A. Laws which prohibit loitering for a specific illeqal purpose generally upheld as constitutional. B. Loitering for purposes of prostitution, and loitering in the area of toilets for lewd purposes are "mirror-images" of drug loitering law. III. Enforcement Guidelines. A. Use ordinance conservatively. When the violations occur, Officers should initiate an investigation to determine the extent of the violation. When in doubt, do not arrest. B. Drug loitering law is not to be used indiscriminately to limit the access of persons to public or private areas. '2 C. Ideally more than one of the listed circumstances should be present for an arre~. IV. Use and Application. A. Not intended to be a "catch all" ordinance. Don't contact a subject with one intent and then fall back on Drug Loitering Ordinance if the criteria does not exist. B. Only Officers who receive training on the proper use of the ordinance may enforce this ordinance. Said enforcement Shall be completed in a courteous and professional manner. C. Do not use this ordinance as a lessor included offense to a felony drug charge, however, it may be cited as probable cause if warranted. D. Do not use to bolster a questionable arrest. Cases involving the use of this ordinance must' be able to weather the test. of. court challenge. V. Reporting. A. Art!culate the elements and conditions that sUrround the circumstances of the offense and arrest. B.. Incorporate in the arrest report the officer's expertise, for example; schools attended, experience, training, number of previous drug arrests and search warrants. VI. Department Policy. A. Explanation of purpose. B. Procedure for implementation of the ordinance. All arrests made under the provisions of the Ordinance are approved by a supervisor who is also trained in the ordinance. 3 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 9.13 OF THE BAKERSFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO LOITERING FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENGAGING IN A PROSTITUTION OFFENSE BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Bakersfield as follows: SECTION 1 Chapter 9.13 is hereby added to the Bakersfield Municipal Code to read as follows: CHAPTER 9.13 LOITERING FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENGAGING IN A PROSTITUTION OFFENSE Sections: 9.13.010 Purpose. 9.13.020' Definitions. 9.13.030 'Loitering for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. 9.13.040 Severability. 9.13.050 Penalty. 9.13.010 Purpose. This chapter is enacted for the purpose of assisting local law enforcement in controlling prostitution-related activities and to minimize the adverse effect these activities have upon the City of Bakersfield. The City Council finds and determines that loitering for the purposes of engaging in a prostitution offense constitutes a public nuisance which, if left unabated, adversely affects the City's image, public safety, residential and business ~development, and tends to encourage further criminal activity. Furthermore, prostitution-related activities consume an inordinate amount of the City's limited law enforcement resources. The ordinance is intended to supplement existing state legislation by making it a criminal offense to loiter.in a public place for purposes of engaging in a prostitution offense. 9.13.020 Definitions. . For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions will apply: A. "Commit Prostitution" means to engage in sexual conduct for money or other consideration, but does not include sexual conduct engaged in as a part of any stage performance, play, or other entertainment open to the public. B. "Known Prostitute or Procurer" means a person who' ~within one (1) year previous to. the date of arrest for violation of this section has,'within the knowledge of the arresting officer, been convicted in any court of the state of California for any offense relating to or inVolving prostitution as defined in the Penal Code of the State of California or the Bakersfield Municipal Code. C. "Public Place" means an area open to the public or exposed to public view and includes streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, parkS, driveways, parking lots, automobiles (whether moving or not), and buildings open to the general public, including those which serve food or drink, or provide' entertainment and the doorways and entrances to buildings or dwellings and the grounds enclosing them. 9.13.030 Loitering for the purpose of en~a~ing in prostitution. It is unlawful for any person to loiter in or near any public place with the intent to commit prostitution. Such intent is evidenced by acting in. a manner and under circumstances which openly demonstrate' the purpose of inducing, enticing or soliciting prostitution or procuring another to commit prostitution. No arrest shall, be made for violation of this section unless the arresting officer first affords