Long Beach business leaders, residents gather to talk crime prevention
City Prosecutor Doug Haubert told attendees the passage of Proposition 36, which increases sentences of various drug and theft crimes, "unties the hands of police."
Dozens of Long Beach business owners and residents met at the Gaslamp restaurant and bar Tuesday night for a crime prevention mixer and to celebrate the passage of Proposition 36.
At the event, organized by several business organizations in the city, many attendees praised the new law, which increases sentences for a variety of drug and theft crimes in hopes of reducing the impact of crime on local businesses and fostering a safer community.
Michael Neufeld, owner of the Gaslamp, expressed frustration over the rise in criminal activity over the last several years.
"I can point to 10 people here who've been broken into within the last six months," he said. "We're sitting ducks as businesses."
Jeremy Harris, president and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, called Prop 36 a positive step for both businesses and the community, but emphasized the need for a sustained effort.
"No legislation is perfect," Harris said. "It's just the start of something that could be better."
Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert told those in attendance that it will take collective action — irrespective of political partisanship — to address crime and make communities safe.
He said the new law strengthens law enforcement's ability to address crimes and "unties the hands of police.
"When an individual continues to engage in theft crimes, they can be held accountable," Haubert told the crowd. "They can be prosecuted at the felony level."
Prop 36 includes provisions that elevate repeated theft and drug offenses to felony status, with pathways for offenders to reduce charges through rehabilitation programs. Los Angeles County will receive grants to support these efforts, though questions remain about Long Beach-specific initiatives.
When asked about funding for rehabilitation centers in Long Beach, Haubert said LA County "has some very good nonprofits," but did not elaborate on potential local projects.
Haubert said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and newly elected District Attorney Nathan Hochman are committed to reducing crime while also providing a second chance for those struggling with mental illness and drug addiction.
Similar crime prevention meetings will be held every quarter to gauge the progress of Prop 36 and its impact on crime. The next meeting will be in February at the chamber of commerce, according to Harris.
We need your support.
Subcribe to the Watchdog today.
The Long Beach Watchdog is owned by journalists, and paid for by readers like you. If independent, local reporting like the story you just read is important to you, support our work by becoming a subscriber.