such person an opportunity to explain such conduct, and no one shall be convicted of Violating this section .if it appears at trial that the explanation given was true and disclosed a lawful purpose. Among the circumstances which may be considered in determining whether a person intends such prohibited, conduct'are that she or he: A. Repeatedly beckons to, stops, or attempts to stop or engage passersby in conversation; B. Repeatedly stops-or attempts to stop motor vehicle operators by hailing, waving of arms or any other bodily gesture; C. Has previously been convicted of violating this section; D. Circles an area in a motor vehicle and repeatedly beckons to, contacts or attempts to contact, or stop pedestrians; or ~ 2 E. IS a known prostitute or procurer. 9.13.040 Severability. If any section, sub-section, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this chapter is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be'deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion thereof. 9.13.050 Penalty. A violation of any provision of this chapter is a misdemeanor, punishable as set forth in the Penal'Code of this state. SECTION 2 This ordinance shall be posted in accordance with the Bakersfield Municipal Code and shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after the date of its passage. oOo I HE~Y CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was passed and adopted by the CounCil of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on , by the following vote: CITY'CLERK and Ex Officio Clerk of-the Council of the City of Bakersfield APPROVED BOB PRICE MAYOR of the City of Bakersfield APPROVED as to form: LAWRENCE M. LUNARDINI CITY ATTORNEY of the City of Bakersfield 0RDINANCE\LOITER ~ PRO 6/7/93 4 CITY OF BAKERSFIELD 1992-93 3-94 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM The City of Bakersfield provides governmental decision making at the level closest to the people. It, therefore, is encumbent upon its elected officials to provide legislative leadership within the City's borders as well as when dealing with other legislative entities. The following policy statements reflect the legislative platform of the City of Bakersfield for 1992 93. 3-94. General Policy Statements Support legislation which enhances the City's ability to finance and economically, efficiently, and effectively provide local discretionary and state or federally mandated programs. Support legislation which provides for governmental decision making at the level closest to the people whenever it is most likely to produce the most effective and efficient result. Support legislation which enhances local land use decision-making authority. Oppose legislation which allows state control over and use of traditional local government revenue sources. Quality of Life Support legislation which promotes safe, efficient, cost effective, and responsible management of the environmental components of issues such as air quality, transportation, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management. Support legislation which increases city participation in state and federal issues of regional concern. Support legislation which provides continued funding of recreational and open space programs of support. Support legislation that calls for appropriate municipal representation on policy-making bodies with interjurisdictional powers (i.e., LAFCO, COG, ID-4). Support drug abuse prevention legislation. 1992-93 Legislative Platform Page 2 July 1, 1992 General Government Support legislation which expands the City's ability to deal on a state level with state-mandated issues affecting the financial condition of the city. Support legislation which enhances local control over program scope, implementation, and funding. Support legislation which provides for equitable distribution of state funds for local programs. Oppose legislation which intrudes into the local collective bargaining process. Finances .... ~ .... ~ ......... prc';!ded ' he Support legislation advocating responsible and reasonable state-mandated programs if revenues are provided and such legislation is of clear benefit to the City. Oppose the imposition of fees at the local level to fund state programs not related to local matters. Support legislation which reduces the negative financial and operational impacts of tax increment financing on affected agencies. Support legislation which improves local government's ability to finance discretionary programs. Support legislation which promotes continued economic diversification of the local economy. (legiplat) 1.6732:Cedarwood."~ii~cle~,:. -Cer~i~os,.:CA:.,~90.701~". .... 'July:.'l$ ,.19937 Honorable Mayor' and'Councilmembers .. . ¢7. City Hall California ' LANGUAGE OF GOVERNMENT ACT - H.R. 123, S. 426~ EMPLOYER'TAX CREDIT TOTEACH ENGLISH - H.R. 124 ' Dear Mayor.and Councilmembers= DO YOU WANT GOVERNMENT TO BE'MULTILINGUAL? IT'S ALREADY HERE. In Los. Angeles County, several government agencies provide bilingual service at great cost.to taxpayers. Without your:'vital_support of English, Americans will soon have multilingual~government in the US~ Please consider the'merit of your county supporting-three bills now. before the Congressional agenda= H.R. 123 and S. 426, the Language of Government Act~ and H.R. 12'4, Employer~Tax Credit.to Teach Employees English. The first two bills, would declare our common language, English, to be the official_.language of America. The-third.would provide employer incentives.viatax:creditto teach employees English. All three will save counties-money and..increase 'communication. In"i992' i49 Congressmembers co-sponsored H.'R; 123. Despite 34% of its membership 'supporting this bill, a_committee denied permission for:a public'hearing. The overwhelming majority, of'Americans and ~mmigrants want-Congressto make English our-'.official, language, yet.H.R. 123 is stonewalled in committee. We need'your help. Also las~ year, Congress voted for Public Law 102-344 mandating multi.lingual, voting .ballots, stating'that"~this~.1aw.-sha11 not be subject':to rev~ew.inany court. As we. know,.-judicial review ~s a r~ght in our democracy since Marbury rs, Madison in 1803. This federal law.d~d not 'include one red cent to pay for. the cost of printing.multilingual ballots-- washington said let the local tax- 'payers who don~t want it pay for it. Its effect-was to require Los-~Angeles County to print ballots in'seven.'languages at'a cost of:'$1,000,000-to local taxpayers. Our:Founding Parentshad wisdom to reali'ze an immigrant nation.must have-a~common language to establish unity. Today, Congress has reversed our national unity by voting for multil~ngual.government. A common language was necessarywhen I .studied six languages ~n college. Please. support these bills with a letter'or resolution, or send this letter to your representatives. A sample resolution is enclosed. Samol~ COmmon Lancruaoe ResoXu~lon ~ RESOLUTION NO.. ' .... A iIESOLUTION OF T~. (AGENCY) .' ,. SUPPORTING H.R. 123, 124, S.B; 426, : AND STA~ BILL , ~ OF GOWn,ACT, EHPLOYER TAX TO RESOLVE, that our common-language/he'our governing .language: WHEREAS,'America is a'.country of immigrants where--people come .together to improve the.quality of their WHEREAS, Anerica's immigrants could build a new nation'and contribute.- their diverse cultures only by sharing a common language; WHEREAS, a common language allows Americans to participate fully in our democracy: sharing viewpoints, debating differences, forging comprom-- iaea, and. influencAn9 one another's opinAons; WHEREAS, full political, econOmic, and soci'al participatAon depends upon knowifl9 th~ common language; WHEREAS, by providAng a means ~o communica~e across ethnAc and lanes, a common language unAtes people and el~mAna~es mAsunders~andAng, separation, distrus~, and discord~ WHEREAS, EnglAsh is our single, shared language-o the one language tha~ crosses all e~hn~c, racial, na~onality, and relAgious l'Anes and allows Americans ~o share their mul~cul~ural backgrounds;· WHEREAS, the common language movemen~ is supported by cAtizens from ~he full demographic spectrum An our country and by new immAgrants, mos~ of whom come from countrAes with officAal languages; WHEREAS, multilingual individuals are an asset to the* nation, but multA-IAngual 9overnmen~ is a formula for bankruptcy; and a common language wall save mAllions of State and Federal tax money for crA~ically needed socAal, services; WHEREAS, priorit~es are mAsplaced when agencAes spend money ~o duplicate 9overmnent 2n multApl® languages while new AmmAgrants. still lack sufficient, oppor~unAties to learn English; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this body calls for the adoption of loglcal, coherent ~anguage of Govermnent legAslatAon that will: -Establish sensible public polAcy on government use of multlple languages: allovAng for essentAal servlces--emergency, health, safety, and ~us~Ace--whAle stipulating that offAcial acts and records must be An our one, shared languagel -Put the focus where it belongs: on Ancluding and emPOwering new adneF~cans~by teaching them our co~unon language, English. BE ~? FUR~ER RESOLVED, that ~his body supports Federal bills H.R. 123 and 124 in the House of RePresentatives, S. 426 in the Senate, and State Bill in the'State Legislature: BE IT .FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to President Clinton, Vice President Gore*, U.S. Senators and ; U.S.' Representatives and. ; Governor ; State Senators ; S~ate Asse~1ym~mhers ; National Association of Counttes~ State Association of Counties; Thomas BFachko; State DepartJnent Officials dealing with the subject matter of this resolu~ton, and such other public officials as the Clerk may deem appropriate. Reepect£ully submitted t~hla day of ,'19~. Clerk Chairperson